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 a keratin treatment lasts.
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 keratin treatment 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 must 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, product quality, 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. Consider shampooing every three days for those worried about oil buildup and greasy hair.
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. 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, avoiding swimming after a keratin treatment is best. 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. 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.
How Long Will It Take for Keratin Treatment to Work?
A keratin treatment starts to work immediately after it has been applied. The keratin protein is activated through a thermal process by blow-drying and then flat-ironing at high temperatures to seal it in.
The treatment continues to set for the next 24-72 hours following the actual treatment. The treatment can take up to 14 days to fully integrate into your hair strands.
What Can Cause Your Keratin Treatment Not Work?
A keratin treatment may fail to work for various reasons, including:
If It Is Not Properly Applied
As discussed above, the keratin treatment procedure follows very specific steps. If those steps are not adhered to or if the right products are not used, the treatment is unlikely to work. For instance, if the hair is not washed before the treatment is applied or if the flat iron is not heated to the recommended temperature range, the treatment will not work.
If You Do Not Observe Proper Aftercare
It is recommended to keep the hair dry in the first 72 hours to prevent it from becoming frizzy, including avoiding activities that cause sweating. If by any chance the hair gets wet, blow dry it immediately.
You should also minimize hair manipulation through styling or tying the hair, as it is quite malleable and tends to retain curls. Also, do not brush or comb it aggressively, as it is prone to falling.
If you must comb freshly treated hair, use a wide-toothed comb. It is also advisable to hold off washing your hair for the next two weeks as doing so may wash off keratin from the hair.
If Your Hair Texture Is Too Coarse or Too Light
You should use an advanced keratin treatment formula if your hair is extremely coarse or curly. Conversely, if your hair is light and you use an advanced formula, the keratin treatment may result in damage and hair loss.
A keratin treatment starts to work immediately after it has been applied. It sets in, seals, and continues to incorporate throughout the actual application process and up to 72 hours later. Even after 72 hours, you should care for the hair properly to optimize the results.
If incorporated well, a keratin treatment can last for two to three months, depending on your hair texture and how well you take care of it.
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 those in a salon and don’t hold up as long.
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