Keratin cream treatments have gained immense popularity as a solution for achieving smooth, shiny, and manageable hair. These treatments, sometimes referred to as Brazilian blowouts or Brazilian keratin treatments, involve a chemical procedure that can leave hair looking straighter for an extended period. Keratin, a protein naturally found in hair and nails, is the key ingredient in these treatments, often derived from sources like wool, feathers, or horns. While certain shampoos and conditioners contain keratin, professional salon treatments typically offer more significant benefits. This article delves into the advantages and disadvantages of keratin cream treatments, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering this popular hair care option.
Keratin treatments work by smoothing down the cells that overlap to form hair strands. During the treatment, a stylist applies a keratin-based product to the hair and then uses a flat iron to seal it in. The chemicals in keratin hair treatments target the keratin strands and alter their form. Depending on hair thickness or length, as the chemicals diffuse into the hair, they alter the cross-linking of the keratin strands. The combination of chemicals, blow-drying, and flat ironing accelerates the cross-linking and turns curly or wavy hair straight. This results in hair that dries with less frizz and has a glossy, healthy appearance. The treatment essentially replenishes the keratin in the hair, leading to a thicker and healthier look.
Keratin treatments help smooth hair cuticles, giving hair a shinier appearance. A significant advantage of keratin hair treatments is that they smooth the hair cuticle, making it less frizzy. In addition, many people find that the treatment gives the hair a naturally smooth, shiny look. The treatments smooth cells that overlap to form hair strands, which means more manageable hair and less frizz. This results in hair that dries with little frizz and has a glossy, healthy look.
Keratin smooths cells that overlap to form hair strands, which means more manageable hair and less frizz. Keratin treatments make hair more manageable, especially if your hair is particularly frizzy. Keratin treatments can make frizzy, thick hair easier to manage. Supporters of keratin hair treatments say they make hair more manageable and frizz-free.
If you constantly heat style your hair, you’ll notice that a keratin treatment makes it dry more quickly. Some people estimate that keratin cuts their drying time by more than half. Individuals may also find that after the treatment, their hair dries more quickly. This in turn can reduce heat exposure, which can improve hair health.
Read also: Choosing between Brazilian Blowout and Keratin Treatment
Keratin can also reduce the look of split ends by temporarily bonding the hair back together.
Some formulations can smooth curls, making them appear softer.
Replenishing the keratin in your hair can cause it to look thicker.
If you care for a keratin treatment by not washing your hair too frequently (2 to 3 times a week is enough), your keratin treatment can last up to 6 months. A considerable advantage of keratin hair treatments is their long lasting effects. They can greatly reduce the time spent styling the hair every day, particularly if the hair is frizzy or thick. The effect can last 12 weeks or more.
Keratin can strengthen and fortify hair so it doesn’t easily break off. This can make hair seem to grow faster because the ends aren’t breaking off. Keratin is a structural protein, and therefore, it can strengthen hair and reduce breakage. Some people say that treatments help their hair grow faster, as the ends are not splitting or breaking.
Read also: Understanding Keratin's Chemistry
Many (but not all) keratin treatments contain formaldehyde, which can be dangerous if inhaled. Formaldehyde is what actually makes the hair look straighter. Hazardous chemicals may release formaldehyde gas when heated. There has been some controversy surrounding keratin treatments, because they use formaldehyde or other chemicals that release formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent gas that has toxic properties. Formaldehyde may have harmful health effects if a person inhales it or if it comes into contact with the eyes or skin.
Formaldehyde exposure can cause symptoms such as:
Experts also associate repeated exposure to high levels of formaldehyde with some types of cancer, including leukemia. However, further research is necessary to determine the link between leukemia and formaldehyde exposure. The FDA recommends reviewing the ingredients list and communicating with your stylist about the salon’s safety practices to limit formaldehyde exposure. They have also issued warning letters to brands whose products contained unsafe amounts of formaldehyde or did not disclose the presence of formaldehyde. Some products state they are formaldehyde-free. However, they use methylene glycol or other chemicals instead, which may release formaldehyde when heated. This means that even though formaldehyde is not on the list of ingredients, people may still be at risk of exposure to the chemical.
Research from 2019 linked chemical straighteners and breast cancer risk. Females in the study who used straighteners every 5 to 8 weeks or more often had a 31% higher risk of breast cancer. Research from 2021 suggests a link between chemical straighteners and ovarian cancer. The researchers noted an increased risk of uterine cancer in females who used chemical straighteners more than four times a year. Additional research from 2022 links chemical straighteners and uterine cancer. The researchers noted an 80% higher adjusted risk of uterine cancer in females who used a chemical straightening product within the previous 12 months.
Each treatment can range anywhere from $300-$800, plus tip. Less expensive at-home options are available, but the results do not last as long. Keratin hair treatments are rather expensive. A person can expect to pay up to $400 or more, depending on their hair and the salon. They may also need to buy potentially costly specialized hair products.
Read also: Cost of Keratin Treatment in Boston
Washing your hair less and avoiding swimming might make it harder for some people to maintain it. The type of water on your hair matters: Swimming in chlorinated or salt water (basically a pool or an ocean) can shorten the life of your keratin treatment. You’ll also need to invest in shampoo and conditioner free of sodium chloride and sulfates, as these can strip the treatments. After a keratin hair treatment, a person should avoid washing their hair for at least 2 days. They should also avoid:
It is also important to use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to help prolong the treatment. These products are widely available in beauty supply stores, online, and in hair salons. People should avoid washing their hair too often, as this can strip away the keratin treatment. Instead, aim to wash hair every 3-4 days using lukewarm, rather than hot, water.
Some people report a musty smell even after washing.
It’s not recommended for pregnant people.
Additionally, keratin hair treatments can damage hair. That is why people should use them sparingly and avoid repeated exposure to harsh chemicals and heating elements.
To prolong the effects of a keratin treatment, proper hair care is essential. It is also advisable to refrain from coloring the hair for at least 2 weeks after getting a keratin treatment. This allows the treatment time to set and helps prevent damage to the hair. Applying a leave-in conditioner can also help protect the hair and keep it feeling moisturized. When blow-drying, use a lower heat setting to avoid damaging the hair, and use a heat protectant product before using any hot styling tools.
Keratin is not only beneficial for hair but also finds use in skincare products. Keratin is a major protein found in the structure of skin and hair. It can be extracted from human hair or sheep’s wool, and is most commonly found in rejuvenating serums as well as skin and hair moisturizers. Due to its large size, keratin complex peptides can face difficulty moving beyond the skin’s surface. However, studies have shown internal wool lipids (IWL), with a low molecular weight, can successfully penetrate the skin.
The skin care benefits of keratin include strong moisturizing properties and enhanced skin elasticity. Topical application of keratin for skin showed an ability to inhibit the damage on important skin structural components, thus resulting in a significant increase in overall skin elasticity. Keratin samples formed using an aqueous solution or in liposome form showed an increase in skin hydration. This is due to keratin peptides’ ability to reinforce the skin barrier function and reduce transepidermal moisture loss, keeping skin looking young while feeling firm and supple.
tags: #keratin #cream #treatment #benefits
