The Basics: How Keratin Straightening Treatments Work

People often ask about keratin treatments – how they work, how long they last, and whether keratin treatments are right for their hair type. While your stylist can best answer those questions for your individual needs, here are some keratin basics to help you understand the process:

Keratin is a protein that is the building block for your hair, skin, and nails. Most of the proteins in your hair are associated with keratin. Your hair’s structure consists of the cortex, the central core of each strand that makes up your hair’s strength, and the cuticle, the outside layers of each strand. Keratin works to protect both components to keep your hair strong.

The amount of keratin in your hair is reduced when hair is damaged by heat and the environment. When damage is done to the cuticle, the inner cortex is exposed and can become more damaged, making its surface rough and affecting your hair’s texture.

Replacing the keratin that has been lost smooths out the surface and makes it stronger. This is why keratin treatments make your hair look so soft, shiny, and healthy. It is the rough, porous surface caused by keratin loss that causes hair to be frizzy and unmanageable. Keratin treatments add this important protein back into your hair to solve these problems.

Keratin straightening treatments provide both an infusion of keratin to repair your hair and other products that straighten your hair. Combined, the treatments give you strait hair that lasts, eliminating the need for heat-activated styling tools each morning. In fact, having keratin treatments every few months is healthier for your hair than styling it with heat every day.

Keratin treatments last for about two to two-and-a-half months. Upkeep is simple: wait for a few days after treatment to wash, and use a sodium and sulfate-free shampoo. Your stylist will provide you with information about the best products to use for your hair type.

If you are interested in trying keratin treatments, make an appointment today at Anna’s Salon Elite. Our professional stylists will provide a keratin treatment customized to your individual needs. Find us at 2616 Brodhead Road in Aliquippa, or give us a call on 724.375.8511 to schedule an appointment.