All About Keratin Treatments

All About Keratin Treatments: Exactly what ARE they?

Are they good or bad for my hair? Why are they so popular?

Are they for ME?

Keratin treatments are more popular than ever for women (and men and even teens and ‘tweens) across the globe (including, reportedly, Duchess Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry). I am often asked about keratin treatments, and realize there are some misconceptions and uncertainty out there. So I thought I would give you the lowdown, to help you decide if this is something you may be interested in for the health and beauty of YOUR hair.

If your hair is dull, and/or frizzy, kinky, damaged or unmanageable, you are probably a good candidate for keratin treatments. You’ve probably seen great results for others, but you also may have heard horror stories about hair straightening/smoothing treatments, and you want to do your research. Good for you! You’ve come to the right place. 

Our experienced, certified staff at Salon 1580 are THE greater Atlanta keratin experts. We have been fully trained and certified by both GKhair (formerly Global Keratin) and Keratherapy. In fact, we have been selected as one of the Atlanta area's "Top 20 GKhair Salons"! We regularly attend training classes and Salon 1580 has hosted several keratin certification classes for local stylists.

What you should know about keratin treatments

First of all, a keratin treatment is NOT a hair-straightening process; it’s hair-smoothing process. Keratin is a protein naturally found in your hair, and these professional, in-salon, hair-smoothing keratin treatments last 3-5 months. On the other hand, many chemical straightening treatments (Japanese Straightening/Thermal Reconditioning/chemical relaxers, etc.) permanently alter the structure of hair, where protein bonds in the hair are loosened and then reshaped by hair cells. These can be very damaging to hair in the long run, so make sure to think long and hard about this choice.

There are NUMEROUS kinds of keratin hair treatments out there, but they are NOT all created equally. Unlike over-processed hydrolyzed keratins found in the market today, the hair-taming systems WE use are special blends of proteins and peptides optimized specifically for hair. Critical amino acids and proteins remain intact, conditioning the hair and protecting it from damaging environmental effects, aging, and daily styling. The treatment process allows the product to bond with the hair and wrap around the cuticle to repair and protect, while penetrating to the core to nourish each strand.

How do keratin treatments work?

The only true solution to healthier, more manageable hair is restoring its natural moisture balance and replenishing lost keratin protein. Using proprietary technology along with a delivery system that penetrates and bonds the keratin deep into the hair, the process seals the cuticle layer to provide superior smoothing, frizz control, shine and conditioning. The product reduces the stiffness (elastic modulus) in the hair. This reduction or softening effect causes the hair to lose its natural curl and feel softer. It penetrates throughout the hair shaft, delivering important conditioning and moisturizing benefits. This improves the softness and reduces friction, enabling the hair to better withstand heat, helps make hair less prone to breakage and improves the lubricity of hair, giving hair overall better manageability. On both wet and dry hair, there is less entanglement during brushing, making the hair less prone to breakage.

Benefits of keratin treatments for your hair:

•  rejuvenates while smoothing and strengthening hair, leaving it healthier; even can repair damage, and protect your hair from breakage
• improves the texture, making it softer, shiny and smooth 
•  enhances manageability 
•  reduces frizz and allows hair to be more resistant to humidity 
•  cuts styling time in half

How do I know which keratin treatment is best for my hair type?

We offer nine types of full-service keratin treatments and five types of mini-keratin treatments. While keratin treatments work for all hair types, for women and men, and for all ages, there are keratin treatments designed specifically for your hair type and the desired results you wish to achieve. That’s why it’s important to consult with your stylist – one who is trained, certified, and experienced – prior to deciding which keratin treatment is best for you. 

Certain factors should be considered:

•  Do you want maximum or minimal curl reduction?
•  Is it a priority for you to have formaldehyde-free chemical services 
• Do you have color-treated hair or use any other chemical treatments, or do you have virgin hair? (By the way, keratin treatments are great after professional coloring, as they seal in the color, making it last longer, keeping it from fading.)
•   Can you manage post-treatment “down time”? Because with some formulas, you need to wait 48 hours to get your hair wet, bend or crimp it in any way. Or do you want to be able to resume your usual activities (get your hair wet, engage in sweat-inducing physical activity, put it up in a ponytail, etc.) right away? 
• Are you blonde? (There is a keratin treatment available just for blondes. In addition to all the other keratin treatment benefits, it ALSO neutralizes unwanted brassy tones.)

How long does it take?
This in-salon process can take anywhere between 1.5 - 3 hours, depending on hair texture, length, and fullness, as well as the type of treatment chosen (some have additional processing steps). (Note also that there is almost always an extra charge above the initial one-ounce for hair longer than shoulder-length, above-average thickness, and/or dry, damaged hair, as it substantially requires more product and time from your stylist.)

How long do keratin treatments last?

Full-service keratin treatments last up to 3-5 months, depending on which formula/application you choose. Mini-treatments last 4-6 weeks. Because the keratin in your hair can compound, you are able to extend the time between treatments if you:

•  Get keratin treatments regularly
• Get keratin refresh treatments six weeks after the full-service treatment
• Regularly use authentic keratin shampoo and conditioner purchased from a hair salon (not purchased online!), which are free of sodium chloride and harsh sulfates which can strip the keratin from the hair
• Follow after-care instructions closely

More information about post-treatment aftercare and tips for extending the life of your treatment can be found on our website HERE for Keratherapy and HERE for GKhair. Rest assured, we counsel each keratin treatment client and send you home with written “dos and don’ts” instructions.

Do you desire a solution to transform frizzy, unruly, unmanageable hair into silky, gorgeous, touchable hair – quickly and effectively? Do you want healthier and stronger hair that resists breakage and damage? Many of our clients tell us that keratin treatments are truly life-changing! If you are in the Atlanta, GA area, contact us today for a consultation: 678-361-4247. We are located in Roswell, GA and we have clients who drive from out of state just to get their keratin treatments here, because no one can beat our combination of expertise and affordability.

 

 

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Great hair doesn't happen by chance ... it happens by appointment!

 If you are in the greater Atlanta area, call today for a consultation or appointment!
678-361-4247 
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Pat Alessi - Salon 1580
Salon Lofts  |  Lofts #11 & $13
Roswell Marketplace   |   10800 Alpharetta Hwy., Suite 240
Roswell, GA 30076 |  678-361-4247
pat@patalessihair.com  |  www.patalessihair.com

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Susan Leonard, Communications Marketing Specialist, Writer, and Graphic Designer