Keratin hair straightening at home: pros and cons, recipes, instructions

In recent years, the keratin hair straightening procedure has been gaining more and more popularity, and this is not surprising, given that as a result of shielding, the hair becomes smooth, shiny and dense. It is noteworthy that if in previous years such a procedure could only be performed by experienced masters in hairdressing salons, today the technique is available for execution at home.

Keratin straightening of the strands is necessary for all women who strive to ensure that their curls are always flawless - smooth, shiny and at the same time do not require the daily use of an iron. It should be noted that this is far from the only effect that can be achieved by resorting to keratinization. So, if your hair is too thin, easily tangled, then under the influence of the composition, the problem quickly disappears - your strands will be perfect all day long.

Keratin is a naturally occurring protein found in the cuticle of every hair. It forms the cornea, thanks to which the curls remain straight and even for a long time. In the course of keratin straightening, the strands are exposed to a preparation, the composition of which is almost identical to natural keratin, which is why it is often called "liquid hair".

Keratin has the most beneficial effect on the hair structure, moisturizes and nourishes them, and also protects them from external adverse factors. Even if the hair looks great, it will not be damaged at all by an additional dose of keratin, but it is important that the drugs used are of the highest quality, and the application technique is followed as accurately as possible.

In recent years, compositions for home keratinization have become in demand, however, one should not expect that the result of straightening at home will be the same as when performing the procedure with experienced masters in beauty salons. The main differences between home and professional treatments are as follows.

• In hairdressing salons, more concentrated and strong preparations and kits are used - they are designed for use by specialists with extensive experience who are able to increase and decrease the concentration of the compositions, taking into account the characteristics of the hair. Such masters are well familiar with safety standards and all the intricacies of using certain solutions. Compositions for home application are made according to the rule of "do no harm", their effect on the hair is minimal, so the preparations only slightly smooth the curls and nourish them.
• Straightening performed in salons usually lasts about six months, and if you supplement it with the right care, then smooth hair will delight you even longer. Home keratinization requires adjustment and renewal every 1.5-2 months.
• The cost of the procedure also varies quite significantly. So, in a hairdresser you will have to pay several times more than at home straightening.

As you know, hair initially contains about 80% keratin, however, constant use of detergents, dyeing, perming and styling with hot temperatures lead to a gradual washout of the protein. As a result, the hair becomes faded, dull, begins to fall out intensively, they become tangled and difficult to comb.

Other advantages of technology are noted:

• significant improvement in the condition of the curls;
• the disappearance of split ends;
• elimination of dry hair;
• ease of combing and styling.

Moreover, each subsequent procedure only enhances the effect and improves the appearance of the hair. However, there were some drawbacks, keratinization has some drawbacks.

• Despite the fact that keratin promotes hair regeneration and even the most weakened gives an aesthetic appearance, for rare and thinned curls, the weight associated with the effect of keratin often leads to hair loss.
• Loss of volume - as a result of straightening the hair completely loses its splendor and loses about 50% in volume. However, such a disadvantage can be easily leveled if the drug is not applied to the root zone, stepping back a couple of centimeters from the scalp.
• There is an opinion that hair gets dirty too quickly after keratinization, this is a common misconception. When using high-quality products, curls, on the other hand, will stay fresh and smooth for much longer. Moreover, as evidenced by reviews, after keratinization, some girls refused to wash their hair every day.
• Keep in mind that the composition contains formaldehyde, although its concentration is minimal and safe for the human body, but it is better for expectant and nursing mothers to refrain from carrying out the procedure, especially at home.
• A significant disadvantage of carrying out keratin straightening at home is associated with the fact that the protein is literally soldered into the hair under the influence of high temperatures. In the absence of experience, women often apply too little drug, which leads to damage to the hair shaft and deterioration of the condition of the strands.

For straightening, you need a keratin composition for home application. The drug should be chosen carefully and competently, the composition should not only straighten the curls, but also heal them, nourish and moisturize. It would be correct to consult with a professional master, and purchase the products themselves only in specialized trade enterprises, where they sell cosmetics for professional use.

Means for home keratinization today are presented in a wide range, the most popular are Cadiveu Professional Brasil Cacau, Honma Tokyo, and Cocochoco IRON FREE Kativa.

You can also replace professional tools with masks based on folk recipes. Natural ingredients tend to penetrate deeply into the structure of the hair shaft, smooth curls and give them a well-groomed look. However, let's make a reservation right away - such funds have a short-term effect, no more than 10-15 days. They are distinguished by high efficiency:

• lemon juice;
• chamomile decoction;
• Apple juice;
• tea brewing;
• table and apple cider vinegar;
• rum or cognac;
• essential oils;
• gelatin.

