Keratin hair straightening

The keratin hair straightening procedure is aimed primarily at restoration of their structure. It can be used not only by those with unruly curly hair, but also by anyone who wants to “cure” their hair, worn out by frequent styling and coloring.

Initially, this process was possible only in salon conditions, but now it is quite possible to carry out the entire technology on one's own.

Many people do not see the difference between keratinization and lamination or biolamination of hair, and, indeed, the external result of these procedures is largely similar.

In this case, the home procedure is carried out with branded cosmetics. and not through other available means.

Differences between salon straightening and home procedures

It would be wrong to say that professional and home keratin straightening procedures have no differences.

Firstly, the difference lies primarily in composition of the funds themselves.

Products intended for home use are not always as effective for straightening as salon products, since they often do not stretch, but simply break the disulfide bonds between the curls.

Therefore, if there is excessive “curliness,” it would be more practical to turn to professionals. Straight-haired ladies who just want to restore their hair can buy keratin straightening products and carry out the procedure at home.

Secondly, the price of the issue is also not equal. It’s a paradox, but “homemade” keratin kits are often more expensive than a visit to the salon, but their contents are enough for 8-10 sessions.

Given the cumulative effect of the procedure, which is recommended to be repeated periodically, this may ultimately help save a lot.

On long hair, a salon procedure will be expensive. After all, often the standard norm of the product is simply not enough and it is necessary to increase it, and this is an additional expense.

In most cases, the choice directly depends on hair structure, length and desire to save money.

Initially, you can prefer a salon procedure, carefully observing the actions of the master, and conduct subsequent sessions at home.

What you will need for a keratin straightening procedure at home

To carry out all stages of the procedure at home you will need:

Deep cleansing shampoo

Sometimes it is also called peeling shampoo, because it “removes” from the hair all kinds of remnants of styling and coloring products, silicones deposited on the hair and chlorine contained in the water.

Regardless of the brand, any keratin kits have absolutely natural composition, which additionally includes proteins and vitamin complexes that protect and restore hair.

However, some additives may still be present here in the form of aromatic fragrances that do not have a negative effect on the hair structure.

Sprayer

It will help distribute the keratin product as evenly and effectively as possible.

If you don't do this, you can later burn your hair badly, becoming defenseless after deep-cleansing shampoo.

Keratin straightening does not put a taboo on curly hair. You can do different hairstyles without any problems. Read about one very convenient tool - on our website.

Sometimes, along with curliness after keratin straightening, hair volume also decreases. In the article, read about a volumizer to increase volume.

Hair straightener

It is advisable to choose a styling tool familiar to many with ceramic or tourmaline coating, sparing your hair if possible.

It is necessary that its heating temperature can reach 230˚, otherwise keratin simply will not be able to penetrate inside the hair shaft.

Hair dryer

It is best to choose a hair dryer with gentle drying modes and a cold air mode, so as not to further injure your hair.

Additional tools

How to do keratin straightening yourself

Wash your hair thoroughly with deep cleaning shampoo. It is advisable to do this twice to definitely get rid of residual elements of styling products and hair dye.
Blow dry your hair until slightly damp.
Gently comb your hair and distribute it into strands of approximately equal thickness. Secure each curl clamp so that they do not get confused and interfere with the procedure.
Apply the keratin product to each strand in turn, carefully and evenly distributing it throughout the hair. The main thing here observe the measure– an insufficient amount of keratin will not be able to fully saturate the hair with nutrients, and its excess will make the hair too greasy and unkempt.
Wait 20-30 minutes until the keratin mask is absorbed into the hair and re-dry it with a hairdryer, while setting the lowest temperature.
Straighten thin strands of hair one by one with an iron, while setting the temperature 230˚. However, dyed blondes can heat the straightener up to 200˚, because hair bleached with peroxide is extremely vulnerable. You should go over each strand with an iron at least 5-7 times.
Gently comb your hair.

Some keratin-containing kits include a nourishing mask or serum with the effect of more firmly consolidating the result.

In this video you can watch an example of how you can carry out the keratin straightening and hair restoration procedure yourself.

Video: Keratin hair straightening at home

Precautionary measures

When doing home keratin hair straightening, you should follow certain rules so that the procedure is not only as effective as possible, but also safe.

Keratin hair straightening is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Almost every composition contains formaldehyde, which releases when heated toxic formaldehyde. Despite the fact that its percentage is most often approximately 1.7% (which significantly below the norm recognized by the Ministry of Health), it is better to use a protective mask.

During a salon procedure, they usually cover their ears with special pads so as not to accidentally burn them with a hot iron. You can also find ways to protect your ears at home.

