In the pursuit of frizz-free, luscious hair, there are numerous tempting in-salon and at-home keratin treatments to try. However, the confusion around what a “keratin treatment” actually includes still plagues us. From different formulas to at-home options, we break down each treatment type below.
Salon formaldehyde-free for fine hair
Treatments that are formaldehyde-free aren’t as powerful as its toxic counterparts, which is why the results only last one to two months. This treatment won’t dramatically soften curls, but it will make hair shinier and more manageable.
Salon formaldehyde for highly-damaged hair
Typical keratin treatments are classified as formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing as they contain ingredients that break the hair’s bond by releasing formaldehyde when heated. It’s this process that allows for the shinier, smoother results that have become synonymous with keratin services. The toxicity of these treatments is no joke and should not be done more than three times a year in a trusted salon.
At-home leave-in treatments for an affordable option
If your favorite leave-in treatment is touting keratin as the main ingredient, it will definitely provide hair-smoothing benefits, but don’t expect it to last for weeks. At-home treatments don’t penetrate deeply enough to provide long-lasting results — it simply coats the hair shaft with a silicone barrier to reduce frizz. The results vary depending on your hair texture, but will typically last about a week. Products like the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Mask are best when you want a quick fix without the commitment or price tag of a salon visit.
Have you gotten a keratin treatment before? Share your experience below!
xx, The FabFitFun Team
