Who doesn’t dream of having strong, luxurious, healthy hair?
If you long for shiny, frizz-free hair, keratin products may be the answer to your prayers. Whether you deal with split ends, tangles or breakage, using quality keratin shampoos, conditioners and styling products can improve the overall health of your hair.
As stylists, we encounter damaged hair all the time. We’ve fallen in love with keratin products, and we think you will, too. Here are a few of the reasons why:
They’re Backed by Science
Keratin is a family of proteins that make up 65-95 percent of your hair. It provides support for your hair and protects the interior and exterior structures. Unfortunately, keratin becomes depleted over time. Keratin depletion comes from things we do to our hair, like heat styling and using chemicals to relax or color our hair. It also comes from low-quality water, the environment and age. Keratin products fill in the holes in your hair strands that come from depleted keratin. It essentially works as a spackle, smoothing out your hair and restoring its health.
Keratin salon treatments started in around 2007. They began in Brazil and were originally referred to as Brazilian blowouts. At the time, the treatment got a bad rap due to some of the chemicals involved in its use. Since then, those chemicals have been removed, and keratin salon treatments are safe, long-lasting and effective.
As keratin treatments increased in popularity, companies began to develop keratin products for at-home use, including shampoos, conditioners and styling products. Keratin products and treatments have been scientifically proven to improve the look and feel of your hair in an environmentally friendly way.
Keratin Products Improve Hair Strength and Elasticity
A lot of things damage your hair, some of which you have no control over (and some you do). For example, over-washing your hair can cause damage because the moisture makes your hair easier to break. Using brushes on wet hair can cause further breakage.
Heat, not surprisingly, also damages your hair.
The quick drying that happens with blow drying can cause your hair cuticles to become dry and brittle. Flat irons and curling irons can also harm your hair cuticles. If you’re a swimmer, chlorine can also harm your hair. Even your diet can play a role in how breakable your hair is.
You could completely change your hair care regime. But who wants to do that? Keratin hair products can fill in the gaps that have occurred due to damage. Keratin gives your hair protection that can help it stand up to heat styling and blow drying. It makes your hair stronger and gives it better elasticity, which means your hair can stretch and spring back to its original shape.
Strong, elastic hair is easier to style and looks better, even when you’re between shampoos.
You should need less time with the blow dryer or styling iron, which also helps to prevent damage. With the right products, you can save time and maybe even get a few more precious minutes of sleep.
They Improve Your Hair’s Appearance
When there is damage to the cuticle of your hair shaft, it makes it harder for your hair to hold moisture. Since keratin products repair the cuticle, your hair can hold moisture better, giving it a shiny, healthier appearance. Keratin products can also add body and bounce to your hair and make it easier to style.
If you live in a humid environment, you may be used to dealing with the inevitable frizz. Your hair may also look limp and kind of sad, especially if it’s curly or naturally wavy. Keratin products can keep your hair under control, even in humid weather. It can prevent frizz and fly-away’s and keep your hairstyle looking the way you want it to, and not dependent on the weather.
They Are Perfect for All Hair Types
Originally, keratin treatments were primarily aimed at those with curly or wavy hair. The keratin treatments straightened out hair for up to two months at a time. Today, keratin treatments and products are used by people with different hair types. Even those with straight hair benefit from the shine and damage repair you get with keratin products.
Keratin products, like shampoos, don’t necessarily straighten hair the way a salon keratin treatment would, but they do improve the strength and health of your hair. Keratin can also define your natural curl pattern, giving your hair more body. Although keratin products can be used by anyone, they are especially well-suited for those with damage due to chemicals.
Keratin Products Add UV Protection
We all know the sun can damage our skin, which is why we’re used to slathering on sunscreen before we head outdoors. However, the sun can also damage our hair. Keratin products help rebuild your hair’s natural protection, which can help protect your hair from the sun’s harmful rays.
Yet, you still need to protect your hair from sun damage. If you’re enjoying the ocean, the combination of saltwater and sun can be especially damaging to hair. Although they aren’t always the most stylish option, a sun hat or scarf can help protect your hair if you’re out in the sun. You can also look for a sun protection spray with SPF.
They Extend the Life of Your Color
Salon color specialists can ensure you get the color you want, and your color looks vibrant and rich, rather than monotone and flat. Since good salon color is an investment, you want to make the most of your money, and keratin products can help you do that. They actually boost your hair color because, as they smooth out your hair shaft, your hair reflects more light, making it look more lively and vibrant. They also repair the damage done by the sometimes-harsh chemicals used when coloring hair.
They Extend the Life of Your Keratin Treatment
Keratin salon treatments are expensive and time-consuming. A full keratin treatment can take two hours, although the results can last three to six months or more. It helps to minimize frizz and can cut down your blow-drying time by up to 50 percent, so the treatments are worthwhile.
Your stylist starts with a pre-treatment, which helps prepare your hair by lifting the layers of your hair cuticle, so the treatment is effective. The keratin treatment itself is applied using a brush and bowl. Your stylist will use a comb to carefully apply the treatment and target areas with damage. After the treatment is applied, it is sealed in with heat. Your stylist will use a blow dryer to start, and then finish your treatment with a flat iron.
