Keratin treatment for hair is a popular choice for those seeking smooth, frizz-free strands that last for months—even after washing. While frizz is a normal feature of many hair types, keratin can help achieve a sleeker look that some prefer. This smoothing process has been a go-to for straightening all hair textures, including curly, kinky, and coily hair, offering long-lasting results.
While there are at-home keratin treatments for hair available, this process is best left to the professionals to provide the best application. Read on if you’re considering getting a keratin treatment for hair and learn the ins and outs of this process, including the most important part—the best shampoo for keratin treated hair. Because the last thing you want is to accidentally wash out the treatment after spending upwards of $400 on it. Plus, what’s the best shampoo for keratin treated hair, how long do keratin treatments last, and Is a keratin treatment good for your hair?
A keratin treatment for hair uses a specialized blend of chemicals to coat strands with keratin—a protein that naturally makes up the outer layer of our hair, skin, and nails. By bonding keratin to the hair’s cuticle, the treatment smooths out frizz, boosts shine, and transforms the texture to silky, polished perfection.
After applying a keratin treatment, a combination of blow drying and flat ironing activates and locks the protein in, leaving hair sleek and straight for up to three to six months (depending on your aftercare routine). While the Brazilian blowout often takes the spotlight, keratin treatments come in a range of formulas designed to address various hair types and textures, making it a versatile option for those looking to tame unruly locks.
If you’re getting a keratin treatment done in a salon, the stylist will normally start by thoroughly washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup, oils, or impurities. This step ensures that the hair cuticles are fully open, allowing the keratin solution to penetrate deeply.
Next, the stylist will section your hair and begin applying the keratin treatment section by section. This ensures the keratin treatment is applied evenly and each strand is coated.
The keratin treatment is typically left on the hair for 20 to 60 minutes, depending on your hair type and the specific treatment used. Letting the solution sit allows the keratin to fully saturate the cuticle and bond to the hair structure.
Once the treatment has set, your hair is blow-dried thoroughly. This step starts to activate the keratin, smoothing down the outer cuticle layer and adding shine.
A hair straightener is used at a high heat setting to seal in the keratin. The stylist passes the flat iron over small sections multiple times, locking the treatment into the hair's outer layer and creating a sleek, frizz-free finish.
For some keratin treatments, the hair may be allowed to cool and then rinsed with water. This step can help to set the treatment further and ensure the hair isn't overly weighed down by residue.
An at-home keratin treatment for hair usually lasts between 3 to 6 months, but this can vary depending on various factors. Hair type is a key determinant—coarse, thick hair often retains the treatment longer, while fine or highly porous hair may lose the effects sooner. Lifestyle habits also play a significant role; frequent exposure to chlorine or salt water can weaken the treatment, as can regular heat styling or excessive washing.
In essence, a combination of hair type, maintenance routine, and environmental exposure determines how long your hair will stay sleek and manageable after a keratin treatment for hair.
The main benefit of treating hair with keratin is the ease of styling and the frizz-free look that you get. After a keratin treatment for hair, you’ll save time styling your hair since strands will only need a quick blow dry or pass of a hair straightener to get the shiny salon look. In addition to better manageability, keratin hair treatments also protect hair from humidity, add shine, and strengthen the hair with the replenishment of lost keratin.
A keratin treatment for hair is ideal for those looking to smooth out frizz, add shine, or reduce the volume of curly, wavy, or hair that is difficult to manage. It works particularly well for individuals with thick, frizzy, or damaged hair, offering a sleek and polished look for months. However, those with very fine or naturally straight hair might find the results less dramatic, as that type of hair may not require the same level of smoothing. Additionally, if you have a sensitive scalp or prefer to avoid chemical treatments, consider whether this process aligns with your preferences before trying it.
Proper care is essential for maintaining the sleek, smooth look of keratin treated hair. Immediately after your treatment, avoid washing or getting your hair wet for at least three days to allow the keratin to fully set. This includes steering clear of sweat, humidity, and even styling products.
Once the waiting period is over, you need to make sure you’re using the right shampoo. Switch to a sulfate-free keratin safe shampoo to preserve the treatment’s effects without stripping away the proteins. You should also try to avoid washing your hair too frequently to keep your keratin treated hair intact. Invest in a dry shampoo to help absorb oil and add volume between hair wash days.
