If you have frizzy and lifeless hair then I am sure you must have heard about the Keratin Treatment and how life-changing it is. Before starting with the ins and outs of the keratin treatment it is important we know everything about keratin first.
Keratin in simpler words is the main protein involved in hair. Keratin is a structural fibrous protein found in the outermost hair, skin, and nails. Keratin is formed from long-chain amino acids with cysteine playing an important role in forming disulfide bonds. These bonds maintain the integrity of hair, skin and nails making it strong. Keratin is responsible for making the hair flexible and resilient to damage.
Read More – All About Keratin Rich Foods and Its Health Benefits
What is Keratin Treatment?
Due to heat, UV rays, chemical treatments, and pollution, our hair suffers a lot. The outer layer of keratin becomes worn out, and hair can become dull, frizzy, and prone to split ends. Keratin treatments are among the most chosen treatments for dealing with such hair issues. They are semi-permanent hair treatments to smoothen the hair and add shine. However, keratin is not the only thing used in this treatment. Formaldehyde derivative or glyoxylic acid is used to break the bonds of the curly hair and to reseal them in a straighter position.
Benefits of Keratin Treatment –
Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair
One of the main reasons why people get keratin treatment is to get rid of frizz and turn curly hair into silky smooth strands. Layering keratin on the hair creates a protective barrier and seals the cuticle of the hair minimizing the frizz.
Enhanced Manageability
Tangled and messy hair can be challenging. Keratin treatment improves the manageability of the hair and makes it easy to style the hair. With smoother and straight hair you’ll spend less time trying to comb the hair.
Long-Lasting Results
Keratin treatments are very different from other straightening or smoothening treatments. The other treatments wash out after a few shampoos however the keratin one stays for months even after multiple washes. If you take proper care then the effects of the treatment stay for long making the hair healthy and vibrant.
Improved Hair Health
The keratin treatment claims to replenish the damaged protein and strengthen the hair shaft. By replenishing lost protein, the treatment helps to repair damage caused by heat styling, chemical processing, and environmental factors.
Potential Risks of Keratin Treatment –
Despite its popularity, keratin treatment comes with a range of risks that are often overlooked.
Health Risks
One of the most significant demerits of keratin hair treatment lies in the health risks associated with the chemicals involved. Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is commonly used in many keratin formulas to bond the protein to the hair shaft. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde vapor during the treatment process poses serious health concerns, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even an increased risk of cancer.
Damage to Hair
While keratin treatment promises smooth locks, the process of applying and heat-sealing the keratin can actually damage the hair shaft. High heat and harsh chemicals strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, breakage, and overall weakness. Over time, this damage can result in brittle, lifeless hair that requires extensive repair.
Maintenance Requirements
Despite its initial transformative effects, keratin-treated hair requires diligent maintenance to preserve its smoothness and shine. Regular touch-ups are necessary to maintain the results, as the treatment gradually fades with each wash. Additionally, specific hair care products free of sulfates and sodium chloride must be used to avoid prematurely stripping the keratin from the hair shaft, adding to the long-term cost and commitment of upkeep.
Limited Styling Options
The keratin treatment delivers straight and frizz-free hair hence it often becomes difficult to achieve curls and waves for the time being. This limitation can be frustrating for those wanting to experiment with various hairstyles.
Environmental Impact
Beyond the personal ill effects of the keratin treatment, the environmental impact of this treatment cannot be ignored. The chemicals used such as formaldehyde can pose a threat to the environment.
High Cost
Keratin hair treatments often come with a hefty price tag, making them inaccessible to many people. When calculating the initial treatment cost, regular touch-ups, and specialized hair care products, the financial investment can quickly add up over time.
Alternatives for Keratin Treatment –
Fortunately, there are several options available if you are looking to achieve sleek and smooth hair without subjecting it to harsh chemicals.
- Argan Oil Treatment – this oil is known for its nourishing and moisturizing powers. Argan oil can smoothen the frizz and also leave a shine to the hair. Use a small amount of this oil on the damp ends and in no time it will start showing the results.
- Coconut Oil Masks – coconut oil is probably one of the first ingredients that comes to your mind when we talk about everything hair care. It is rich in fats and vitamins which nourish the hair and enhance the shine. This oil heals broken hair by hydrating and strengthening the brittle hair.
- Egg Treatment – eggs are a great source of proteins that are extremely beneficial for the hair. Beat one or two eggs and apply them to the damp hair, leave for 20 minutes, and then rinse it off followed by your regular shampoo and conditioner regime. This egg protein mask reduces the damage and frizz of the hair.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – it is another ingredient from our kitchen that can do wonders if used on the hair. Apple cider vinegar can balance the pH of the scalp, and make the hair smoother by sealing the ends. After shampoo and conditioner spray apple cider vinegar on the scalp and rinse it after a few minutes.
- Take Your Gummies – Vitagoli Hair and Skin Gummies are full of multivitamins that will improve your hair skin and nail health. These Hair Gummies have biotin as the star ingredient which does wonders for hair growth and texture. Keratin is also present in the gummies in good amounts which gets rid of the frizz and makes them smooth and silky. Vitamin C is the antioxidant that moisturizes the scalp and reduces the risk of getting infections. Zinc reduces the inflammation and also protects the hair from the damage caused by the free radicals. Taking these gummies regularly will not just boost hair health but also better the skin and nails.
- Eat Healthy – if we have a proper diet then half of our problems will be solved. Adding berries improves the antioxidant and collagen content. Spinach and other green leafy vegetables increase the Vitamin A and folate content which is good for the hair. Avocados introduce healthy fats in the body which nourish the hair and scalp. Having a proper balanced diet will not just improve outer beauty but will also make us beautiful and healthy inside.
Key Takeaways
The benefits of keratin treatment are numerous; they make the hair smooth, and frizz-free with long-lasting results. However, it’s essential to weigh the demerits and potential risks before diving into the process. From health risks to hair damage to environmental effects, the drawbacks of keratin treatment are needed to make informed decision-making when it comes to hair care. You can opt for various DIY masks that are free of chemicals and can improve hair health just as well as chemical treatments. So why not give these alternatives a try and find it out for yourself?
