7 things to know before getting a Keratin Treatment
Some women, Hannah included, have very curly frizzy hair that we struggle to manage. It can take years to figure out exactly what to do to get your hair to behave. A few years ago, Hannah Ayla decided she was going to give a keratin treatment a try, and all her hair problems disappeared. Now, Hannah gets a keratin treatment 3 times a year and claims it truly cuts the time I need to do her hair by 90%!
In fact, on wash and air dry days, it looks better than half the times that she used to spend 2 hours straightening and de-frizzing.
However, there are some pros and cons, so let’s get into them, so you can decide for yourself is a keratin treatment is right for you:
1. It isn’t cheap…. Keratin treatments are not inexpensive. Depending on the area you get it done (factors such as cost of living, etc.) you can expect to pay between $250-450 per treatment.
2. You must avoid water for a few days afterwards: Depending on the formula your stylist uses, it is common to need to avoid water and sweating for 24-72 hours after. This usually means no exercise and no getting your hair wet, so you’ll need to plan your treatment date at a time where you can avoid some moisture for a few days. Hannah once made the mistake one time of getting her treatment done during a storm and walked out of the salon to a torrential downpour.
3. The results are not permanent… Depending on your hair texture, your results can vary. Some people report only getting results for several weeks to a few months. Hannah tends to see the results wearing off after about 3 months, which makes the price worth it in her opinion.
4. There are some hefty chemicals involved… Another thing to take into consideration is that you are being exposed to chemicals by getting a Keratin treatment. Most keratin treatments contain chemicals such as formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing compounds. There are however formaldehyde-free formulas if that feels like a better option for you. Also note: Keratin while pregnant or breastfeeding is not advised.
5. You may have to throw out your shampoos… After getting a Keratin treatment, it is advised to not use any products with sodium chloride or sulfates. Chances are if you reach for whatever shampoo you are using right now…it probably has at least one of those chemicals in it. I like to buy a big bottle of this keratin free shampoo and it lasts me all year.
Hot tip: make sure to bring some when traveling, it is much harder to find keratin-safe shampoos than you might think!
6. Avoiding chlorine and saltwater… After treatment, it is advised to minimize exposure to chlorine and saltwater, as they can diminish the treatment's effects. Depending on your lifestyle, this might make the cost not worth it. For Hannah, while she loves to swim it’s a fairly rare occasion, making the benefit outweigh the cost.
7. You may get addicted… Sometimes Hannah wishes she had never gotten that first treatment because now she is completely addicted. The feeling of watching your hair air dry into silk smooth perfection is nothing short of addicting!
