Does a Keratin Treatment Damage My Hair? Answered by Atlanta’s Best Stylist David Barron

Keratin treatments are one of the most requested smoothing services in Atlanta — especially with our humidity. But one concern continues to surface:

Can a keratin treatment damage your hair?

To answer that clearly, we’re sharing David’s original explanation exactly as he gives it to clients.

Keratin Treatment Advice Directly from David Barron

"The biggest misconception about Keratin Treatments is that the Keratin Treatment damages hair.  Keratin is a protein that is naturally found in your hair, skin and nails, so a treatment that adds Keratin  to your hair is not in and of itself going to damage your hair.  Where the potential for damage comes in is in the final straightening process that is a part of the Keratin Treatment.  Properly trained stylists will know at which temperature setting they should flat iron a client's hair based on it's strength and texture.  Generally speaking, finer more fragile hair textures, or hair that is extremely damaged, requires less heat, but you still need enough to drive the Keratin protein into the hair cuticle.

My recommendation is that you look for trained hair professionals to provide a Keratin Treatment service, not just the cheapest deal you can find online.  Keratin Treatments can be very beneficial for the hair of many clients, but only if done correctly by a certified Keratin trained professional."

What Actually Causes Damage During a Keratin Treatment

David’s point is critical: Keratin itself is not the problem. Technique is.

Let’s break that down further.

1. Keratin Is a Protein — Not a Harsh Chemical

Keratin is naturally present in your hair structure. A professional keratin treatment works by:

• Coating and infusing the cuticle with smoothing proteins
• Sealing the formula with controlled heat
• Reducing frizz and increasing shine
• Improving manageability

Keratin does not permanently break internal hair bonds like a chemical relaxer. (See also: Keratin treatments vs. permanent straightening »)

2. Heat Application Is Where Precision Matters

The final flat-ironing stage is what locks the treatment into the hair. This step requires:

• Proper temperature calibration
• Adjustment for hair density and strength
• Fewer passes on fragile strands
• Strategic sectioning
• Too much heat on compromised hair can cause dryness or breakage.
• Too little heat prevents proper sealing.

This is why training matters.

3. Not All Hair Is an Ideal Candidate

A keratin treatment can be transformative for:

• Frizz-prone hair
• Hair affected by humidity
• Clients who frequently blow-dry
• Thick or coarse textures seeking smoother movement

However, if hair is:

• Severely over-bleached
• Elastic and weakened
• Actively breaking

A restorative hair plan may need to come first, and a keratin treatment consultation determines this.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keratin Treatments