What are the side effects of keratin?

Author: Darien Labadie  |  Last update: Thursday, April 3, 2025

Though uncommon, keratin hair treatments can sometimes cause hair damage and loss. Many keratin hair treatments contain formaldehyde, which is a chemical used as a germicide, fungicide and disinfectant. Funeral homes and medical laboratories also use formaldehyde in dead bodies so they don't break down as quickly.

What is the negative of keratin?

When taken by mouth in high doses, creatine is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. There is some concern that it could harm the kidney, liver, or heart function. However, a connection between high doses and these negative effects has not been proven. Creatine can also cause stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle cramping.

What are the negatives of keratin treatment?

Potential Downsides: Chemical Damage: Many keratin treatments contain formaldehyde or other chemicals that can cause damage if used too frequently. Build-Up: Over time, keratin products can build up on the hair, potentially leading to a heavy or greasy feel.

Can a keratin treatment be damaging?

However, we urge you to be careful if you decide to go for one. The high heat and strong chemicals used in keratin treatments risk making your hair dry, brittle and prone to breakage.

What is the least damaging hair treatment?

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.

Hair Botox Explained by a Hairdresser 👉🏻 BETTER THAN KERATIN?

What happens if I stop keratin treatment?

“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.

Does keratin cause hair thinning?

Keratin treatments can cause split ends and other types of hair damage, which often leads to breakage and the appearance of thinning ends. However, they can also cause hair loss if you're sensitive or allergic to the chemicals in your treatment. This is known as telogen effluvium, and it's usually temporary.

What happens after 3 months of keratin treatment?

Primarily a smoothing treatment, be prepared to lose a little of the hair's natural volume – especially if you have usually curly or wavy hair with a lift at the root. Over time (around three to six months) the effect will slowly lessen and hair will return to its natural state.

Which lasts longer, Brazilian blowout or keratin?

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.

What is the best hair repair product?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Styling Serum: Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum, $66.
  • Best Deep Conditioner: Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! ...
  • Best Bond Treatment: Living Proof Triple Bond Complex, $45.
  • Best for Sensitive Scalps: Seen Leave-In Conditioner Fragrance-Free, $27.
  • Best Leave-In: Moroccanoil Treatment Original, $48.

What happens if you have too much keratin in your body?

Hyperkeratosis causes patches of thick, rough skin. There are many types of this condition, including corns and calluses, warts, eczema and psoriasis. Causes include allergies, autoimmune diseases, medications and sun exposure. Providers diagnose hyperkeratosis with a skin exam and biopsy.

Is there a safe alternative to keratin treatment?

Nanoplastia: Offers similar and better results to Keratin treatment without harmful chemicals. Botox treatment: Protein-rich treatment that nourishes, repairs, and straightens your hair without compromising health.

How to cover grey hair after keratin treatment?

Covering grey hair after a keratin treatment can be done using natural hair coloring methods such as henna or vegetable-based dyes. Consult with a professional hairstylist for personalized advice.

Why is my hair still frizzy after keratin treatment?

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.

Why does my hair feel like straw after keratin treatment?

"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.

Can keratin treatment go wrong?

The success of a keratin treatment has as much to do with the type of treatment you get as it does with your hair type and how well you handle your hair in the hours and days following your treatment. There's plenty that can still go wrong – and it will take three to six months before it reverses.

What shampoo to use after keratin?

Avoid shampoos and conditioners that contain sulfates, as they can diminish the treatment's longevity. Instead, use gentle, nourishing options like those from GK Hair, which are designed to complement keratin treatments. These products help maintain the smooth, frizz-free look and protect your hair from further damage.

What are the downsides of keratin treatment?

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.

What is the best shampoo for hair loss?

Top shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15.
  • Best for Thickening: Kérastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, $44.
  • Best for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo, $38.
  • Best for Volume: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, $37.

Do I have to flat iron my hair after keratin treatment?

For the first few days, it's crucial to flat iron your hair twice daily. Heat reactivates the keratin treatment. This implies that if you flat iron your hair, the treatment will not be ruined. The keratin will instead be fully sealed inside the hair fibre.

Why is my hair so flat after keratin?

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.

Will my hair ever go back to normal after a keratin treatment?

The smoother, sleeker results of a keratin treatment aren't as long-lasting as relaxing services, so clients can expect their hair to return to its natural state around three to six months after treatment.

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