Keratin hair treatments: All your questions answered

When booking a keratin treatment, it can feel like there’s a host of questions you might want to know. How long will the process take? When can you wash your hair? Can you still curl your hair after a keratin treatment? Our article covers all the questions you might want to know when looking to book a keratin hair treatment.

What is a keratin treatment?

A keratin treatment is a process where a particular set of chemicals are used to apply a coat of protein to your hair. This protein is called keratin. This protein will help to form a protective outer layer that stops moisture from both getting in and leaving your hair, helping to give your hair greater shine, a smoother finish and more manageability. A keratin treatment can be a really effective way of taming hair that is frizzy and hard to style.

Can a keratin treatment help with hair growth?

A keratin treatment itself won’t help your hair to grow, but as it is designed to strengthen hair, it might result in you being able to grow your hair better due to less breakage.

What is the process of a keratin treatment?

The treatment will start off with an initial shampoo of your hair before rough drying your hair until it is about 80% dry. The keratin will then be applied to the hair in small sections from the roots to the tips. The hair is then carefully blow-dried before straightening irons are used to lock in the keratin and give that all-important glossy-locked look.

How long does a keratin treatment last?

A keratin treatment will normally last about 3 - 4 months. This might differ depending on hair type, how well you look after your hair and the types of products you use.

How much is a keratin treatment?

A keratin treatment can vary significantly in price depending on what keratin treatment salon you go to and often the length of your hair. As keratin treatments involve chemicals, we always recommend going to an experienced hairdresser, which, whilst might be more expensive, will ensure there is no long-term damage to your hair. With Scott Fairweather, the cost for a keratin treatment varies depending on the length and thickness of your hair, a price can be given upon consultation.

How long does a keratin treatment take?

A keratin treatment will usually take between 2 - 3 hours (sometimes more if you have very long or thick hair).

Is keratin treatment good for hair loss?

As keratin can help to repair and protect, it can really help to minimise breakage. If you suffer from hair breakage, then a keratin treatment can be a great option to stop your hair from further damage and, therefore, further loss.

When can I wash my hair after a keratin treatment?

The hardest part of a keratin treatment is the dreaded wait for the initial hair wash. We recommend waiting 1 - 2 days after your keratin treatment before washing your hair (this is dependent on which brand of keratin is used. This is because you want to ensure the keratin has been fully absorbed by the hair whilst not allowing in moisture that dilutes it. Washing sooner than recommended by your hairdresser could lead to a less effective result.

Can I do a keratin treatment after bleaching?

Yes, it is possible to do a keratin treatment on bleached hair. We would always recommend waiting about four weeks after your hair colouring appointment before booking in for a keratin treatment.

Can you bleach hair after a keratin treatment?

Yes, you can, but we’d always recommend waiting 2 - 3 weeks after your keratin treatment before colouring your hair. If you have the option, then ideally, aim to bleach your hair prior to booking in for your keratin treatment, as this will help to repair any damage done by the bleach.

Does a keratin treatment damage hair?

If a keratin treatment is done by an inexperienced hairdresser, then yes, it can damage hair. As keratin is a combination of chemicals, the treatment must always be done by someone who is experienced in their field. In instances where someone has very fine or highly damaged hair, then a keratin treatment could cause further damage.

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Does your hair stay straight after a keratin treatment?

After a keratin treatment, don’t expect your hair to be poker straight. Instead, expect your hair to be smoother and glossier. If you’d like to achieve a straight hair look, you can always use straightening irons once you’re out of the 3 - 4 day post-treatment window.

Are keratin treatments permanent?

No keratin treatments aren’t permanent. They will usually last about 3 - 4 months depending on hair type and products used.

Can I dye my hair after a keratin treatment?

Yes, you can dye your hair after a keratin treatment, but we would always recommend waiting 2 -3 weeks after your treatment.

Can I tie my hair up after a keratin treatment?

After the treatment, you want to keep your hair down for as long as possible before washing it. This will help to avoid any indents that could happen from using a hair tie.

Can you curl your hair after a keratin treatment?

Absolutely. Once you have waited for the initial 3 - 4 day window after the treatment, you can style your hair as you normally would.

Can you do a keratin treatment while pregnant?

Keratin treatments during pregnancy aren’t recommended. This is due to the chemicals that the keratin contains.

Can you straighten your hair after a keratin treatment?

Yes. Once you have passed the 3 - 4 day window and have had the initial post-treatment wash of your hair, you can then style your hair as you normally would.

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About Scott Fairweather Keratin Treatments in London

Scott Fairweather is a creative hairdresser with over 20 years of experience in his field. Scott specialises in keratin treatments, helping his clients achieve more manageable hair and glossier locks. With a hair salon in Tower Hill, Scott has an enviable location in St Katharine Docks.