Are you tired of dull, flat hair? If you’re desperate for smooth, shiny tresses, it’s time for a keratin treatment.
Before you head to the salon to prep for a makeover, you probably want to know how long does a keratin treatment last?
We’ve got you covered with all of the key information you need to make a decision about whether or not to get a keratin treatment.
How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Last?
Keratin treatments can last 3 to 6 months when handled by a professional in a salon. If you choose to do one at home, expect the effects to fade faster. You might get two or three months out of one of the at-home products before you need to do a touch-up.
Though the treatment makes your hair more manageable, you have to take extra care to make it last longer.
How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Last on Curly Hair
Keratin treatments can improve curly hair for 3 to 5 months when handled professionally and maintained well.
Curly hair is a bit more challenging, especially if you have tight, coarse curls. Hair type, the quality of the product used, and maintenance practices are key factors in determining how long a keratin treatment will last on curly hair.
For example, people with coarse curls can tease out the effects of a good treatment longer than those with finer curls.
How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Last in Straight Hair?
A keratin treatment can last 4 to 6 months for those with straight hair, depending on how well it is maintained and whether it was done professionally or at home.
How To Make Keratin Treatment Last Longer
Keratin treatments are a great way to get smooth and shiny hair. Try these tips to make the effect of keratin treatment last longer, especially if you have fine curly hair.
1. Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Choose special shampoos and conditioners designed to support your keratin treatments. These products keep your hair healthy and protect the keratin from breaking down too quickly.
Avoid using harsh sulfates or other ingredients that could strip away the treatment prematurely.
2. Don’t Overwash Your Hair
Washing your hair too often can cause keratin-treated hair to become dry and brittle. The strands become more susceptible to breakage and the keratin treatment will break down faster.
Avoid washing your hair more than twice per week, even if you have an oily scalp. For those worried about oil buildup and greasy hair, consider shampooing every three days.
3. Don’t Towel-Dry Your Hair
As any curly-haired girl can tell you, terry cloth towels spell trouble for hair and can aggravate frizz. Either pick up a microfiber towel or grab an old (but clean) t-shirt to wrap your hair in after showering.
Don’t rub your hair with the towel or shirt either. Instead, leave it wrapped or gently stroke your hair to absorb excess water without affecting your keratin treatment.
4. Don’t Use a Lot of Styling Products
Limit your use of gels, mousse, and hairspray. The keratin treatment should manage the frizz and leave your hair shiny, so you shouldn’t need to apply extra product to your tresses.
5. Add a Hair Serum to Your Routine
Pick up a quality keratin hair serum to use. It will form an additional protective layer to support the treatment.
6. Avoid Heat Styling Tools Whenever Possible
Using heat styling tools such as blow-dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can cause damage to natural hair proteins and cause keratin treatments to break down faster.
If you need to use heat styling tools, like for a special occasion hairstyle, apply a protective spray first. It will minimize hair damage.
7. Avoid Swimming
Unless you have access to unchlorinated fresh water, it’s best to avoid swimming after a keratin treatment. Salt water and chlorine can break down the keratin faster, even if you do everything else to maintain the treatment’s effects.
8. Keep Up With Regular Trims
Regular trims help manage split ends and keep your hair looking healthier, especially after a keratin treatment. Try to schedule a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, or sooner if your hair grows fast. It’s a sure way to make your keratin treatment last longer.
Summary
- Professional keratin treatments last 3-6 months; DIY ones last 2-3 months.
- Keratin treatments last 3-5 months on curly hair, 4-6 months on straight hair.
- To extend the life of keratin treatment:
- Use keratin-supporting hair products, and avoid washing frequently.
- Gently towel-dry hair, and limit the use of styling products.
- Use a keratin serum, minimize heat styling, and avoid swimming.
- Regularly trim your hair.
Keratin treatments are a great way to achieve smooth, frizz-free hair that looks and feels fabulous for months. You can expect a professional, salon-quality treatment to last anywhere from three to six months, depending on your hair type and how well you maintain it.
For at-home keratin products, expect to do touch-ups within two to three months. The products aren’t the same quality as what you get in a salon and they just don’t hold up as long.
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