Wash and Go After a Year of Keratin Treatments
The Benefits of Keratin Treatments for Curly Hair: A Journey with My Long-Term Client
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I'm excited to share a special wash-and-go session with one of my long-term clients. She's been receiving keratin treatments for about a year and a half, and her hair has absolutely thrived.
You can follow her one-year journey in the video: "One Year of Keratin Treatments" to see how she managed to grow her hair really long.
But today, we're taking a break from keratin and embracing her beautiful, natural curls with a wash-and-go. Let's dive in!
The Benefits of Keratin Treatments for Curly Hair
Now, let's talk about the benefits of keratin treatments for curly hair. Many people mistakenly believe that keratin treatments are solely for straightening hair, but that's not the case for every keratin treatment. A keratin treatment is actually a smoothing treatment that offers multiple benefits:
Reduces Frizz: Keratin treatments smooth the hair cuticle, which significantly reduces frizz. This is particularly beneficial for curly hair, which is often prone to frizz due to its texture.
Softens Hair: The treatment softens the hair, making it easier to manage and style. This is beneficial to curly hair, which can sometimes be difficult to tame.
Strengthens Hair: Keratin treatments strengthen the hair by infusing it with protein. This makes curly hair, which is naturally more fragile, less prone to breakage.
Enhances Curl Definition: By smoothing and strengthening the hair, keratin treatments enhance curl definition. Many of my clients have seen better curl formation and retention after receiving keratin treatments.
Increases Shine: Smoother hair cuticles reflect more light, resulting in shinier hair. Curly hair treated with keratin often looks more vibrant and glossy.
Prolongs Style Longevity: Keratin treatments make it easier to maintain hairstyles like wash-and-gos. The hair remains well-defined and frizz-free for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent styling.
Prepping for the Wash and Go
To start, I prep my client's hair with an Olaplex treatment. If you’re not familiar with Olaplex, it’s a bond-building treatment that strengthens hair from the inside out.
This is particularly beneficial for curly hair, which is the most fragile hair texture and prone to breakage. Strengthening treatments like Olaplex help prevent breakage and excessive shedding, making hair stronger overall.
Another great benefit of Olaplex treatments for curly hair is that they help reinforce curl structure, leading to better curl definition and smoother, frizz-free hair. A smoother hair cuticle means your curls will hold onto moisture longer, which is essential for maintaining curl health and definition.
Boosting Moisture with a Steam Treatment
To enhance the effectiveness of the Olaplex treatment, I pair it with a steam treatment. A hair steamer is fantastic for curly hair because it aids in product absorption, detoxes the hair and scalp, and adds tons of moisture. Properly moisturized hair results in popping curls, so I always aim to infuse as much moisture as possible for the best curl definition.
Shampoo Curly Hair with Care
After steaming, I use the Moisture Shampoo. I love this shampoo because it hydrates hair without weighing it down, and it’s color and keratin safe, so it won’t strip out any remaining keratin. This helps prolong the benefits of previous keratin treatments, ensuring frizz-free, well-defined curls.
Deep Conditioning for Balanced Hair
Next, I apply the Deep Repair Treatment, which is a deep conditioning treatment that balances moisture and strength. It contains keratin protein to rebuild and fortify the hair while also providing moisturizing properties. This balance is crucial for maintaining healthy, defined curls. If you're doing a wash-and-go at home, deep conditioning is essential to keep your hair moisturized and your curls defined.
Best Products for a Wash and Go
To set the foundation for her wash-and-go, I use the Emergency Miracle Treatment leave-in conditioner from my Curly Hair Care line. This product is perfect because it moisturizes without weighing the hair down.
For curl definition, I use the Amplifying Foam, which is lightweight with buildable hold and softness once dried. It’s great for fine-haired clients because it contains quinoa protein, which plumps each strand for maximum fullness.
For extra hold and definition, I use the Versatile Styling Cream. This gel-cream hybrid provides moisture and buildable hold without drying out the hair. Plus, it has heat protection, so you can safely use a hooded dryer or diffuser to set your style.
Setting and Defining Curls
When styling her hair, I define each curl by twirling it around my finger, smoothing it out to ensure the best definition. This technique helps train the curls, making them more defined and springy over time. Properly set curls can last anywhere from two to four weeks, giving you long-lasting, beautiful results.
After setting her curls under a hooded dryer for about 20 minutes, I further stretch her hair using a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. This step ensures that her hair is dry from root to end and gives her a bigger, more elongated wash-and-go.
Final Results
And here’s the final result—well-defined, springy curls that look juicy and vibrant. Her hair color appears more enriched and shiny because the smooth cuticles reflect light better. This style will last her from two to four weeks, growing fuller and more beautiful as it dries.