Since keratin treatments are costly, you want to make the most of each treatment. Keratin shampoos, conditioners and styling products can do exactly that. You can’t wet or shampoo your hair for three days after your keratin treatment, but after that, keratin products can help extend the life of your keratin treatment and keep your hair smooth and healthy longer.
If you want a salon treatment that’s cheaper and less time consuming, we also offer a keratin express blowout. This treatment takes an hour and lasts six to eight weeks, and you can wash your hair the next day.
There Are Keratin Products for Every Hair Type and Style
In addition to working well on every hair type, there are also keratin products that specialize in different types of hair.
Keratherapy Color Protect Shampoo shampoo and conditioner are designed for colored hair. If you enjoy a smooth blowout, Keratherapy Color Protect Perfect Blowout can help keep your hair healthy, despite the heat. Regardless of your hair-styling preferences, there is a keratin product that’s perfect for your hair.
They Save You Money
As professional hair stylists, we believe in the services our salon provides. You can achieve similar results with keratin shampoos, conditioners and styling products. The results with keratin products can take time; it’s not the dramatic effect you find with salon treatments. Over time, though, your hair will become smoother and healthier. You may even see fewer split ends!
Just be sure to follow the directions on your product. Leaving your product on too long can have a negative effect on your hair health, so make sure to pay close attention to how long you’re using your product. If you have questions, of course, we’re here to help.
You Can Find Fantastic Products
There are lots of keratin shampoos, conditioners and styling products on the market these days. As with any product, there are some great products and some not-so-great ones. We’re big fans of the great products. When you’re shopping for keratin products, there are some things to look for to ensure you’re getting the best product possible. When it comes to shampoo, for example, look for “keratin” in the ingredient list. It might say “keratin,” “oxidized keratin,” “keratin amino acids” or “hydrolyzed keratin.”
Avoid shampoos that have sulfates, as sulfates can deplete keratin.
You should also avoid shampoos with sodium. Instead, look for natural ingredients you can understand. As for keratin conditioners, look for natural oils like jojoba, coconut, chamomile, rosemary and almond. All of these oils improve the strength of your hair and help protect it from heat and the environment. Avoid conditioners that have sodium chloride, which can dry out your hair and make it frizzy.
When it comes to styling products, look for keratin, polypeptides or collagen on the label.
All these can help strengthen your hair. Also look for humectants, which can help your hair retain moisture and emollients, which are silicones and oils that help maintain shine and reduce damage. Now that you know what to look for, where do you find it? One of the best places to find keratin shampoos, conditioners and styling products is at our salon. Our professional stylists can make recommendations for your hair type and your specific needs.
Keratin Shampoos, Conditioners & Styling Products Are Easy to Use
You don’t need to be a professional to take advantage of keratin products. Once you choose your product, read the directions carefully. They will have recommendations for how long to leave the product on, whether to apply styling products to wet or dry hair, and whether you need to follow the product with heat from blow drying or a flat iron.
Often, after using a keratin conditioner, it’s best to avoid heated styling. This gives your hair a chance to heal, and you may not need to spend as much time styling it after using your keratin conditioner. Shampoos should typically be used every two to three days to prevent over-drying. Dry shampoo can help you get through some of those iffy days. As for conditioner, recommendations vary, but typically you should condition whenever you shampoo.
As for styling products, with many, it’s as simple as just spraying your hair or applying the product to your hair and leaving it in. They’re quick and simple to incorporate into your daily routine.
They Don’t Damage Your Hair
You may have heard some negative press about keratin. The negative information stems from salon-based keratin treatments, some of which release formaldehyde. The exposure to formaldehyde was potentially damaging to clients, as well as stylists, who were repeatedly exposed to the chemical. Keratin does not contain formaldehyde, and it will not damage your hair.
The main risk for damage during a keratin treatment is from using a flat iron that’s too hot for your particular hair. If you’re styling your hair yourself, use the lowest setting you can that will allow you to get the results you want.
More FAQs About Keratin Shampoos & Products
Does keratin shampoo straighten hair?
Keratin shampoos are not designed to permanently straighten hair like some of the professional permanent hair straightening treatments. Keratin shampoos typically contain small amounts of keratin protein, which is a component of hair. These shampoos are formulated to help improve the texture, smoothness, and manageability of the hair, reducing frizz and promoting a sleeker appearance.
Keratin shampoos can have the following effects:
- Smoothing: Keratin shampoos can help smooth the hair cuticle, making the hair feel softer and appear shinier.
- Frizz Reduction: By smoothing the hair’s outer layer, keratin shampoos can help reduce frizz and make the hair more manageable.
- Enhanced Shine: Improved hair texture and reduced frizz can lead to increased shine and a healthier look.
- Temporary Straightening: While keratin shampoos won’t permanently straighten hair, they might help relax curls or waves slightly, leading to a temporary straightening effect.
It’s important to note that the effects of keratin shampoos are not as dramatic or long-lasting as those of professional hair straightening treatments like Japanese hair straightening or hair rebonding. If you’re looking for a more significant and long-lasting change in your hair’s texture, you would need to consider one of the permanent hair straightening treatments or other similar professional treatments.
When using keratin shampoos, be sure to follow the instructions on the product and understand that their effects are temporary and primarily focused on improving the look and feel of your hair rather than permanently altering its structure.