How To Do An At Home Keratin Treatment: Salon Results

Can you achieve salon-quality keratin results at home? Yes, with careful preparation and the right approach, you can absolutely perform an at-home keratin treatment that leaves your hair smoother, shinier, and more manageable. This guide will walk you through the process, helping you achieve those coveted salon results right in your own bathroom.

What is a Keratin Treatment?

A keratin treatment is a popular cosmetic process that aims to smooth and strengthen hair. It involves applying a liquid keratin formula to your hair, which then binds to your hair proteins. This treatment helps to reduce frizz, increase shine, and make hair more manageable, often eliminating the need for daily heat styling. The keratin hair treatment results can be dramatic, transforming unruly hair into sleek, smooth strands.

Why Choose an At-Home Keratin Treatment?

Opting for a DIY keratin treatment offers several advantages over salon appointments. Firstly, it’s significantly more cost-effective. Professional keratin treatments can be quite expensive, whereas the cost of an at-home kit is a fraction of that. Secondly, it provides flexibility. You can schedule your treatment at your convenience, fitting it around your busy life. Lastly, it empowers you to take control of your hair care routine, learning exactly how to apply the product for your specific hair needs. The goal is to achieve at-home keratin smoothing that rivals professional services.

Essential Supplies for Your At-Home Keratin Treatment

Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and effective application. Having everything ready will prevent interruptions and help you achieve the best keratin treatment results.

The Best At-Home Keratin Kit

Choosing the best at-home keratin kit is crucial. Look for kits that:

Contain high-quality keratin: Ensure the primary ingredient is keratin or hydrolyzed keratin.
Are formulated for home use: These kits are typically less concentrated than professional formulas, making them safer for DIY application.
Include clear instructions: User-friendly instructions are vital for beginners.
Have positive reviews: Check customer feedback for real-world results and ease of use.
Consider your hair type: Some kits are better suited for fine hair, while others are designed for thicker, coarser textures.

Popular brands often offer kits that include a clarifying shampoo, the keratin treatment solution, and a specialized conditioner.

Other Necessary Items

Beyond the kit, you’ll need a few more items:

Gloves: To protect your hands from the treatment solution.
A non-metallic bowl: For mixing the treatment if required by the kit.
A non-metallic applicator brush: For precise application.
A fine-tooth comb: To ensure even distribution of the product.
A plastic shower cap or cling film: To cover your hair during the processing time.
A blow dryer: For drying your hair during and after the treatment.
A flat iron: Crucial for sealing the keratin into the hair shaft. Ensure it has adjustable temperature settings.
Old towels or dark clothing: The treatment solution can sometimes stain.
A well-ventilated area: Some keratin treatments can release fumes.

Preparing Your Hair for the Treatment

Proper preparation is key to successful at-home hair straightening and maximizing the keratin hair treatment results. This step ensures the keratin can effectively penetrate the hair shaft.

Clarifying Your Hair

Wash with clarifying shampoo: Most at-home kits come with a clarifying shampoo. Use this to wash your hair thoroughly. Clarifying shampoo strips away dirt, oil, product buildup, and any residual treatments. This is vital for the keratin to adhere properly.
Rinse well: Ensure all shampoo residue is removed.
Towel dry: Gently pat your hair dry with a towel. Your hair should be about 70-80% dry, meaning it’s damp but not dripping wet. This is the optimal moisture level for the keratin to bind effectively.

Sectioning Your Hair

Proper sectioning ensures an even application, which is critical for uniform smoothing and preventing patchiness.

Divide into four sections: Use clips to divide your damp hair into four equal parts.
Further subdivide: Within each large section, create smaller, manageable subsections, about 1-inch wide. This makes the application process much more controlled.

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

The application process requires patience and precision. Follow these steps carefully to achieve the best keratin treatment results.

Step 1: Applying the Keratin Solution

Wear gloves: Put on your protective gloves.
Mix if necessary: If your kit requires mixing, do so in the non-metallic bowl according to the instructions.
Start applying: Take your first thin subsection. Using the applicator brush, apply the keratin solution from root to tip. Ensure you coat each strand evenly. Avoid applying too much product, as this can weigh down the hair and lead to greasy results. The goal is a light, even coating.
Comb through: Use the fine-tooth comb to distribute the solution evenly through the subsection. This ensures every strand is treated and helps remove excess product.
Work systematically: Continue this process, working through all subsections, ensuring no strands are missed. Pay attention to areas prone to frizz, like the ends and hairline.

