Keratin treatments temporarily change the texture of your hair to make it straighter. It softens and smooths curls to help the hair attain and retain a frizz-free texture.
While the treatment gives the hair a sleek finish that lasts for about three months, it can make it more susceptible to damage, particularly in the first few days. Moisture and sweat can compromise the keratin treatment’s effectiveness, resulting in the hair becoming frizzy.
Does Sweating Ruin Keratin Treatment?
Yes, sweating can impact your keratin treatment negatively. If you sweat too much after a keratin treatment, excessive sweating can open up the hair cuticles, and the keratin can escape. Avoid workouts and heavy sweating for at least 48 hours after a keratin treatment.
Moisture can prevent the keratin treatment from setting. Therefore, sweating can cause the treatment not to work or cause hair fall. So, keep your hair dry and avoid moisture exposure during this period.
The actual keratin treatment procedure is quite comprehensive and involves multiple steps to ensure that keratin protein is well incorporated into your hair. The protein continues to set for up to 72 hours after the application. If the hair is exposed to moisture during the 72-hour window, the strands swell up, interfering with the setting process.
Therefore, it is important to prevent sweating in the first 72 hours after a keratin treatment. If you like to engage in activities that cause sweating, strategically schedule the keratin treatment such that you will not engage in these activities for the first one to four days after the treatment.
Use Advanced Keratin Formulas to Prevent Damage from Sweat
If you naturally sweat too much or cannot avoid sweaty activities for a few days after the keratin treatment, ask your hairstylist about using an advanced keratin treatment formula.
This type of treatment sets faster—within 24 hours. As such, you can resume your sweaty activities after a day of the hair treatment. It is a super strong deep conditioner mainly designed for curly, coarse-textured hair, so your hairstylist may discourage it if your hair has a light texture or is damaged.
The application process for an advanced keratin treatment is similar to that of the regular keratin treatment formula, aside from the shorter setting time.
What to Do If You Sweat After a Keratin Treatment
If you cannot control the sweating, there are ways you can manage your hair to withstand perspiration. Here are a few tips:
Do Not Tie Up Sweaty Hair
For most people, the natural response when they start sweating is to tie their hair up or clip it. However, it is best to leave your hair down if you sweat after a keratin treatment.
Leaving the hair open allows it to dry faster than it would if pulled back. In addition, tying the hair stresses the already fragile strands and follicles, resulting in breakage. It also leaves dents and waves on the hair.
However, you can hold your hair loosely at the back before entering the sun or starting your activities. Doing so keeps it off your face so that it does not soak up too much water when you start to sweat.
Blow Dry the Hair
If the hair gets too wet due to sweating, blow dry it as soon as possible. Do not use root lifting sprays, gels, or mousse when blow-drying the hair. Only blow dry for a short period at low temperatures to prevent the hair from falling out. If the hair becomes twisted or wavy, use a flat iron to straighten and smooth it.
Sleep in a Silk Bonnet or on a Silk Pillow Case
Cotton pillowcases and bonnets retain moisture when you sweat, which keeps the hair exposed to water for longer. They also cause friction to the hair, which disrupts the hair cuticles and causes the hair to become frizzy.
Silk bonnets and pillowcases are slippery, thus causing minimal friction. They are also sweat-wicking, so they dry faster when you sweat. Therefore, they keep your hair smoother and straighter for longer.
In addition to sleeping in a silk bonnet or on a silk pillowcase, keep your room temperatures at a favorable level to prevent excessive sweating.
Summary
One of the most crucial post-keratin hair treatment measures is to keep moisture away from your hair, including sweat. Avoid engaging in sweaty activities in the first 72 hours of the hair treatment.
After 72 hours, you can engage in your regular activities without worrying about your hair becoming wavy and frizzy. Additionally, avoid exposing your hair to moisture for a prolonged period, as it can lead to breakage.
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