How long does keratin hair straightening last and what does it depend on?
Perfectly straight and shiny hair today remains at the peak of popularity. Many owners of curly curls dream of smoothing them and making them silky, but often the efforts are in vain. Not all salon procedures with the declared effect can radically solve the problem. But do not despair, because a truly lasting result of hair smoothing allows you to get keratin straightening.
This procedure is in great demand among girls. It gained such popularity due to its long-term effect: it can last up to six months. The hairstyle looks great without the daily use of iron and styling products. What are the features of keratin straightening, what types of this procedure exist, we will tell you below.
Peculiarities
Keratin is a protein with the amino acid cystine, which maintains the normal condition of not only curls, but also nails. Hair consists of almost 90% keratin. For salon procedures, keratin is used, which is obtained from sheep's wool. At the same time, raw materials are taken from ecologically clean New Zealand. Animals are sheared in the spring when their "fur coat" becomes too thick.
When keratin is obtained using a special technology, the protein retains its beneficial properties. Once in the hair, it stays there for a long time due to thermal effects. Such straightening is most popular after coloring or regular mechanical action, when the hair loses its former softness.
Thanks to keratin straightening, curls are not only smoothed - they look healthier and more well-groomed.It is made not only by women with curly, but also with straight frizzy hair. During the procedure, the curls are enriched with keratin, which makes them smooth and silky, and also receive reliable protection from the negative effects of the environment.
It is recommended that you take a test to find out if this procedure is right for you. To do this, distribute a little of the composition on the inside of the hand. If after two days there is no edema and no itching sensation, then you can proceed to the procedure itself.
Keratin is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation: formaldehyde can be harmful to the mother or baby. Even hairdressers, when working with keratin, wear special masks and glasses to avoid exposure to harmful vapors on the body.
Views
Formulations for keratin straightening are divided into two main groups: Brazilian and American.
- Brazilian straightening leaves hair smooth for up to six months. The preparations used contain quite a lot of formaldehyde, which belongs to harmful substances. They also contain herbal ingredients that protect hair during frequent procedures and increase resistance to thermal effects.
- American lineups contain formaldehyde in smaller quantities, but their price is much higher. The procedure does not give as pronounced results as the Brazilian straightening. Protective components obtained from plants are also present in them.
In fact, both technologies were developed in Israel; nevertheless, they received such "geographical" names.
Advantages and disadvantages
This popular salon procedure has significant advantages and disadvantages, therefore, before deciding to do it, you need to carefully weigh everything.
Advantages:
- suitable for all types of hair;
- increases strength and improves hair texture;
- allows you not to do daily styling;
- removes "fluffiness", which often occurs with high humidity;
- allows you to avoid the negative impact of the environment.
Disadvantages:
- high cost;
- an allergy may appear in the form of itching, rash;
- the use of formaldehyde is not good for the hair;
- the need for more expensive care (you need to use shampoos without sulfates and sodium chloride).
As you know, this method of smoothing curls is expensive. At the same time, different salons put up completely different price tags.
The cost of the procedure is based on the quantity and quality of the materials used. The longer and thicker the curls, the more money will have to be spent on straightening them.
How long does it last?
Everyone who makes keratin wants to enjoy the effect of the procedure as long as possible. But its validity period is not always the same and depends on various factors:
- hair structure;
- length;
- initial state;
- care after keratin hair straightening;
- the frequency of shampooing;
- frequency of staining.
Hard recalcitrant curls will not stay straight for a long time: they will lose perfect smoothness after the first shampooing. Long curls will also lose the effect of keratin faster. If you regularly update your highlights and even more dye your hair entirely, then be prepared for the keratin to be quickly washed off after that. But the most important factor affecting the duration of the keratin action can be called exactly shampooing: the more often it happens, the faster the hairstyle returns to its original form.
In support of this, we present the results of an experiment in which girls with the same type of hair took part. One group of participants washed their hair once a week, and the other - twice a week. As a result, the first result from straightening lasted up to three months, and the second - only a month.
Technique
Keratin treatment performed in salons, consists of three main stages.
- Deep cleansing. For it, special shampoos are used, which maximally free the hair from mechanical impurities, grease and styling residues. In this case, the hair scales open and allow cystine to fill the rods entirely.
- Composition coating. The straightening agent is distributed over the entire length of the hair. It should hit all areas without exception. In this case, the composition is selected based on the volume of the hair and the characteristics of its structure. An experienced master will easily select the right brand that will provide the most lasting effect for each hair type.
- Straightening. The final stage is sealing. To do this, the iron is heated to 230 degrees and passed over the entire head of hair. From such a powerful thermal effect, the protein curls up and fills the hair shaft. It is impossible to activate the amino acid without heating.
When doing keratin straightening for the first time, many are surprised at how drastically the hair changes after the procedure, especially if it was done on expensive materials. The effect of it is so noticeable that there is no doubt that the money was not spent in vain.
Care
Judging by the opinions of women, immediately after the procedure, the hair looks very oily - you want to wash it thoroughly. However, there are many restrictions on the first 72 hours. So that the result from keratin straightening does not come to naught, they must be strictly observed.
- The most important rule is not to wash your hair for three days after the procedure, because even after heating, the process of keratin absorption continues.
- For the same time, you cannot visit the bathhouse and sauna. Water procedures are allowed only in a hat, but it is better to refuse them altogether.
- It is forbidden to use irons and curling irons for the first three days. Usually there is no need for this, since the hair is already smooth and even greasy, but nevertheless, a warning will not be superfluous.
- If possible, you should avoid wearing hairpins - due to creases, the effect may be impaired.
After the specified period, you can finally wash your hair and enjoy the result.
The main thing is to always use a sulfate-free shampoo and, if possible, distribute it only on the root area.
After two weeks, you can start using the masks. Too often they do not need to be done, as this will lead to premature leaching of keratin - once a week is enough.
If you like to make masks with your own hands from improvised ingredients, then exclude salt, honey and various vegetable oils from them. Homemade formulations of eggs, onions, lemon juice and milk are not banned.
There are also special protective sprays that can be applied with keratin straightening. They are used before vacation trips that involve swimming.
For silky smooth hair and enjoy the results for several months, use keratin straightening. It will give your hair a well-groomed and healthy look, and also allow you to temporarily forget about ironing and styling products. The main thing is to choose an experienced master for the procedure and do not forget to use the right care products.
For information on how to choose keratin for hair straightening, see the next video.