Both processes transform naturally textured hair and make it smooth, frizz-free, and straight. Whether you want to change your hairstyle or spend less time managing your locks, you can consider either of these treatments. Here, we explain the inherent differences between both these processes so that you can choose the best one for your hair. Keep reading to know more.
What Is Keratin Treatment?
Keratin treatment is often known as Brazilian keratin treatment or Brazilian treatment. It is a semi-permanent process that focuses on hair strengthening without disrupting its texture. Keratin is a protein essential for your hair’s structural strength. Keratin-rich products contain L-cysteine or cysteine, a non-essential amino acid that supports hair health and slows down hair loss and breakage (1). This professional hair straightening treatment infuses the hair strands with keratin to de-frizz the hair and make it smooth, shiny, and strong. It works on all hair types. However, if you have damaged hair, consult a professional hair expert before undergoing the treatment. In the following sections, find out how the process works and what to expect.
How Does It Work?
Keratin hair treatment products contain hydrolyzed keratin proteins mixed in a formaldehyde-releasing solution. During the treatment, the hydrolyzed keratin adheres to the hair cuticles. As a result, the sub-cuticle section of the hair strands relaxes, giving you flat, smooth, glossy, and shiny hair.
Different Types Of Keratin Treatments
Some of the common types of keratin treatments include:
Brazilian blowout Japanese hair straightening Japzilian keratin Soft keratin
Procedure Keratin hair treatment is usually done in a salon. It involves the following steps: Time Required Keratin treatment requires 3 to 4 hours, depending on your hair length, volume, and condition. After-Care
Do not wash, style, or tie your hair for at least 72 hours after the treatment. Use sulfate-free hair products to wash and condition your keratin-treated hair. Avoid excess UV and chlorinated or salt water exposure to prevent any damage. Switch to keratin, zinc, and biotin-rich hair products for maintaining keratin-treated hair.
Note: Consult a hairstylist for product recommendations.
How Long Does It Last?
Keratin is a semi-permanent treatment and may last on natural hair for 3-6 months, depending on your hair care habits.
Risks And Side Effects
Keratin-based hair products contain formaldehyde in large concentrations. The FDA recognizes formaldehyde as a human carcinogen, as prolonged exposure to this chemical may cause certain types of cancers (2). The procedure often releases a strong-smelling gas that may trigger (3):
Respiratory distress Itchy and watery eyes Sore throat Burning sensation in the eyes Coughing and wheezing Nausea Skin irritation
Cost Professional keratin treatments cost anywhere between USD 200 to USD 800. Now that you know all about keratin hair treatment, lets check out everything about hair relaxers or chemical relaxers.
What Are Hair Relaxers?
Hair relaxers are chemical-based products specifically formulated to relax and smoothen curly or kinky hair. Some formulations can also condition and moisturize the hair, reduce frizz, and improve hair texture. However, hair relaxers will not make your hair poker straight. In the following sections, find out more details about how hair relaxers work.
How Does It Work?
Hair or chemical relaxers disrupt the disulfide bonds between the protein structures in the shafts of the hair (4). This alters the hair’s natural structure and texture.
Different Types Of Hair Relaxers
You can opt for different types of hair relaxers like:
Lye relaxers or sodium hydroxide relaxers (suitable for wavy, coily, and curly hair) No-lye relaxers or calcium hydroxide relaxers (suit all hair types) Ammonium thioglycolate relaxers (suit fine, wavy, and curly hair)
The difference lies in the strength of the chemicals used in these relaxers. Always consult a hair expert to understand which may suit your hair type. Procedure Unlike keratin treatment, hair relaxers can be used at home. Here is how to use them: For touch-ups, follow the same process. However, do not apply the product to the hair ends. Time Required The hair relaxing process takes about 30-60 minutes. After-Care
Use a gentle, sulfate-free, reconstructing shampoo. Avoid frequent shampooing. Apply leave-in conditioners or deep conditioners to maintain moisture balance. Use hydrating and protein masks. Avoid heat styling. Trim the dry and brittle hair ends. Never relax color-treated hair.
How Long Does It Last?
Hair relaxers are semi-permanent, and the effect may wear out after 6-8 weeks.
Risks And Side Effects
Hair relaxers have a pH between 9-12 and are incredibly harsh on your skin. They may (4):
Make the hair dry and brittle Increase frizz Cause chemical burns and injuries Cause dandruff, hair loss, and thinning
A study also indicated a close link between hair relaxers and uterine leiomyomata (cancer) (5). However, further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.
Cost
A hair relaxing treatment at the salon can cost about USD 200, while an at-home treatment costs about USD 20. Is keratin good for relaxed hair? Yes, keratin is good for relaxed or chemically treated hair. It may help restore the shine and smoothness of the hair. Does keratin straighten black hair? Yes, keratin works on black hair. You can go for keratin treatment if you want to straighten it and improve the shine and strength of your hair. Does hair go back to normal after keratin treatment? Yes, your hair will go back to normal when the effects of keratin treatment start fading. The results may last for 3 to 6 months. Why is my hair frizzy after keratin treatment? Your hair may become frizzy after keratin treatment if the stylist does not use enough product or use it incorrectly. Also, the high protein content of the product may result in frizzy hair.