Step 2: Processing Time

Cover your hair: Once all your hair is coated, gather it and cover it with a plastic shower cap or cling film. This traps heat and moisture, aiding the keratin absorption.
Wait: Follow the kit’s instructions for the recommended processing time. This can vary significantly, typically ranging from 20 minutes to an hour. Do not exceed the recommended time, as this can damage your hair.

Step 3: Drying Your Hair

Remove cap: Take off the shower cap.
Towel dry gently: Lightly towel dry your hair to remove any excess solution.
Blow dry: Using a blow dryer on a medium heat setting, completely dry your hair. It’s best to use a brush to keep the hair smooth and straight as you dry it. This step is crucial for activating and sealing the keratin.

Step 4: Flat Ironing for Sealing

This is arguably the most important step for achieving smooth, sleek keratin hair treatment results and ensuring the longevity of your at-home keratin smoothing.

Heat up the flat iron: Set your flat iron to the temperature recommended by your kit. Typically, this is between 370°F and 450°F (188°C to 232°C). Higher temperatures are generally needed for coarser hair, while lower temperatures are better for finer or chemically treated hair.
Section and straighten: Take small, thin subsections (about half an inch wide). Pass the flat iron through each subsection slowly and steadily, typically 5-7 times. The heat from the flat iron seals the keratin into the hair cuticle.
Be thorough: Ensure you pass the iron over every strand, paying close attention to the roots and ends. This step requires time and patience, but the results are worth it.

Step 5: Post-Treatment Care (Crucial!)

The way you care for your hair immediately after the treatment significantly impacts the final keratin hair treatment results and how long they last.

Do NOT wash your hair: For the recommended time (usually 48-72 hours), avoid washing, wetting, or tying up your hair. This allows the keratin to fully bond and set.
Avoid clipping or tying: Do not use bobby pins, hair ties, or anything that can create a crease or bend in your hair. Keep your hair as straight and loose as possible.
Touch-ups: If your hair gets wet or develops a kink, immediately blow dry and flat iron the affected area.
Final Rinse: After the waiting period, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and a keratin-infused conditioner.

Maintaining Your Keratin Treatment

To enjoy your smooth, frizz-free hair for as long as possible, proper maintenance is essential.

Sulfate-Free Products

The golden rule: Always use keratin shampoo and conditioner that are sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free. Sulfates and sodium chloride can strip the keratin from your hair, significantly reducing the treatment’s lifespan. Look for products specifically designed to prolong keratin treatments.

Washing Frequency

Reduce washing: Wash your hair less frequently. Every 2-3 days is ideal. Over-washing can also diminish the treatment’s effectiveness.

Heat Styling

Limit heat: While your hair is now more resistant to heat, it’s still good practice to limit excessive heat styling. When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray.

Swimming and Sweat

Protect your hair: If you swim in chlorinated pools or saltwater, rinse your hair with fresh water immediately afterward and apply a leave-in conditioner. Similarly, if you sweat heavily, rinse your hair to prevent the salt and minerals from breaking down the keratin.

Color Treatments

Timing is key: It’s generally recommended to color your hair at least two weeks before or after a keratin treatment. A keratin treatment can sometimes affect hair color, making it lighter.

Natural Keratin Treatment at Home Alternatives

For those seeking a more natural approach or a less intense smoothing effect, a natural keratin treatment at home can be a great option. These focus on deep conditioning and protein enrichment without harsh chemicals.

Homemade Keratin Mask Options

While these won’t provide the same dramatic, long-lasting smoothing as a chemical keratin treatment, they can significantly improve hair health and reduce frizz.

1. Egg and Yogurt Mask:

Ingredients: 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey.
Benefits: Eggs are rich in protein and keratin, yogurt provides lactic acid for gentle cleansing and conditioning, and honey is a natural humectant.
How to: Mix ingredients thoroughly. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the lengths and ends. Leave on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with cool water, then shampoo and condition as usual.