Additionally, be mindful of styling habits—skip hair ties to prevent dents or crimping and opt for wearing your hair down. When sleeping, consider using a silk pillowcase or a silk hair wrap to prevent friction and maintain your smooth finish. By following these tips, you’ll extend the life of your keratin treatment for hair and keep your locks looking salon-fresh.
If you want to keep your keratin treatment for hair looking fresh and smooth for longer, choosing the right shampoo is essential. To prolong longevity, use a keratin shampoo and conditioner or Brazilian blowout shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate-free and non-stripping and will nourish your hair. Harsh formulas can wash out the treatment, undoing your hard work and leaving your hair dry and frizzy. Here are some of the best shampoos for keratin treated hair.
Since keratin treatment for hair requires a heating process, some damage might occur. This shampoo helps repair and strengthen heat-damaged and chemically damaged hair all without sulfates, making it an excellent choice for those with a keratin treatment. When caring for your hair, swap out your current shampoo for this pick that nourishes as it cleanses. The citric acid formulation penetrates inside the strands to rebuild weak hair bonds without stripping the hair of the moisture it needs. Follow up with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Conditioner with Citric Acid for a complete in-shower system.
If you want to keep your keratin treated hair shiny after each shower, use a sulfate-free keratin-safe shampoo that leaves hair with an extra glossy finish. This glossing shampoo is infused with argan oil to boost hair with nutrients, while the anti-fade formula and balanced pH give strands a longer-lasting, more radiant shine. Reach for this shampoo when your hair is looking a little dull and enjoy the added subtle notes of violet and lemon zest that linger between washes. Continue your hair regimen with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner for Intensifying Shine that’ll nourish your hair while sealing in the extra shine.
A keratin treatment for haircan be an intense chemical experience for those with a sensitive scalp. When it’s time to shampoo, you might want to reach for one that is extremely gentle. This sulfate-free hair wash from the EverPure Simply Clean line refreshes hair and renews softness without the inclusion of synthetic fragrances, parabens, or added dyes. The formula is enriched with natural essential oils and luxuriously lathers to clean hair. After shampooing add a gentle conditioner like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Simply Clean Conditioner with Essential Oil, which provides hair with intense moisture, working alongside keratin treated hair from week one to your next session.
A keratin treatment for hair is perfect for reducing frizz, but to keep it that way, a gentle, nourishing shampoo is a must. This sulfate-free keratin-safe shampoo from the EverPure Frizz-Defy line is formulated with hydrating and softening marula oil and works to smooth hair and resist frizz. Use it to cleanse and hydrate, leaving hair silky and soft.
Pair it with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Frizz Defy Conditioner With Marula Oil for a complete frizz-fighting system. This conditioner helps lock in moisture, enhancing smoothness and controlling unruly hair. Together, the shampoo and conditioner duo will keep your keratin treated hair looking its best—sleek and glossy from root to tip.
If you’ve undergone a keratin treatment for hair and have color-treated blonde or highlighted hair, maintaining tone and smoothness can be a challenge. This sulfate-free purple shampoo is specially designed to neutralize brassiness and enhance cool tones, keeping your blonde looking fresh and vibrant. The gentle formula won’t dull your color, making it perfect for preserving salon-fresh color.
For best results, follow up with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Conditioner. The conditioner deeply hydrates while enhancing the toning effects of the shampoo, ensuring your blonde remains cool and bright, and your hair stays soft, silky, and smooth.
After a keratin treatment for hair, it’s essential to use a shampoo that hydrates without stripping. The rosemary-infused L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Sulfate-Free Shampoo is ideal for gently cleansing while strengthening and providing intense moisture to keep your hair soft and smooth—especially if you already have dry, brittle hair. Its sulfate-free formula leaves hair feeling refreshed, hydrated, and full of shine after every wash.
Pair it with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Sulfate-Free Conditioner for Hydrating Dry Hair to lock in hydration and nourish parched strands. This conditioner delivers a rich dose of moisture that smooths and softens even the driest hair, leaving it silky and full of life.
Next Up: How Damaged is Your Hair?
Photo Courtesy of L’Oréal Paris
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