Home keratin treatment vs. salon keratin treatment

Table of contents

• What is Keratin?

• How is it done?

• Pros and cons:

• Things to keep in mind

• Concerns

• Benefits

At-home keratin treatments have become increasingly popular in recent years. There are convenient and affordable ways to achieve smoother, shiner hair without going to a salon. However, many wonder if at-home treatments are as effective as salons. We'll take a closer look at the differences between home keratin treatments and salon keratin treatments.

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a protein naturally found in hair, skin, and nails. It helps to keep hair strong and healthy. However, hair can become damaged over time due to heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors. This can cause hair to dry, becoming frizzy and prone to breakage. Keratin treatments are designed to help repair this damage by infusing the hair with keratin and other nourishing ingredients.

At-home keratin treatments typically come in a kit available at the store, or you can also find them online. These usually contain a keratin treatment solution, a clarifying shampoo, and a conditioner. Applying the treatment is reasonably straightforward, or you can still read the leaflet if you have any doubts.

• — Express keratin- This is the lightest option available for the treatment. It is for frizz control and better shine. It lasts up to 5 or 6 weeks.
• — Intense keratin- As the name suggests, ' intense' is slightly more robust than the express keratin treatment to relax the curling and hold down the hair. It lasts up to 2 or 3 months.
• — Nano smoothing- Finally, Nano smoothing is the strongest and the longest time taking process, which can take 2 to 3 hours of processing time. This process requires hair shampooing at least twice before starting the process. This type of keratin treatment process involves a step of blow drying the hair and then straightening it. Nano smooth keratin treatment lasts up to 4 to 5 months if done properly.

How is it done?

1. Start by washing your hair with the clarifying shampoo to remove any build-up or residue.
2. Divide your hair into sections.
3. Apply the keratin treatment solution to your hair and ensure you saturate each strand.
4. The next step is to blow dry your hair.
5. Use a flat iron to seal the treatment.
6. The entire process is time-consuming. It can take up to 3 hours.
7. — Blowdry, and then, using a flat iron, seal the solution in your tresses.

Pros and cons:

Pros- One of the most significant advantages of at-home keratin treatment is no salon charge.
It is less expensive. You can just purchase the keratin treatment kit depending on the brand and the length of your hair. By keratin treatment, you can attain the lost moisture and stronger hair.

Cons- You may not get the desired result. It may not last longer.

Professionals do salon keratin treatments with the same process that involves applying the keratin-based formula to the hair and then sealing it with heat. The keratin treatment price depends upon the brand and the professionals. It may differ from place to place.

Things to keep in mind

—Suitability- Keratin treatment works best on frizzy, curly, or damaged hair. People with fine or straight hair may see less dramatic results.

—Duration- The treatment can take 2 to 3 hours, depending on the hair's texture, length, and thickness.

—Results- The effect of the keratin treatment can last anywhere from 2 to 6 months. It depends on how well you take care of the treatment.

—Aftercare- After the treatment, it is necessary to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to maintain the results. Also, avoid trying or styling hair for at least 48 to 50 hours; it ensures that the treatment formula sets appropriately.

Concerns

These treatments generally contain formaldehyde, which can emit fumes during the keratin treatment process. It may only be suitable for someone.

• Eye irritation
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Rashes
• Headache
• —Kindly visit a doctor if you feel unwell.

Benefits

• The salon keratin treatments can make your tresses manageable and reduce styling time.
• Restores hair's lost shine and makes it smoother and glossier.
• The keratin penetrates the hair shaft and helps to repair any damage that has occurred.
• Keratin treatment brings back the lost moisture of the hair strands.

Both treatments have pros and cons. At-home keratin treatment is affordable but less effective than salon keratin treatments. Salon treatments, on the other hand, can be expensive, but they are performed by professionals who have experience with keratin treatments and on different hair textures. It helps maintain the hair’s density and health.