How To Do A Keratin Treatment At Home: DIY Guide for Salon Results

Can you do a keratin treatment at home? Yes, you can achieve salon-quality results with a DIY keratin treatment by carefully following the steps and using the right products. This guide will walk you through the at-home keratin process for smoother, frizz-free hair.

Keratin treatments have become a popular way to combat frizz and achieve silky, manageable hair. While salons offer professional services, many are seeking how to do a keratin treatment at home for convenience and cost savings. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to perform a successful home keratin hair treatment and enjoy beautiful, sleek locks.

Why Choose a DIY Keratin Treatment?

Opting for a DIY keratin treatment offers several advantages:

Cost-Effectiveness: Salon keratin treatments can be quite expensive. Doing it yourself significantly reduces the cost.
Convenience: You can schedule your treatment whenever it suits you, without needing salon appointments.
Control: You have complete control over the products used and the application process.

Deciphering Keratin Treatments

Before diving into the at-home keratin process, it’s helpful to understand what keratin is and how these treatments work. Keratin is a protein that’s naturally found in your hair, skin, and nails. Hair treatments infuse your hair with additional keratin, which helps to smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and add shine.

Types of Keratin Treatments Available for Home Use

There are various types of at home keratin smoothing products you can choose from. The best at home keratin kit will depend on your hair type and desired results.

Leave-in Treatments: These are applied after washing and conditioning and are left in the hair. They often provide a lighter smoothing effect.
Wash-out Treatments: These are applied to damp hair, left on for a specific time, and then rinsed out. They can offer more intense smoothing.
Keratin Kits: These often include a clarifying shampoo, the keratin treatment itself, and a post-treatment conditioner. They are designed to provide a complete smoothing experience.

Preparing Your Hair for the Treatment

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful home keratin hair treatment. Follow these steps diligently:

Choose the Right Day: Select a day when you won’t need to wash your hair for at least 2-3 days after the treatment.
Gather Your Supplies: Ensure you have all necessary items before you begin. This includes:
- The best at home keratin kit you’ve chosen.
- Gloves (usually included in kits, but have extras).
- A non-metal bowl for mixing (if required by your kit).
- A tint brush or applicator brush for even application.
- A fine-tooth comb.
- A sectioning clip.
- A hair dryer.
- A flat iron (with adjustable temperature settings).
- A heat-resistant mat for the flat iron.
- A salon cape or old towels to protect clothing.
- A well-ventilated room.
Clarify Your Hair: Most keratin treatments require you to start with clean, clarified hair. Use the clarifying shampoo provided in your kit or a clarifying shampoo from a salon brand.
- Lather the clarifying shampoo thoroughly into your hair.
- Rinse completely, ensuring no residue remains.
- Clarifying shampoo opens the hair cuticle, allowing the keratin to penetrate better. This is a vital step for an effective DIY keratin treatment.
Towel Dry Your Hair: Gently towel dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry. It should be damp, not soaking wet. This moisture helps in distributing the keratin evenly.

How to Apply Keratin at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that your hair is prepped, it’s time to begin the application. Precision and patience are key to achieving those desired salon results.

Step 1: Sectioning Your Hair

This step ensures that every strand is coated evenly with the keratin solution, critical for uniform smoothing and managing keratin treatment for frizzy hair at home.

Divide your hair into four manageable sections using sectioning clips.
Further subdivide these sections into smaller ¼ to ½ inch subsections. This allows for precise application.

Step 2: Applying the Keratin Solution

This is the core of the at home keratin process. Read your kit’s instructions carefully, as application methods can vary slightly.

Wear Gloves: Protect your hands from the keratin solution.
Dispense Product: Pour the keratin treatment into a non-metal bowl if instructed.
Apply Evenly: Using your applicator brush, start applying the keratin solution to each small subsection.
- Begin about ¼ to ½ inch away from the scalp, working down to the ends. Avoid applying directly to the scalp, as this can cause irritation and won’t be effective for hair straightening.
- Ensure each strand is thoroughly saturated. Use the fine-tooth comb to comb through each treated section. This helps to distribute the product evenly and remove any excess. Comb from root to tip, making sure to work the product through the hair.
- Continue this process for all subsections in all four sections of your hair.

