If you’re dealing with frizz, curl, or hair that feels difficult to manage, you’ve probably come across two popular options: keratin treatments and permanent straightening treatments. While both can dramatically improve the look and feel of your hair, they serve very different purposes.
Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right service for your hair type, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Understanding Keratin Treatments
Keratin treatments are designed to smooth and soften the hair, reduce frizz, and add shine. They do not permanently straighten the hair.
Keratin is a protein naturally found in hair. During a keratin treatment, this protein is infused into the hair shaft and sealed with heat, helping to smooth the cuticle and improve manageability.
What Keratin Treatments Do Well
- Reduce frizz and puffiness
- Add shine and softness
- Make hair easier to blow dry and style
- Shorten drying time
- Help hair hold styles longer
What Keratin Treatments Do Not Do
- They do not permanently straighten hair
- Natural curl or wave will still be present (just smoother and more defined)
- Results gradually fade over time
- Most keratin treatments last approximately 12–16 weeks, depending on hair type and home care.
What Is a Permanent Hair Straightener?
A permanent straightening treatment—such as a CHI straightening treatment—is designed to alter the hair’s internal structure, changing curly or wavy hair into straight hair.
Unlike keratin, a straightening treatment does not simply coat or smooth the hair. It restructures the bonds inside the hair, resulting in a much straighter finish that does not revert once washed.
What Permanent Straightening Does Well
- Permanently straightens the hair
- Eliminates curl and wave
- Creates sleek, smooth, glossy results
- Makes hair resistant to humidity
Important Considerations About Permanent Straightening
- New growth will come in with your natural texture
- Touch-ups are needed at the root
- This is a more intensive chemical process than keratin
Permanent straightening is ideal for clients who want consistently straight hair without daily flat ironing.
Keratin vs. Permanent Straightening: The Key Differences
| Feature | Keratin Treatment | Permanent Straightener |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Smooths hair and reduces frizz | Permanently straightens hair |
| Effect on Curl Pattern | Softens curl or wave but does not remove it | Removes curl or wave entirely |
| Longevity | Lasts approximately 12–16 weeks | Permanent on treated hair |
| Maintenance | Gradually fades over time | Requires root touch-ups as hair grows |
| Humidity Resistance | Improves resistance but does not eliminate frizz entirely | Highly resistant to humidity |
| Styling Time | Reduced blow-dry and styling time | Minimal styling needed |
| Commitment Level | Temporary, lower commitment | Higher commitment due to permanent change |
Keratin vs. Permanent Straightening: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between keratin and a permanent straightener depends on what you want your hair to do every day.
Keratin May Be Best If:
- You like your curl or wave but want less frizz
- You want easier blowouts and smoother styling
- You prefer a temporary, lower-commitment option
A Permanent Straightener May Be Best If:
- You want straight hair all the time
- You’re tired of daily flat ironing
- You want maximum humidity resistance
At Barron’s London Salon, we always begin with a consultation to evaluate:
- Hair texture and condition
- Previous chemical services
- Lifestyle and styling habits
- Long-term hair goals
This ensures the service you choose works with your hair, not against it.
Professional Application Matters
Both keratin treatments and permanent straightening services require expert application. Improper technique can lead to dryness, breakage, or uneven results.
Our stylists have extensive experience performing both services and prioritize:
- Hair health
- Even, controlled application
- Correct product selection
- Realistic expectations
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re unsure which option is best for you, we recommend starting with a consultation. We’ll walk you through the differences, assess your hair, and recommend the safest, most effective approach.
📍 Barron’s London Salon – Buckhead, Atlanta
📞 Call 404-812-0032
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