Many cosmetic procedures are not recommended for pregnant women; read about that on our website.

In other situations, you also shouldn’t get too carried away with dramatic changes in appearance. Read the article about how often you should dye your hair.

Many of the procedures that we used to go to the salon for can now be done at home, follow this link: find out how to lighten colored hair at home.

Further hair care

If the procedure is carried out correctly, you can expect a result like in these photos:

For a spectacular and maximum lasting effect after keratin hair straightening, you should follow certain care rules:

For the first three days, forget about all kinds of hair accessories - hairpins, elastic bands, headbands to avoid unevenness and creases
Do not wash your hair for at least three days after the procedure, and do not color or even highlight it for two weeks, otherwise its condition may worsen.
For further washing of hair, use only shampoos no sulfates, otherwise the keratin composition will be washed out of the hair shaft ahead of schedule.
Avoid contact of hair with sea water if you are planning a vacation at sea. As a last resort, you can use various protective serums that prevent the destruction of keratin.

By deciding to undergo keratin hair straightening at home and choosing a high-quality product, you can quickly and permanently restore their vitality, surprising others with their dazzling shine and healthy beauty.

However, experts and consumers have two opinions about this procedure. Study all the pros and cons of the technology, compare the effectiveness, benefits and harm to your curls before getting rid of them. You may be better served by gentler alternatives. And if you decide to go to the salon, then choose an experienced specialist with a good reputation.

The essence of the salon procedure

Keratin straightening is based on the fact that human hair is 90% keratin. A lack of this important protein leads to dryness, brittleness, split ends and other problems visible to the naked eye.

The introduction of keratin artificially makes the hair shaft denser and able to hold its shape. During the procedure, the master not only fills the strands with important protein, but also gives them the desired shape - smoothes and evens them out.

The effect does not last long - just long enough until the roots grow to the level where the styling loses its appearance. Thanks to the possibility of local application, only certain areas can be leveled. Most often, girls get rid of curly bangs.

The procedure lasts about two hours and includes:

Cleaning strands of care and styling products using special deep cleaning shampoos.
Natural and forced drying.
Application of keratin straightening composition in two steps with a break of 40 minutes.
Thorough drying with a hairdryer - it is important that no moisture remains at all.
Straightening each strand with a professional straightening iron.
Hair washing, drying.

After drying, the curls no longer need to be smoothed. They lay beautifully and remain smooth for several months.

Do not wash your hair for at least three days.
For four days (or better yet, more) do not visit the pool, sauna, bathhouse, beach and other similar places.
In the first days, do not use elastic bands or hairpins.
In the first two weeks, avoid dyeing.

Contraindications to keratin smoothing:

scalp diseases;
dandruff;
scratches, cuts, pimples;
local alopecia;
asthma;
allergic reactions.

Healthy hair – expectation and reality

During the straightening procedure, keratins, the special proteins that make up the hair, are literally soldered into the weakened hair shaft. As a result, split ends are “glued” together, hair scales are smoothed, and the strands become even, elastic, smooth and shiny.

However, the effect is short-lived, and the duration of the healing effect largely depends on the correctness of hair straightening with keratins and the quality of the keratin composition.

After several weeks, and sometimes even after the first wash, the hair loses that rich shine and elasticity that it had immediately after the procedure, and again begins to split and break off.

Some argue that after the keratins are completely washed out of the hair, their condition becomes many times worse than before keratinization. And so you have to repeat an expensive trip to the beauty salon again and again, or wait until your hair recovers naturally.

Another significant disadvantage is the content of carcinogenic formaldehyde in many keratin straightening products. Of course, after one single procedure you will not get cancer. But if you constantly expose yourself to a dangerous compound, then there is a risk.

There are formulations containing formaldehyde in very small quantities, in acceptable doses, and formulations that do not contain it at all, but their effectiveness, as a rule, is an order of magnitude lower than formaldehyde-containing ones.

Hair straightening with keratins at home

The cost of one session of hair straightening with keratins is quite high - this also cannot be considered an advantage. But for those who are on a budget, there are special products with keratins for home use.

The price of one bottle of this product is slightly higher than the cost of a procedure in a beauty salon, but it is enough for 10-12 applications, depending on the length of the hair, so the savings are significant.

