Keratin treatment for hair

Frizz, dullness, and unmanageable strands are a few of the most hated nemesis of gorgeous locks. And if you have ever struggled with these, you know how it makes you feel: dejected and irritated.

For such situations, experts at salons and even friends often recommend keratin treatment for hair. Known for giving hair that salon-like smoothness and shine, keratin treatments have become one of the most talked-about solutions for transforming the way hair looks and feels.

However, like most beauty treatments, it comes with its own pros, cons, and aftercare rules. 

So what exactly is keratin treatment, how does it work, and is it really as good for your hair as it seems?

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know-from what keratin treatment is, its benefits, side effects, how long it lasts, and whether it’s right for you.

What is hair keratin treatment?

Keratin is a natural fibrous protein found in your hair, nails, and skin. Over time, factors like heat styling, chemical dyes, pollution, and sun exposure break down this protein, leaving your hair weak, frizzy, and dull.

A hair keratin treatment is a salon procedure where extra keratin (often mixed with other smoothing agents) is applied to your hair, then sealed in with heat using a flat iron. 
As you might have guessed it already, the goal is to make your hair smooth, frizz-free, shiny, and easier to style.

In short, it’s like giving your hair a protein-rich “blanket” that covers up damage and keeps it looking healthy.

Types of keratin treatments

Before you make up your mind about getting it done or not, know that not all keratin treatments are the same.

Here are the most common types of keratin you must know about:

When choosing the right one for you, consider your hair texture, lifestyle, and the desired sleekness of your hair.

How is a keratin treatment process done? A step-by-step guide

Irrespective of how long your hair is, this is how keratin treatment for hair is done in the salons. 

1. Hair cleansing: In the first step, your stylist washes your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove dirt, grime, dust, oil, and buildup.
2. Keratin application: Once the hair is cleaned, he/she applies a keratin-rich formula evenly, section by section, onto the entire hair.
3. Processing time: Now it is the time to wait for the formula to sit on your hair for 20-40 minutes, to allow the protein to bond with your hair.
4. Blow-dry and flat iron: To help heat-seal the keratin into the hair cuticle, your hair is blow-dried and flat-ironed.
5. Final rinse and style: As the last step, your hair is rinsed and lightly styled for its instant sleek look. 

Depending on your hair length, coarseness, and thickness, the entire process can take up to 2-4 hours. 

Benefits of keratin treatment

We're sure you know what keratin treatment does for your hair? But do you know if a keratin treatment is good for hair? Let’s find out. Here are some benefits of getting a keratin treatment for your hair: 

• Frizz control: It is like a permanent frizz protection; it makes hair smooth, even in humidity.
• Shine boost: It reflects light better, so your hair looks glossy.
• Easier styling: It facilitates faster and easier styling and cuts down blow-dry or straightening time.
• Temporary straightening: After a keratin treatment, your hair looks like it has been straightened every day. Curly or wavy hair becomes more manageable.
• Repair effect: Because it coats damaged strands, it repairs damage and makes them feel healthier.

If you have been struggling with frizz, flyaways, and dryness, keratin treatments can feel life-changing.

Side effects of keratin smoothing treatment

Sure, you are now convinced that a keratin treatment will change the way your hair looks. But it can feel like a flash in the pain, giving you shiny, smooth, silky hair, but it is damaging over time.

Here’s the part most salons don’t highlight about the treatment.

The following are the keratin treatment side effects to consider.

• Formaldehyde exposure: Some treatments could release formaldehyde gas during the process, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
• Weakened hair over time: Just like repetitive chemical treatments on the skin can cause skin irritation and issues, repeated treatments can cause breakage, split ends, and even hair damage, if overdone.
• Scalp sensitivity: Such treatments can trigger itching or rashes in the scalp, due to the chemicals used. 
• Not pregnancy-safe: Most experts recommend avoiding it while pregnant or breastfeeding, as it is generally not pregnancy-safe. 

You can opt for safer, formaldehyde-free versions, but while they can be used for a temporary time or an event, their effects may not last as long as traditional ones.

Is keratin treatment good for hair?

Yes and no. Let’s look at it in detail. 

• Keratin treatment can be good for short-term results. It makes hair manageable, shiny, and frizz-free for weeks.
• Not a permanent fix. However, it is not a permanent fix for your damaged or frizzy hair.  It doesn’t “heal” hair damage; it just covers it up.
• Is it good for you or not? It depends on your goals. If you want sleek, frizz-free hair for an event or season, it’s a great option. But if your hair is already very weak or thin, it may cause more harm in the long run.
  

So, whether keratin treatment is “good” depends on your hair type, your lifestyle, and how often you repeat it.

How long does keratin treatment last?

On average, keratin treatments last 3-6 months. However, it also depends on 

• Your hair type (coarser hair holds it longer).
• How often is the hair washed?
• The products you use (sulfate-free shampoos help it last longer).
• How often do you heat-style after treatment?
• The types of treatment opted for.

Aftercare routine for keratin-treated hair

Even after your treatment is done, you need to be careful with how you care for your hair. To make your treatment last as long as possible, you should:

• Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
• Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after treatment.
• Skip tight hairstyles in the first few days (no ponytails or buns).
• Minimize heat styling to avoid stripping the keratin coating.
• Use silk pillowcases to reduce friction and frizz at night.
  

Common myths about keratin treatment

You might have heard a lot about keratin treatment, some true and some false. If you are seriously pondering getting treatment done, here are a few myths you must know about.

1. Myth 1: “It permanently straightens your hair.” False. It’s temporary and fades over time, in a few weeks to a month’s time, depending on the type of treatment done.
2. “It repairs hair damage.” Not true. It coats and protects but doesn’t fix broken bonds.
   
3. “It’s only for curly hair.” Nope. Even straight hair can benefit from shine and smoothness.
4. “It’s unsafe for everyone.” Not necessarily. Formaldehyde-free versions are safer.

A keratin treatment for hair can feel like magic-frizz disappears, shine returns, and styling becomes effortless. But it’s not a cure-all. While the results are impressive, the side effects of keratin smoothing treatment and the temporary nature of the results mean it’s not for everyone.

So if you want the keratin-like treatment for your hair, but are afraid of its side effects, you can opt for haircare products that can give similar or equal effects. Like a coconut and peptide-infused shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask.

Try the following Plum products to fight frizz and get silky, smooth hair. 

Coconut & Peptides Hair Mask for Dry Hair
Coconut Milk & Peptides Shampoo
Coconut Milk & Peptides Conditioner for Dry Hair
0.3% Glycolic Acid & Cherry Blossom Frizz Control Serum Creme

While these will give you soft and shiny hair, they will also improve the health and strength of your gorgeous hair with every wash. 

FAQs

Can keratin treatment damage your hair long-term?

If done too frequently, yes. It can weaken strands. But if spaced out properly and done with safer formulas, damage is minimal.

Is keratin treatment good for all hair types?

It works best for frizzy, thick, or curly hair. However, avoid getting it done for very fine or thin hair, as it may become too flat or limp.

What should you avoid after a keratin treatment?

Avoid washing for 48 hours, using sulfates, tight hairstyles, and swimming in chlorinated water.

Can keratin treatment help with hair growth or repair?

No. It doesn’t promote growth or heal damaged hair. It only makes it look healthier temporarily.

Can keratin treatment be done at home safely?

DIY keratin kits exist, but professional treatments are safer and more effective. At-home kits often don’t last as long and can be riskier if not applied correctly.