Is a Keratin Treatment Right for You?
Beauty Editor’s Note:
Now that it is officially fall we start thinking about what new things to do or new treatments to try for the seasons. I have been contemplating some things for myself and one of the things that kept popping up in my brain was keratin treatments. Since this thought has lingered in my mind I figured I would write about it. The purpose of this is for you to be an educated consumer and know what you are getting into. ~Dana
Keratin: What is it?
First of all let me just state that keratin is a natural protein that is found in hair, skin, and nails. A keratin treatment is a process of straightening the hair by applying products then blow drying and sealing the hair with a flat iron. It is sometimes referred to as a Brazilian keratin blowout.
“Reduce curl and frizz with a smoothing treatment powered by keratin complex to provide temporary curl and frizz reduction for up to 12 weeks”
~Ulta
What are the benefits?
Some of the benefits that you might appreciate are frizz elimination, shine, protects hair against humidity, and allows for hair to be more manageable. This might be an option for you if you live in warm humid climates or in the summer. In addition, it can be a plus to lock in color services. Depending on how you care for your hair with this treatment you may get a lasting result that can span up to 6 months.
How does this differ from a relaxer?
- Like a relaxer, a keratin treatment temporarily straightens your hair and your curl pattern will eventually return.
- A relaxer; however, may permanently damage your curl structure, meaning that the curls never return.
Regardless of what straightening method you use whether a blow dryer, flat iron or chemical you run the risk of damaging your natural curl pattern.
What are the downsides of a keratin treatment?
- Keratin treatments can have formaldehyde in it. If you look up the negative effect of formaldehyde in the products you already know what that looks like.
- The process can be expensive. Keratin treatments can range from $250 to $500. It is definitely an investment that you have to be willing to take care of.
I feel if you want to get the best results out of this treatment you must talk to a professional in order to prevent damage to your hair. Also, it is recommended to only have these treatments no more than three times a year.
The verdict:
Talk to a beauty professional for the proper guidance of what would be right for your hair type. Don’t try to do this treatment on your own. I am not a fan of DIY chemical services that people tend to do. You will always get the best results when you have the right professional doing it.
As I am wrapping up this post, I found out that there is a formaldehyde-free version of keratin treatments. Again, do your own research.
Resources:
By Dana Hinnant, Beauty Editor
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Connecting With Dana Hinnant
- dhinnant@bolddblindbeauty.com
Connecting With Bold Blind Beauty
Author Bio:
Dana Hinnant, a Washingtonian native, whose journey into the beauty industry began 20 years ago after receiving her B.A. in Hearing and Speech Sciences from the University of Maryland in 2000. She received her aesthetics training at Von Lee International School of Esthetics in Baltimore, MD.
Dana started as a local makeup artist and events coordinator with Alluring Looks, Inc. in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Her articles were featured in local publications such as Pose Magazine and Yndigo newsletter. In the mid-2000s, she was a volunteer instructor with the American Cancer Society’s Look Good…Feel Better program, which landed her an esthetician position at an area day spa.
Over the past several years, Dana has worked with various non-profit organizations and small businesses. During her tenure as the President of the Health and Wellness division of the National Federation of the Blind DC affiliate, she utilized the platform to provide salon safety tips and skincare advice throughout the community. She was a consultant with the Ecumenical Health Council in Port Towns, MD doing beauty and wellness presentations at area churches and events.
In 2019, Dana received the Maryland Association of Community Service Award for Volunteer of the Year due to her community engagement work for The Arc of Prince George’s County. In addition, she also received the Volunteer of the Year award for 2020 from The Arc of Maryland. She is a member and an ambassador with the Professional Beauty Association. Dana is one of the co-owners of Capitol Collective Consulting LLC which launched in April 2021.
Image Descriptions:
- Header is a closeup of a used container of hair treatment with applicator. In the blurred background a woman is about to have her hair shampooed.
- Woman getting hair treatment at a salon. close up shows a gloved hand applying the treatment to the hair.
- Keratin hair treatment concept wit a portrait of a smiling Asian woman with half knotted and straight hair isolated on a black background.
- Keratin recovery and protein treatment with professional ultrasonic iron tool on a section of hair.
- Brown jug of formaldehyde with a big “Danger” sign on it.
- Author bio photo is a headshot of Dana wearing a black scoop neck top under a black jacket. She has glowing caramel colored skin and short dark hair.