Keratin straightening is a popular in-salon hair treatment that can give your locks smooth, sleek and shiny results. Unfortunately, however, this process involves formaldehyde which has been found to cause cancer as well as asthma in exposed people.
More often you receive keratin treatments, the greater your exposure to formaldehyde. While one time of exposure might not cause issues, frequent exposure may pose problems.
Benefits
Keratin straightening is a relatively novel solution that utilizes an abundant protein found in hair, skin, and nails to permanently repair and smooth tresses. Scientists recently developed methods of breaking down keratin into its amino acid components before binding them back together for smoothing treatments that last.
Good keratin treatments from salon-sanctioned salons will not only give you frizz-free, gorgeous locks that last up to three months but can also strengthen them. Unfortunately, though, many keratin treatments contain formaldehyde which is a toxic chemical and should never be inhaled directly.
Corinne Ohayon, founder of Montreal-based Keratinworks, discovered keratin hair smoothing treatments while vacationing in Florida and experiencing its intense humidity. On her search for an effective yet safe solution she traveled to Brazil where she met an accomplished chemist who helped create the first non-toxic formaldehyde-free keratin smoothing system.
Keratin straightening treatments are both safe and efficient; they also greatly decrease drying times, making it much simpler for you to style and wash your hair daily. To extend the results of this smoothening technique, ensure that aftercare practices adhere to safe practices by washing less, avoiding chlorine/salt water exposure, and using shampoos free from sodium chloride/sulfates content are key factors in prolonging them.
Preparation
After receiving keratin straightening treatment, hair needs to be maintained using gentle methods to maximize its results and preserve them as long as possible. Adhere strictly to any recommendations so as to extend its benefit and maximize satisfaction from this experience.
Keratin is an incredible protein for strengthening, straightening and protecting hair against environmental elements like pollution, heat and UV rays. Therefore, its popularity makes it ideal for cosmetic and beauty treatments; in particular keratin treatments can be used to eliminate damaged areas in hair growth while encouraging new healthy strands.
Keratin treatments offer several advantages that make them attractive, including being applicable for any type of hair – curly or wavy; safe for colored locks; effective at eliminating frizz and decreasing volume; and safe to use on colored locks.
Before beginning a keratin treatment, it is crucial that any products containing sulfates or silicones be avoided as these substances can obstruct its ability to work as intended. It is also advised to refrain from wearing metal-coated accessories like hairpins and elastic bands with their coating as this will help ensure an efficient outcome from your treatment.
Treatment
The treatment can last from two to five hours depending on your hair type and texture. First, shampooed, blow-dried and then the keratin formula applied individually to each strand of hair is applied and left for half an hour before being rinsed out by your stylist, who then blow dries your locks to make sure all strands have completely dried before blow drying again to make sure all are fully dry before blow drying again for 72 hours post process – an essential step as no washing your locks is allowed afterwards!
Keratin works by manipulating keratin protein, the main constituent of our hair. Think of keratin like long strings of amino acids connected by shorter bridges (similar to ladder rungs). Straightening hair involves breaking these bonds and replacing them with others to achieve a straight and flat effect.
After receiving treatment, your hair will become significantly smoother and softer; however, it will also become more fragile, necessitating careful handling afterwards. Use only mild and sulfate-free shampoos. Trim ends often so they do not become damaged. In general, no more than three keratin treatments should be scheduled annually.