A Malibu treatment, also known as a Malibu hair treatment or Malibu C crystal treatment, is a popular hair care treatment used to improve hair health, reduce frizz and enhance shine. It contains Malibu C crystals, which are pure cysteine protein crystals designed to penetrate the hair shaft and mend damage.
Many people wonder if getting a Malibu treatment also removes color from the hair or causes hair color to fade faster. Below we’ll take an in-depth look at how Malibu treatments work, their effect on hair color, tips for coloring after a treatment, and how long the results last.
How Malibu Treatments Work
Malibu C crystal treatments work by depositing active protein crystals deep into the hair shaft to mend damage. Here’s a quick overview of the treatment process:
– Hair is shampooed and towel dried.
– The Malibu C treatment solution is applied thoroughly from roots to ends.
– The solution sits on the hair anywhere from 5 minutes up to overnight with heat for deeper penetration.
– The hair is rinsed thoroughly and followed with a conditioner.
The cysteine protein crystals bind to gaps and holes in the hair cuticle caused by damage from coloring, heat styling, sun exposure, and other chemical services. This helps rebuild, strengthen, and repair the hair.
The treatment also contains botanical extracts like chamomile, passionflower and sage which can help enhance shine and smooth the hair cuticle.
Effect on Hair Color
The Malibu treatment itself does not remove hair color or cause fading. The active ingredient, cysteine, will not strip artificial pigments from the hair.
However, by repairing gaps in the cuticle, it can prevent underlying hair color from leeching out. This helps locked in hair dye and enhances shine from reflected light.
That said, there are a few factors that can contribute to subtle color loss after a Malibu treatment:
– Removal of buildup – Malibu contains chelating ingredients like EDTA that remove mineral buildup. This can cause pre-existing faded tones near the roots to show more as buildup is removed.
– More porous hair – The treatment repairs holes in the cuticle but very damaged hair may still be more porous and prone to faster color fading.
– Better color reflection – The smooth, sealed cuticle better reflects light which can make subtle underlying fading more visible.
While a slight change is possible, most people do not notice a significant color loss from properly performing just a Malibu treatment alone. always best to consult your stylist if concerned.
Tips for Coloring After Malibu
Here are some tips for coloring hair after getting a Malibu treatment:
– Wait 1-2 weeks – Give the treatment time to fully repair cuticle damage before applying chemical color which causes new damage.
– Do a strand test – Test a small section first when applying permanent dye to check the results. Color may deposit differently on very repaired hair.
– Adjust volume or timing – The cuticle may be more sealed so allow a little extra processing time and use the maximum volume of color allowed to fully saturate the strands.
– Use a demi- or semi-permanent – These deposit color without lifting or fully penetrating the shaft so are gentle after a treatment.
– Deep condition after – Use a hydrating masque for 10-15 minutes immediately after coloring to nourish and prevent dryness.
– Extend time between coloring – Stretch out the time between touch ups since hair is better protected and dye will fade slower.
How Long Results Last
A single Malibu treatment can help repair damage and smooth the cuticle for immediate improvement in hair’s condition. However, the results are temporary and repeated treatments are needed for lasting benefits.
Here is an overview of how long results typically last:
– Smoother texture and increased shine – 1-2 weeks
– Less frizz and easier detangling – 2-4 weeks
– Repaired cuticle damage – 4-8 weeks. Results taper off over time.
– Reduction in splits and breakage – 8-12 weeks. Repeat treatments prolong this benefit.
– Improved hair strength and elasticity – Repeated use can lead to cumulatively stronger hair.
Factors like hair type, extent of damage, and exposure to additional damaging factors can all impact how long your hair retains the effects. Doing a weekly conditioning treatment and limiting heat styling extends the repair benefits.
For best results, most stylists recommend getting a Malibu treatment every 4-8 weeks. Some people with very damaged hair repeat it every 2-4 weeks initially for intensive repair. Regular use leads to markedly stronger, shinier, healthier looking hair over time.
Ingredients
Here is an overview of key ingredients found in the professional Malibu C crystal treatment solutions:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cysteine | Protein crystals that penetrate the hair shaft to mend internal damage |
| Citric Acid | Balances the pH of the formula |
| Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein | Strengthens and conditions the hair |
| Passion Flower Extract | Natural antioxidant and soothing botanical |
| Chamomile Extract | Calming botanical that enhances shine |
| EDTA | Chelating agent to remove mineral buildup |
The company uses a signature blend of these ingredients to create different formulas tailored to specific hair needs. Some ingredients like keratin or silk amino acids may be added to strengthen or smooth hair.
The crystals dissolve into ionic form in order to penetrate the hair. Rinsing thoroughly after the prescribed processing time ensures none of the active ingredients remain on the exterior. This allows the treatment to rebuild hair from the inside out without leaving any coating or residue on the strands.
Cost
The cost for a Malibu hair treatment can range from $50 to over $100 depending on the specific solution used and where you have it done. Here are some general price points:
– Malibu C crystal treatment single application – $50 to $80
– Malibu crystal treatment with cut – $85 to $150
– Malibu treatment, cut and style/blowout – $100 to $250
Higher end salons or those in major cities like New York or Los Angeles tend to charge more. However, the results can be worth the investment, especially when purchased as a package. Many salons offer deals like buy 3 treatments get 1 free when purchased together.
At-home Malibu treatment kits are also available but professional application allows better control of the processing time. This ensures desired results and prevents the cysteine crystals from remaining on the exterior of the hair rather than penetrating if left on too long.
Safety and Side Effects
When applied properly by a trained stylist, Malibu crystal treatments are generally very safe and gentle. Because the formula pH is optimized and does not use harsh chemicals like peroxide, damage or irritation is rare.
Possible side effects can include:
– Dryness or straw-like texture – Usually from inadequate conditioning or rinsing after treatment
– Irritated scalp – In sensitive individuals if left on the scalp too long
– Overprocessed hair – If solution is left on beyond maximum recommended time
– Coating on the hair – Improper rinsing can leave ingredient residue on strands
To avoid problems, thoroughly rinse according to instructions and use a hydrating conditioner immediately after. Those with very damaged or processed hair should start with shorter application times and monitor the results. Always do a patch test before a first-time use.
When performed properly by a skilled colorist, Malibu crystal treatments offer a safe way to strengthen hair, seal the cuticle, enhance shine and reduce damage from coloring services. While a subtle color change is possible after treatment, it does not typically cause significant fading or removal of hair dye.
Conclusion
While Malibu crystal treatments are primarily aimed at repairing and protecting the hair structure itself, the smoothing and sealing of the cuticle can help retain applied hair color and enhance vibrancy. When performed by an experienced colorist, Malibu treatments can be a great addition to a color service.
Be sure to take care in coloring after a treatment by allowing some time between services, doing a strand test and potentially using a more gentle color formula. To extend the repair benefits, repeat the Malibu treatment as needed every 4-8 weeks for maximally healthy, shiny and colorful hair.
