The Pros and Cons of Keratin Treatment

For anyone longing for straight, strong and shiny hair, Keratin treatment can finally make that dream into a reality. Keratin treatment works to instantly reduce frizz and give you a shine you’d otherwise see in hair commercials. While Keratin treatments offer many benefits, the process is not without side effects.  Before you book an appointment at your favorite hair salon, the board-certified dermatologists at Short Hills Dermatology can help you access the pros and cons.

Pro: Keratin Treatment Restores Natural Proteins In Your Hair

So what exactly is Keratin treatment? Simply put, Keratin is a fibrous protein that makes up the main structure of your hair and nails. If you have dry or damaged hair, Keratin treatment can create a noticeable smoothness and luster. It’s similar to shine buildup after not washing your hair for a period of time, just without that greasy finish. Many individuals seek this enhancing formula because it helps to restore hair, making it feel silky and strong, and more importantly visibly healthy-looking.

Con: Pay The Price For Perfect Hair

Before you get excited about achieving near perfect hair, it’s important to consider the price for treatment. Like all magic, this procedure comes at a hefty price. The average cost of one treatment ranges between $250-$450. Keep in mind that only trained hair professionals should apply keratin treatment as it contains potent chemicals that can damage your hair when not applied properly. Hair salons determine the price based on the length of your hair and evaluate the amount of keratin they will apply.

Pro: Enjoy Fuss-Free Hair

After you “wait-to-wash” for the first 3-4 days, ensuring the proteins settle in, your gorgeous glossy hair will be easier than ever to style, manage and maintain. Moreover, you don’t have to take into account how the weather or humidity will affect your luscious mane; in fact, it won’t because your keratin barrier will keep your hair will straight and frizz-free.

Despite a costly application, once you pay for the initial treatment, you no longer need to invest in smoothing top-class hair products and hydrating conditioners. Finally, there is no need to worry about your hair for the next couple months before your next treatment.

Con: Keratin Treatment Has A Short Life Span

Keratin treatments typically last 2-4 months, depending on your original hair type. Since keratin treatments are expensive and require upkeep, costs can eventually pile up. A keratin treatment is not a one-time application, but rather a smoothing treatment that requires upkeep to maintain it’s nourishing results. As the protein washes out of your hair, you can expect to return for a full treatment approximately every 4 months, and an express or touch up treatment every 4-6 weeks. To prolong the radiant and sleek results, consider limiting the number of times you wash your hair weekly to once or twice. Most often, individuals book their next treatment when they notice their hair reverting back to its original state.

Pro: Keratin Treatment Benefits All Hair Types

Whether you rock curly, wavy, thin or coarse hair, your hair type will benefit from keratin treatment. Keratin treatment is effective for all hair lengths and color-treated hair. You can transform your usual hairstyle with the shine boosting and straightening effect of keratin. If you are looking for a get-up-and-go, manageable and knot free hairstyle, consider keratin treatment.

Con: Keratin Treatment Is An Intense Application Process

Hairstylists apply keratin treatment in a careful manner because the process involves potent chemical, formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is an active ingredient, which may or may not cause short-term effects such as irritated skin, watery eyes, light-headedness, and headaches. Applying keratin treatment is time-consuming averaging about 90 minutes depending on your hair length, thus, it’s important to take possible side effects into account.

Also, during the process hairstylists use a high-temperature flat iron to smooth over hair. Doing so can potentially damage hair follicles, thereby drastically increasing the likelihood breakage. The use of the flat iron tool is instrumental to ensure the protein binds to each strand.

Achieving Your Ideal Hairstyle

Whether you have curly, wavy, pin-straight, red, brown, or blonde hair, receiving keratin treatment can restore your hair creating a soft, silky and super-enriched hairstyle. Is keratin treatment for you? More importantly, do the pros outweigh the cons?

Be sure to book your keratin treatment with a seasoned professional at a reputable salon to ensure a proper application, helping decrease the chance of these side effects occurring. Consult a top New Jersey dermatologist near you today to make sure that your scalp is healthy and free from psoriasis.