Like every at-home treatment, keratin treatment results are relative to how it is done and not necessarily by who. You can still have an at-home DIY hair treatment and get professional results. Keratin is the hair’s protein—the backbone for your strands. Over time, this keratin wears out due to several inevitable and human-made factors. The good news? Keratin treatment at home is both pocket-friendly and effective.
Pre-Keratin Hair Treatment Application Routine
You don't just dive into keratin treatment at home. You must have had a regular routine and this is when your hair needs that routine the most.
Begin With a Clean Wash
For top-notch results, start on a clean slate. We recommend a clarifying shampoo like GK Hair's Balancing Shampoo that gives the right balance between oil and moisture. Also, because your hair must not be wet within 3 days post-treatment, it's best to wash it before. Sulphate-free shampoos can be another alternative. But if you can get a product that is sulphate-free and cruelty-free like the balancing shampoo, even better for absorption of the treatment.
Need help choosing a shampoo? Read: Why Sulphate-Free Shampoo Is a Must- Especially This One.
Dry Properly
For keratin treatment at home, we encourage you to dry your hair to about 80%. You could section your hair and use an Iron Pro Blow Dryer for more effective drying. Alternatively, drying with a microfibre towel or a T-shirt can be much safer.
Section Your Hair
If your hair is already sectioned from drying, then you can skip this step. Keeping your hair in smaller sections helps the absorption of the product. This ensures every part of the hair gets this treatment, especially for hair that is naturally voluminous and textured.
Pro-Tip: Use clips to keep each section in position while you work.
Applying The Best Keratin Hair Treatment
Since you've sectioned your hair, begin by unloosening one section at a time while you work the product from root to tip. Avoid applying too much as it can make your hair greasy and heavy. This is one of the treatments where extra caution must be taken. Use a fine comb to spread the product on every strand. One thing to note, each product comes with its own unique procedures. Don't be in a rush here. Take your time to read through and follow promptly, after all, it's salon-quality or nothing.
Sealing-In the Keratin Treatment
This is the secret to the professional glow—glossy, manageable and strong hair. A temperature of 220-232°C from your flat iron is recommended. Slowly glide down your hair, holding the length with your other hand to feel the heat as you go. If the heat is more than required, your hair becomes weakened or overprocessed with unwanted tones. Avoid using other products at this phase—no heat protectant, no oils. Just go gently and you are safe.
Post-Keratin Treatment At-Home Tips
The next phases after applying the keratin treatment are just as important as getting the keratin treatment at home done in the first place. Professional results don't just end at application—you sure want a treatment that lasts.
Don't Wash Until 72 hours After Keratin Application
Although you'll start seeing the results of the treatment at most one hour after, allow your hair 48-72 hours for the treatment to be fully in. Your hair can still last a few more days before the next wash. Shampoos and conditioners are a no-no during this phase. Tight hairstyles, hair bands and clips that could strain the hair should be out of reach during these few days. You should also sleep with your hair covered in a silk scarf or bonnet to protect your hair.
Don't Skip Sulphate-Free Products
Sulphates do no good to hair other than lather and suds. They can ruin the treatment you just had done. A sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner that doesn't compromise on hydration and care is much safer. GK Hair’s Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner is a powerful combo that ensures the keratin lasts up to 4-8 weeks before reapplication.
Insider Secrets for Professional Keratin Treatment at Home
Here are some juicy tips that even your stylist won't tell you. It's what makes the difference between salon and at-home keratin treatments.
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Comb Each Section of Your Hair After Applying Keratin: The product has a tendency to clump together, but with a fine tail comb, you can prevent this from happening. Use the comb to smoothen the product as you move from one section to another.
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Blow-Dry at Arm's Distance: Raise your hand to about 5 inches away from your scalp. This prevents direct heat from touching the hair.
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Follow Processing Times Carefully: With keratin treatment, patience and accuracy wins. Be sure to follow the “how-to” for any keratin treatment you use.
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Don't Apply Keratin Treatment Directly on Roots: Move ¼ inch above the root, then apply to prevent your hair from feeling greasy and needing an immediate wash.
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Deep Condition Weekly: Keratin treatments can make your hair feel thirsty. Use a quality deep conditioning mask like GK Hair's Deep Conditioner Treatment once or twice a week for the right moisture balance and to extend the life of your keratin.
Who Can Get a Keratin Treatment Done?
Natural, coloured, or damaged hair can get a keratin treatment. For the latter, the frequency of application may double for hair that just needs maintenance. Salon-grade results won't just happen without the right efforts from the jump. We want you to use a product that is easy-to-use and effective like GK Hair's The Best Keratin Treatment. It's one of the best sellers out there, totally vegan and corrects for shine and smoothness.
Bottom Line
Keratin treatment has long been the go-to treatment for many years and is gaining more relevance now. From the comfort of your bathroom, you can fix things up with your hair and give yourself an overall healthy look without queueing for an appointment. GK Hair is renowned for a quality keratin treatment that is easy and effective.
