THE RISE AND RISE OF HAIR SMOOTHING TREATMENTS
With summer fast approaching and the promise of warm steamy nights, there are many of us that cringe as high humidity wreaks havoc on once manageable hair.
The quest for silky, frizz-free hair has created a market all of its own with a multitude of in-salon and at home hair smoothing options. Most popular is the famed keratin treatments that have been around for the last decade. So I am going to deep dive into what the whole process entails and give you the lowdown on everything you need to know before you commit.
KERATIN TREATMENTS WILL NOT STRAIGHTEN YOUR HAIR
Keratin treatments will only create softer and more relaxed hair. If you have curly hair, the treatment will reduce frizz and flyaways. It will not straighten your hair. The treatments buffer away any coarseness in the hair and helps to eliminate the frizz. It replenishes your hairs natural keratin structure and nourishes the hair follicles. Keratin smoothing treatments are different to a chemical straightening or thermal reconditioning service that can be damaging to the hair shaft. It is a less harsh option.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Previously, for curly, frizzy hair to become relaxed for a longer period than your next wash, the hair bonds needed to be broken. Some older hair-smoothing treatments contain a formaldehyde solution that saturates the hair before it is dried and straightened. Thankfully there are now several new hair-smoothing treatments including Goldwell Kerasilk and Cezanne Perfect Finish that can relax the hair bonds for two to five months that are a formaldehyde alternative. They can cut your blowdry time in half and give you silkier, more manageable hair using a glyoxylic acid derivative.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
Keratin treatments are generally a simple, pain and fuss free salon experience. There is no unpleasant smell, no burning scalp and no hair pulling. Firstly the hair is washed and fluff dried, followed by the solution application (much like hair colour). The solution has a processing time of approximately 30 minutes and then hair is rinsed, blowdried again and then finished with the straightening irons to lock in the keratin. Depending upon your hair length and thickness allow a minimum of 2 hours start to finish in salon.
DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY SHAMPOO?
To ensure the longevity of the keratin treatment it is recommended to use a sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid using any products that contain sulfates as this can counteract the reduction in frizz prematurely.
DO AT HOME TREATMENTS WORK AS WELL?
You may be able to achieve similar immediate results with an at home treatment, however they do not affect the bonds of the hair so they won’t last longer than a week or so. At home treatments only coat the hair rather than penetrating the hair shaft that occurs in a professional salon treatment.
IS KERATIN SMOOTHING RIGHT FOR ME?
Anyone who struggles with frizzy, difficult to manage hair is an ideal candidate for a keratin smoothing treatment. They work well on most hair types and are great for anyone that wants to reduce frizz, increase shine and reduce the appearance of split ends. Anyone that is looking for a low-maintenance, non damaging hair solution should think about investing in this treatment.
Cezanne Smoothing Treatment available at Blush Bar
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