Is Keratin the Treatment for my Hair?
We are currently in an era where Afro hair is taking on the natural styling of their beautiful hair, and we 100% embrace this trend and encourage anyone who decides to embark on their natural journey to fall in love with their natural curls.
However, we also know that this isn’t the case for everyone, and that’s no problem!
Quite simply…
YOUR Hair! YOUR Way!
We are currently in an era where Afro hair is taking on the natural styling of their beautiful hair, and we 100% embrace this trend and encourage anyone who decides to embark on their natural journey to fall in love with their natural curls.
However, we also know that this isn’t the case for everyone, and that’s no problem!
Quite simply…
YOUR Hair! YOUR Way!
Whatever you decide for your hair, we believe you should have the best advice to take on your new look.
We are going to look at the use of Keratin Treatments.
· What Keratin does to your hair?
· What Keratin contains?
· Is Keratin suitable for your hair type?
Before we go any further, lets understand that ultimately when wanting to achieve a look that goes against your natural hair texture, some form of ‘unnatural’ source must be applied to or used to achieve a change to what you had previously, this could be through some form of heat or chemicals.
With that said, Let’s begin!
Keratin Treatment
Most of you may be aware of Keratin Treatments, but did you know? This treatment has evolved, and we now have chemically free (formaldehyde free) Keratin treatments available.
But wait! Before you rush out to the salon for your chemically free Keratin treatment, let’s run through the differences between Keratin (with Formaldehyde) and Keratin (without formaldehyde).
What Keratin treatment does to your hair?
· Designed for afro hair, frizzy hair and thick hair.
· Loosens the curls and creates a more manageable texture.
· The keratin protein protects the hair from breakage, frizz and tangles.
· Lasting results between 3-5 months.
What Keratin contains? (two ingredients)
§ Formaldehyde – combines the keratin from the treatment with the natural keratin that exists already in the hair to maintain straight hair.
§ Silicone Polymers – coats the hair, relaxing the hair when heat is applied. It gives a silky, smooth feel to the hair.
· Keratin treatments WITH the Formaldehyde chemical will NOT alter the natural chemical composition of your hair.
(Your hair will go back to its natural texture once the treatment wears out).
· Keratin treatments inject porous areas of your hair with keratin, which is an essential protein for the hair.
What is porous?
Porous hair is where the cuticles of the hair are tighter than others which make those strands more resistant to receiving water and moisture and struggle with absorbing products easily.
Keratin is a natural protein, when injected into the porous areas of the hair it will make your hair not only ‘appear’ healthier, it will be healthier!
This treatment although it contains the chemical formaldehyde, the results are longer lasting than a keratin treatment without the chemical. The use of Keratin treatment with the chemical is down to personal choice. But we believe having a full picture as to what is involved is essential, so you get honest information on what is being applied to your hair.
Side effects to using a Keratin treatment?
The process requires a great amount of heat. Which MUST be done correctly to avoid potential irreversible heat damage to the hair. This would affect the natural bounce back of your curls once the treatment wears off.
Formaldehyde-free Keratin
This treatment would be recognised as ‘better’ for your hair, as it has no chemicals. However, the process still requires a vast amount of heat (as mentioned before, an unnatural source to create a new look from what your natural hair texture is)
This is great news for some of you!
The facts behind this chemically free treatment is that the results won’t be as long lasting, and it may not be as effective depending on your hair texture.
So, YOU decide?
Depending on the look you wish to achieve. If all you want is to have easier manageable curls, then the Formaldehyde-free keratin treatment may just be the one for you! Those who dream of having pristine straight hair with no daily battling of the curls then the keratin treatment with formaldehyde would be the one for you!
IMPORTANT! - After care
Excited and ready to show the world your new look! Remember, new hair comes with new rules on how to care for it! Take note of the following steps so you don’t find yourselves running back to the salon confused as to why your straight hair only lasted a mere 24 hours!
1. Once you’ve had the Keratin treatment applied to your hair, you should wait a minimum of 3 days before washing your hair. Keratin will still take some time to penetrate the roots and start working its magic. Even after having gone through the process of applying the treatment at the salon.
2. Avoid manipulating the hair for 3-4 days with styling that could easily kink your strands.
3. Your next best shampoo over the course of having Keratin treatment should be sodium sulphate FREE shampoo, as this will avoid tearing away the keratin from your hair.
Now you have the steps to ensuring your treatment lasts as long and as effective as possible,
Care for your hair!
Enjoy your hair!
Show off your new amazing hair!
Afterall, your hair is the crown you never take off.