Keratin straightening: benefits, harm, how to do it. Keratin hair straightening

Today there is just a real boom in hair products with keratin: shampoos, conditioners, masks, leave-in products and of course keratin hair straightening. And this is not surprising, because keratin has unique properties to restore hair from the inside, but for this, the products must be of high quality and professional.

Keratin is the basis of our hair, or rather a type of protein that contains an amino acid responsible for the elasticity, smoothness and health of hair. If the body cannot independently synthesize the required amount of keratin, it is imperative to adjust your diet, include daily foods rich in animal protein, and B vitamins (B6) and a number of microelements (silicon, magnesium, nitrogen, sulfur, selenium). All these important vitamins and microelements can be obtained from foods; they are best absorbed from foods.

And keratin straightening promises well-groomed, soft, smooth, elastic and shiny hair after just one procedure and for a long time. Well, how can a modern girl not be interested in this? After all, with our hair we emphasize our uniqueness, beauty and our daily image.

The keratin craze began about five to six years ago in Brazil, thanks to the Brazilian hair straightening technique, which used keratin as one of the main components. Therefore, sometimes keratinization is also called Brazilian hair straightening.

The essence of the keratinization or keratin straightening procedure is that keratin (liquid) penetrates deep into each hair and fills damaged areas, cracks, and under the influence of heat it acquires elasticity and becomes a protective layer for each hair to the very ends.

Stages of keratin hair straightening

Keratin hair straightening is most often done by girls with curly, unruly and porous hair, but even those who have naturally straight hair can also do this procedure, because keratin primarily restores hair, makes it more elastic and shiny, straightening comes as an addition.

If you are thinking of doing keratin hair straightening, then be sure to go to a good salon, to an experienced, qualified hairdresser, where they use high-quality raw materials. At least the first few times to learn the essence of the procedure, and then you can try it at home, but I still don’t recommend it.

The whole procedure depends entirely on the master and the quality of the keratin!

Stage 1. The master, based on the type of hair and, of course, its condition, selects the appropriate composition. It is very important to do everything in the correct dosage and then this procedure will have a therapeutic restorative effect on the hair (it is quite difficult to do this at home). It is necessary to use the products in strict accordance with the instructions. It is precisely the strict implementation of the instructions that will allow keratin to penetrate deep into the hair structure and have the desired effect.

Stage 2. The master combs the hair and prepares it for thorough cleansing, using a special deep cleansing shampoo. The shampoo deeply cleanses the hair of various contaminants (styling products, silicones, sebum, dust and other contaminants), then it is well filled with keratin.

Stage 3. Next, the hair is slightly dried with a hairdryer and keratin is applied. It is important to carefully distribute the product over the entire length, since smoothing the hair in all areas depends on this. Be sure to ensure that the mixture does not touch the hair roots. After some time, the hair is dried with a hairdryer until it is completely dry.

Stage 4. Then the hair is divided into zones and small strands are taken and carefully straightened with an iron (for different keratins, the temperature can vary from 180-200 to 230 degrees), this is necessary in order to seal the keratin inside the hair. After the procedure, all hair scales are completely closed and fit tightly to each other, as a result the hair looks elastic, manageable, shiny and well-groomed.

The smell during the procedure is tolerable, but your eyes begin to water a little, I recommend that as soon as you feel a slight burning sensation in your eyes, just close them.

If everything is done correctly, then the result will not keep you waiting: the hair will be soft, one might even say “alive,” smooth, elastic, shiny, weighted. Keratin hair straightening has cumulative effect.

How to care for hair after keratin straightening

The effect of the procedure remains from 3 to 6 months and therefore it is very important to properly care for your hair after keratin straightening so that the result pleases you for as long as possible.

Some formulations allow you to wash your hair immediately after the procedure, and some recommend refraining from washing your hair for three days and not pinning it with hairpins or elastic bands to avoid kinks.

Choose gentle, sulfate-free care!

Shampoo. It is imperative to choose a sulfate-free shampoo, so the effect of the procedure will last much longer.

Conditioner and mask. Despite the fact that the hair looks, one might even say perfect, it still needs care as always. That is, after each wash we apply conditioner or a mask, preferably with more natural compositions.

Leave-in products. Oils, fluids, and crystals are also needed by hair for additional care and external shine.

