Keratin Treatment: What It Is, Benefits, and Side Effects

Long, shiny, and smooth hair is a dream for many. But in today’s world, pollution, chemical-laden shampoos, heat styling, and even poor eating habits can take a serious toll on your hair’s natural health and shine. One trending solution that promises salon-smooth hair is Keratin Treatment. It has quickly become a go-to for those looking to manage frizz, add shine, and achieve a sleeker look. But what exactly is keratin treatment? How does it work? And is it safe for your hair in the long run? In this blog, let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about keratin treatment: how it works, its pros and cons, and what to expect before you book your appointment.

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a strong, fibrous protein that’s naturally found in your hair, nails, and the outer layer of your skin (epidermis). Think of it as the body’s natural building block that keeps these parts healthy, resilient, and protected.¹

Keratin plays a key role in:

• Keeping your hair shiny and strong
• Maintaining healthy nails
• Forming a protective barrier on your skin
• Helping wounds heal faster

But here is something you might not know—your body actually contains 54 different types of keratin. ¹

Together, Type I and Type II keratins pair up to create strong, stable structures within your cells, especially your hair.

What Is A Keratin Treatment?

A keratin treatment is a professional hair-smoothing process that infuses the hair with keratin, a protein that naturally exists in our hair. This treatment helps to repair damage, eliminate frizz, and leave your hair looking soft, shiny, and smooth for an extended period anywhere from 6 weeks to 5 months, depending on the type of treatment and your hair care routine.²

Why Is Keratin Important for Hair?

Your hair naturally contains keratin, but it gets depleted over time due to:

• Physical damage (like brushing or heat styling)
• Chemical treatments (like coloring or bleaching)
• Environmental stressors (like sun exposure or pollution)

What Should You Expect From A Keratin Treatment?

During a keratin hair treatment, your hairstylist:

• Washes your hair with a special shampoo and then dries your hair with a towel.
• Applies a liquid keratin solution to your hair in small sections.
• Blow-dries your hair.
• Run a flat iron set to a high temperature through your hair. This seals the keratin solution to your hair.

After your hair treatment, you shouldn’t get your hair wet for several days or pull it back with hair clips, scrunchies (elastics), hats, or sunglasses. You may have to use special shampoos and other hair products to maintain the treatment. ¹

4 Key Benefits of Keratin Treatments

• Split Ends are minimised.

Since keratin bonds the hair strands together, it helps reduce the appearance of split ends, giving your hair a more uniform texture.³

• Faster Drying Time

Post-treatment, many people find their hair dries in half the usual time, which means less exposure to blow dryers and heat tools. ³

• Less Heat, Less Damage

Because your hair is already smooth and manageable, you’ll need less heat to style, helping reduce long-term heat damage. ³

• Easier Styling

Without the usual bulk and frizz, your hair becomes much easier to manage and style whether you wear it straight, curled, or in a bun. ³

Are Keratin Treatments Actually Safe?

While keratin treatments are generally safe when performed correctly and occasionally, it's important to know that side effects can occur, especially with repeated or improper use.

Can Keratin Treatments Damage Hair?

Yes, though it’s uncommon, some people may experience hair damage or even hair loss after a keratin treatment. This can happen due to¹:

• Overprocessing
• Heat damage from flat irons
• Harsh chemical ingredients (like formaldehyde)

Potential Side Effects of Formaldehyde in Keratin Treatments

In addition to hair-related concerns, formaldehyde exposure during a treatment can lead to¹:

Final Thoughts

Keratin treatments offer a tempting promise of smoother, frizz-free, and more manageable hair that lasts for weeks or even months. For many, it’s a convenient solution to cut down styling time and restore shine to damaged strands.

However, understanding what is in the formula is key. While keratin itself is a protein naturally found in hair, some smoothing treatments contain formaldehyde or similar chemicals, which may pose health risks with frequent exposure. It’s also worth noting that results and safety can vary depending on your hair type, the product used, and how it’s applied. With the right precautions, keratin treatments can be a safe and transformative option for achieving salon-smooth hair but it’s always wise to go in informed. ¹

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) Are keratin treatments safe?

Keratin treatments can be safe when done correctly and occasionally. However, some formulas contain formaldehyde, a chemical that can release harmful fumes during application and may cause irritation or long-term health risks with frequent exposure. If you opt for a keratin treatment, choose a formaldehyde-free option and ensure it’s applied in a well-ventilated salon by a trained professional.¹

Q2) How long does keratin hair straightening last?

The results typically last between 6 weeks to 5 months, depending on the product used, your hair type, and how often you wash your hair. Using sulfate-free shampoos and avoiding frequent heat styling can help prolong the smooth, frizz-free results.

Q3) Is keratin good for your hair?

Yes, keratin is a natural protein that helps strengthen and protect the hair. When applied topically, it can temporarily fill in damaged areas of the hair shaft, making hair appear smoother, shinier, and healthier. However, excessive treatments or chemical-laden formulas may do more harm than good over time.³

Q4) How does keratin work?

Keratin treatments work by infusing the hair shaft with a liquid version of keratin, followed by sealing it in with a flat iron. This process helps smooth down the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and improve shine. It essentially creates a protective layer around the hair strands, making them easier to manage and style.³