8Mar 2019
Keratin Treatment Do's and Don'ts
Keratin treatment aftercare made simple. What to do and avoid in the first 72 hours, which shampoos to use, and how to make the results last.
Keratin basics
Thinking about a keratin treatment in Raleigh? Start here. These answers cover Keratin Complex, the brand we use at Sweet T Salon.
What is keratin?
Keratin is a protein found naturally in skin, hair and nails, among other sources. In human hair it acts as an external protective shield and an internal structural protein. Keratin is the first thing depleted when hair is damaged physically, chemically or by environmental factors such as the sun.
What does keratin do for hair?
Keratin Complex's signature keratin is comparable to the keratin in human hair. In product formulas it helps condition, strengthen, revitalize and repair damage. It gives hair shine, elasticity and a more youthful, healthy appearance.
What causes hair to frizz?
Healthy hair holds proteins (including keratin), water and lipids that keep strands strong and smooth. Age, sun and environmental damage strip some of these away, so hair gets drier and more porous. It then absorbs extra moisture from the air, especially in high humidity, and the cuticle swells into frizz. Keratin Complex products and services replenish keratin to help seal the cuticle and keep humidity out.
What is a Smoothing Therapy treatment?
Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy treatments are professional smoothing treatments powered by Keratin Complex's signature keratin, performed in the salon by a professional stylist. They repair damage and breakage, reduce frizz, curl and unruly flyaways, and make hair smoother and healthier-looking. They also block humidity, the main cause of frizz. Afterward it's easier to get a flawless blowout at home: your hair is more manageable, blow-drying is quicker and easier, and daily styling time drops significantly.
Do keratin treatments straighten hair?
Not permanently. Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy treatments reduce curl patterns in curly, wavy or unruly hair, which gives a straightening effect without permanently changing the structure of your hair. Your hair is easier to maintain afterward, and you can still wear it curly, wavy or straight. Talk through your goals with your stylist so you know what results to expect.
Does a keratin treatment damage hair?
Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy treatments are made to repair damage and breakage, and keratin helps condition and strengthen your hair. It is still a chemical service, so talk through your goals with your stylist at your consultation.
Which smoothing treatments does Sweet T Salon offer?
Sweet T offers four Keratin Complex smoothing treatments, and a consultation with a Keratin Complex stylist is the best way to pick yours.
We have smoothing solutions for every hair type, matched to the result you want, your budget, how long you want it to last, the waiting period and your time in the salon. Ask your stylist about our Menu of Services, which offers customizable Keratin Complex treatments. Our signature in-salon smoothing services reduce frizz and curl, improve manageability and versatility, and leave hair smoother, shinier and healthier-looking.
- Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment: our signature smoothing treatment, with the longest-lasting results.
- Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment for Blonde Hair: customized smoothing for blonde and fragile hair.
- Express Blow Out™: the speedy smoothing solution for smoother hair without the wait.
- Advanced Glycolic Smoothing System: the newest treatment, with same-day styling and zero downtime.
What happens during a keratin treatment?
A Keratin Complex treatment at Sweet T has four steps, from a deep-clarifying shampoo to a flat iron that seals it in. Steps can vary with the service.
Clarify
Your stylist washes your hair with a special deep-clarifying shampoo to remove residue and buildup from previous products.
Apply
The smoothing treatment you chose goes on.
Blow-dry
Your hair is blow-dried.
Flat iron
Your stylist flat irons your hair to seal in the treatment for a smooth, silky finish.
How long does a keratin treatment last?
A keratin treatment at Sweet T lasts six weeks to five months, depending on which Keratin Complex treatment you choose.
- Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment
- Up to 5 months
- Natural Keratin for Blonde Hair
- Up to 5 months
- Advanced Glycolic Smoothing System
- Up to 3 months
- Express Blow Out
- Up to 6 weeks
How long yours lasts depends on the treatment, your lifestyle and your at-home routine. Consistent use of Keratin Complex keratin-enhanced products, including their sodium chloride free and sulfate free shampoos and conditioners, helps your results last longer.
Washing, aftercare and safety
How long do keratin treatment results last?
Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment and Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment for Blonde Hair last up to five months. Express Blow Out lasts up to six weeks, and Advanced Glycolic Smoothing System lasts up to three months. Sodium chloride free and sulfate free Keratin Complex shampoos and conditioners help them last.
When can I shampoo after a Keratin Complex treatment?
Wait 72 hours after Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment or Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment for Blonde Hair. Wait at least eight hours after an Express Blow Out. You can wait longer without affecting your results, and a dry shampoo keeps your hair fresh in the meantime. There is no waiting period after Advanced Glycolic Smoothing System, so you can shampoo, condition and style right away. Your stylist will recommend the best treatment for your lifestyle, hair type and the results you want.
Can I use dry shampoo after a keratin treatment?
Yes. Keratin Complex Volumizing Dry Shampoo Lift Powder can be used any time during the waiting period to absorb excess oil, remove odors, and refresh your hair and scalp. Dry shampoo is the easy way to stretch the wait before your first wash.
What if my hair gets wet during the waiting period?
Blow-dry and flat iron it on low heat as soon as you can. After Advanced Glycolic Smoothing System there is no waiting period, so getting your hair wet won't affect your results.
How much does a keratin smoothing treatment cost?
A Keratin Treatment at Sweet T Salon is $365–$465+. Price depends on the treatment you choose and the density and length of your hair. Call Sweet T Salon at (919) 831-1100 for Express pricing.
Can I get a keratin treatment if I am pregnant or nursing?
As with any chemical service, pregnant or nursing women should ask their physician before getting a treatment.
Does Keratin Complex test on animals?
No. Keratin Complex does not conduct animal testing and does not test its product formulas on animals.
Home sweet home care: keratin do's and don'ts
Keratin Smoothing Treatment do's
- DO wait at least 72 hours (3 days) before shampooing.
- DO wear your hair down at all times.
- DO blow-dry and flat iron your hair if it gets wet during the first 72 hours.
- DO style your hair with a blow-dryer and brush during the 72 hours if you like.
- DO put your hair in a shower cap when bathing.
- DO wear a silk scarf to pull your hair away from your face.
- DO use the correct after care products, such as GK shampoo and conditioner or Keratin Complex Shampoo and Conditioner. They are sodium chloride free and won't strip keratin from your hair.
- DO use Keratin Complex Volumizing Dry Shampoo Lift Powder during the waiting period if your hair needs a refresh.
- DO protect your hair from absorbing salt or chlorine when swimming. Wet it with clear water first and apply a deep conditioner or a serum or oil.
Keratin Smoothing Treatment don'ts
- DON'T shampoo or wet your hair for 72 hours (3 days).
- DON'T tie your hair into a ponytail. It may leave a lasting impression.
- DON'T wear hair clips, hair bands or bobby pins. These may leave a lasting impression.
- DON'T place your hair behind your ears for long periods of time.
- DON'T rest glasses on your head or use them to hold your hair back.
- DON'T sweat.
Express Blow Out do's
- DO wait 8 hours before shampooing.
- DO wear your hair down at all times.
- DO blow-dry and flat iron your hair if it gets wet during the first 8 hours.
- DO style your hair with a blow-dryer and brush during the 8 hours if you like.
- DO wear a silk scarf to pull your hair away from your face.
- DO use GK or Keratin Complex after care products every time you shampoo and condition after the 8 hour wait. They are sodium chloride free and won't strip keratin from your hair.
Express Blow Out don'ts
- DON'T wash or wet your hair for 8 hours. We recommend waiting 24 hours.
- DON'T tie your hair into a ponytail. It may leave a lasting impression.
- DON'T wear hair clips, hair bands or bobby pins. These may leave a lasting impression.
- DON'T place your hair behind your ears for long periods of time.
- DON'T rest glasses on your head or use them to hold your hair back.
For the full aftercare checklist, see Keratin Treatment Do's and Don'ts.
Book a keratin treatment in Raleigh
Sweet T Salon does keratin smoothing treatments and the Express Blow Out in Raleigh, NC. Compare prices and book your keratin treatment in Raleigh. New clients start with a $25 keratin consultation.
