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When it comes to haircare, one term is on everyone's lips lately: "keratin treatment." It's being hailed as a game-changer in the world of hair beauty, promising smooth hair, enhanced strength, and a silky shine.
But what exactly is a keratin treatment, and what are its benefits? Is getting a keratin treatment worth it?
This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions, from the pros and cons of keratin treatments to their potential side effects, Ruchie Hair Boutique Poole has all the answers.
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Keratin is a natural structural protein in our hair strands, skin, and nails. It's responsible for giving hair its strength and resilience. Over time, due to various factors such as heat damage, chemical treatments, and environmental aggressors, our hair loses keratin, leading to damaged hair and a lackluster appearance.
A keratin treatment, often called a Brazilian keratin treatment, is a salon treatment designed to replenish this lost keratin, resulting in stronger and healthier hair. It involves applying a keratin product to the hair, sealing it with a flat iron, and leaving it on for a certain period before washing it out.
This process allows the keratin to penetrate the hair shaft, strengthening the hair fiber from within and smoothing the outer layer of the hair cuticle.
To truly understand the value of keratin treatments, it's essential to delve into the science behind them. Human hair is primarily composed of keratin, a protein with a robust and durable structure.
Keratin is responsible for the strength and resilience of our hair. Still, over time, due to exposure to environmental factors, heat styling, and chemical treatments, the hair can lose its natural keratin. This loss is often evident through symptoms like dullness, frizz, and susceptibility to damage.
Keratin treatment works to replenish this lost keratin. The process begins with the application of a keratin product onto the hair. This product contains keratin-based particles designed to mimic the hair's natural keratin.
The stylist then uses a flat iron to seal in the product, a process that involves high heat and pressure. This heat 'activates' the product, allowing it to bond with the hair's natural keratin.
This bonding is a temporary process, meaning the treatment results will gradually wash out over time. But while it lasts, the additional keratin serves to strengthen the hair, fill in gaps in the hair cuticle, and create a protective barrier against future damage.
The result? Hair that is not only visibly smoother and shinier but also stronger and healthier from within.
The primary keratin treatment benefits include:
1. Smooth and Frizz-free Hair: One of the most noticeable keratin treatment benefits is its ability to eliminate frizz, leaving your hair smooth and silky. Keratin treatments fill in the porosities in your hair cuticle, reducing frizz and adding shine.
2. Strengthens Hair: Keratin treatments strengthen hair by restoring lost protein to your hair strands. This can help protect your hair from future damage, making it a great option for those with damaged or weak hair.
3. Reduces Blow Drying Time: A keratin hair treatment can drastically reduce hair drying and styling time. After a treatment, you'll find that your hair dries faster, reducing the need for prolonged heat exposure and the associated risk of heat damage.
4. Suitable for All Hair Types: Whether you have fine hair, thick hair, or somewhere in between, a keratin hair treatment can be beneficial. It can improve your hair's texture, making it smoother and easier to manage, regardless of hair type or length.
5. Long-lasting Results: The effects of a keratin hair treatment can last up to six months with a proper haircare routine. This means less time spent on daily styling and more time enjoying your smooth, frizz-free hair.
6. Versatility: Another benefit of keratin treatments is their versatility. You can opt for a full treatment for straighter hair or a keratin express treatment for less permanent results. You can also customize your treatment based on your hair goals - whether you want to straighten hair, add volume, or simply improve your hair's health.
While the benefits of keratin treatments are impressive, it's essential to consider a few points before diving in. Firstly, the traditional Brazilian keratin treatment often uses formaldehyde, a chemical that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Elevated formaldehyde concentration can also lead to serious health issues. Therefore, it's critical to ensure your salon uses a formaldehyde-free formula or a formula with safe formaldehyde levels.
Other considerations include the cost and maintenance of the treatment. Keratin treatments are not cheap; maintaining the results requires a specific haircare routine.
For example, you need to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, avoid sodium chloride, and limit the use of harsh chemicals. Therefore, factor in these aspects before opting for a keratin treatment.
No treatment is without its potential drawbacks, and keratin hair treatments are no exception. We've touched on the risk of formaldehyde exposure, which is a legitimate concern. Symptoms can range from skin irritation and allergic reactions to more serious respiratory issues, particularly if you're in an area not well-ventilated during treatment.
Haircare brands are aware of this issue and have begun offering alternatives. For instance, some salons now offer formaldehyde-free or low-formaldehyde keratin treatments. These often use glyoxylic acid instead of formaldehyde and offer similar benefits without the associated risks.
Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid keratin treatments due to the potential risks associated with chemical exposure.
Lastly, while keratin treatments can strengthen hair, overuse can lead to an excess protein buildup, potentially making your hair brittle and prone to breakage. Therefore, it's crucial to follow your stylist's advice regarding the frequency of treatments.
Take back control and get the hair of your dreams with a keratin treatment at Ruchie Hair Boutique Poole. To book a consultation, call us on 01202 287582 or book online.
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