Understanding Keratin Treatments For African Hair

May 31st, 2024.

Understanding Keratin Treatments for African Hair

Ever dreamt of frizz-free, manageable African hair? A keratin treatment might be your answer. In this blog we’ll dig deep into everything you need to know about keratin treatments for African hair, from understanding its benefits to aftercare routines specifically designed for our unique hair texture.

What Is A Keratin Treatment?

Keratin is a protein naturally found in hair, skin, and nails. A keratin treatment involves applying a keratin-infused product to the hair, which is then sealed in with heat, typically using a flat iron. The process smooths the hair’s cuticle, reducing frizz, and can stretch the hair to varying degrees depending on the formula used and the technique applied.

What Makes A Keratin Treatment Different From A Relaxer Treatment?

A keratin treatment smooths the hair, while a relaxer treatment straightens it.
Relaxers work by breaking down disulfide bonds- which are the protein structures that are responsible for strength, elasticity and for keeping the hair in shape. When these bonds are broken down, it results in permanently straightened hair.
In contrast, keratin treatments smoothen the hair without permanently altering it. The treatment works to strengthen the inner part of hair while smoothing down the cuticles on the outer part of hair enabling it be stretched when the hair comes in contact with heat. This smoothing and stretching effect can be diminished when the hair comes in contact with water

When it comes to aftercare for relaxers, strengthening and bond-building treatments are the top priority to maintain hair health while for keratin treatments, aftercare focuses on deeply moisturizing and enhancing elasticity to balance the strengthening effects of the keratin.

Transitioning From Relaxed To Keratin-Treated Hair

If you already have relaxed hair and decide to switch to keratin treatments, you will transition over time, out of your relaxed hair to keratin treated hair.
For both natural and relaxed hair, touch-ups will be needed for your new/under growth every 3 to 6 months to maintain the treatment.

Will Keratin Treatments Work On African Hair?

The short answer is yes!
The effects and suitability of keratin treatments can vary significantly based on hair type. For African hair, which is naturally curly, coiled, or kinky, understanding the nuances of keratin treatments is essential to achieve the desired results without compromising hair health.
Some people prefer to maintain their natural curls, while others use keratin treatments to stretch them out.

How long Does It Last?

Keratin treatments typically begin to wear off after 3 to 6 months.

keratin treatments primarily target frizz reduction and enhanced manageability. While some restoration of curl definition may occur as the treatment wears off, achieving an identical replication of your pre-keratin curl pattern might not be entirely possible.

Maintaining Curls: If you want to keep your curl pattern, the stylist will use a milder formula and lower heat settings. This reduces frizz while allowing your curls to return somewhat as the treatment wears off.
Stretching Curls: For more of a stretch, a stronger formula and higher heat are used. This relaxes the curl pattern more significantly. However, even after the treatment wears off completely, your hair might have a looser curl pattern compared to before.

During your consultation, your hair history and desired outcome will be discussed. The extent to which you want to maintain or revert your curls (although this can’t be 100%) will determine the type of keratin treatment and heat setting used.

Can You Get A Keratin Treatment On Coloured Hair?

Yes, you can! If you plan to color your hair, do so before your keratin treatment or wait at least two weeks after to prevent compromising the treatment.
Make sure to use hair color and other chemical treatments that are gentle and specifically formulated for keratin-treated hair.

How Is A Keratin Treatment Done?

Consultation: Begin with a consultation to discuss your hair type, history, and desired outcome. This step is vital to ensure that the treatment is suitable for your hair.
Application: The stylist will wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup. Your hair is blown out and the keratin solution is then applied to the hair and left to penetrate for a specified time.
Heat Sealing: After the keratin is rinsed out, the stylist will blow out your hair and use a flat iron to seal the protein into the hair strands. The temperature and number of passes will be adjusted based on the hair’s texture, condition and desired outcome.
Post-Treatment Care: For the next few days, avoid getting your hair wet to allow the treatment set properly

What You Should Know Before Getting A Keratin Treatment

Formaldehyde Content: Some keratin treatments contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents, which can be harmful when inhaled. Opt for formaldehyde-free formulas to minimize health risks. At TRESSES LAGOS our keratin treatments are Formaldehyde-free.
Professional Application: Given the unique texture of African hair, it’s crucial to have the treatment applied by a stylist experienced with this hair type. They can customize the process to achieve the best results without damaging the hair.
Post-Treatment Care: Proper aftercare is essential to maintain the results of a keratin treatment. Use products that are tailored to Keratin treated hair.

How To Care For Your Hair After a keratin Treatment

Maintaining the sleek, frizz-free look of keratin-treated hair requires a diligent aftercare routine. African hair, with its unique texture and needs, demands particular attention to ensure the longevity of the treatment and overall hair health. Here’s a comprehensive guide to aftercare for keratin-treated African hair:

Use Keratin-Tailored Products: Use shampoos and conditioners specifically made for keratin-treated hair to reinforce the treatment. When buying a shampoo, Choose one free of sulfates and sodium chloride. These harsh detergents can strip your hair of keratin, reducing the treatment’s effectiveness.
Focus on Moisture-Based Conditioning: Incorporate a weekly or bi-weekly deep conditioning treatment with moisturizing conditioners to maintain your hair’s moisture levels and keep it nourished. This is especially important for African hair because it can be prone to dryness.

Use Leave-Ins For Daily Care: Use lightweight leave-in conditioners, moisturizers, and serums to keep hair hydrated and manageable daily
Avoid Natural Oils: Do not apply natural oils like shea butter or coconut oil directly to keratin-treated hair.
Use Silk or Satin Pillowcases: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz and tangling. This will help your keratin treatment last longer
Wear Loose Protective Styles: If you need to secure your hair, use loose, protective styles to avoid creating dents.

What Are Some Alternatives To Traditional Keratin Treatments

For those hesitant about traditional keratin treatments, there are alternative options that can offer similar benefits:

Amino Acid Treatments: These treatments use amino acids to strengthen and smooth the hair.
Silk Press: A temporary straightening method that involves blow-drying and flat ironing, ideal for those seeking a sleek look without chemical treatments.

Conclusion

Keratin treatments can be a game-changer for managing and styling African hair, offering a smoother, more manageable texture. However, the key to a successful outcome lies in choosing the right treatment, ensuring professional application, and adhering to recommended aftercare. By understanding the specific needs of African hair, you can enjoy the benefits of a keratin treatment while maintaining healthy, beautiful hair.

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May 31st, 2024.