For women struggling to manage frizzy hair, the quest for a sleek, straight, and manageable mane often leads to considering either keratin treatments or hair relaxers. Both promise to tame unruly locks, but they achieve this goal through different methods, with varying effects on hair health and longevity. This article will delve into the intricacies of each treatment, providing a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Keratin is a protein naturally present in our bodies, serving as a primary building block for hair. It is perfectly natural and the outside of our hair is made from it. This protein, particularly rich in the amino acid "cystine," imparts strength and elasticity to the hair. However, factors such as aging, chemical exposure, UV rays, and excessive heat can deplete the keratin levels, leaving hair looking damaged and unkempt.
Keratin treatments address this issue by replenishing the hair's keratin layer. In essence, the hair is coated with keratin, which is then sealed in using a flat iron. This process does not involve shampooing or rinsing the treatment out immediately; instead, the keratin needs to "cure" in the hair.
It's important to note that keratin treatments are not relaxers. Instead, they function as smoothing treatments that infuse a special blend of hydrolyzed keratin deep into the cuticle. Keratin treatments strengthen the hair shaft and make your hair more resilient.
Following a keratin treatment, many individuals wonder about the possibility of performing touch-ups or maintenance at home. The answer is yes, you can DIY after a keratin treatment. However, it's often recommended to seek professional assistance for the initial treatment, as experts possess the knowledge and skills to ensure optimal results. Salons like Sanctuary Salon & Med Spa have teams of trained professionals available to answer questions and guide you through the process. Some people prefer buying professional grade products to DIY their hair at home. To be honest, it’s always better to get the treatment done by an expert who knows the dos and don’ts and helps you out whenever and wherever you feel confused.
Read also: Choosing between Brazilian Blowout and Keratin Treatment
Keratin treatments offer several advantages. They help strengthen hair, improve its health, and create a smoother, more manageable texture. Since Keratin treatments actually help strengthen your hair and improve its health, you will be happier with the results. They are longer lasting and better for the health of your hair.
The primary drawback of keratin treatments is that the results are temporary. As hair grows and is exposed to environmental factors, the added keratin gradually diminishes, and the hair returns to its natural state.
A hair relaxer is a lotion or cream that makes the hair easier to straighten and manage. Relaxers reduce the curl by breaking down the hair strand thus chemically altering the texture. Hair relaxers work by utilizing alkaline solutions to break down the disulfide bonds in the hair, which are responsible for its natural curl pattern. This process makes the hair easier to manipulate into a straight form. The hair is then held straight while the bonds are reformed, effectively "relaxing" the curl. Most women who decide to get their hair relaxed have curly hair and want it to stick straight and frizz free.
Hair relaxers are available in two main types: lye relaxers and no-lye relaxers.
Opinions on the two vary, but as with everything, it depends on your hair type and texture.
Read also: Understanding Keratin's Chemistry
The main appeal of hair relaxers lies in their permanent results. All hair that has been treated with a relaxer will remain straight. These chemicals permanently break the bonds in your hair and bond them in a straight pattern. This eliminates the need for frequent treatments and provides a long-term solution for those seeking permanently straight hair. You can easily use these products at home, without professional help. And the overall time investment is relatively small. After half an hour you will have your results and be able to move along with your life.
However, this permanence comes at a cost. To straighten your hair by breaking down disulfide bonds, these relaxers have to be strong. So strong, that they can cause a plethora of issues such as dry and brittle hair, or even hair thinning. The chemicals used in relaxers can be harsh and damaging to the hair, leading to dryness, brittleness, and even hair thinning. In fact, while Keratin is applied to hair that has been washed twice, relaxers are usually advised to use without washing your hair.
To help you make an informed decision, let's compare keratin treatments and relaxers across several key factors:
The decision between keratin treatments and hair relaxers ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:
Read also: Cost of Keratin Treatment in Boston
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