Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Choosing a keratin treatment
• Part 2 of 4: Wash and part your hair
• Part 3 of 4: Treating and drying your hair
• Part 4 of 4: Keeping track of your keratin treatment
• Warnings
• Necessities

Keratin is a protein that forms the structure of the hair and protects it from damage and stress. Keratin-containing treatments can smooth out curls and frizzy hair and add shine to the hair, with this effect lasting for more than two months. A keratin treatment is applied to washed and completely dried hair, and is not rinsed until you have blow-dried your hair and straightened your locks. The treatment should stay in your hair for at least two days before washing your hair again, and it is better not to use hair ties or barrettes. Only wash your hair when necessary and with a sulfate-free shampoo (and no conditioner).

To step

Part 1 of 4: Choosing a keratin treatment

1. Choose between a home or salon treatment. You can expect amounts from $ 100 to $ 450 for a single keratin treatment in a salon. Keratin treatment at home is not tailor-made, because it is then difficult to take individual hair types into account. Home treatments are generally less harmful, but the effect is also shorter.
   • For example, if you have a light hair color, a salon professional can adjust the formula so that the tone of your hair doesn't change.
   • If you decide to see a stylist, get a consultation first so the stylist can determine the correct formula for your hair.
2. View the experiences of others. Whether you choose a salon or a home kit, make sure to go online and read the users' reviews before making your choice. Prefer quality to looking for a cheap offer. If you know someone who has had a keratin treatment, ask them for a tip, including product and salon / stylist, if applicable.
3. Understand the process. Keratin does not really smooth the hair, but the treatment does. During the treatment, a straightening product containing keratin is applied to the hair and the heat from a flat iron is used to contain it. This results in smoother, straighter hair. EXPERT TIP

   Stay away from formaldehyde treatments. Some keratin treatments contain ingredients that release formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a chemical that can cause health problems such as eye and nose irritation, allergic reactions of the skin, eyes and lungs, and can even cause cancer. Other treatments use alternatives to formaldehyde. Check the product label or ask a professional in the salon if you want to make sure the treatment is formaldehyde-free.

   • Since formaldehyde is used in higher amounts in salons, it can be dangerous for those who work with it often.
   • DMDM hydantoin, glyoxal, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, methyl glycol, polyoxymethylene urea, quaternium-15, and sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate are all chemicals that release formaldehyde and can be found in hair care products.
   • Treatments without toxic chemicals may not be as effective at softening the hair's curl pattern.

Part 2 of 4: Wash and part your hair

1. Wash your hair with an anti-residue shampoo. Massage the shampoo into your hair and let it foam. Let it sit for three to five minutes and then rinse. Apply the shampoo again. Make sure to rinse it completely out of your hair afterward.
   • Anti-residue shampoo is intended to rid your hair of product residues, such as those from conditioners or styling products. This prepares your hair to evenly absorb the keratin treatment.
   • Anti-residue shampoo is also known as clarifying shampoo.
2. Blow-dry your hair until completely dry. Run your hands through your hair while you blow-dry it on a medium heat setting. Make sure your hair is completely dry unless the directions on the package indicate otherwise.
   • A Brazilian treatment requires your hair to be slightly damp (85-90% dry), while a keratin treatment requires completely dry hair. Since the terms "Brazilian" and "keratin" (as they refer to hair treatments) are sometimes used interchangeably, it is important to check the instructions for your product.
3. Divide your hair into sections. Use an afro comb or regular comb to part your hair in the center. Pin your hair in four to eight sections (depending on how much hair you have). Make sure each section is pinned securely so that it remains secure during the process.

Part 3 of 4: Treating and drying your hair

1. Follow all product instructions exactly. The brand and type of treatment you choose should provide you with precise instructions on how to apply the keratin treatment. Make sure you read and follow all directions and safety precautions.
   • If your product instructions deviate from these instructions, always follow the directions of the manufacturer of your product.
2. Apply the product evenly to your hair. Wear gloves and old clothes or a smock. Take part of your hair and apply the treatment product, starting with a small amount and progressing until the hair is covered, but not oversaturated. Use a fine-tooth comb or hair color brush to apply the product to every part of the hair, from your roots to your ends. Pin each section back when you're done.
3. Leave the product on for 20 to 30 minutes or as directed. Cover your hair with a shower cap. Leave the product in your hair according to the directions on the package.
4. Dry your hair. Remove your hair cap and barrettes. Do not rinse the product unless the instructions advise you to do so. Blow-dry your hair with the product still in it. Use the hot or cold setting on your hair dryer, depending on what the product recommends.
5. Straighten your hair with a flat iron. Set the flat iron to the temperature recommended in the product instructions for your specific hair type. When your flat iron has reached the correct temperature, straighten your hair in small sections (about one to two inches thick). You may find it helpful to pin sections of your hair in advance or after you have finished straightening them.
   • Using a flat iron that is too hot can scorch and break your hair.

Part 4 of 4: Keeping track of your keratin treatment

1. Don't wash your hair for at least three days. Washing your hair too early will shorten the life of your keratin treatment. If you can wait a week before getting your hair wet, that's even better!
   • Use a dry shampoo if you don't like not being able to wash your hair.
2. Do not use hair ties for at least 48 hours. Don't use hair ties or even barrettes, if possible. Consider using a fabric bandana if you want to keep your hair out of your face.
   • Using hair ties and barrettes can cause a crease in your hair. However, this need not be the case if you are wearing a hair tie loosely.
3. Avoid heat and certain hair products. Your keratin treatment can last longer if you avoid styling or drying your hair with heat. Wash your hair only occasionally - if necessary - and then only with shampoo (and no conditioner). Use a sulfate-free shampoo.

Warnings

• Never let hair products get in or near your eyes.
• If you have psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, consult a dermatologist before taking keratin treatment.

Necessities

• Anti-residue shampoo
• Hairdryer
• Fine comb
• Barrettes
• Shower cover
• Old clothes or smock
• Gloves
• Flat iron (which can be set)
• Sulphate-free shampoo
• Keratin product