Pros and cons of keratin hair straightening

An immediate effect, that is, you get perfectly straight hair immediately after the procedure and the effect lasts from three to six months (with proper care).
The hair is perfectly straight, soft, elastic and incredibly shiny... and so on for several months. And besides, during rain or humid weather, your hair still looks perfect.
The hair is easy to comb and does not electrify; for those with unruly hair, this is a godsend.
Keratin straightening has a cumulative effect; with each procedure, the results will last longer.
Keratin straightening can be done on both colored and undyed hair. You can dye your hair immediately before the procedure, or 1-2 weeks after.
After keratin straightening, you can safely style and even curl your hair; it is easy to style. Drying and styling your hair takes much less time.

This procedure also has disadvantages:

The downside is that volume is removed, because porous hair looks voluminous, and after the procedure the hair looks smooth and manageable, but many note that after washing with shampoo several times, the volume returns a little.
Keratin straightening is not suitable for girls with very thin hair, since after the procedure it will look even thinner.
Many girls note that after the procedure, their hair needs to be washed more often than before keratin straightening.
During the procedure, when keratin is sealed with an iron, the keratin composition may be a little harsh on the eyes and the smell is not pleasant.
Some manufacturers use formaldehyde in straightening compositions, which is considered a carcinogen and can be dangerous; its proportion should not exceed 0.2%. Therefore, choose your keratin brand very carefully. Formaldehyde is used in cheaper products, mostly produced in Brazil. Formaldehyde is a chemical that, when exposed to hair for long periods of time, can have a detrimental effect on hair and the general health of the body.

Keratin straightening is suitable for:

if the hair splits not only at the ends, but also along the length of the hair, it looks dull, lifeless and brittle;
if you have curly or curly hair and want to have perfectly straight hair;
if your hair becomes frizzy and reacts sharply to humid weather;
if you are tired of styling your hair with a hairdryer and straightener every day.

Contraindications to the procedure:

pregnancy and breastfeeding;
damage to the scalp (wounds) or too sensitive scalp;
scalp diseases;
hair loss (any type of alopecia).

Types of keratin for hair

Cadiveu Professional
keratin Research (USA)
Global Keratin Hair (USA)
Keratin Complex Therapy (USA)
Brazilian Blowout (USA)
HONMATOKYO
Brazilian Keratin Treatment
Cadiveu Brasil Cacau (Brazil)
Cocochoco (Israel)
Natura Keratin
Nanokeratin

The key to high-quality keratin hair straightening: you need to find a qualified, experienced master who works with high-quality keratin, a proven brand and will not spare the composition, but will apply a sufficient amount. A professional iron that seals the keratin, rather than stroking it through the hair, and all the keratin will be washed off after several hair washes and, of course, special care after the procedure.

A hundred years ago, only wealthy ladies could have beautiful and healthy hair. After all, caring for them not only requires a lot of time and effort, but also a lot of money. Today nothing has changed dramatically. Many women cannot afford long hair, because they are exposed to negative factors, and maintaining vibrant beauty is very difficult and expensive.

The main component of hair is keratin, which provides mechanical strength: it is about 90%. Due to the unfavorable influence of the environment, disease, lack of vitamins in the body, as well as other reasons, the main structural element is reduced. This leads to fragility, hair loss, loss of shine and volume.

To obtain the correct structure of thin and split ends, it is necessary to restore the maximum amount of keratin. This is done using keratin straightening, which can be done even at home.

What is keratin straightening and its types

Keratin straightening is a caring process during which the hair is saturated with beneficial microelements. The curls are coated with protein, then during heat treatment it crystallizes, creating an invisible frame that makes the strands straight.

Hair straightening with keratin first appeared in Brazil in the early 2000s. It has been improved over the years. Now the procedure is carried out using different methods. Depending on the technology and substances used, it is divided into two main types:

Brazilian straightening. It is carried out using the main component – formaldehyde. Based on this substance, a special solution is prepared, which is applied to the hair and heat treated with an iron. This procedure is performed within 2.5-3 hours. It has a rather therapeutic effect; straightening is a secondary result. The duration of the Brazilian method is no more than 4 months, but this takes into account proper care.
Japanese straightening. It differs from the previous one, first of all, in the main component of the solution - cyastymine. The presence of a huge amount of protein affects the hair not only from the outside, but also penetrates deep inside. The procedure lasts about six hours, and the effect of straight hair lasts for almost a year. Throughout the entire time, you can make a correction in which only the length at the roots is smoothed. The procedure is cheaper than the Brazilian procedure.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before deciding on the procedure, you need to be fully armed with information and know all the pros and cons of the method. The main advantages of the procedure are as follows:

Hair becomes silkier, more manageable and smooth.
They are much easier to comb and practically do not tangle under the influence of external factors - wind, frost, hats.
The curls become thicker and heavier, making them less electrified.
Split ends are eliminated.
If coloring is carried out before keratinization, the color lasts much longer.
Used as an alternative to chemical straightening.
The effect lasts for a long period from 4 to 10 months.