Oils have the ability to straighten curls. To achieve the best result, you can take olive oils, as well as castor and burdock oils in proportions of 1 x 1 x 2, slightly heat them in a microwave or water bath and apply to the strands under a warming cap for 60-90 minutes. This mask should be applied weekly.

A balm made from apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons), mineral water (2 tablespoons) and pure olive oil (1 tsp) is distinguished by its smoothing properties. The resulting mixture is spread on the hair and left for half an hour, after which it is washed off with a detergent. By the way, apple juice, mineral water and table vinegar can be used to make a good rinse, after using which the hair becomes silky, shiny and easy to comb.

For dry curly hair, you can use tea leaves mixed with sugar - the composition is applied to damp hair and left. However, it is important not to overdo it here - otherwise the hairstyle will look untidy and stuck together. Therefore, you need to put no more than a teaspoon of sugar on a cup of tea leaves.

The most effective folk hair straightener is gelatin. This substance is a collagen of a connective protein of animal origin. When added to masks and conditioners, a protective film forms on the hair, which acts like keratin. Most often 1 tbsp. l. dissolve gelatin in 5 tablespoons of water, stir thoroughly to dissolve it all, add a little hair conditioner and apply for half an hour or an hour.

We will not dwell on folk remedies, in the classic version, keratin straightening involves the use of professional means, therefore we will analyze the step-by-step instructions for carrying out hair straightening on our own.

You need to prepare:

• deep cleansing shampoo;
• keratin composition;
• an iron for straightening curls with a ceramic coating;
• hairdryer;
• round brush of large diameter;
• a comb with sparse teeth;
• tassel, cape, clips and gloves.

Let's analyze the instructions for carrying out this technique at home in stages.

• First you need to thoroughly wash your hair, it is advisable to do this 2 times in order to completely wash off the remnants of any dirt and previously used styling products. After washing, the scales open completely, so the hair absorbs the active ingredient to the maximum.
• Hair dry slightly with a towel and a little hairdryer so that the strands remain damp.
• The hair is divided into separate curls of 3-3.5 cm each and fixed with clamps.
• The composition is applied with a brush or spray bottle. When doing it yourself, the first option is preferable, so the application will be more uniform. If you have an assistant, then you should use a spray.
• Each strand is smeared with a tool in turn, retreating from the roots by 2-5 cm. The composition must be applied thickly, and then the hair is combed and left for 20-25 minutes.
• After that, the keratin is washed off with water without using shampoo and dried with a hairdryer (with a cold mode) using a round comb.
• After that, it is necessary to set the iron to 230 degrees and proceed directly to stretching each strand, while the iron must be carried out at least 5-7 times, with strong waviness, 8-10 runs are allowed. In this way, the protein is distributed within the hair shaft as evenly as possible.
• At the end of straightening, the head is washed with warm water, a moisturizing balm is applied for 10-15 minutes, washed off and the hair is dried with a hairdryer.

To make keratin straightening more effective, you should be aware of the common mistakes that occur during the home procedure.

• The keratin preparation should not be applied to the scalp and root zone.
• Too little composition should not be smeared on the hair, but there should not be too much of it either - the hair should be well combed. If at the same time surplus funds remain, then it is better to comb them off at the ends of the strands, it is in this place that the hair is most susceptible to adverse factors and especially needs protection.
• Using a hairdryer, you should not set a hot mode, when overdrying, keratin becomes active under the influence of high temperatures - then straightening does not occur.

There is no unequivocal answer to the question about the duration of the action of keratin straightening, a lot here depends on the initial state of the hair, the characteristics of the procedure and the drugs used. So, the length of the strands plays an important role - the longer the hair, the sooner the effect disappears. An important factor is the structure of the curls, if they were injured, then you need to repeat keratinization in a month.

Coarse curly hair is quite difficult to straighten, it can begin to curl after the first shampooing, and you will have to repeat this procedure every month. But even in this case, there is no guarantee of obtaining the desired result. Thinned and dry strands keep keratin for several months, but it is impossible to restore hair in one procedure - the procedure will need to be repeated after 3-4 months.

In order for keratinization to stay on the hair as long as possible, there are several rules to follow.

• To wash your hair, you need to use shampoos without sodium chloride, salts tend to destroy the protective shell, then the effect of straightening subsides pretty soon.
• For three days after keratinization, you should not wash your hair or carry out any other manipulations with your hair.
• If in the morning you find that the strands are "wrinkled" - you should correct them with a hot iron.
• The sea and ultraviolet radiation also washes away keratin, so when going on vacation, you should protect your strands as much as possible. Also, be prepared for the fact that on your return you will have to do the keratin straightening procedure again.

For information on how to carry out keratin hair straightening at home, see the next video.