Whether it is called Brazilian keratin treatment, Coppola keratin straightening, Keratin Complex treatment, Liquid keratin, and Global keratin, etc., the primary product used in this conditioning treatment is keratin. Keratin is a tough protein found in skin, hair and, nails. The chemical aldehyde, a derivative of formaldehyde, assists the keratin infusion into the hair.
Keratin Treatment versus Japanese Straightening Treatment
Unlike the thermal reconditioning system (Japanese straightening) which thermally and chemically restructures the hair bonds to create permanent stick straight hair, the keratin procedures recondition the hair preventing frizz while allowing it to wave, curl, or be flat ironed straight. Hair gradually returns to its original state without the awkward growing out stage inherent to the Japanese hair straightening. This advantage becomes its disadvantage; the treatment is not permanent and lasts anywhere from 8 weeks to 4 months.
The Hair Undergoes a Conditioning Treatment
Essentially the protein keratin formula is infused into freshly washed hair by heat. The internal hair bond is unchanged, the cuticle is smoothed and hair damage is repaired. The internal structure of the hair is not changed but the hair is believed to be stronger, more flexible and manageable post treatment.
The Application of Keratin Hair Treatment
Hair is thoroughly washed of any product with a special salt-free clarifying shampoo. Hair is blown 100% dry with hair dryer and brush then sectioned with the solution applied thoroughly to every strand. Each strand section is then straightened up to 5 times with a 450-degree flat iron thus infusing the keratin solution into the hair. The hair remains so for 72 hours. Thereafter, it is washed with a sodium-free shampoo and conditioner. Results are frizz free, soft, shiny hair ready for styling or air-drying.
Safety Concerns of Smoothing Reconditioning Keratin Treatment
Eyes may burn and throats ache when the solution is applied or heated. Some stylists find they need to wear a mask for comfort and protection.
The long-term effects of breathing in toxins are not known nor are the long-term effects of repeated treatments to hair. Despite what manufacturers claim this is a chemical product being applied to the hair and scalp.
The downside of BKT (Brazilian Keratin Treatment)
- Although the product is not expensive by the times it passes through the seller to the stylist and onto the client’s hair, the treatment costs anywhere from $250 - $500. The average price is $300.
- The treatment may take 1.5 to 5 hours of time depending on length and thickness of hair.
- The success is very technician dependent as well as the efficacy of the flat iron and the number of times it is applied to the hair strands.
- Three to 4 days of not washing product out of the hair can be extremely uncomfortable, not to add unattractive. During that time, the hair cannot get wet or be put up or pinned or bent in any way. If so, it must be flat ironed smooth again.
- There is a shorter quicker version where the hair can be washed out after 6 hours. It may not be as effective.
- Hair must be washed and conditioned with special shampoos and conditioners, which do not contain sulfate or sodium. The scalp and hair sometimes does not feel as clean as it did with the previous shampoo of choice.
- Some claim their double processed blond hair is slightly darker post treatment (hair can be colored 2 weeks after the procedure).
- The more frequently the hair is washed, the quicker the results disappear.
The Upside of keratin smoothing procedures
- It can be done on virtually any hair type.
- Ironically chemically damaged hair with its open shafts takes the product better than virgin hair. Bleached, previously straightened, highlighted, virgin, or colored hair are all candidates. Caucasian, African, or Asian hair can be processed. Hair will feel, look, and be smoother, softer, and shinier.
- The treatment is a moisturizer and believed to repair damaged hair.
- Heat and humidity wont cause hair to frizz.
- The hair retains its body and doesn’t hang limp.
- Hair will eventually return to its pretreatment state.
(Additional tips for changing hair style, length, or body are found on my blog as well.)
Amy Andersen - Amy Andersen, MSN, ARNP, family & pediatrics certified, practices yoga and explores the inter-relationships of mind body fitness and ...
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