Despite a number of advantages, there are also disadvantages:

Frequent allergic manifestations on the scalp and body.
To wash your hair you need to use expensive “sulfate-free” shampoos.
Rapid contamination of hair roots, which leads to the need for frequent hair washing (sometimes 2 times a day).
After straightening, do not wash your hair for 3 days.
With frequent visits to baths, saunas, and swimming pools, the duration of the result is reduced several times.
Adverse health effects due to fumes from chemicals used.
High price if the procedure is carried out in specialized salons.

Indications and contraindications

Keratin straightening is mainly necessary for people with curly, unruly, thin hair. It promotes easy styling, adds volume and shine.

There are also some contraindications. For example, it should not be used by people prone to allergic reactions or those suffering from bronchial asthma. Keratin smoothing is contraindicated for women who have hair loss. After the procedure, the curls become heavy, and since the hair follicles are weakened, hair loss is inevitable.

It is prohibited to use the technique in case of exacerbation of chronic diseases, damage to the scalp, or in pregnant and lactating women.

Preparation and process of keratin straightening

Keratin straightening is a new and complex method, but its main advantage is its long-lasting results. As a rule, it is done only in salons. Since this is an expensive pleasure, many women adapt to carry out the procedure at home. To do this you will need the following components:

Professional deep cleansing shampoo - can be purchased at any store.
Serum (keratin) - there are many companies that produce ready-made mixtures. Most often they are called “Keratin straightening kit”.
Iron for leveling. For maximum results, it should maintain a temperature of 230 degrees.
An application brush (you can use a regular painting brush) and a straight comb.

It is necessary to remember about precautions: stock up on a pair of gloves and two masks. The one who will carry out the process needs gloves, and both need protective masks. During drying, the keratin product evaporates, and its vapors can cause allergies or even intoxication. The procedure should be carried out in a well-ventilated area!

Step by step plan

Wash your hair thoroughly with professional shampoo. This is the product that is used because it does not contain silicone.
Dry your hair with a hairdryer from bottom to top. Thanks to this, they will absorb keratin better.
Apply the product to the strands with a brush, retreating 1-1.5 cm from the scalp. Afterwards, use a comb to distribute the keratin evenly along the entire length.
We wait about an hour for the applied mixture to dry a little.
We divide the hair from the back of the head to the top of the head into 5-6 parts. We begin by taking thin strands from below and quickly smoothing them with an iron many times – more than ten. This is the longest and most responsible process. Make the parting and bangs the way they should be. Then it's difficult to change anything.
After the procedure, you should not wash, braid, or pin your hair with a hairpin or elastic band for three days. After time, wash off the keratin with the same sulfate-free shampoo.

Purchased kits and products

There are many different kits for straightening hair using keratin. All of them mainly differ in the manufacturer, price and concentration.

The most popular is the Israeli drug “Cocochoco”. Its main advantage is the price - approximately 5-6 thousand rubles per 1 liter. It is divided into two types: standard and pure version. The first option is universal, with almond and other additives, and the second is intended for light shades of hair. It does not produce yellowness, but is also less effective than the regular version. The Cocochoco set is often used in salons, but it is also perfect for home use.

The American product “Kerarganik” is often used in keratinization. Compared to the first option, it costs more - about 10 thousand for the same volume. There are 3 types in the line: weak (no formaldehyde), medium and strong. It has one drawback - it does not give a rich shine, but it lasts a long time and straightening is carried out at a more gentle temperature regime - 210 degrees.

Less known, but effective, is the set made in the USA - “Brazilian Blowout”. This is a “luxury” class product, the price is from 15 to 18 thousand rubles per 1 liter. The manufacturer offers two compositions: weak and strong. Its peculiarity is that it is applied to damp hair. And the price is justified by the economical consumption - one and a half times less per procedure than other drugs.