Home straightening algorithm:

Before keratinization, be sure to wash your hair at least twice with a special shampoo that contains keratins.
Then lightly pat your hair dry with a towel and comb it. As a rule, after keratin shampoo, strands are quite easy to comb.
Apply the straightening compound to damp hair, strand by strand, without missing anything, using a spray bottle.
You need to hold it for a while, about 15-20 minutes is enough.
Once the mixture is absorbed, thoroughly blow-dry your hair using a soft round brush. It is very important to dry completely, otherwise straightening your hair with keratins can cause a lot of damage.
Next, separate a small strand, and, starting about 1 cm from the scalp, smooth your hair with a hot (450 degrees) iron.

After this stage, the strands acquire a unique shine and smoothness, since under the influence of high temperature the keratin actually fuses with each hair, giving it an ideal structure.

How to replace hair straightening with keratins

Weighing all the pros and cons, we can conclude that it is better to resort to hair straightening with keratins only as a last resort, when other means no longer help. And if the curls are a little frizzy and frizzy, then you can solve the problem in more gentle ways.

Now there are many products that perfectly moisturize, restore and protect hair without aggressive effects. It’s quite possible to straighten loose curls with an iron. If you don't have one, . When drying with a hairdryer, you can use a special comb-iron.

Be sure to apply conditioner or conditioner every time after washing with any caring shampoo. With such care, over time, the hair will stop splitting and breaking and will be smoother.

Curly-haired beauties, remember, girls with straight hair secretly envy you, be proud of what nature has awarded you - she very rarely makes mistakes.

Keratinization is an extremely popular procedure that can be performed not only by a specialist, but also with your own hands; there is also one that nourishes and heals hair. In this article we will look at how to do keratin straightening at home, provide step-by-step instructions, and also talk about care after the procedure.

What is keratin hair straightening, harm and benefits of the procedure

A must for those who want their hair to be smooth and not require constant styling with a hot iron. However, this is not the only effect that the procedure has on the hair.

So, if your hair is thin, easily tangled and difficult to comb, then keratinization will help cope with this problem. Just an hour and a half and you can boast of absolutely straight and shiny hair throughout the day.

Keratin is a protein that has particular strength. It is part of the hair cuticle, forming the outer stratum corneum. In other words, keratin can be called “liquid hair” because the substance included in the product is identical to what is found in human hair.

It has a positive effect on the condition of the hair, nourishes, moisturizes it, and protects it from the negative influences of the external environment. According to scientists, hair consists of ninety percent keratin protein. However, keratinization, with all its advantages, is not an absolutely harmless procedure.

Thanks to keratin, hair weakened by constant styling and coloring will acquire a healthy shine in just one procedure. Even if the hair looks good visually, a dose of keratin will still not hurt it. However, it is important to monitor the quality of the products used and remember safety precautions during hair straightening surgery.

IMPORTANT: Buy straightening products only from trusted suppliers, otherwise there is a chance of getting a bald spot on the back of your head instead of a luxurious head of hair.

According to manufacturers, the effect of the keratinization procedure can last up to six months. However, the duration of the composition largely depends on the initial condition of the hair. If they are porous and damaged, then the procedure may have to be repeated after a few months. However, it is worth noting that keratin tends to accumulate in the hair, so you will have to process the strands less and less each time.

After keratin straightening, the strands become smooth and silky and feel very soft to the touch. They are easy to comb even without the use of special products, and self-styling is greatly simplified.

Controversies surrounding the keratin straightening procedure have not subsided since its inception.

What are the disadvantages of keratinization? And are they all true?

This procedure is stressful for the hair.

This is partly a myth, because modern formulations do not have a negative effect on strands. On the contrary, they are restored, which allows you to give even the most “dead” curls a decent look. On the other hand, if the hair is thin and sparse, then the weight associated with keratinization can lead to hair loss.

Loss of volume

Much depends on the medium. There are solutions on the market that provide hair smoothing without loss of volume. Another way not to lose root volume is not to apply the composition to the scalp, but to step back from the roots by two to three centimeters. However, some people don’t mind their hair being absolutely smooth. This effect can be achieved by using a concentrate with strong straightening properties and only in a salon setting with a good specialist.

After keratin straightening, hair quickly gets dirty.

It is a myth. If the procedure is carried out in accordance with the specified technology and using high-quality products, then the hair, on the contrary, will retain a fresh look longer. According to reviews, most girls note that keratinization helped them give up daily hair washing.

Formaldehyde

Most modern formulations do not contain this component or it is in a low concentration, which does not give an unpleasant odor. However, if you decide to carry out the procedure during pregnancy or lactation, you must carefully monitor the composition of the solution used.

IMPORTANT: If possible, it is better to completely abandon keratin straightening during this period, since there is a possibility of an unexpected allergic reaction to one of the substances that are included in the product.

High temperatures burn hair.

