Have you just left the salon after a keratin treatment and are wondering how long your gorgeous, silky-smooth hair will last? A general rule of thumb is that a salon keratin treatment lasts around three or four months, but that number can go up or down depending on how well you take care of your hair. By avoiding certain habits and following our advice, you can enjoy the improved texture of your lustrous locks for as long as possible.
Factors That Affect How Long a Keratin Treatment Lasts
Because every client’s hair is different, the length of a keratin treatment’s effectiveness varies. However, each of the following practices will affect how long your results can last.
Shampoo Frequency. It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before washing hair to let the keratin treatment settle in. After that, the less frequently you shampoo, the longer results will last. Washing your hair every day will probably make it become frizzy in a month or two while washing it every other day will help the keratin treatment last up to three months. To make it last four or five months, wash your hair just twice a week.
Hair Products. Shampoos containing sulfites can strip the keratin from your hair. Listen to your stylist’s recommendations for sulfate-free products that help reinforce the hair’s strength and elasticity. Doing this will help your treatment last and give you a better idea of when to schedule the next keratin treatment.
Ponytail Practice. Keratin coating needs time to bond to the hair without being disrupted. Using a ponytail holder can prevent this from happening and cause strange wrinkles to form where the hair band was. To make your keratin treatment last longer so your hair can look its best, avoid putting your hair in a ponytail or bun for the first 24 hours. After that, use a silk hair tie that won’t cause indentations.
Coloring. Because hair dye can be harsh on chemically treated hair, it’s important to listen to your stylist’s advice regarding coloring your hair before or after a keratin treatment . At Vakkar, we usually recommend waiting a full week between keratin and color. This allows the hair cuticle to close before adding another chemical. Not only will coloring too soon impact the integrity of the keratin treatment, making it dull and dry; but the chemical in keratin could prevent the color from attaching properly to the hair.
Heat Styling. Your hair was exposed to a lot of heat to seal the keratin into your hair. Flattening, curling, and blow drying it now can cause major damage and make it unmanageable. Keratin treatments help hair dry faster and improve its texture without the need for heat, so embrace your new hairstyle and skip the tools.
Sun Exposure. Ultraviolet rays rob hair of the proteins that keratin bonds to. When you’re in the sun after a keratin treatment, try to protect your hair by wearing a hat as much as possible. It’s also wise to look for sunscreen that’s specially formulated for the hair without leaving it greasy.
Does a Home Keratin Treatment Last Longer?
At-home keratin treatments can be effective when applied correctly, but it depends on your hair goals. DIY kits don’t contain as strong of an application, so they won’t tame ultra-coarse or curly hair. They can, however, deliver a smooth, shiny finish and minimize frizz for about six weeks.
When to Schedule the Next Keratin Treatment
Practicing good follow-up care after getting keratin can extend the life of the treatment, but unfortunately, it won’t last forever. Once you start to notice that your hair is less manageable or see a return to your natural curl pattern, schedule a consultation with your stylist . Because keratin can be harsh on the hair, it’s critical for a professional stylist to assess whether it’s safe to repeat the treatment or if it’s best to wait a few weeks. At Vakaar, we always have your hair’s best interest at heart and will only apply a chemical treatment if your hair is healthy enough to handle it.
Swimming Habits. Taking a dip in the pool or ocean exposes your hair to harmful chemicals that deplete keratin from the hair more quickly. Chlorine strips the protective keratin layer from the outside, while saltwater opens up the cuticles and damages the keratin on the inside. Before jumping in, it’s best to wet your hair with fresh water so it can’t absorb as many chemicals. Rinsing again after getting out will get rid of any residual toxins.
If you have any questions about your keratin treatment or any other services we provide, feel free to give us a call at (314) 991-1616.
