Q&A for How to Apply a Keratin Treatment

No, you can use the clarifying shampoo and it will not take the color out, but just wash it once, not twice.

No, some shampoos can remove the keratin substance from the hair. You should use shampoos especially made for people with keratin treatment. Ask your hairdresser for advice on which one you should pick.

It depends on how curly your hair is. I know people who had 3B or 3C hair and now their hair is 1A or 1B, so it depends on what strength level of treatment you do and how well your hair reacts to styling.

Yes, you can still style your hair like normal. However, excessive styling will cause hair to have dents and become more wavy.

You should actually dye first and then take this treatment. Otherwise, if you have gray hairs, they will not properly be treated.

A keratin treatment typically lasts 3 to 6 months, depending on your hair type, the quality of the treatment, and how well you maintain it. To make it last longer, use sulfate-free shampoos, avoid frequent washing, and protect your hair from excessive heat and chlorine. If it’s not your first keratin treatment, wash your hair no later than three days after the treatment to avoid over-straightening. Over-straightened hair can lead to stringy strands, and the only remedy for this is trimming with scissors. Regular touch-ups can help maintain the smooth, frizz-free effect.

You can wash your hair after a keratin treatment, but there are specific guidelines to follow. Typically, you should wait 48 to 72 hours before washing your hair to allow the treatment to set fully. After that, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to maintain the treatment and extend its benefits. Regular washing is okay, but washing less frequently can help the treatment last longer. Always check the instructions provided with your specific keratin product for the best results.

Yes, keratin recharge treatments are typically rinsed out after use. However, always follow the specific instructions on the product packaging. Most keratin treatments recommend applying the product to clean, damp hair, leaving it in for the specified time, and then rinsing thoroughly. Some products may act as leave-in treatments, so checking the directions is essential to achieve the best results without damaging your hair.

Using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush can help reduce breakage while combing. Keep your hair moisturized with leave-in conditioners or oils to prevent dryness. Avoid combing wet hair unless it's conditioned, as wet hair is more fragile. Minimize heat styling and chemical treatments, and maintain a balanced diet for healthy hair.

You can leave your hair open, but it's best to avoid tying it up or using hair ties. For protection, use a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase to keep your hair smooth. Be gentle and avoid any friction that could disrupt the treatment during the first three days.

For the first 3 days, avoid getting your hair wet. When showering, try not to let your hair get wet or use a waterproof shower cap to protect it. If you must wash your face or body, be careful not to splash water on your hair.

You should not use a heat protectant before sealing the keratin with a flat iron. The heat is essential to properly seal the keratin treatment into your hair, and using a heat protectant may interfere with the bonding process.

Yes, you should use a heat protectant every time before applying heat to reduce hair damage.

A volumizing hair mousse or sea salt spray is a great way to add volume to your hair. Apply a dollop of moisturizing mousse to your hands and run it through your hair with your fingers, or apply 3-5 spritzes of sea salt spray throughout your hair for added volume.

Keratin treatments generally last around 2-3 months with proper maintenance, such as using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner and avoiding water when possible. So you'll probably need to re-do a keratin treatment about 3 1/2 months after your last one.

Solid Shampoo bars are generally quite stripping to the hair, so using a liquid sulfate-free shampoo will likely extend the life of your keratin treatment. In contrast, a shampoo bar may strip the keratin treatment out more rapidly.

In general, it's best to wait around 72 hours or 1 shampoo session after having a keratin treatment to install tape-in extensions.

Using conditioner to freshen hair acts as a mild cleanser and reduces the need to use shampoo and therefore th keratin treatment lasts longer. Another tip before shampooing is to pre-treat with coconut oil. (Please though, check the ingredients of conditioner as some do contain sulphates and salts which washes out the keratin.)

Yes, you need to blow dry it before straightening it. That is how the product gets into the hair.

To permanently cover gray hair is not possible quite yet, but there are several healthy methods to tone or color gray hair with a long-lasting color of your choice. I would recommend visiting a local salon who gives free estimates for advice and options based on your specific hair shade/type.

Absolutely. I routinely visit my salon and dye my hair and then do a keratin treatment. It can be a long day depending on what you're doing (I do fashion colors) but it works wonders together. I have not noticed a difference in quality - the keratin always does magic. I do note the color stays even longer when doing the keratin treatment after dyeing my hair.

I have white/silver hair underneath my colored hair and have friends with gray hair and highlights. Our hair has always turned out fantastic with keratin treatments and color has not been affected. If anything, we've noticed that the color stays longer.

I routinely get my hair dyed (bleached even) vibrant colors like blues, greens, purples, etc and do a keratin treatment directly after. This has always sealed in my color for an even longer last and the quality of the keratin is always brilliant. It really depends on how much time you want to spend on your hair or at a salon. If I do both at once it can range from 5-7 hours depending on what I'm getting done color-wise.