If you have applied enough product to the strands, then a hot iron will not harm them. Keratin is sealed inside the hair under high temperature, but this does not affect the quality of the curl at all.

What are the differences between the procedure in the salon and at home?

Beauty salons were the first to offer keratin straightening. It was performed by experienced craftsmen using strict technology. However, modern formulations are not difficult to use, so the procedure can be done at home.

It will help those girls who want to smooth out slightly curly strands, as well as nourish their hair and give it a beautiful shine. The procedure is indicated for those who often do highlighting or dyeing, as well as after perm, which severely damages the hair.

IMPORTANT: If you have ethnic hair that is very curly, then you can deal with it only in a salon setting.

When treated with a proprietary composition, the hair is filled with it, filling gaps in the cuticle and restoring the hair structure. Each hair is enveloped in a protective composition, so it is less susceptible to negative environmental influences and mechanical stress, for example, styling with a curling iron.

What are the differences between a professional and home procedure?

The solutions used for salon procedures are stronger, as they are designed to be used by a professional who is familiar with technology and safety precautions. Home keratinization kits work on the principle of “do no harm.” Therefore, they will only slightly smooth the hairs and nourish them from the inside.
Salon straightening lasts up to five to six months, and with proper care even more. Home straightening needs to be updated every one and a half to two months.
The cost of the procedure varies greatly. In beauty salons you will have to pay from ten thousand rubles for one session, and When performing keratin straightening at home, you can save a lot. The cost of the kit starts from one and a half thousand, and the solutions in it are enough for five to seven uses.

How to do keratin hair straightening at home

Keratinization at home is quite capable of becoming an analogue for a salon procedure.

First of all, you need to purchase a straightening compound. The price varies from one and a half to forty thousand rubles. For home use, you can opt for a budget option. Keep track of the expiration dates of products, as well as their composition. If it contains formaldehyde, then this set is not suitable for home use.

IMPORTANT: do not buy “castings” from unfamiliar craftsmen in groups on social networks. There is no guarantee that they will sell you the product you need with a normal expiration date. Often, instead of a composition for keratin straightening, bottled products contain the simplest and cheapest mask, which you can buy in any supermarket. Therefore, in this case, the saying “the miser pays twice” works one hundred percent.

Next, you need to prepare your hair for the procedure. To do this, wash your hair with deep cleaning shampoo. It can be included in a set or sold separately in a specialized store for hairdressers.

After this, proceed to the direct application of the composition. It is easier to do this with the help of another person so that the product evenly covers all the hair.

After thermal treatment, do not wash your hair for several days. This is necessary so that the composition is fixed inside. Next, use only sulfate-free hair washes. Try to lather only the skin and roots, and rinse the length of your hair with foam.

Step-by-step instructions for the procedure/technique

Below we will provide detailed instructions using which you can do keratin straightening at home.

Shampoo your hair twice for deep cleaning. After this, dry your hair eighty percent; after using a hairdryer, it should remain slightly damp.
Comb your hair and take them apart into strands. Secure with plastic clips.
Apply keratin treatment on each strand, working it carefully. Repeat this action with the entire mop. Do not skimp on the composition; distribute it throughout your hair in the right amount.
Wait about half an hour for the mask to absorb into your hair. Then dry your hair with a hairdryer a blast of cold air.
Straighten the strands one by one, setting the temperature to 230 degrees. You need to go over each strand several times so that the keratin is well imprinted into the hair structure.
Carefully comb your hair.
After the procedure Do not use clamps or elastic bands for two days for hair to prevent kinks from forming. You can wash your hair on the third day after keratinization. Until this time, it is not recommended to visit the bathhouse or sauna, or get exposed to rain.

Tools you'll need

In order to do keratin straightening, you will need a number of special products.

These include:

Shampoo for deep cleaning.

Removes remnants of styling and care products and opens the hair cuticle, thereby allowing protein to penetrate deeper into its structure. You can buy this shampoo at hairdressing stores.

Keratin composition

It can be either in its pure form or with the addition of additional components, for example, oils or vitamins. They provide additional nutrition and hydration to the hair, giving it noticeable shine.

Professional home remedies, folk recipes

Most professional products are suitable for home use, the main thing is to follow the instructions and safety precautions. So don't be put off by kits that are marked "for salon use only." Usually the only difficulty that arises when working with these drugs is the difficulty of purchasing them, since a number of straightening products are sold exclusively to beauty salons.

In addition to the above products, you can use special fixing serums and protective compounds. These professional products will help make home care even more effective and safe.

