Looking at models flaunting their shiny hair in TV advertisements makes us all wonder, how do they manage to maintain their hair? What is the secret recipe that they are using?
After all, who wouldn’t want shinier, smoother hair?
In this blog, we have solved the not-so-secret-mystery for you. It is keratin treatment that does the magic for them. Now, you must be thinking about what keratin treatment is. From defining keratin treatment to its benefits and adverse effects, in this blog we have covered it all.
What is Keratin Treatment?
A keratin treatment is a process that makes your hair smoother and sometimes straighter as well. During this treatment, a natural type of protein is used which adds extra keratin to your hair. It reduces the frizz in your hair, strengthens them and increases their shine as well.
During a keratin treatment, the stylist applies a hair-smoothing product to your hair, blow dries it and then seals it with a flat iron. The process takes around 90 minutes on average but the time may vary depending on the length of your hair.
While the treatment may sound beneficial, it is essential that you know about its significant benefits and side effects before opting for it:
Keratin Treatment Benefits
The specific benefits of keratin treatment may vary with the texture of your hair and the products used on your hair. However, following are some of the benefits that you can expect:
Silky Hair
Hair dye treatments, exposure to sun and other chemical treatments can take away the natural keratin of your hair and leave behind porous areas. These porous areas are vulnerable and more prone to breakage.
Keratin treatment works towards refilling these areas with keratin and restoring the natural shine of your hair. As a result, your hair shaft becomes smoother which translates to shinier hair.
Smoother Curls
Yes, you heard it right! Keratin does not necessarily have to straighten your hair. The treatment also has certain formulations that will work on reducing frizziness making your curls smoother and softer.
Reduced Use of Hair Styling Tools
One of the biggest benefits of getting protein treatment done is the reduced use of hair styling tools. Hair styling tools do help you in styling your hair but they are extremely damaging.
Once you get a keratin treatment done, you won’t have to use any of these tools on a daily basis which means less hair damage.
Stronger and Thicker Hair
By adding keratin to your hair shaft, keratin treatment not only makes your hair smooth but strong and less prone to breakage. For some people, this treatment facilitates better hair growth as there are less hair strands.
Along with being stronger, keratin treatment also makes your hair look thicker.
If you are planning to get a keratin treatment, make sure you tell your stylist what kind of results you are looking for so the products can be used accordingly.
Now that we know the benefits of keratin treatment, following are some of its side effects.
Keratin Treatment Side Effects
While keratin is a natural protein, its formulation includes several other ingredients, including a chemical known as formaldehyde.
As per the American Cancer Society, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen which can cause or trigger cancer. It may also become a cause of other side effects.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some side effects that can be caused by formaldehyde are:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Rash
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
These side effects have been faced by both consumers as well as stylists. While not everyone will experience these side effects, they cannot be completely ruled out either.
People who go for a single treatment may not face any of these. However, those who are regularly exposed to it, like stylists, could be at a greater risk.
Alternatives
Since keratin treatment has potential side effects, you can avoid it if possible.
Some alternatives are:
Avoid Washing Your Hair
Try to minimize the use of shampoo as it takes away the natural hair oils.
Hair Styling Tools
Make sure you use them as less often as possible. Also apply a heat protectant before using these tools.
From straighteners to curlers, all tools are available on OLX Pakistan. If you want to buy these hair styling tools, you can visit OLX Pakistan’s website.
Use Products With Natural Moisturizers
Use products that are made with natural moisturizers like olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, etc.
Oil Your Hair Regularly
Make sure you make it a habit of oiling your hair regularly.
If you want to buy hair oil online, you can have a look at the products present on OLX Pakistan’s website.
That is about it! We hope this guide was helpful and will help you decide if you want to invest in a keratin treatment or not. Do let us know your thoughts on it.
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