What is keratin straightening?
Keratin straightening — is a salon procedure for intensive hair smoothing and straightening, based on filling the voids of the cuticle with liquid protein (keratin).
The process involves sequential heat treatment: the mixture is applied to the strands, after which the protein is sealed within the hair. To achieve this, the hairdresser uses a straightening iron heated to 200–230 degrees Celsius.
The treatment eliminates frizz, porosity, and static, leaving hair visibly healthy, heavy, and shiny for three to six months. Unlike chemical straightening, keratin doesn't permanently break the hair's disulfide bonds, but only temporarily alters their structure and creates a dense protective film on the surface.
Distinctive features and types
There are two main types of treatments, differing in their composition and strength of action on the hair structure. Brazilian straightening is a classic option with maximum effect in smoothing tight curls. It contains formaldehyde derivatives for a strong fixation of proteins, resulting in a pronounced "glass" effect.
Formaldehyde-free, or amino acid, straightening is a gentler formula based on glyoxylic acid. It's less effective on strong curls, but effectively removes frizz and adds a glossy shine.
The main visual changes after the procedure include a significant reduction in root volume and a liquid silk effect, where the hair lies in a single sheet without any flyaway hairs. The procedure has a cumulative effect: with repeated applications until the previous treatment is completely washed out, the result lasts longer, and the strands become straighter.
How to care for your hair
Maintaining the results requires specialized home care. Cleansing should be done with sulfate-free shampoos (without SLS and SLES), as harsh surfactants quickly strip keratin from the hair structure.
To maintain smoothness, blow-dry your hair using a warm setting. Keratin is activated and hardens when exposed to heat, so air-drying your hair can cause waves or kinks.
Chlorinated pool water and sea salt destroy the keratin coating. It's recommended to apply a leave-in conditioner or protective spray to your hair before swimming.
It is best to dye your hair 7-10 days before straightening, so that the keratin seals the pigment, or no earlier than two to three weeks after the procedure is completed.