Keratin shampoo

Keratin shampoos contain a small percentage of this protein. However, they quite successfully act as an auxiliary and supporting tool. This type of shampoo is available in the lines of many professional brands and, judging by the reviews, it helps to tame unruly curls a little and make them smoother and shinier.

Traditional cosmetology offers solutions that will enrich your hair with healthy protein. We offer you several time-tested recipes.

Recipes for keratin masks at home

Tools

The tools needed for keratinization include:

A hairdryer is enough for your home appliance, the main thing is that it has a cold drying mode.

Sprayer - you can take the most ordinary sprayer, which is sold in any hardware store. It is needed to evenly distribute the keratin composition along the entire length of the hair.

Auxiliary equipment – hair clips, plastic bowl for keratin, brush, protective covering for shoulders, towel.

What kind of iron is needed for keratin hair straightening?

An iron that is suitable for keratin straightening should have a heat setting of 220-230 degrees, because at a lower temperature the keratin will not be sealed. The coating should be either titanium, tourmaline, or ceramic.

What kind of comb is needed for keratin hair straightening?

To carry out the operation, you will need a heat-resistant comb with a clip. This will allow you to apply the composition evenly along the entire length. You can buy such a comb at hairdressing stores.

Hair care after home keratin straightening

Use for washing. Afterwards, use a balm or mask (once or twice a week). It is desirable that they contain keratin. This will help maintain the life of the straightening.

Buy a protective spray and spray it on your hair after every hair wash. It will make them even softer and more radiant, and will also protect them from exposure to high and low temperatures, as well as ultraviolet rays, which greatly dry out the curls.

How long does the effect of keratin straightening last?

At home, the effect can last up to four months. However, with each subsequent procedure this period will increase, since the hair will be sufficiently filled with the protein it needs.

1 016 0 Hello! In this article we will talk about keratin hair straightening. You will read reviews about the use of this procedure, find out the cost of the service and how to do keratin straightening at home.

Hair is one of the most attractive parts of a woman's appearance. It is not surprising that the beauty industry is offering more and more different procedures and cosmetic innovations for hair. One of the most popular services is keratin straightening for curly and curly hair.

How and why is keratin straightening done?

Keratin straightening is a cosmetic procedure aimed at saturating damaged hair with keratin and protein.

Initially, the keratin straightening procedure was aimed at treating hair. However, in addition to the fact that the hair acquired a healthy, attractive shine, became smooth, manageable and pliable, the straightening effect, which is obtained thanks to the aldehydes included in keratin straightening products, also became obvious.

The fact is that hair is almost eighty percent keratin. Having grown by more than twenty centimeters, the curls are no longer able to independently restore the keratin lost under the influence of various factors. Because of this, the hair becomes dull, the hair becomes brittle and unruly, split ends appear, etc. Keratin straightening and hair restoration come to the rescue.

Keratin molecules easily penetrate into the very depths of the hair shaft, fill the resulting damage and voids and tightly cover the hair, protecting it from a hostile environment. It is thanks to this outer layer that the hair straightens, becomes elastic and looks great.

Types of keratin straightening

At the moment, there are only two types of procedures: American And Brazilian keratin straightening.

Brazilian straightening- this is the very first version of the procedure that came to us from distant Brazil. The composition used for keratin straightening includes the harmful substance formaldehyde. At its core, it is a carcinogen, the fumes of which can cause poor health, dizziness, tearing, poisoning and even cancer. That is why it is so important to contact professionals for this procedure at a trusted salon that follows all safety rules.
American straightening is considered more gentle and safer for human health. There is no formaldehyde in the composition and the concentration of aldehydes is minimally reduced. However, this procedure is much more expensive than the Brazilian version.

Nowadays you can easily find various options for compositions for hair keratization: natural ingredients, natural keratin, amino acids, vegetable oils.

It must be remembered that for each hair type the composition of the product is selected individually. Undyed hair, permed hair, severely damaged hair, bleached, thick, porous, problematic hair - all these are unique cases that require an individual approach.

Pros and cons of keratin straightening

Like most procedures, keratinization has both significant advantages and obvious irrefutable disadvantages. Before deciding on this expensive procedure, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons so that the consequences of the procedure do not come as a surprise to you.

