“Keratin is a protein naturally found in hair and keratin treatments in general are designed to be semi-permanently making hair straighter, softer and shinier” explains Vernon François, celebrity hairdresser, educator and founder of Vernon François Haircare; education and global inclusion advisor for Kérastase; and globally renowned consultant, educator and hairdresser for Redken. “There are varieties that vary in strength, composition, time required, application process and cost.”
According to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Sophie Rose Gutterman, a typical keratin treatment will typically last three to six months (depending on home care, lifestyle, hair texture, etc.) up to three months, depending on the same type of factors. Another basic rule of keratin treatments? Avoid water and ponytails for a minimum of three days as they can curl and add texture to newly relaxed strands.
Also, it is important to make a distinction between smoothing treatments (like Goldwell Kerasilk), which also contain keratin but are less potent, are formaldehyde-free, and are more geared toward frizzy hair, and straighten treatments (like Brazilian Blowout) are stronger, harsher on the hair and really dry out the texture. In other words, make sure you talk to a stylist you trust and make sure you know what you’re really getting before your first visit at the hair salon.
