Keratin treatments have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering the promise of smoother, healthier-looking hair. However, there’s a common misconception that all Keratin treatments are the same thing as “hair-straightening” treatments. Let’s set the record straight.
Keratin vs. Straightening: Key Differences
While both Keratin treatments and hair straightening treatments aim to improve hair’s appearance, they work in fundamentally different ways:
Keratin Treatments infuse the hair with their namesake keratin, which is a naturally-occurring protein found in hair. Keratin helps to smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and adding shine. While a common result of Keratin treatments is, in fact, straighter hair – the primary goal of undergoing this process is to improve hair health and manageability.
Hair Straightening Treatments permanently alter the hair’s natural texture by breaking down the disulfide bonds that give hair its shape. The hair bonds are broken down while they are at their softest point, and the hair is then neutralized in that state which transforms into the straight shape. The newly straightened hair can’t be styled into curls or waves. There are a variety of hair straightening treatments available, and there are more alternative types of treatments (read: more natural, less chemical-based) available these days to what was once the go-to for “permanent” straightening.
Benefits of Keratin Treatments
- Reduced Frizz: Keratin treatments can make hair easier to manage, by significantly reducing frizz, even in thick or curly hair.
- Increased Shine: The treatment can enhance the natural shine of your hair.
- Improved Hair Health: Keratin can improve the overall health of your hair by strengthening and then protecting hair from damage.
- Temporary Straightening: While not as drastic as permanent straightening, Keratin treatments can temporarily reduce curl or wave patterns.
In conclusion, Keratin treatments are not the same as hair straightening treatments. While they can result in straighter hair, their primary focus is on improving hair health and manageability. If you’re looking for a treatment to reduce frizz, add shine, and improve your hair’s overall condition, talk to your stylist – a Keratin treatment might be your best option!
Enjoy your Hair!!
Mickey