How keratin straightening is done in beauty salons

Many people are afraid to do keratin smoothing at home, so they turn to beauty salons. There is an opinion that in specialized places they use expensive products and carry out the process in accordance with the instructions, which is why the price is high. But it often happens that the master has exactly as much professionalism as you. And instead of the declared exclusive drug, the most common one.

Pros of the salon procedure:

We have all the necessary attributes for straightening.
There are dryers that are used to dry hair coated with keratin at a controlled temperature.
High temperature straightener with ceramic inserts.
The procedure in the salon is faster than at home.

The main disadvantage of specialized places is the price, which depends on the type and length of hair.

Prices for the Brazilian view:

Short – 1,500 -- 3,000 rubles;
Medium - 3,500 -- 5,000 rubles;
Long – 5,000 -- 10,000 rub.

Prices for the Japanese method:

Short – 3,000 -- 4,500 rubles;
Medium - 5,000 -- 7,500 rubles;
Long – 8,500 -- 15,000 rub.

Which is better - hair botox or keratin?

One can argue for a very long time about which is better, Botox or keratin. Each of these methods has its pros and cons, which are presented in the table.

Characteristic	Botox	Keratin
Hair health	Has medicinal properties. Penetrates deep into the hair and nourishes it from the inside.	The hair looks healthy because of the film covering it.
Straightening curls	Doesn't straighten completely. It just levels the outside.	Thanks to the keratin layer, the hair becomes heavy. They straighten up under the weight.
Hair shine	Gives rich color and shine to hair.	Only some products do not give richness and brightness to hair.
Hair coloring before and after	Prohibited.	You can color it before and after the procedure.
Duration of the procedure	30 - 60 minutes.	3 - 6 hours
Effect duration	1 - 4 months.	4 - 10 months
Price of the procedure	1,500 - 5,000 thousand rubles.	1,500 - 13,000 thousand rubles.

Opinions and reviews of cosmetologists

Cosmetologists are categorically against straightening hair with keratin at home. They cite the lack of skills and special knowledge to carry out the procedure as the main reason. In some ways they are right. Using the home method, you should know that the effect will last much less.

There is one more point why experts are against straightening your curls on your own. In professional salons, before the procedure, they must do a drug test for allergies. This is more difficult to do at home.

Video tips

The impact of any chemicals on hair has not only positive aspects, but also negative ones. Therefore, you need to know how to properly care for your hair after straightening. I will give you several care recommendations, following which you can prolong the effect and protect your curls from negative consequences.

For the first three days, you cannot wash your hair, use hairsprays, gels and foams for styling, as well as braid hair, use hairpins, hoops and elastic bands. Comb carefully and in a vertical direction.
For the next 2-3 weeks, it is forbidden to dye your hair, use a hair dryer or straightener.
Wash your hair only with sulfate-free shampoos and similar balms.
It is not recommended to frequently visit the swimming pool, sauna and bathhouse. High humidity will shorten the duration of the procedure.
Regularly and thoroughly care for your hair. Use natural masks, compresses and other methods.

Keratin straightening not only makes hair more attractive, but also intensively restores its structure, creating an enveloping film and protecting it from negative external influences. The main advantage of this method is that the effect lasts from four and, in some cases, up to 10 months.

This method is ideal for women who dream of getting rid of unruly, tangled hair, reducing daily styling time and always having an unrivaled appearance.

Marina Ignatieva

Reading time: 10 minutes

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If a girl has curly hair, then someday she will definitely want to straighten it (every second woman, according to statistics). And here a special procedure comes to the rescue, which can straighten your curls even after perm.

So, what do you need to remember about keratin hair straightening?

Advantages of keratin hair straightening - before and after photos after the procedure

This procedure allows you to straighten your hair without the use of chemical compounds.

Pros of keratin straightening:

Disadvantages of the procedure - disadvantages of keratin hair straightening

Like any cosmetic procedure, keratin hair straightening has its disadvantages:

If it’s raining outside and you just left the salon, we recommend using an umbrella, otherwise the effect of the procedure will be ruined.
Allergic reactions are possible due to intolerance to individual components of the straightening product.
For three days, you cannot perform mechanical “violence” on your hair. This means that you will have to give up braids, buns, ponytails and everything else.
The procedure is quite unpleasant, as tearing of the eyes may occur due to the fact that the drug contains formaldehyde, the vapors of which irritate the mucous membranes.
If the procedure is done in an unventilated area, there is a risk of formaldehyde poisoning. This phenomenon can even lead to cancer.
After some time, the ends of the hair break off, which forces you to go and cut the ends of your hair.
Hair may appear greasy and dirty.
Hair volume will decrease.
If you have a large head of thick hair, the effect will not last long.
The procedure is not quick. If you have long waist-length hair, then you should be prepared to sit in the master’s chair for 3 to 5 hours.

