In early December I received my first keratin treatment. Have you ever had one? My hair stylist had mentioned it to me a couple of times and so I decided to give it a try. If you have thin, straight hair this might not be for you. But if you are like me with naturally curly hair that tends to frizz you might benefit from a keratin treatment.
My stylist uses 100% pure keratin which is quite pricey. The process took about two hours and went something like this:
- I was shampooed twice using a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build up
- my hair was then dried completely
- keratin was applied to my hair using a brush similar to the one used for applying color, section by section
- then she took teeny tiny sections and flat ironed my hair sealing in the keratin
Here is the before.
And, here is the after with a much-needed trim!
One more after shot.
So for the next three days, I could not wash my hair :(. I work out and run most days which means that I also wash my hair every day. This was tough, but I made it. I was told to keep my hair dry and not to wear it up. In the morning if I would wake up with bedhead I had to straighten it out with a flat iron during that three day period. By day three I felt like a grease ball! Time passed quickly enough and soon I was back to my usual routine.
This shampoo was recommended to help the process last (which by the way the treatment should last 4-6 months). It was kind of pricey too, but it only takes a small amount and so I’m learning not to pour a handful like I normally do.
The process was extremely nourishing for my hair! Almost two months later I am still seeing the effects of the treatment. Overall, the frizz is less noticeable and my hair just looks healthier. Would I do it again? Yes.
I've been toying with doing this too. Your hair looks great, I love the cut as well, and thanks for the review!
Kat
I have thought long and hard about doing this too! My hair is thick and coarse and yes frizzy, esp. in the heat and humidity. People don't realize I have curly hair as I can generally keep it under control with dryer and/or straightener. But this DOES seem like a great solution! Is it straighter, or just not frizzy? I don't want to suddenly have fine, straight hair (wouldn't know how to handle that!). And it's fine to do with colored hair? Thanks for this info. Rene!
This is not a straightener. I can still wear my hairy curly as in "letting it dry naturally" and it is VERY curly, just without the usual frizz. On rainy days when I normally flat iron my hair only to find it frizzy minutes later – it remains frizz free now. My frizz started appearing as I got older so when my hair dresser told me that this would add youth to my hair – I became very interested.
I need this if it's not a straightener… i like my BIG hair just not the frizz part that came with some grey!
Your hair looks great!!
I have been doing this same Keratin over 2 years now. I love it and can't go back! Totally worth the money. I do have to use a straightener every day if I want it straight, but my hair is so much smoother and shinier with the Keratin. I too will wear it with my natural curl on rainy days, but you're right–there's not nearly the frizz as before. Glad you love it too!
rene, i love how your hair looks…great cut and color too!
i have very thick somewhat wavy hair that i've used a chi iron on for quite some time. i might have to check out the keratin hair treatment.
I'm so glad that you let us know you like it two months later. I've seen other bloggers talk about this, but always right after they had it done. I've always wondered if people were still happy months later.
Rene your hair looks fantastic! Love it 🙂
It looks fabulous Rene!! So healthy.
I have coarse hair and this was the BEST decision ever! It is like I have someone els's hair! I use the simply smooth brand and it costs about $350 for the treatment and the special shampoo and conditioner ( stay away from anything with sodium in it, including ocean water). If you only wash your hair when you need to the treatment can last up to 5 months. Also, Keratin Express makes a product called Daily Keratin that you can apply before styling. It is heat activated and costs about $40. I've had mine for months you don't need a lot. It is a really great product for those don't want to spend the money on the salon treatment.
Jen
Thanks for the sodium tip! Had no idea…
Looks so good on you! I tried to save money by doing one at home for $12 and it RUINED my hair. It started falling out immediately and I'm still trying to get it back in shape after lots of cuts, getting low-lights instead of high lights, etc. It's worth it to spend the money. The directions on what I did said don't use on bleached hair and I ignored it- to my detriment!
Oh no Megan! What a nightmare! If it helps, I would never know there was anything wrong with your hair – always looks great!
Is this different than the Brazilian Blowout? That's what I've had and it takes the frizziness out of my hair and I love how it feels. It's the hair I've always wanted.
Yes, it is different, but I'm not sure how. Could someone clarify?
Rene, your hair looks beautiful. I have similar hair to yours. Thinking I should maybe try this out! Have a great (snowy) weekend.
What a difference! I've use a keratin treatment too, one from Cocoa Keratin and it does make your hair look amazing.
So interesting! I used to have bone straight hair but after 3 kids the texture totally changed. May have to look into this…
I just wanna know why it has to be so damn expensive! I do love how it makes my hair feel….but the no washing thing drives me crazy. Of course come June…I will be throwing down that money to have it again 🙂 #spoiled
I recently had my first keratin treatment done and was informed that I would need to purchase a shampoo and conditioner that is both sulphate free and if possible sodium chloride free. My hairstylist watered the explanation down by telling me these ingredients found in every shampoo and conditioner unless otherwise specified would strip all the precious treatment I just paid for out of my hair. I went to online and did alot of research and spoke to my hairstylist (5th ave salon). I went with the Shielo Hydrate Shampoo and the Shielo Hydrate Conditioner and am pleasantly surprised. Not only is it keeping as much of the treatment in as possible, but it leaves my long, thick, newly straight hair SO SOFT! Especially in combination with the conditioner. It has a subtle, clean smell and feels slightly thick when applying. The $20 price tag is a little harsh in comparison to say a drugstore shampoo, but it definitely shows a difference than those products.