2. Rice Water Rinse:

Ingredients: Rice (any kind), water.
Benefits: Rice water contains inositol, a carbohydrate that can strengthen hair and improve elasticity. It’s a traditional remedy known for its hair-smoothing properties.
How to: Rinse about half a cup of rice. Place it in a bowl with 2 cups of water. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or soak overnight in the fridge). Strain the milky water. After shampooing, use the rice water as a final rinse. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with plain water.

3. Avocado and Banana Mask:

Ingredients: Half an avocado, one ripe banana, 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Benefits: Avocado is packed with healthy fats and vitamins that nourish and moisturize. Banana adds moisture and potassium, and olive oil provides deep conditioning.
How to: Mash the avocado and banana until smooth. Mix in olive oil. Apply to damp hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then shampoo and condition.

These homemade keratin mask options are excellent for regular hair conditioning and can offer a subtle improvement in texture and manageability. They are a good way to experiment with natural keratin treatment at home.

Benefits of Keratin Treatments

Keratin treatments offer a multitude of advantages for those struggling with frizzy, unmanageable hair.

Frizz Reduction: The primary benefit is a dramatic reduction in frizz and flyaways.
Improved Manageability: Hair becomes much easier to comb, style, and control.
Increased Shine: The treatment smooths the hair cuticle, reflecting light better and resulting in a glossy appearance.
Reduced Styling Time: With smoother hair, the need for daily blow-drying and flat ironing is significantly reduced.
Hair Strengthening: Keratin is a natural protein that helps to strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage.
Humidity Resistance: Hair becomes less susceptible to frizz caused by humidity.

Potential Downsides and Precautions

While beneficial, it’s important to be aware of potential downsides and take necessary precautions.

Chemical Concerns

Formaldehyde: Many keratin treatments, especially older formulas, contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory irritation. Always check the ingredient list of your best at-home keratin kit and opt for formaldehyde-free or low-formaldehyde options if possible. Ensure the room is well-ventilated.
Irritation: Some individuals may experience scalp irritation, itching, or redness.

Hair Damage

Over-processing: If the treatment is left on too long or the flat iron is used at too high a temperature, it can lead to hair damage, dryness, or breakage.
Color Fading: As mentioned, keratin treatments can sometimes lighten colored hair.

Cost

While cheaper than salon treatments, DIY keratin treatment kits can still be an investment.

Not a Permanent Solution

The effects of keratin treatments are semi-permanent, typically lasting 2-5 months, depending on hair type, how often you wash your hair, and the products you use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often can I do an at-home keratin treatment?
A1: It’s generally recommended to wait at least 2-3 months between treatments to avoid over-processing and potential damage to your hair.

Q2: Can I use my regular shampoo and conditioner after the treatment?
A2: No, it is crucial to use sulfate-free keratin shampoo and conditioner to maintain the treatment’s effectiveness and longevity. Regular shampoos can strip the keratin.

Q3: Will an at-home keratin treatment straighten my hair completely?
A3: The degree of straightening varies. While it significantly reduces frizz and adds smoothness, it might not make tightly coiled or very curly hair poker straight like a chemical relaxer. It aims for smoothing and manageability.

Q4: How do I know if I have a formaldehyde-free keratin treatment?
A4: Check the ingredient list on your product packaging. Look for terms like “formaldehyde,” “formalin,” “methylene glycol,” or “methylene oxide.” If these are absent, it’s likely formaldehyde-free or uses a very low concentration. Always research the brand if you are unsure.

Q5: Can I do a keratin treatment on bleached or chemically treated hair?
A5: Yes, but proceed with extreme caution. Bleached or chemically treated hair is more fragile. Use a lower heat setting on your flat iron and consider doing a patch test first. A gentler, formaldehyde-free formula is highly recommended for such hair types.

Q6: What should I do if I experience scalp irritation?
A6: If you experience significant irritation, rinse the product out immediately with plenty of water. Consider taking an antihistamine if the itching is severe. For future treatments, ensure good ventilation and try a patch test on a small area of your scalp first.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently embark on your DIY keratin treatment journey and achieve beautiful, salon-quality keratin hair treatment results at home. Enjoy your smoother, shinier, and more manageable hair!