Keratin hair treatments can make hair look smooth, shiny, and frizz-free. However, it’s important to properly care for hair after the treatment to maintain results and hair health. Here are some things to avoid after a keratin treatment.
Washing Too Soon
It’s crucial to wait at least 72 hours before washing hair after a keratin treatment. Washing too soon can cause the treatment to be less effective. This allows time for the keratin to fully penetrate and seal the hair cuticles.
Using Shampoos With Sulfates
Sulfate shampoos strip keratin treatments, causing them to fade faster. Opt for a high-quality sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Using something gentle will help prolong results.
Skipping Conditioner
Always use conditioner after shampooing post-keratin treatment. Conditioner hydrates hair and prevents it from getting dried out. Make sure to apply conditioner from mid-length to ends.
Brushing When Wet
Wet hair is weakest and most prone to breakage. Avoid brushing hair when it’s wet right after a keratin treatment. Let it air dry at least 50% first before gently brushing.
Using Heat Styling Tools
Keratin treatments use heat to seal the hair. Additional heat styling can cause damage. Avoid hot tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons for 2-3 days after the service.
Going Swimming
Chlorine and salt water can strip away keratin treatments. Avoid swimming or soak hair in fresh water after to remove chlorine. Wear a swim cap if possible to minimize water exposure.
Using Clarifying Shampoos
Clarifying shampoos are very harsh and strip all moisture. They can quickly remove keratin treatments. Avoid them and stick to sulfate-free formulas.
Not Getting Touch-Ups
Keratin treatments wear off over time. Get a touch-up around every 2-3 months to maintain smooth, frizz-free hair. Time between touch-ups depends on hair type.
Over-Styling
Too much heat styling between keratin treatments causes damage. Limit use of hot tools to keep hair in good condition for longer lasting results.
Ignoring Product Build-Up
Product build-up can make hair look dull over time. Use a clarifying shampoo every 2-3 weeks to remove residue without stripping keratin treatment.
Products to Avoid
Certain ingredients degrade keratin treatments faster. Avoid products with these harsh chemicals:
- Sodium chloride
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate
- Sodium laureth sulfate
- Cocamidopropyl betaine
Recommended Products
Use products formulated to maintain and enhance keratin treated hair like:
- Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners
- Salt-free styling products
- Keratin infused leave-in treatments
- Silicone serums to reduce frizz
- Deep conditioning hair masks
Diet and Lifestyle Tips
Hair health starts from within. Follow these tips for stronger hair that holds keratin treatments better:
- Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet
- Take biotin and collagen supplements
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, etc.
- Get regular trims to prevent split ends
- Avoid overuse of hot tools and hair dye
Conclusion
Keratin hair treatments can transform hair’s texture for months. But improper aftercare causes them to fade faster. Avoid washing too soon, steer clear of sulfates and heat styling right after the service. Invest in the right products and healthy hair habits for longer lasting, frizz-free locks.
| What Not to Do | Why |
|---|---|
| Wash hair too soon | Allows keratin to fully penetrate and seal cuticles |
| Use sulfate shampoos | Strips keratin treatment causing faster fading |
| Skip conditioner | Hydrates hair and prevents drying out |
| Brush wet hair | Wet hair is prone to breakage |
| Use heat styling tools | Causes damage after high heat of treatment |
| Go swimming | Chlorine and salt water strip keratin |
| Use clarifying shampoos | Too harsh, strips moisture and keratin |
| Wait too long for touch-ups | Treatments wear off over time |
| Overstyle hair | Excessive heat causes damage |
| Ignore product build-up | Can make hair look dull |
In summary, be very gentle with hair after a keratin treatment. Avoid anything drying, harsh, or damaging. Invest in the right aftercare products and maintain the treatment with timely touch-ups. Following these tips will help keep hair looking smooth, shiny, and frizz-free for months after the initial service.