Step 3: Processing Time

The processing time is crucial for the keratin to bind to your hair. This duration is typically specified in your kit’s instructions and can range from 20 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the product and your hair type.

Follow Kit Instructions: Adhere strictly to the recommended processing time for your chosen best at home keratin kit.
Avoid Washing: Do not rinse the product out during this time.
Cap It Off (Optional): Some kits recommend covering your hair with a plastic cap during the processing time to help the keratin penetrate. Check your product’s manual.

Step 4: Blow-Drying

Blow-drying helps to seal the keratin into the hair shaft. This is a critical step for keratin hair straightening at home.

Set Dryer to Medium Heat: Use a medium heat setting on your hair dryer. High heat can be too damaging.
Blow-Dry in Sections: Using your hands or a brush, blow-dry each subsection until it is completely dry.
Keep it Smooth: As you dry, try to keep the hair as smooth and straight as possible. You can use a round brush or a vent brush to help with this. The aim is to trap the keratin within the hair cuticle.

Step 5: Flat Ironing

The flat iron is what truly seals the keratin and creates the smooth, frizz-free effect. This is perhaps the most important step for achieving salon results at home.

Preheat Flat Iron: Heat your flat iron to the temperature recommended by your best at home keratin kit. This is typically between 350°F and 450°F (175°C to 230°C). For finer or damaged hair, start with a lower temperature.
Work in Small Sections: Take very small subsections, no wider than your flat iron.
Pass Through Slowly: Pass the flat iron slowly and evenly through each subsection, about 5-7 times. Ensure the hair is completely straight.
Maintain the Temperature: Be consistent with your flat iron passes.
Safety First: Use a heat-resistant mat for your flat iron to protect surfaces.

Step 6: The Waiting Game (Post-Treatment)

After flat ironing, there’s usually a waiting period before you can wash your hair. This allows the keratin to fully bond and set.

Avoid Water: Do not wash, wet, tie back, or tuck your hair behind your ears for the duration specified in your kit (usually 24-72 hours).
Avoid Heat Styling: Refrain from using any heat styling tools during this period.
Tuck Wisely: If you absolutely must tuck your hair, use bobby pins or hair ties loosely to avoid creasing.

Step 7: The First Wash

The first wash after the waiting period is crucial to rinse out the excess keratin and any residual product.

Use Sulfate-Free Products: It is highly recommended to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Sulfates can strip the keratin from your hair, reducing the treatment’s longevity.
Rinse Thoroughly: Wash your hair gently with lukewarm water.
Condition Well: Apply a generous amount of conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Rinse well.

Post-Treatment Care for Longevity

To maintain the smoothness and extend the life of your at home keratin smoothing treatment, follow these aftercare tips:

Sulfate-Free Hair Care: Continuously use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. This is non-negotiable for preserving your keratin treatment.
Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater: Chlorine in swimming pools and salt in ocean water can strip keratin. Wear a swimming cap or apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming and rinse your hair immediately after.
Gentle Styling: Avoid harsh brushing or excessive heat styling. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray.
Regular Trims: Regular trims can help keep your ends healthy and prevent split ends, further enhancing the smooth appearance of your hair.
Deep Conditioning (Occasionally): Once a week or every two weeks, you can use a deep conditioning mask (sulfate-free, of course) to provide extra moisture and nourishment.

Keratin Treatment Alternatives at Home

If you’re hesitant about the chemical aspect of keratin treatments or looking for less intensive options, there are keratin treatment alternatives at home.

Protein Treatments: Masks and treatments rich in hydrolyzed proteins can temporarily strengthen and smooth hair, offering a less permanent solution.
Natural Smoothing Masks: DIY masks using ingredients like coconut oil, yogurt, honey, or avocado can provide moisture and some smoothing benefits. These are generally less potent than keratin treatments but are a safe at home keratin treatment alternative in terms of ingredients.
Hair Serums and Oils: High-quality serums and argan oil can help tame frizz and add shine, improving the overall appearance of your hair.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter a few bumps along the way.

