Keratin straightening: when and why to do it?

Keeping your hair healthy and well-groomed is not easy, every day we subject it to the stress and strong heat of straighteners and curling irons or hairdryers with high temperatures that do nothing but damage them. To have a perfectly smooth hair, an alternative to these tools would be the well known keratin straightening, which like everything has its advantages and disadvantages.

One of the very first things to do to make your hair look healthy and shiny is to take care of it with specific products. In this video we recommend a mask for dry and brittle hair that you can do right away at home.

What is keratin and how does it work?

It is a substance that we all already have in our body, especially in the nails and hair. In the latter, keratin helps to hydrate and keep them healthier, giving them shine and strength and regenerating the hair fibers.

However, it is important for us to know that the keratin already present in the hair does not make it straight, which is why the keratin straightening treatment was born.

To get to know the process well, we need to go back to its origins. It was born in Brazil and then gradually spread to the United States. Undoubtedly, today, keratin straightening is one of the most used in recent times by professional hairdressers all over the world.
How does it work? Keratin is applied to the hair and helps smooth it out and reduce frizz.

See also

Keratin hair treatments: here's what you need to know

Japanese ironing or Yuko method: what it is and how it works

Lip tattoo: what it is, why do it and who to trust

© GettyImages

What does the treatment consist of?

Straightening is achieved by applying the protein all over our hair, from roots to ends. Once all the hair is coated with keratin, it is "sealed" with a professional straightener until it is completely smooth. However, it is important to point out what the advantages and disadvantages are, because this type of treatment is not suitable for everyone.

What are the benefits of keratin straightening?

We cannot deny that keratin straightening is one of the best options for getting straight hair without mistreating it excessively. What are the benefits it brings?

• It nourishes and restructures our hair, acting above all on the hair fibers. Furthermore, since it is a treatment that goes from the roots to the ends, it will help to restore the hair by protecting it from damage caused by straighteners or hairdryers.
• You will not need a lot of time for styling: the hair being healthier and straighter will not need to be styled in a particular way, it will already have a natural smooth crease.
• The treatment lasts a long time, even up to 6 months, although a lot depends on how rebellious the starting hair is.
• Keratin straightening is also ideal for wavy and curly hair. With the latter the result may not be exactly a smooth spaghetti, but in any case the difference compared to before would be abysmal.
• The treatment will give the entire hair a shine never seen before.

Warning: if you want to do the treatment, you must contact a professional hairdresser. He will know how to take care of your hair, he will inform you about the duration of the straightening, how to take care of it, etc. Each hair is a world!

© iStock

Keratin straightening: the disadvantages

We must be honest and admit that not all hair types are suitable for this type of treatment. Let's see when it is best to avoid keratin straightening:

• Damaged hair

Keratin is an excellent cure for our hair, but if we have damaged it, it is better to prefer a repairing treatment.

• The price

Keratin straightening has many advantages, but a first disadvantage is certainly represented by the price that varies between 200 and 500 euros, depending on the beauty salon you go to. Furthermore, it is very easy to run into scams, because some hairdressers will offer you the treatment at a sensational price with poor results.

• If you have curly hair, think about it

It is a piece of advice that we give you dispassionately. Normally, girls who have beautiful curly hair and dare to straighten it with keratin, will never be able to enjoy those beautiful natural curls so loved and hated.

• The post-treatment

If you have greasy and easily dirty hair, keratin straightening is not for you. In fact, for at least 3 days after carrying out the treatment, you will have to keep your hair loose without rubber bands and pins and you will not be able to wash it. Finally, you will not be able to do the dye.

© GettyImages

Questions and curiosities about the treatment

How long does the smoothing effect last?
As we said before, the effect can last from a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 6 months, depending on the hair, washing, care, etc.

How often should I undergo the treatment?
Normally every 3, 4 or 5 months, depending on the needs of each hair. As the hair grows you will notice that the root area affected by regrowth will no longer be as smooth as the rest of the hair, and you will need to retouch.

How long does it usually take to apply the treatment?
Depending on the center and the length and volume of the hair. The approximate duration would be between 2 and 4 hours.

Does keratin straightening contain formaldehyde?
There are many scammers offering bogus keratin treatments. In some beauty salons they do the treatment with formaldehyde, but it is absolutely not recommended. It is a toxic substance that is harmful to our health and our hair.

How do you know if they have used formaldehyde or not?
Formaldehyde and keratin treatments have a very strong odor and cause itchy and irritated eyes.

Now that you know the pros and cons of this treatment, would you dare to try it?