How to Sleep After a Keratin Treatment (i.e. what, if anything, do you need to do differently?)

You may have heard myths about the bother of having frizz-free hair, like that you can’t put your hair in a ponytail, and that it’s hard to sleep after a keratin treatment. The truth is that life with a keratin treatment isn’t all that different — and you certainly don’t have to sleep sitting up! However, we do have recommendations for making your smooth, shiny hair last as long as possible, including the best sleeping position. 

The Best Way to Sleep After a Keratin Treatment

Keratin needs time to fully bond with your hair strands, and keeping it straight allows that to happen more efficiently. It’s also best to avoid materials that will cause friction and make your hair frizzy. Here are some best practices to follow: 

Sleep on your back. To reduce the chances of wrinkles forming in your hair while you sleep, it’s best to avoid laying on your side or stomach. When you lie down after a keratin treatment, try to stay on your back with your hair straight underneath you. You can even lay your hair out straight above your head if you’re able to sleep comfortably like that.  

Switch your pillowcase. Cotton causes friction that can damage hair, so it’s best to use a satin or silk pillowcase when you lie down after a keratin treatment. Sleeping on a smooth fabric that lets the hair easily slide is actually a good practice to follow all the time! 

Keep your hair down. If you’re used to putting your hair in a scrunchy or bonnet at night, now is the time to skip it. Pulling it back while you sleep after a keratin treatment can cause wrinkles to form. But don’t worry, you can definitely wear a ponytail after the first couple of days, even during the daytime. Just make sure you use a hair band that doesn’t cause breakage.  

What If I Wake Up With Kinks After a Keratin Treatment?

If your hair is folded or kinky in the morning, it’s not the end of the world. Simply brush through it using a wide-tooth comb to avoid damaging your hair. If bends or folds don’t disappear, set your flat iron to 280 degrees and swipe it just once for smooth results.

What Are Some Other Ways to Make My Keratin Treatment Last Longer?

When it comes to having manageable hair for as long as possible, the way you sleep or lie down after a keratin treatment is just the beginning. You can also:

Wash it only 2-3 times per week. Shampooing keratin-treated hair every day will make it become frizzy in a month or two. Washing it every other day will help it stay smooth for up to 3 months, and stretching it out to just twice a week can help results last 4 or even 5 months.

Use products your stylist recommends. Certain shampoos are made with sulfates and other ingredients that strip keratin from the hair. We will tell you about products that actually keep keratin in longer and help reinforce the hair’s strength and elasticity. 

Wait a full week before coloring. Chemically treated hair needs time for cuticles to close before adding another chemical. This not only prevents damage, but also allows color to properly attach to the hair. A reputable stylist won’t schedule a coloring appointment for you until at least a week after a keratin treatment

Your Sleep After Keratin Treatment May Be a Little Different, But The Results Will Be Worth It!

If you’re a side or stomach sleeper, snoozing on your back on a pillowcase you’re not used to might feel a little strange. However, it’s a lot better than waking up with frizzy, unmanageable hair! After a few nights, you can sleep however you are most comfortable, and you’ll appreciate the rewards of frizz-free hair that lasts for months!

If you have any other questions about your keratin treatment, feel free to ask our experts. Just give us a call at (314) 991-1616. 

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