Keratin Treatment Hair Care Tips You NEED to Know
The Ultimate Guide to Keratin Treatments: Common Mistakes and Best Hair Care Practices
Keratin treatments have become a game-changer for those looking to reduce frizz, enhance shine, and improve manageability while maintaining their natural curl pattern. However, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure long lasting results.
In this post, I’ll take you through the step-by-step process of applying a keratin treatment, the best products and tools to use, and the most common mistakes that can ruin your results. Plus, I’ll introduce you to my very own hair care products designed to help you maintain your keratin treated hair effortlessly!
What Is a Keratin Treatment?
Keratin is a natural protein found in our hair, skin, and nails. It plays a crucial role in maintaining hair strength, elasticity, and protection. A keratin treatment works by infusing keratin into the hair cuticle, temporarily filling in porous or damaged areas to create a smoother, stronger, and more frizz-resistant finish.
For curly-haired individuals, a keratin treatment enhances curl definition, reduces styling time, and makes detangling easier. It is a semi-permanent smoothing treatment that gradually washes out, making it a fantastic option for those looking for a seasonal boost in hair health. Over time, regular keratin treatments can contribute to stronger, healthier, and more resilient hair.
The Keratin Treatment Process
For my keratin treatments, I exclusively use the Cezanne Smoothing Keratin Treatment, a formaldehyde-free, plant-based formula that effectively reduces frizz and adds shine while preserving the natural curl pattern. Here’s how I apply it:
Cleansing: I start by washing my client’s hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and open the hair cuticle for optimal absorption.
Application: I evenly distribute the Keratin Treatment throughout the hair, ensuring full coverage.
Processing: The treatment sits in the hair for the recommended time to fully penetrate the cuticle.
Blow-Drying: I blow-dry the hair to begin sealing in the treatment and prep for heat activation.
Flat Ironing: Using a flat iron, I pass over small sections of hair at the right temperature to lock in the treatment and ensure smooth, long lasting results.
Now that you understand the process, let’s talk about the most common mistakes people make when caring for their keratin treated hair, and how my hair care line can help prevent them!
Common Mistakes That Ruin Your Keratin Treatment
(and How to Fix Them!)
1. Using Sulfate Shampoos
One of the biggest mistakes is washing your hair with sulfate containing shampoos or those with sodium chloride (salt). These harsh ingredients strip the keratin from your hair prematurely, causing frizz and reducing the lifespan of the treatment.
Solution: Use a sulfate free clarifying shampoo when you’re in need of a deep clean. The Volume Shampoo is specially formulated to cleanse your hair gently while preserving your keratin treatment. It’s enriched with natural botanical extracts to keep your hair smooth, strong, and frizz-free.
2. Overwashing Your Hair
Keratin treatments gradually wash out over time, so excessive washing accelerates the process. Washing your hair too often can strip away moisture and lead to dryness and frizz.
Solution: Stick to washing your hair no more than 1-2 times per week to maximize the longevity of your keratin treatment. The Moisture Shampoo helps to keep your scalp fresh without stripping your treatment.
3. Overloading on Protein Treatments
While keratin is a protein, adding too many protein-based products post-treatment can cause stiffness and breakage. Many people mistakenly follow up with protein masks, leading to protein overload.
Solution: Focus on moisture-balancing deep conditioners instead. The Deep Repair Treatment is perfect for maintaining the right moisture-protein balance while keeping your curls soft and bouncy.
4. Skipping Heat Protectant When Styling
Heat is used to seal the keratin into the hair, but applying heat without protection later can break down the treatment and lead to dryness or curl pattern alteration.
Solution: Always use a high-quality heat protectant before styling. Le Deux is a hydrating blow dry cream to keep your hair moisturized and shield your hair from heat damage , while the Amethyst Oil smooths and adds extra shine and protection.
Final Thoughts: The Key to Long-Lasting Keratin Treatments
Keratin treatments can be an incredible investment in your hair’s health and manageability when properly maintained. By using the right shampoos, deep conditioners, and heat protectants, and avoiding common mistakes like over washing or excessive protein use, you can ensure that your keratin treatment lasts for 3+ months while keeping your hair healthy