All
About Keratin Treatments: Exactly what ARE they?
Are
they good or bad for my hair? Why are they so popular?
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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Created by:
Susan Leonard, Communications Marketing Specialist, Writer, and Graphic Designer