Direct indication for keratinization: Dull, lifeless hair, unruly and frizzy.

pros

Kerating is suitable for any hair type, any thickness, length and even any age.
The keratin film serves as a shield for the hair, which protects it from all external factors, be it dust, exhaust fumes, smoky conditions or ultraviolet rays.
The appearance of the hairstyle changes: the hair becomes very well-groomed, shiny, smooth and elastic.
Keratin straightening solves the problem of static tension. Hair stops being magnetic.
The procedure does not impose restrictions on hairstyles. You can do anything with your hair: tie it, braid it, style it. You can even curl your hair after keratin straightening.
The cost of correction and its duration are significantly lower than that of the first procedure.
If previously your hair got tangled and behaved obscenely when combing, now the problem will be solved. Hair can be easily combed with any comb and in any condition, even immediately after a shower.
If you've had a bad perm before, straightening it can help repair the damage. True, keratization can be done no earlier than two weeks from the moment of perm.
The hair remains straight for a long period (from three months to six months).
The hair stops being frizzy and split ends disappear.
You don’t have to constantly style your hair; after straightening, it lasts for several days even without styling products.

Minuses

High cost of the procedure. The price of the service, of course, mainly depends on the length and thickness of the hair. For example, straightening short hair will be much cheaper than doing the same procedure on waist-length hair.
The procedure takes a long time. Expect to spend three to five hours in the salon.
After straightening, it is forbidden to wash your hair, braid, pin, or tie your hair for 3-4 days. Otherwise, the result will be invisible, and unsightly creases will appear on the hair. For the same reason, avoid rain immediately after the procedure.
During the first week, not only do not wash your hair, but also avoid getting any moisture. Use a shower cap and avoid going into the pool. Looking ahead, swimming with your hair down and visiting the baths after the procedure is prohibited. Keratin will quickly be washed out of the hair.
Formaldehyde may cause discomfort during the procedure (tearfulness, dizziness, etc.), as well as manifestations of poisoning after (nosebleeds, abdominal pain, etc.).
An allergic reaction may occur.
After the procedure, you will need special cosmetics for hair care. Its cost is quite high. Using regular shampoos and conditioners will quickly remove keratin from the hair.
Owners of coarse and thick hair should not expect a long-lasting effect.
The procedure can also cause hair loss, especially if the hair is long. This happens due to the weight of the hair and increased load on the hair follicles.
The volume of the hairstyle is lost.
A “dirty hair” effect may appear.
Your hair may begin to smell unpleasant.
Over time, the ends of the hair begin to break off.
After the keratin is completely washed out, the hair will become even more damaged and porous. Therefore, the curls will have to be treated additionally or constantly undergo correction, which is even more detrimental.

Knowing all the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, you can make an informed decision and sensibly assess the situation. Is it worth it? Or maybe questions will arise: what is better to do lamination or keratin straightening? What will have a better effect on hair: Botox or keratin straightening? There is an opinion that the listed procedures are much more gentle than keratization.

Contraindications

Keratinization also has contraindications:

Various scalp diseases and injuries: seborrhea, wounds, sores and scratches;
Having allergies;
Bronchial asthma;
There is a possibility of baldness;
Inflammations on the skin.

Keratin straightening during pregnancy and breastfeeding

In all of the above cases, the procedure is not recommended, but you can, if desired, find workarounds and tighten security measures. However, there is a case in which keratin straightening is strictly forbidden - pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Formaldehyde can have a detrimental effect not only on the health of the mother, but also seriously affect the development and condition of the baby. Even if a carcinogen is not declared in the composition, the mixture with a 99% probability contains substances similar in properties or originating from it. Therefore, you should not risk your health or the life of a little person for the temporary effect of beautiful hair. Avoid straightening even without formaldehyde.

Keratin straightening in the salon

If you decide to undergo this procedure, it is best to contact an experienced specialist at a trusted salon, making sure in advance that all safety rules are followed and the procedure is carried out in a thoroughly ventilated area. Another advantage of the salon is that the hairdresser can choose the composition specifically for your hair type, which is difficult to do on your own.

The procedure in the salon takes place in several stages:

Step 1. Complete hair cleansing. The master thoroughly washes the strands using special sulfate-free shampoos. This is a very important step.

Step 2. After this, the master applies a specially selected composition to the hair, while the roots remain untouched.

Step 3. The strands are dried with a hairdryer until the hair is completely dry.

Step 4. After this, the iron is used, heated to 230°C.

Step 5. At the end of the procedure, the specialist can make a special moisturizing mask for keratin straightening and then dry and style the hair.

Keratin straightening at home

Carrying out keratinization at home is much more difficult than going to a salon. It is important to understand that it will be very difficult to achieve the same effect as in a salon. It would be a good idea to ask someone to help you with the procedure.

On the Internet you can find many folk recipes aimed at straightening the ends. A popular method is hair straightening with gelatin. Of course, such methods are much more useful than keratinization and can also give a noticeable effect, but in fact they have nothing in common with the keratin straightening procedure.

