No the treatment is not permanent nor will it "grow out". The treatment gradually and evenly washes out so there is no "line of demarcation". This treatment does not change the inner structure of the hair, but rather creates a protein layer overlay on the cuticle which protects the hair.
Keratin treatments can be applied both in salons and at home. Home treatments generally last 8-12 weeks, while salon treatments may last up to six months. The time the treatment lasts depends on several factors, including how often you shampoo your hair and how porous your strands are.
A keratin treatment simply washes out and does not grow out, so you shouldn't have to worry about this type of problem. It will look natural and have a natural fade out.
Over time (around three to six months) the effect will slowly lessen and hair will return to its natural state.
“It takes about a year for the hair to recover after discontinuing keratin treatments. During this time, the original, healthier bonds have the opportunity to regain strength, leading to reduced breakage,” she says.
The Downsides
While it can strengthen strands, keratin treatments can potentially cause other types of damage to your hair. Mensah explains that the process involves high heat and harsh chemicals which can lead to moisture loss and leave hair dry.
One of the common culprits for frizz after a keratin treatment is product buildup. Over time, styling products, oils, and environmental pollutants can accumulate on the hair. So, they start creating a layer of residue that weighs it down and compromises the effectiveness of the keratin treatment.
The keratin itself isn't damaging to hair, but the excess heat and other chemicals involved in keratin treatments may leave your client's locks vulnerable. And, as we know, chemical damage and heat damage can have a number of side effects. These include: Dryness and dullness.
Brazilian straightening is the least damaging hair straightening method thanks to the use of keratin and gentle formulas that respect the natural structure of the hair. By offering long-lasting results and improving the overall health of the hair, Brazilian straightening stands out from other straightening techniques.
Keratin Effects: While keratin treatments smooth the hair by sealing the cuticle, they can also weigh down fine or thin hair, potentially reducing volume. Balance Between Smoothness and Volume: Achieving the right balance involves selecting the right product and applying it in a way that minimizes volume loss.
A Brazilian blowout is temporary and lasts for 12 weeks. It requires a special conditioner and shampoo to maintain the smoothness. A keratin treatment is temporary and lasts for 3–6 months. It needs a special conditioner and shampoo to prevent the keratin from rinsing off.
Don't wash your hair for 72 hours after getting a keratin hair treatment, and iron it at least twice daily. By doing this, you can make sure that the protein completely seals the hair fibre. It's also crucial to flat iron your hair after washing it to reactivate the keratin and prevent damage to the hair fibre.
Keratin treatment doesn't directly make your hair grow faster. However, it helps your hair look healthier by reducing breakage and frizz, which can make hair growth appear more noticeable. The treatment strengthens your hair, making it less prone to damage, and allowing for longer, stronger hair over time.
Avoid activities like swimming, sauna's and spa's for at least two weeks! Don't tie your hair up in a ponytail or clip it too tightly. We recommend avoid brushing your hair for the first 24-48 hours. The Keratin treatment needs to have sufficient time to be fully absorbed into the hair.
The keratin treatment is meant more as a de-frizzing and smoothing treatment," says Michael. Michael recommends the keratin treatments for those who are looking for straighter strands—and the Brazilian blowout for those who want to maintain their curls.
Some keratin treatment formulas may contain formaldehyde, a strong-smelling chemical that can cause watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, skin irritation and a burning sensation in your eyes, nose and throat.
"After any Keratin Treatment, the Moisture vs. Protein balance in our hair will be "out-of-sync" due to the high protein concentration used during the procedure. This will cause hair to feel rough, coarse and brittle in the short or long term if nothing is done to counteract it.
In-salon keratin treatments, especially those made with formaldehyde (though again, many modern formulas no longer contain this chemical) can weaken strands, causing excessive shedding and thinning—so it's important to ask your stylist what kind of keratin treatment they use.
Use a Bentonite clay hair mask.
The treatment flexes the hair cuticles and removes the keratin layers the same way it would remove buildup and toxins from the hair.
Keratin treatments don't harm the hair in the same way as conventional hair and relaxing techniques do. After two to three months of treatment, the hair returns to its natural form.
On its own, keratin treatments won't always damage your hair. However, there are a few things to be aware of before booking yourself a treatment. There's a lot of research showing formaldehyde-based keratin treatments are neither safe nor healthy.
Structure Sensitivity: After a keratin treatment, while your hair may be smoother, it can also be more susceptible to breakage if tangles are not managed carefully.