Fixing Damaged Hair: Is Keratin Right for You?
I’m the go-to guide gal and routine queen here at Adore Beauty. I have a background in media and communications, and over 3 years experience in the beauty industry.
When I’m not answering all of your burning questions, you can find me spruiking underrated products to my co-workers and trying to figure out what our best bloody mascara is.
Okay, so what the hell is Keratin, and why does everyone recommend a treatment for your hair?
Because before I did my research, I always thought of it as a mystical smoothing treatment, which also made sure you would never be able to use regular shampoo again.
And well, it’s kinda that, but not all that, so let’s bust some myths and take a look at our top Keratin hair treatments for damaged hair...
So, What Is Keratin and What Is a Keratin Treatment?
First things first, Keratin itself is a type of protein. It makes up your hair, skin and nails.
It’s a protective protein that helps defend against damage, so some people believe that Keratin products and treatments help improve your hair's strength and overall health.
In the salon, a Keratin serum is applied to the hair and infused with heat. These sorts of treatments last about 6 months, and need to be maintained with the right kind of (Keratin-friendly) products.
So yes, you may have to ditch your regular shampoo and conditioner (particularly if they contain sulphates) if you want to use Keratin for hair.
What Does Keratin Do for Hair? Keratin Treatment Benefits
As mentioned above, Keratin is the main protein that helps to strengthen the hair strands and prevent damage. By introducing a boost of this protein into your locks, keratin treatments offer a variety of benefits.
These advantages include smoother, stronger hair, an intense shine, and the ability to reduce frizz. Keratin treatments can also make the hair appear straighter for longer, appealing to those looking to tame some unruly, flyaway hair.
In terms of results, I honestly think they depend on your hair and hair type. People with frizzy, heat-damaged hair are, of course, prime candidates. The idea is that the Keratin is absorbed by the hair cuticle, creating an extra strong layer that leaves your hair repaired, smooth and ultra glossy.
Our Brand and Content Manager Hannah Furst has road tested an in-salon Keratin treatment, so you can see how it worked for her hair type.
How Long Does Keratin Treatment Take?
So, how long can you expect a keratin treatment to take? Well, they say that the best things take time, which certainly applies to your hair's keratin treatments.
Most salon procedures will take up to three or four hours, so if you want to try it yourself, be sure to leave plenty of time. It involves a series of steps such as shampoos, treatments, blow-drying, flat ironing, rinsing, and applying keratin sealing serum to achieve the picture-perfect look. We know - it’s a huge undertaking, but the benefits are widespread, and many would agree that the results are definitely worth the wait!
What To Do After Keratin Treatment
There are a few rules to follow to preserve the effects of keratin for your hair. One of the first that your stylist will tell you is to avoid water for at least three days. When you eventually wash your hair, choosing a shampoo and conditioner free of sulphates will help maintain the effects and benefits of your keratin treatment. That said, it helps not to wash your hair too often, as you risk reversing the impact of the procedure.
The most important takeaway in terms of aftercare for keratin treatments for hair is to remember the three-day rule. Following a keratin treatment, this is when your hair will be the most vulnerable, so avoid styling or arranging your hair in any way that may create creases or dents. Try to keep your locks loose for as long as possible to enjoy the keratin benefits longer.
What Exactly Does Keratin Do for Damaged Hair? How Can I Maintain My Hair After a Keratin Treatment?
So, all in all, Keratin treatments and products for hair are generally pretty great for damaged locks, working to smooth the cuticle, protect from further damage and lock in moisture.
But, while heat damaged, bleached and colour damaged hair are all good-to-go it is important to note that Keratin treatments will most likely lift the colour in your hair. You should also wait 2-3 weeks after a Keratin treatment to colour your hair again.
Remember, after a Keratin treatment for your hair, you should avoid washing it for at least 48 hours to retain the benefits, but we suggest that you ask your hairdresser for specific advice about your particular treatment.
It’s also best to limit your exposure to chlorine and saltwater, and as I mentioned before, avoid hair care products with sulphates and sodium like the plague. They will strip your hair, wear down that glossy Keratin treatment, and potentially break your heart.
What we do recommend is caring for your hair with these Keratin-friendly products. Some of them actually contain Keratin, and mimic the effects of a Keratin treatment. They can be used to maintain your hair after a treatment, or as stand alone gloss-giving products.
The Best Products with Keratin for Damaged Hair:
Keratin for Thin Hair
Boost Body
The ALTERNA HAIR Multiplying Volume Shampoo is a sulphate-free, Keratin treatment for thin hair that helps to boost limp, lifeless hair. This gently cleansing formula contains Keratin, Panthenol and Biotin to strengthen hair and reverse damage. It’s a bougie, caviar infused formula that benefits hair that needs a little extra volume. It will compliment your Keratin treatment beautifully as it fortifies, strengthens and hydrates hair over time with a luxurious Green Tea and Bergamot scent.
Plump Up Your Hair
For treatment benefits that plump up your locks, the L'Oreal Professionnel Serioxyl Thicker Hair Serum offers a unique formula designed for fine and thinning hair. Combining Intra-Cylane, Incell and Pro-Keratine, this advanced serum thickens hair, while working to protect it. It’s a daily serum that can be used on wet hair before blow drying. We recommend it for natural or colloured hair that requires a fuller look along with their Keratin treatment. It will help maintain your Keratin treatment and provide improvement to your hair health over time.
Keratin for Dry Hair
Is Keratin good for your hair? Yes - but it is pricey. If you’re looking for a product that will mimic the results of a Keratin treatment, the Wella SP Luxe Oil Keratin Boost Essence works effectively to deliver soft, silky tresses. Texture is improved with the inclusion of Castor oil, Panthenol, Jojoba oil and Argan oil. By nourishing the hair, this leave-in treatment works to strengthen the hair’s Keratin. It also feels lightweight, luxurious and is a complete pleasure to use.
A Keratin Rich Hair Mask
If you’re after a Keratin treatment because your hair is bleached, damaged or just a little parched, then the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Keratin Intensive Treatment is an excellent alternative. It’s also a great treatment you can use to maintain your keratin benefits if you so desire. Is this Keratin treatment good for hair? Best used on a weekly basis, this ultra-hydrating formula contains Meadowfoam seed oil, Awapuhi extract and Keratin for added strength and shine. It also has Ginger tea scent with floral and woody notes for a spa-like deep conditioning experience.
Keratin for Frizzy Hair
For a Keratin infused shampoo, you can’t go past the Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo. This Keratin enriched formula leaves hair feeling silky smooth as it benefits the overall hair structure. It does contain SLS (a type of sulphate), so it should probably not be used with Keratin treated hair immediately. However, it is a great way to mimic the effects of a treatment between salon visits.
If you’re looking for a sulphate free conditioner that can be used to maintain your Keratin treatment, we strongly recommend the sulphate-free VIRTUE Smooth Conditioner. This much adored formula is enriched with an Alpha Keratin 60ku complex, which is ethically sourced from human hair. Not only does this formula have regenerative properties, it is packed with smoothing ingredients such as Shea Butter and Phospholipids. It benefits dry, frizzy and damaged hair, with rough cuticles that need smoothing out
Find more of the best hair treatments in these helpful guides from our Adore Beauty staff...
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