Uneven Smoothing: This often happens if the product wasn’t applied evenly or if sections were too large during application or blow-drying/flat ironing.
- Solution: For minor touch-ups, you might be able to re-flat iron specific areas, but be cautious not to over-process. Always ensure thorough saturation and small subsections for the next application.
Excessive Frizz After Treatment: This can occur if the hair wasn’t fully dried during blow-drying or if the flat iron wasn’t hot enough or used with enough passes.
- Solution: Ensure complete dryness before flat ironing and use the correct temperature and number of passes.
Hair Feels Stiff or Brittle: This might indicate too much protein build-up or using a flat iron that’s too hot.
- Solution: Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. In the future, consider using a less concentrated formula or reducing the flat iron temperature. Using a safe at home keratin treatment means understanding your hair’s limits.

Is a Keratin Treatment Right for You?

Keratin treatments are generally suitable for most hair types, including color-treated and chemically processed hair. However, they are particularly beneficial for those with:

Naturally curly or wavy hair.
Frizzy and unmanageable hair.
Hair prone to static.
Hair that gets damaged by humidity.

If you have very fine, thin hair, you might want to opt for a gentler formula or a shorter processing time, as keratin can sometimes weigh down very fine hair. Always perform a strand test if you have concerns about how your hair will react.

Safety Precautions for a Safe At Home Keratin Treatment

Your safety is paramount. Always prioritize a safe at home keratin treatment by following these guidelines:

Ventilation is Key: Keratin treatments often release fumes. Ensure the room you are in is well-ventilated. Open windows and turn on a fan.
Read Instructions: Every best at home keratin kit comes with specific instructions. Read them thoroughly before you start and follow them to the letter.
Strand Test: If you have color-treated hair, fine hair, or are trying a new product, perform a strand test on an inconspicuous section of hair first. This will help you gauge how your hair reacts to the product and the heat.
Protect Your Skin: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a thick moisturizer along your hairline, ears, and neck to protect your skin from potential irritation.
Avoid Scalp Contact: Do not apply the keratin solution directly to your scalp.
Gloves: Always wear the gloves provided in the kit, or your own disposable gloves, throughout the application and rinsing process.
Eye Protection: Consider wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from accidental splashes.
Allergy Test: If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin 24 hours before applying the treatment to your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does a DIY keratin treatment last?
A: A well-done DIY keratin treatment can last anywhere from 2 to 4 months, depending on your hair type, how often you wash your hair, and the products you use for aftercare.

Q2: Can I color my hair after a keratin treatment?
A: It’s best to wait at least two weeks after your keratin treatment before coloring your hair. Keratin treatments can affect how your hair takes color. If you color your hair frequently, it’s often recommended to color your hair first and then do the keratin treatment.

Q3: What if my hair feels greasy after the first wash?
A: This can happen if the product wasn’t fully rinsed out or if you applied too much conditioner. Ensure you rinse your hair thoroughly and use a moderate amount of conditioner. If the issue persists, you may need to wash your hair again with a clarifying shampoo (sulfate-free, of course) and then follow with a moisturizing conditioner.

Q4: Can I do a keratin treatment on bleached hair?
A: Yes, you can, but you need to be extra cautious. Bleached hair is more porous and fragile. Opt for a gentler formula, perform a strand test, and use a lower heat setting on your flat iron. If your hair is severely damaged, it might be best to avoid keratin treatments until it recovers.

Q5: Is formaldehyde in home keratin kits safe?
A: Many keratin treatment kits contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. While these are effective in smoothing, they can be hazardous. Look for formaldehyde-free or low-formaldehyde formulas for a safe at home keratin treatment. Always check the ingredient list.

Q6: How often can I do a keratin treatment at home?
A: You should not perform keratin treatments too frequently. It is generally recommended to wait at least 3-4 months between treatments to avoid over-processing your hair. Listen to your hair and give it time to recover.

Conclusion: Your Path to Smoother Hair

Embarking on a DIY keratin treatment journey can be incredibly rewarding, leading to smoother, more manageable, and frizz-free hair. By meticulously following this guide, from preparation to aftercare, you can confidently achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home. Remember to choose the best at home keratin kit that suits your hair type, prioritize safety with proper ventilation and protective measures, and embrace the transformative power of keratin. With patience and care, your home keratin hair treatment will leave you with beautifully sleek, radiant hair.