Smooth and frizz-free hair is every woman’s dream. Keratin treatment saves you from fighting frizzy strands every morning and locks your hair straight so it becomes manageable and smooth. However, keratin is a source of confusion for many as the formula encompasses a range of chemical ingredients that could cause damage to hair.
Basically keratin is a protein found in your hair by nature. It keeps the hair healthy and strong. In most keratin treatments, the ingredient that does the relaxation of curls is called formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a strong smelling gas. If sprayed into eyes, nose or absorbed through the skin, it can cause health issues. Otherwise, if you follow the right health precautions and procedures, your hair will get benefited from a keratin treatment.
Benefits of Keratin treatment
Keratin treatment smoothens, straightens and shines your hair. It fills protein gaps in your hair strands, restoring its natural shine and strength. Keratin treatment is known for repairing damaged hair as it infuses keratin to the roots of your hair which is the building block of hair. If your hair is frizzy or curly, keratin treatment eliminates the frizz from the hair strands and makes your hair silky and straight.
The main advantage you get from a keratin treatment is cutting styling time as your hair becomes manageable. It also gives you multiple styling options. If you are tired of prolonged morning hairstyling time, keratin treatment is a life saver for you.
1. Do keratin treatment in a well-ventilated room
The formaldehyde in a keratin treatment can cause health problems if inhaled into eyes, nose or throat. If you are carrying out DIY keratin treatment at home, do it in well ventilated room or outdoors. If you are going to a salon, make sure the salon has good ventilation system.
2. Use lower heat settings when blow-drying
While blow drying your hair after applying the keratin treatment, use the lower heat setting of the blow dryer. High heat will release more amount of formaldehyde to the air, and you may inhale the chemical through your nose and throat.
3. Use protective equipment
Use gloves when applying keratin treatment to your hair. Wash your eyes and face after you are done with the process.
4. Do not do keratin treatment regularly
Repeated and long term exposure of formaldehyde can cause serious health problems including cancer. Keratin treatment is not something you do regularly; instead treating your hair every four to six months should be enough. Some experts recommend doing keratin treatment every six months is safer and healthier than every day flat ironing your hair.
5. Stay away from sulfate and salt-containing products
To make your keratin treatment last longer, stay away from products that contain sulfate and salt, as they will wash away the treatment from your hair. The best shampoos and conditioners for keratin-treated hair are those without sulfate and salt. You also need to limit the frequency of shampooing to once a week.
6. Look for quality keratin formula
There are different brands of keratin treatments out there in the market, from short term formulas to powerful treatments. Give priority for quality of the treatment over the price tag. Ask a referral, read reviews and make sure you have landed on a good quality product. It is your hair on the line.
7. Do not over-straighten your hair
The last step of keratin treatment is flat ironing your hair to seal the chemical. Make sure you have read the instruction manual that comes with the keratin formula you are using before adjusting the heat setting of your straightener. Over straightening will dry out your hair and causes breakage. It is safe to use low or medium heat setting of your straightener to seal the keratin into your hair.
8. To completely avoid risk, go for Formaldehyde free formulas
Most keratin treatments contain formaldehyde to relax curls and eliminate frizz. However, some recent versions are formaldehyde free formulas. Even though they are not as effective as the ones that contain formaldehyde, they indeed are much safer. If you want to completely avoid the risks that come with Keratin treatments, go for the new versions that are free from formaldehyde.
9. Do not do keratin treatment if you are pregnant
Keratin treatment has a couple of health precautions and you should be very careful to follow them. It is good to avoid keratin treatment when you are pregnant, as it might get difficult for you to keep all those health and safety rules.
10. Your hair type determines the keratin treatment you are using
Before deciding on one keratin formula, read labels and make a good research to determine the treatment that suits your specific hair type. Keratin treatments are not one size fits all kind of things. Schedule a consultation with your stylist first to decide on the right formula for your hair type.
11. Apply the treatment in clean and dry hair
The first thing you should do before applying a keratin treatment is washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to clear dust and product residues, and then blow drying it till it completely dries out. Your hair is now ready for the treatment process.
12. Read and follow instructions carefully
To stay safe and healthy, and get the best out of your keratin treatment, read instruction manuals and safety precautions carefully and follow directions exactly.
