What is Keratin?

Keratin is a protein which is produced by our body and which is found both in the hair and in the nails but also in the skin, where it performs numerous functions: for example, in the skin, keratin acts by waterproofing the skin and making it practically impenetrable to water and microorganisms.

It is therefore an important component, which is why lately we hear more and more about products, such as shampoos, restructuring masks and conditioners, which contain it.

However, as always happens in the world of cosmetics, you shouldn’t overdo the treatments or buy products that are not of high quality , otherwise you risk damaging your hair and having to resort to cutting with scissors! Contacting an expert hairdresser can be a good solution to be sure you receive quality treatment.

Curly, brittle and dry hair: is keratin needed?

The products and techniques that adopt this protein seem to be valid both for strengthening healthy hair, but above all for making hair damaged by coloring and straighteners more beautiful and vital. Not only that: they are well suited to trying to tame curly and frizzy hair.

These types of hair will be healthy and smooth for up to 3 months, thanks to the hydrolysed keratin, widely used by hair stylists. It is the protein that has however been chemically broken down into elementary units.

This process serves to make it compatible with the keratin structure of the hair, however we must pay close attention, because it can happen that in some products used there is formaldehyde, potentially harmful to our health: this is why we must not take advantage of cost-effective treatments low, as the risk of coming into contact with low quality products is high.

Contact a hairdresser: procedure and cost

If you’ve decided to go to a professional, here are the steps you should expect. Obviously he will wash your hair, using an alkaline shampoo and letting your hair dry naturally. After that, the keratin-based product will be applied strand by strand with the help of a brush, to then move on to the styling and drying phase with a hairdryer and straightening plate.

After these first procedures, the hair must be rinsed and then a nourishing mask must be applied, which will still need to be rinsed.

Finally we can move on to the final styling! However, back home you need to take some precautions, since you can’t wash your hair for at least 3/4 days, or let it come into contact with humidity: you also need to avoid playing sports and tying your hair, to ensure that the treatment works fully.

But how much does all this cost? Undergoing keratin hair treatment by a professional can take from 100 to 400 euros, we are talking about such a wide range because it all depends on the products used, the length and type of hair and so on. Consider that you could stay up to two hours in the salon, and therefore the professional’s work is quite a lot!

Obviously the price of the product itself varies according to its composition: it is clear that a quality product without formaldehyde has a decidedly higher cost.

Basically, the level of formaldehyde permitted by law is below 0.2%: you can ask the hairdresser to show you the label, if you don’t trust it, especially if you are pregnant or have any allergies, you should ask for a transparent opinion on the possibility to undergo the treatment.

Also because formaldehyde can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, scalp irritation and hair loss, the appearance of dermatitis and the risk of contact allergies, in addition to the damage to the hair that is created to the hair structure and the risk of developing tumors .

The do-it-yourself keratin straightening treatment

We have seen that the cost of keratin treatment at the hairdresser is quite high, which is why many people wonder if there are no effective home treatments. The answer is positive, there are effective treatments which nevertheless manage to straighten the hair for a shorter period than professional treatment: about half the time.

However you will save money as liquid keratin costs less than a professional keratin treatment.

But how to get a good result? First you will have to wash your hair to clean it of smog and any other cosmetics you may have applied (foams or oils). You will then have to apply the liquid keratin strand by strand, leaving it to act for about 30 minutes. Then dry them at high temperatures and iron them: consider that heat fixes the keratin.

You will not have to wash your hair or play sports or be exposed to humidity for at least 48 hours for the keratin to take effect.

What result can I get? How long does it last?

Whether you go to the hairdresser or try the DIY route, this treatment will eliminate frizz, smooth strands and strengthen hair. Obviously a session with a hair stylist will cost you more, but it will guarantee you longer-lasting and perhaps better results, especially if you are not practical and it is the first time you try your hand at the Brazilian straightening adventure at home.

Furthermore, in case you rely on a salon, then the effects will last even more months, up to 3 if not longer, while home remedies, however effective, last about half the time. It also all depends on the frequency of washing.

Hair straightening with keratin: the advantages

Let’s see what the advantages of this treatment are, even if you may have already guessed them: if you use products free from harmful substances, such as formaldehyde and its derivatives, you will be able to restore vitality, nourishment and softness to hair damaged by hair dryers, straighteners and dyes. .

Another advantage concerns the possibility of undergoing keratin treatment even if you have dyed or bleached hair, because it does not prevent you from dyeing it (the dye will have the same adhesion).

Keratin treatment: does it hurt?

The answer is no: if you use products that do not contain the harmful substances I have already told you about, this treatment can only nourish your hair, helping you to tame unruly tufts and curls or just to change your look and have nourished and protected hair. also from pollutants and external agents. For any doubts, read the label and contact a professional for advice!