Expert opinion of Vladimir Kalimanov, chief technologist of Paul Oscar:

Keratin straightening is only 1 type of straightening out of three: there is also permanent straightening and acid straightening. Each of them has its own pros and cons, as well as active components and mechanisms of operation.

The keratin straightening procedure, while having many advantages, does not avoid its disadvantages.

The biggest of them is discomfort during the procedure for both the master and the client. Depending on the concentration of the active ingredient (formaldehyde releaser) in the product, the eyes may begin to water and the nasopharynx may tingle (the same feeling of discomfort when cutting onions).

Is it possible to get poisoned by formaldehyde vapors generated during the keratin straightening procedure?

When working with modern professional preparations, this is impossible, since less than 0.2 mg/m3 of air is released during operation.

In accordance with the order of the Chief Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation dated May 25, 2014 on the MPC r.z. (maximum permissible concentrations of the working area), without harm to health, a person can stay in a room with a formaldehyde vapor concentration of no more than 0.5 mg/m3 of air during an 8-hour working day. As we can see, the concentration evaporated during keratin procedures is 2 times less than the permissible one.

But do not forget the point about individual intolerance to specific ingredients and allergenicity. Not only keratin straightening treatments, but also shampoos, masks and hair dyes are not immune to this. Therefore, before starting the procedure, you should always carry out allergy test on the body’s possible reaction to the composition.

If after the procedure the first few weeks the hair looks dirty, this is most likely a minus not of keratin compositions, but of the professional performing the procedure. This effect can occur if the specialist incorrectly selected the composition for keratin straightening, or violated the execution technology.

I want to dispel the myth that you cannot wet, pin or wash your hair within 72 hours after the procedure. These frameworks can be attributed to old compositions that were relevant several years ago. Today, compositions for keratin straightening allow you not to apply any restrictions in hair care in the first 3 days after the procedure.

Indications and contraindications for keratin hair straightening - recommendations from cosmetologists.

Many believe that such a procedure is almost harmless, but there is a list of indications and contraindications for this procedure (not to mention the disadvantages described above).

What should you consider before going to the salon?

Indications:

Hair that needs straightening and shine.
Curly hair that is difficult to style and comb.

Contraindications:

Damage to the scalp. If you have even the smallest wounds on your head, then you should refuse the keratin hair straightening procedure.
For some scalp diseases, you should consult your doctor.
If you are experiencing hair loss, you should avoid the procedure - after it, the hair becomes heavier, which means that the hair follicles will not hold hair well, which can lead to even more severe hair loss.
If you are breastfeeding or carrying a child, then you DEFINITELY need to abandon the straightening procedure.
People with precancerous conditions should also not have this procedure.

However, experts and consumers have two opinions about this procedure. Study all the pros and cons of the technology, compare the effectiveness, benefits and harm to your curls before getting rid of them. You may be better served by gentler alternatives. And if you decide to go to the salon, then choose an experienced specialist with a good reputation.

The essence of the salon procedure

Keratin straightening is based on the fact that human hair is 90% keratin. A lack of this important protein leads to dryness, brittleness, split ends and other problems visible to the naked eye.

The introduction of keratin artificially makes the hair shaft denser and able to hold its shape. During the procedure, the master not only fills the strands with important protein, but also gives them the desired shape - smoothes and evens them out.

The effect does not last long - just long enough until the roots grow to the level where the styling loses its appearance. Thanks to the possibility of local application, only certain areas can be leveled. Most often, girls get rid of curly bangs.

The procedure lasts about two hours and includes:

Cleaning strands of care and styling products using special deep cleaning shampoos.
Natural and forced drying.
Application of keratin straightening composition in two steps with a break of 40 minutes.
Thorough drying with a hairdryer - it is important that no moisture remains at all.
Straightening each strand with a professional straightening iron.
Hair washing, drying.

After drying, the curls no longer need to be smoothed. They lay beautifully and remain smooth for several months.

Do not wash your hair for at least three days.
For four days (or better yet, more) do not visit the pool, sauna, bathhouse, beach and other similar places.
In the first days, do not use elastic bands or hairpins.
In the first two weeks, avoid dyeing.

