Brazilian Hair Straightening

Brazilian Keratin Treatment

How Brazilian Hair Straightening Works

Keratin is a group of strong, fibrous protein which occurs in the outer layers of the skin and in tissues such as nails and hair. It is component formed mainly of amino acids and depending on the levels can be hard and impliable. Although we are speaking of dead cells, the proper maintenance is important as they protect the formation of new layers of keratin. Keratin hair treatment is when these proteins are applied directly to the hair shaft in order to help repair damaged, dry and/or frizzy hair. Applied to the hair, the keratin seals the hairs cuticle resulting in smoother, softer hair. Keratin hair treatment also works to protect and strengthen hair, replacing moisture and elasticity which is lost over the years.


Also called Brazilian hair treatment is also known for straightening the hair because of its inflexible properties making it a popular choice for both ethnic hair types and those with curly, hard to manage hair. Of course, this hair care treatment can be used on any hair type but damaged, dry hair does benefit the most from this treatment as it soaks up more of the keratin.


The process in which the keratin hair treatment is done is quite simple yet can be time consuming and costly yet there is the option of performing the treatment on one's self at home. Applied to thoroughly washed and dried hair, the keratin treatment is evenly distributed and combed through the hair. The hair is then ironed using a hair straightening iron, in small sections to adhere the protein to the hair shaft. Some at home treatments do allow you to use a hair dryer instead of a flat iron which helps save you time, however the results will not be as significant as the combination of heat and the pressing of the iron significantly help the proteins to sink into the hair shaft and smooth the cuticle layer of the hair.


Once the treatment has been applied and ironed in, the hair will become hard to the touch until the excess proteins are washed out. The hair is then dried and styled as normal but it is highly recommended that you do not wash your hair for at least 72 hours after a keratin treatment.


As mentioned, a salon treatment can be much more costly and time consuming then a home keratin treatment however, the benefits may outweigh one's decision to have the treatment performed by a professional. This is due to the fact that a professional is usually trained in applying the treatment as well as they will provide a more thorough application providing finer results. You can expect a salon treatment to take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on your hair type and length where as a home treatment can be done in as little as an hour.
The results from a keratin hair treatment typically last anywhere from 8 weeks to four months in which then hair will return to its normal state. For those with ethnic, severely damaged or frizzy hair it is recommended that you then have your hair treated again.