For home use, it is advisable to select a special composition for the procedure and act strictly according to the instructions. When choosing a product, pay attention to the amount of formaldehyde; it should not be more than 0.2%. Neglecting this rule and using low-quality cosmetics can lead to intoxication and poisoning.

A straightening kit will cost the same as a full-fledged procedure in a salon. However, it is enough for 10-12 times. In addition, you should take care in advance of special balms and shampoos, a spray bottle or brush for application, a hair dryer, an iron, and a round brush. Prepare a cape to protect your clothes, or wear something you don’t mind throwing away later.

The order of the home procedure is not much different from the salon version. If you do the straightening yourself, you may have difficulty processing the back strands.

Step 1. Wash your hair. It is advisable to repeat the washing procedure several times in a row, paying attention to each hair.

Step 2. Dry your hair with a towel and dry it a little naturally. They should be slightly damp to continue the procedure.

Step 3. Secure the hair at the back of your head in any convenient way.

Step 4. Dividing your hair into small strands, apply the product evenly, avoiding contact with the hair roots.

Step 5. Leave the mixture on the curls, the time should be indicated in the instructions.

Step 6. Then blow dry your hair on the lowest setting, using a brush to straighten it while drying.

Step 7 Run the iron through your hair. For thin hair, three times is enough, for coarse and thick hair - seven.

Step 8 Apply a special keratin treatment when finished (usually a serum or mask).

Care after straightening

How long the effect of the procedure will last and how often it will have to be done depends solely on you and how you take care of your hair after the procedure. There are some rules of care:

Do not perform any manipulations with your hair for three days. Hair should be loose, and you should not wash or style it with a straightening iron or hair dryer.
Avoid moisture in any form.
Use only special hair cosmetics.
Don't go to bed with dry hair.
To consolidate the effect, you can periodically make special masks.
Coloring after keratin straightening is acceptable after two weeks, so color your head in advance if necessary.
You can cut your hair on the day of the procedure or five days later.
To record the result, you can repeat the procedure after ten days.

Now, knowing all the advantages and disadvantages of the popular keratinization procedure, you can decide whether this procedure is worth doing and what the consequences will be.

Today there is just a real boom in hair products with keratin: shampoos, conditioners, masks, leave-in products and of course keratin hair straightening. And this is not surprising, because keratin has unique properties to restore hair from the inside, but for this, the products must be of high quality and professional.

Keratin is the basis of our hair, or rather a type of protein that contains an amino acid responsible for the elasticity, smoothness and health of hair. If the body cannot independently synthesize the required amount of keratin, it is imperative to adjust your diet, include daily foods rich in animal protein, and B vitamins (B6) and a number of microelements (silicon, magnesium, nitrogen, sulfur, selenium). All these important vitamins and microelements can be obtained from foods; they are best absorbed from foods.

And keratin straightening promises well-groomed, soft, smooth, elastic and shiny hair after just one procedure and for a long time. Well, how can a modern girl not be interested in this? After all, with our hair we emphasize our uniqueness, beauty and our daily image.

The keratin craze began about five to six years ago in Brazil, thanks to the Brazilian hair straightening technique, which used keratin as one of the main components. Therefore, sometimes keratinization is also called Brazilian hair straightening.

The essence of the keratinization or keratin straightening procedure is that keratin (liquid) penetrates deep into each hair and fills damaged areas, cracks, and under the influence of heat it acquires elasticity and becomes a protective layer for each hair to the very ends.

Stages of keratin hair straightening

Keratin hair straightening is most often done by girls with curly, unruly and porous hair, but even those who have naturally straight hair can also do this procedure, because keratin primarily restores hair, makes it more elastic and shiny, straightening comes as an addition.

If you are thinking of doing keratin hair straightening, then be sure to go to a good salon, to an experienced, qualified hairdresser, where they use high-quality raw materials. At least the first few times to learn the essence of the procedure, and then you can try it at home, but I still don’t recommend it.

The whole procedure depends entirely on the master and the quality of the keratin!

Stage 1. The master, based on the type of hair and, of course, its condition, selects the appropriate composition. It is very important to do everything in the correct dosage and then this procedure will have a therapeutic restorative effect on the hair (it is quite difficult to do this at home). It is necessary to use the products in strict accordance with the instructions. It is precisely the strict implementation of the instructions that will allow keratin to penetrate deep into the hair structure and have the desired effect.

Stage 2. The master combs the hair and prepares it for thorough cleansing, using a special deep cleansing shampoo. The shampoo deeply cleanses the hair of various contaminants (styling products, silicones, sebum, dust and other contaminants), then it is well filled with keratin.