Contraindications to keratin smoothing:

scalp diseases;
dandruff;
scratches, cuts, pimples;
local alopecia;
asthma;
allergic reactions.

Healthy hair – expectation and reality

During the straightening procedure, keratins, the special proteins that make up the hair, are literally soldered into the weakened hair shaft. As a result, split ends are “glued” together, hair scales are smoothed, and the strands become even, elastic, smooth and shiny.

However, the effect is short-lived, and the duration of the healing effect largely depends on the correctness of hair straightening with keratins and the quality of the keratin composition.

After several weeks, and sometimes even after the first wash, the hair loses that rich shine and elasticity that it had immediately after the procedure, and again begins to split and break off.

Some argue that after the keratins are completely washed out of the hair, their condition becomes many times worse than before keratinization. And so you have to repeat an expensive trip to the beauty salon again and again, or wait until your hair recovers naturally.

Another significant disadvantage is the content of carcinogenic formaldehyde in many keratin straightening products. Of course, after one single procedure you will not get cancer. But if you constantly expose yourself to a dangerous compound, then there is a risk.

There are formulations containing formaldehyde in very small quantities, in acceptable doses, and formulations that do not contain it at all, but their effectiveness, as a rule, is an order of magnitude lower than formaldehyde-containing ones.

Hair straightening with keratins at home

The cost of one session of hair straightening with keratins is quite high - this also cannot be considered an advantage. But for those who are on a budget, there are special products with keratins for home use.

The price of one bottle of this product is slightly higher than the cost of a procedure in a beauty salon, but it is enough for 10-12 applications, depending on the length of the hair, so the savings are significant.

Home straightening algorithm:

Before keratinization, be sure to wash your hair at least twice with a special shampoo that contains keratins.
Then lightly pat your hair dry with a towel and comb it. As a rule, after keratin shampoo, strands are quite easy to comb.
Apply the straightening compound to damp hair, strand by strand, without missing anything, using a spray bottle.
You need to hold it for a while, about 15-20 minutes is enough.
Once the mixture is absorbed, thoroughly blow-dry your hair using a soft round brush. It is very important to dry completely, otherwise straightening your hair with keratins can cause a lot of damage.
Next, separate a small strand, and, starting about 1 cm from the scalp, smooth your hair with a hot (450 degrees) iron.

After this stage, the strands acquire a unique shine and smoothness, since under the influence of high temperature the keratin actually fuses with each hair, giving it an ideal structure.

How to replace hair straightening with keratins

Weighing all the pros and cons, we can conclude that it is better to resort to hair straightening with keratins only as a last resort, when other means no longer help. And if the curls are a little frizzy and frizzy, then you can solve the problem in more gentle ways.

Now there are many products that perfectly moisturize, restore and protect hair without aggressive effects. It’s quite possible to straighten loose curls with an iron. If you don't have one, . When drying with a hairdryer, you can use a special comb-iron.

Be sure to apply conditioner or conditioner every time after washing with any caring shampoo. With such care, over time, the hair will stop splitting and breaking and will be smoother.

Curly-haired beauties, remember, girls with straight hair secretly envy you, be proud of what nature has awarded you - she very rarely makes mistakes.

Curly locks, which are unruly and intertwined, create especially many problems for girls. It takes a lot of time to straighten them at least a little with the help of an iron and put them into a beautiful and neat hairstyle. But the price of this procedure is also high: damaged strands, dull and lifeless. A way out of this situation may be keratin hair straightening. The procedure not only smoothes the hair, but also restores it, returning it to its former glory.

Content:

What are the benefits of keratin

Hair contains 80% keratin, a special protein responsible for its healthy appearance. But frequent use of detergents leads to its washing out. Hair dryers, curling irons, straightening irons, elastic bands and hairpins cause hair to become faded and begin to fall out more actively. Dry and brittle, they do not grow so quickly. The hair straightening product contains liquid keratin, which penetrates into each hair, nourishes and fills the void. The hair is straightened, its appearance becomes much better, it is easier to comb and style – simply, quickly and pleasantly.

Thanks to keratin, the hair becomes thicker, its surface is covered with a film, receiving protection from the adverse effects of the external environment, the curls acquire shine and attractiveness. The results of using keratin can be observed immediately after the session. It stays on the hair for up to 3-6 months (the structure of the hair and its care play a role). Previously, keratin hair straightening was done only in salons, but now the event can be done at home.

