Despite the erratic nature of modern-day beauty standards, if there’s one hair trend that’s never lost its appeal, it would be the craze for sleek, shiny hair. You can see the traces of it in the media, on the red carpet and in sales of hair-straightening tools. However, what has changed is the go-to method for achieving those silky, straight locks. Keratin hair treatment has become one of the most popular hair treatments for straight hair across the globe. On the streets, it’s also called the Brazilian blowout. 

Despite its immense popularity, not many people actually know what keratin means, let alone how it's used for hair treatment. Part of the problem is that many keratin products can contain much more formaldehyde than advertised. The chemical can harm your health in many ways including causing cancer or helping cancer to grow. Whether you’re a stranger to the treatment or someone who gets a keratin treatment regularly, it’s important that you know what keratin treatment entails. Here’s a quick overview of keratin treatment, its benefits, and potential side effects. 

What Is Keratin Hair Treatment? 

Simply put, keratin is a type of natural protein found in your nails, skin and hair. It’s also found in your glands and internal organs. In the case of your hair, keratin is absorbed by the hair cuticles, making your hair smooth and glossy. But when your hair is exposed to sun pollution or chemicals, the keratin gets depleted, causing dry, damaged and dull hair. 

When there’s a loss of keratin, the porous spots in your hair dry out which makes your hair frizzy, weak and brittle. A keratin hair treatment replenishes the lost protein in these pores with keratin. As a result, your hair gets stronger and there’s less breakage. Additionally, keratin smoothens the hair cuticles, making your hair less frizzy. Most people opt for keratin hair treatments to cut down on styling time and make their hair more manageable. If you ensure proper hair care, you can expect the results of a keratin hair treatment to last anywhere between four to six months. 

What To Expect In Keratin Hair Treatment?

Keratin hair treatment is a lengthy procedure, so if you are planning to get one, make sure you have ample time to spare, approximately three hours. The treatment starts by first washing your hair and blow-drying them so as to remove all moisture. Then the hair stylist will apply the keratin solution on your hair and leave it to seep into the hair cuticles. Next, there’s another round of blow dry followed by sealing the solution with a flat iron.

As for the post-treatment care, you are recommended to not wash or tie your hair for the next 48 hours. Stylists recommend a sulfate free formula for your shampoo after the treatments so as to ensure long-lasting effects. You should also avoid exposing your hair to saltwater or chlorinated water for the next two days. 

In India, a keratin hair treatment typically costs about INR 6,000 and above, but pricing can vary depending on the length of your hair.

What Are The Side Effects Of Keratin Treatment?

Keratin itself is a natural protein but when used in different products and beauty treatments, it is used alongside several other ingredients including a chemical called formaldehyde. As a result keratin treatment in certain cases can lead to side-effects such as:

• Eye irritation
• Headaches and dizziness
• Sore throat, coughing and wheezing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain
• Rash

The long-term effects of products containing formaldehyde in keratin treatments are still unknown, but these side effects have been well-established in people who received keratin treatments. 

Key Takeaway

Silky, straight hair has been the object of envy and admiration across the world. Some people are just born with it, while others shell out on hair straighteners and hair treatments to achieve the coveted look. In recent times, keratin hair treatment has built itself a loyal fan following. But people have little to no clue about what the treatment entails or its potential side-effects. Keratin itself is a natural protein present in our hair and for most parts that’s how it’s advertised in the media, but the products used in keratin hair treatments also contain other ingredients which may lead to certain side-effects over a period of time.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician or doctor. The Company does not vouch for or endorse any of the above content, and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the same.