A keratin treatment transforms unruly, frizzy hair into smooth, shiny locks, but maintaining this transformation requires the right aftercare. Proper care after a keratin treatment ensures lasting results, giving you the sleek, manageable hair you've always wanted.
In this guide, we'll discuss the 10 golden rules of keratin treatment aftercare, providing tips for those in Australia—from Melbourne to Sydney—so you can keep your hair looking fabulous for longer.
- Give It Time to Settle
- Use the Right Products
- Be Careful With Your Styling Tools
- Swim Smart
- Protect from UV Rays
- Avoid Salt Sprays and Beachy Textures
- Gentle Handling is a Must
- Invest in Silky Bedding
- Regular Deep Conditioning
- Maintenance is Key
1. Give It Time to Settle
After your keratin treatment, it's crucial to give your hair time to settle. Wait at least 72 hours before washing or styling your hair. This period allows the keratin to properly bond with your hair, ensuring the treatment's longevity. Avoid using hair ties, clips, or tucking your hair behind your ears to prevent any indentations. Patience during these initial days will pay off with smoother, longer-lasting results.
2. Use the Right Products
Choosing the right products is vital for maintaining your keratin treatment. Always opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, as sulfates can strip the treatment and natural oils from your hair. GK Hair offers excellent options like the Best Keratin Hair Treatment and the Best Vegan Hair Treatment, which are perfect for post-treatment care. These products are formulated to keep your hair hydrated and smooth, ensuring the longevity of your keratin treatment.
3. Be Careful With Your Styling Tools
After a keratin treatment, your hair is more delicate and requires gentle handling, especially with heat styling tools. Use lower heat settings on straighteners, curlers, and hair dryers to avoid damaging your hair or reducing the treatment's effectiveness. Always apply a high-quality heat protectant before styling to safeguard your strands from heat damage. For best results, limit the use of tight hairstyles that could create creases in your hair.
4. Swim Smart
Swimming post-keratin treatment requires extra care. Avoid getting your hair wet for at least 72 hours to let the treatment bond properly. Chlorine in pools and saltwater in the ocean can strip the treatment from your hair. Before taking a dip, wet your hair with fresh water and apply a protective leave-in conditioner. After swimming, rinse your hair immediately to remove harmful chemicals. This routine will help protect your keratin-treated hair from damage.
5. Protect from UV Rays
The Australian sun can be harsh on keratin-treated hair, leading to faster fading and dryness. To protect your hair from UV damage, wear a hat or scarf when spending time outdoors. You can also use hair products that contain UV protectants to shield your hair from the sun's harmful rays. These measures will help maintain the smoothness and shine of your keratin treatment, ensuring it lasts longer.
6. Avoid Salt Sprays and Beachy Textures
While beachy waves are a popular look, using salt sprays can diminish the longevity of your keratin treatment. Salt can dry out your hair and counteract the smooth, sleek effect achieved by the treatment. Instead, embrace the natural smoothness and shine of your keratin-treated hair and avoid products that promote texture. This will help maintain the treatment's benefits for a longer period.
7. Gentle Handling is a Must
Treat your keratin-treated hair delicately to preserve its smoothness and strength. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair to prevent breakage. Avoid rough towel drying, as it can cause frizz and damage. Instead, gently blot excess water with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt. By handling your hair gently, you'll prolong the effects of your keratin treatment and keep your hair looking healthy.
8. Invest in Silky Bedding
Silk or satin pillowcases can benefit your keratin-treated hair by reducing friction and preventing tangling while you sleep. Unlike cotton, silk and satin are gentle on hair, helping to maintain its smoothness and minimizing frizz. Investing in silky bedding ensures your hair retains its sleek look, extending the longevity of your keratin treatment.
9. Regular Deep Conditioning
While keratin treatments provide deep conditioning benefits, regular maintenance is key to keeping your hair healthy and vibrant. Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine every few weeks to nourish and strengthen your hair. This extra care will help extend the life of your keratin treatment, keeping your hair smooth and manageable between salon visits.
10. Maintenance is Key
Regular maintenance is crucial to preserving your keratin-treated hair's smoothness and shine. Depending on your hair type, consider scheduling touch-ups every few months to maintain optimal results. For those with coarse or curly hair, more frequent treatments may be necessary. Consulting with your stylist will ensure your hair continues to look its best long after your initial keratin treatment.
Prolong the Life of Your Keratin Treatment
After investing in a keratin treatment, it's essential to follow these golden rules for proper aftercare. These guidelines ensure your hair maintains its smoothness, shine, and manageability for an extended period. By giving your hair time to settle, using the right products, and protecting it from heat, chlorine, and UV rays, you can preserve the benefits of your keratin treatment. Additionally, gentle handling, investing in silky bedding, regular deep conditioning, and consistent maintenance appointments contribute to long-lasting results. Avoiding salt sprays and embracing gentle styling practices further enhances the longevity of your treatment. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you'll enjoy frizz-free, healthy-looking hair that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the rules after a keratin treatment?
After a keratin treatment, it's important to allow your hair to settle for at least 72 hours without washing or styling. Use sulfate-free products, avoid heat styling excessively, and protect your hair from chlorine and UV rays to maintain the treatment's effectiveness.
What not to do after keratin hair treatment?
Avoid washing your hair too soon, using products with sulfates or harsh chemicals, and exposing your hair to saltwater, chlorine, or excessive heat. Also, refrain from tying your hair tightly or using clips immediately after treatment to prevent strain on the hair.
How do I take care of my hair after keratin treatment?
To care for your hair after a keratin treatment, use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, avoid salt sprays and heat damage, and handle your hair gently. Regular deep conditioning and protecting your hair from environmental factors are also essential.
How to make keratin last longer?
To extend the longevity of your keratin treatment, follow a strict aftercare routine. This includes using appropriate hair products, avoiding damaging practices like heat styling, and protecting your hair from chlorine, saltwater, and UV rays.
How many hours after keratin can I wash hair?
Wait at least 72 hours (3 days) after a keratin treatment before washing your hair. This waiting period allows the keratin to fully bond with your hair for optimal results.
Conclusion
Maintaining your keratin-treated hair requires diligence and care, but the results are worth it. By following these 10 golden rules for keratin treatment aftercare, you can ensure your hair remains smooth, shiny, and frizz-free for an extended period. From allowing the treatment to settle properly to using the right products and protecting your hair from environmental factors, each step plays a crucial role in preserving the benefits of your keratin treatment. Remember to handle your hair gently, invest in silk or satin bedding, incorporate regular deep conditioning, and schedule maintenance appointments as needed. These practices will help you enjoy beautiful, manageable hair long after your salon visit.