The difference between salon straightening and home procedure

Keratin straightening is quite an expensive undertaking. The longer the curls, the higher the price. And hair care products after the session are not cheap. Therefore, many people decide to carry out keratin straightening at home, although they will not be able to get the same effect as in a specialized institution. One of the reasons is the difference in the compositions for use, and the process itself is also slightly different.

A kit for hair straightening with keratin is more expensive than a service in a salon, but its capacity is enough to carry out several procedures (from 5 to 10, depending on the length of the hair and its structure). At the same time, there is an opportunity to save some time.

Whether or not to decide on a keratin straightening procedure

For those who have not yet undergone keratative hair straightening, but are already thinking about it as a radical opportunity to change their image and straighten their hair, here is a selection of the advantages and disadvantages of this process.

Positive points:

the product does not contain harmful or highly toxic substances;
there is a significant improvement in hair condition;
the ends do not split, styling is done quickly, dry hair goes away;
the hair is not weighed down and is able to “breathe”;
Perm is not contraindicated;
the following straightening procedure only enhances the effect.

Negative aspects include the high cost of the procedure, especially if it is carried out in a salon, and the short duration of the effect - only up to six months.

How to perform a keratin straightening procedure at home

If you still decide to conduct a session yourself, you should buy only a high-quality composition, preferably one that is used by professionals in beauty salons. First, it is better to look for reviews about the product on the Internet and carefully read them. Only then buy it.

Before starting keratin hair straightening, prepare the necessary materials:

Deep cleansing shampoo, that is, a peeling shampoo that cleanses hair from impurities left by styling and coloring products, from silicone and chlorine contained in water.
Product containing keratin. Can be enriched with proteins and vitamin complexes for more effective protection and recovery.
Sprayer for evenly applying the solution to the hair. Otherwise, it may result in overdrying, because after using deep cleansing shampoo they become less protected.
Hair straightener, preferably with a ceramic or tourmaline coating and the ability to heat up to 230 degrees. At lower temperatures, keratin will not penetrate the hair.
Hair dryer, which is equipped with a gentle drying mode and cool air to avoid hair injury.
Hair clips, rubber gloves, wide-tooth comb, non-metallic cup, brush for applying the mixture.

Precautionary measures

The keratin straightening procedure is not recommended for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, because the formaldehyde contained in the product, when heated, releases a toxic substance - formaldehyde. To avoid unexpected reactions of the body to formaldehyde, it is advisable for all women to use protective equipment: a protective mask or a cotton-gauze bandage.

To protect your ears from accidental burns from the iron, it is recommended to cover them with special pads.

Sequence of the procedure

Before carrying out the procedure, wash your hair thoroughly with a deep cleansing shampoo, preferably twice, in order to ensure that dirt is removed. Dry them with a towel and dry them with a hairdryer so that they remain slightly damp. After this, comb the hair thoroughly, distributing it into strands 3 cm wide and of equal thickness, securing with clips to avoid tangling.

Pour keratin into the spray bottle. The amount of composition depends on the length of the curls, on average it is 100 ml. Spray the solution onto the strands one at a time, moving 1 cm from the root. It is very important to use the optimal amount of keratin, because a smaller volume will not saturate the hair to the required extent, and an excess will lead to excessive oiliness, and they will have an untidy appearance. After applying the product, comb the strands.

You need to keep the keratin mask for 15 - 30 minutes, giving it a chance to absorb. Dry with a hairdryer at the lowest possible temperature.

Set the temperature on the hair iron to 230 degrees. If your hair is colored light, then 200 degrees will be enough. Keratin straightening begins with individual thin, 1-1.5 cm wide, strands. Go through each strand at least 5 times. After the procedure, comb your hair carefully.

Video: Step-by-step instructions for the procedure

How to care for your hair after the procedure

The straightening procedure is completed. Now, in order for the effect of keratin hair straightening to last longer, you should adhere to some important points:

do not wash your hair for 3 days after the procedure, forget about styling products: gels, varnishes, mousses and others;
do not use hair accessories for at least 3 days: headbands, barrettes, elastic bands,
make sure that the hair does not break;
refrain from wearing a hat and glasses;
Protect your hair from any chemical treatments for at least 14 days, do not worsen its condition by dyeing, highlighting, glazing and other procedures;
It is recommended to wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid washing out the keratin composition;
during this period, contact with salt water is undesirable;
use a protective serum that helps preserve keratin.