What Is a Keratin Treatment and Is It Right for Your Hair?
If you have ever wished your hair could be smoother, shinier and more manageable without the daily battle with a hairdryer or straighteners, a keratin treatment is probably something you have come across. But what exactly is a keratin treatment, how long does it last, and is it the same as a relaxer? In this guide, a stylist at Hair Nova Angel explains everything you need to know about keratin treatments so you can decide if it is the right choice for your hair.
What Is a Keratin Treatment?
A keratin treatment is a professional smoothing treatment that temporarily adds keratin protein back into the hair shaft to reduce frizz, add shine and make the hair easier to manage. Keratin is the natural protein your hair is made of, and daily wear, heat styling and chemical processing gradually deplete it, leaving hair frizzy, dull and prone to breakage. A keratin treatment replenishes this protein, smoothing the cuticle and creating softer, shinier, more manageable hair that is significantly easier to style.
How Is a Keratin Treatment Different from a Relaxer?
This is one of the most common points of confusion. A relaxer permanently changes the structure of the hair, breaking the bonds to straighten it, and it cannot be reversed. A keratin treatment, by contrast, is temporary and coats rather than chemically alters the hair. It smooths and tames rather than straightens completely, and the natural texture gradually returns as the treatment fades over time. Keratin treatments work with your hair’s natural structure; relaxers change it.
What Are the Benefits of a Keratin Treatment?
The benefits are significant and immediate for most clients. Hair becomes noticeably smoother, shinier and much easier to blow-dry and style, often cutting styling time dramatically. Frizz is reduced or eliminated, even in humidity, which is one of the main reasons keratin treatments are popular year-round but especially in summer. The hair feels stronger and softer, and many clients report less breakage and fewer split ends as a result of the conditioning effect on the cuticle.
How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Last?
A professional keratin treatment typically lasts between eight and sixteen weeks, depending on the specific treatment used, how often you wash, and how porous your hair is. The treatment fades gradually rather than suddenly, so the hair slowly returns to its natural texture rather than changing overnight. Using a sulphate-free shampoo, washing less frequently and avoiding salt water and chlorine all extend the life of a keratin treatment significantly.
What Happens During a Keratin Treatment Appointment?
The process takes a couple of hours and begins with a thorough wash to cleanse the hair completely. Your stylist then applies the keratin formula section by section, working it through the hair carefully, before blow-drying it in and sealing it with a flat iron at high heat. The heat is what bonds the keratin into the cuticle and creates the smooth, glossy finish. After the treatment, you will be asked to wait a period before washing, usually 24 to 72 hours depending on the formula, to allow it to set fully.
Is a Keratin Treatment Safe for Coloured Hair?
Yes, in most cases. Keratin treatments are generally compatible with coloured and highlighted hair, and many clients find their colour looks more vibrant and lasts longer after a keratin treatment because the cuticle is sealed. However, timing matters: your colourist will advise on whether to colour before or after the keratin, as the sequence affects the final result. Always tell your stylist about any recent chemical treatments so they can choose the right keratin formula for your hair.
Aftercare: How to Make Your Keratin Treatment Last
The way you care for your hair after a keratin treatment directly affects how long it lasts. The essentials are:
- Wait the full recommended time before your first wash, usually 24 to 72 hours.
- Switch to a sulphate-free, keratin-safe shampoo and conditioner permanently during the treatment period.
- Wash less often, as each wash gradually fades the treatment.
- Avoid salt water and chlorine where possible, or protect the hair with a leave-in before swimming.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz overnight.
Does a Keratin Treatment Damage Hair?
A professional keratin treatment does not damage hair when applied correctly. In fact, the addition of keratin protein to the hair shaft tends to strengthen and condition it, reducing breakage and improving manageability. The high heat used to seal the treatment into the cuticle does require a heat protectant to be applied first, and very fine or very porous hair may need a lighter formula. If you have concerns about your hair’s condition, a quick consultation before booking the treatment lets your stylist assess and recommend the right approach.
How Much Does a Keratin Treatment Cost?
The cost of a keratin treatment varies depending on your hair’s length and thickness, and the specific formula used. Longer, thicker hair requires more product and more time, so pricing reflects that. As a guide, keratin treatments typically sit in the mid to upper range of salon services, which reflects the two to three hours of skilled work involved. When you factor in the time saved on styling every day over the following eight to sixteen weeks, most clients find the value to be very strong.
Who Is a Keratin Treatment Best For?
A keratin treatment suits almost anyone who wants smoother, shinier, easier-to-manage hair, but it is particularly popular for curly, wavy, frizzy or chemically processed hair that takes a long time to style. If you spend significant time every morning blow-drying and straightening, a keratin treatment can cut that time dramatically and leave your hair looking professionally styled every day. Book a consultation for hair services in Islington and we will advise on the right treatment for your hair type and goal.
Book Your Keratin Treatment at Hair Nova Angel
Ready to transform your hair? Book online on Fresha, call 020 7993 5484, or message us on WhatsApp. We are two minutes from King’s Cross Station, open Tuesday to Saturday.