Keratin Treatments: Doing More Harm Than Good
- Keratin treatments are all the rage right now - but are they really worth it? Keep reading to find out more about this hair treatment, and its not-so-great side effects.
- Wary of chemical treatments, but still want flawless hair? SpoiledChild’s SpoiledBrain quiz matches you to your perfect hair sequence in just 90 seconds.
What is a keratin treatment?
To answer this question, let us first take a look at keratin itself. Keratin is a naturally occurring protein within the hair that strengthens hair and helps to prevent damage. It’s vitally important for maintaining the healthy, smooth hair we all want.
A keratin treatment is a chemical process done at hair salons that infuses hair follicles with more keratin, promising frizz-free, shiny locks. Keratin treatments can have varying results, depending on the specific ingredients or how the treatment is applied at the particular hair salon. Keratin treatments may straighten the hair completely, or they can slightly relax curlier textures to increase manageability and help to shield against humidity. Results can last for up to 6 months.
So, it sounds like keratin treatments are perfect for anybody who wants healthier looking hair (especially those with thick, frizzy, unruly textures), right? Well, there’s a catch.
If you’re unhappy with the state of your hair, ditch the expensive and worrisome keratin treatments. Take this short quiz and get matched to the best natural hair solution for you.
Here’s why keratin treatments aren’t all they’re cracked up to be:
Dangerous Chemicals
Have you heard of formaldehyde before? It’s a strong-smelling chemical commonly found in many household products and building materials. Studies show that the colorless gas is also a potential carcinogen, making it dangerous to inhale in large amounts. Shockingly, formaldehyde exists as a key ingredient in many keratin treatments - hence the slight burning sensation you might feel in your nostrils during application.
Easier to manage hair shouldn’t come at the cost of your health.
Expensive & Difficult To Maintain
A single keratin treatment will set you back $300 - $800. That’s one expensive salon visit. The process promises lasting results, but even after the 2 to 3 hour treatment is completed, there’s still work to be done to maintain your new hair.
It’s recommended that you shampoo your hair less frequently, use specific approved products, and avoid swimming in chlorinated or salt water.
Can Cause Heat Damage
Those who have damaged, brittle or very fine hair are told to avoid getting keratin treatments for one reason: the process itself can cause even more damage.
Once the keratin paste is washed out, your hairstylist will blow dry AND flat iron the hair. Such intense heat styling is necessary to lock the treatment into the cuticle, but it puts your hair under major stress. Your hair might feel alive and smoother than ever before after a keratin treatment, but, when done multiple times a year, it can cause significant hair damage.
Do you have your hair’s best interests in mind? Find what it’s asking for with this quiz.
The bottom line - ditch the keratin.
Use restorative, nourishing hair care instead.
Your hair’s natural texture, curl pattern or frizz-level may be a huge source of frustration. This doesn’t mean you need to chemically treat it, compromising your health, and your hair’s health, in the process.
By using moisturizing, reparative hair treatments regularly, you’re not only giving your hair the love it needs, you can also learn to embrace the hair you already have, without having to nuke it with harmful ingredients. Implement a shea butter and coconut oil hair mask into your routine each week to see shine, softness and healthy, frizz-free strands.
Never pay for damage again. Get your perfect hair solution by taking the SpoiledBrain™ quiz.