Stage 3. Next, the hair is slightly dried with a hairdryer and keratin is applied. It is important to carefully distribute the product over the entire length, since smoothing the hair in all areas depends on this. Be sure to ensure that the mixture does not touch the hair roots. After some time, the hair is dried with a hairdryer until it is completely dry.

Stage 4. Then the hair is divided into zones and small strands are taken and carefully straightened with an iron (for different keratins, the temperature can vary from 180-200 to 230 degrees), this is necessary in order to seal the keratin inside the hair. After the procedure, all hair scales are completely closed and fit tightly to each other, as a result the hair looks elastic, manageable, shiny and well-groomed.

The smell during the procedure is tolerable, but your eyes begin to water a little, I recommend that as soon as you feel a slight burning sensation in your eyes, just close them.

If everything is done correctly, then the result will not keep you waiting: the hair will be soft, one might even say “alive,” smooth, elastic, shiny, weighted. Keratin hair straightening has cumulative effect.

How to care for hair after keratin straightening

The effect of the procedure remains from 3 to 6 months and therefore it is very important to properly care for your hair after keratin straightening so that the result pleases you for as long as possible.

Some formulations allow you to wash your hair immediately after the procedure, and some recommend refraining from washing your hair for three days and not pinning it with hairpins or elastic bands to avoid kinks.

Choose gentle, sulfate-free care!

Shampoo. It is imperative to choose a sulfate-free shampoo, so the effect of the procedure will last much longer.

Conditioner and mask. Despite the fact that the hair looks, one might even say perfect, it still needs care as always. That is, after each wash we apply conditioner or a mask, preferably with more natural compositions.

Leave-in products. Oils, fluids, and crystals are also needed by hair for additional care and external shine.

Pros and cons of keratin hair straightening

An immediate effect, that is, you get perfectly straight hair immediately after the procedure and the effect lasts from three to six months (with proper care).
The hair is perfectly straight, soft, elastic and incredibly shiny... and so on for several months. And besides, during rain or humid weather, your hair still looks perfect.
The hair is easy to comb and does not electrify; for those with unruly hair, this is a godsend.
Keratin straightening has a cumulative effect; with each procedure, the results will last longer.
Keratin straightening can be done on both colored and undyed hair. You can dye your hair immediately before the procedure, or 1-2 weeks after.
After keratin straightening, you can safely style and even curl your hair; it is easy to style. Drying and styling your hair takes much less time.

This procedure also has disadvantages:

The downside is that volume is removed, because porous hair looks voluminous, and after the procedure the hair looks smooth and manageable, but many note that after washing with shampoo several times, the volume returns a little.
Keratin straightening is not suitable for girls with very thin hair, since after the procedure it will look even thinner.
Many girls note that after the procedure, their hair needs to be washed more often than before keratin straightening.
During the procedure, when keratin is sealed with an iron, the keratin composition may be a little harsh on the eyes and the smell is not pleasant.
Some manufacturers use formaldehyde in straightening compositions, which is considered a carcinogen and can be dangerous; its proportion should not exceed 0.2%. Therefore, choose your keratin brand very carefully. Formaldehyde is used in cheaper products, mostly produced in Brazil. Formaldehyde is a chemical that, when exposed to hair for long periods of time, can have a detrimental effect on hair and the general health of the body.

Keratin straightening is suitable for:

if the hair splits not only at the ends, but also along the length of the hair, it looks dull, lifeless and brittle;
if you have curly or curly hair and want to have perfectly straight hair;
if your hair becomes frizzy and reacts sharply to humid weather;
if you are tired of styling your hair with a hairdryer and straightener every day.

Contraindications to the procedure:

pregnancy and breastfeeding;
damage to the scalp (wounds) or too sensitive scalp;
scalp diseases;
hair loss (any type of alopecia).

Types of keratin for hair

Cadiveu Professional
keratin Research (USA)
Global Keratin Hair (USA)
Keratin Complex Therapy (USA)
Brazilian Blowout (USA)
HONMATOKYO
Brazilian Keratin Treatment
Cadiveu Brasil Cacau (Brazil)
Cocochoco (Israel)
Natura Keratin
Nanokeratin

The key to high-quality keratin hair straightening: you need to find a qualified, experienced master who works with high-quality keratin, a proven brand and will not spare the composition, but will apply a sufficient amount. A professional iron that seals the keratin, rather than stroking it through the hair, and all the keratin will be washed off after several hair washes and, of course, special care after the procedure.