Are keratin hair treatments safe? Pros and c0ns

Experts break down the pros, cons, and everything there is to know about the popular keratin hair straightening treatment.

If there was a way to make your hairstyle last for months, there’s a good chance you’d do it. That’s where keratin treatment comes into play . A keratin treatment is a semi-permanent solution for straightening hair that also adds a lustrous shine. But, as with everything that seems too good to be true, there are some accompanying health problems that make many hesitate.

Therefore, before booking an appointment, you should know exactly what keratin is and what you are going to achieve with a keratin treatment. The pros, the cons, and everything in between it.

The benefits of a keratin treatment

Like any treatment, keratin has its advantages and disadvantages. The biggest benefit is the soft and shiny finish it leaves on the hair. This straightening treatment enhances hair’s natural shine and helps reduce frizz for those looking for straighter hair. Since it is semi-permanent, it can also reduce styling time.

Another advantage is its ability to strengthen hair. A keratin treatment can reduce breakage and the appearance of split ends by temporarily bonding the hair and strengthening it so it does not break. It can be used on any hair type, but is especially beneficial for those who have frizzy hair or natural curls and texture and are looking for smooth, long-lasting straightening.

Disadvantages of a keratin treatment

Although it can strengthen hair, this treatment can cause other types of hair damage. The process involves intense heat and harsh chemicals that can cause moisture loss and leave hair dry. These harsh chemicals can also be dangerous to your overall health, but more on that later.

What does a keratin treatment consist of?

This is a long and drawn out process. Depending on the length, texture and type of curls of your hair, you will have to spend a couple of hours at the salon. The treatment usually begins with the hairdresser washing the hair to remove any impurities. Once dry, the hairdresser applies the solution all over the hair and leaves it on for 30 to 40 minutes. the hair will undergo an oxidation process and that the solution will set in the cuticles to start the straightening process. The stylist then rinses the hair thoroughly before blow-drying and straightening it to activate the solution and allow it to penetrate deeper into the hair.

Post-treatment care includes not washing your hair for two or three days afterward. This allows the solution to penetrate the hair and provide long-lasting results, typically lasting between three and six months. As for hair products, he recommends using paraben- and sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to nourish the hair and care for it properly. It is also advisable to avoid putting your hair in a ponytail or undergoing another chemical treatment two or three days later to keep the finish smooth and soft.

Difference between a keratin treatment and permanent straightening

Although keratin treatments and relaxers give similar results, they are two very different processes. A keratin treatment temporarily straightens hair before it returns to its natural texture. Relaxers are the opposite, permanently breaking the bonds in your hair to give you a more permanent solution.

Is keratin treatment safe?

The reason many are hesitant to undergo keratin treatment is the controversial ingredient formaldehyde. As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), formaldehyde is a colorless, highly toxic flammable gas. It is used in the production of fertilizers, paper, plywood and some resins, and can be found as a food preservative or in household products such as medicines and cosmetics.

In hair straightening treatments, such as keratin treatments, formaldehyde is released into the air when the solution is heated. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), those undergoing these treatments may risk inhaling the classified carcinogen if the room is not well ventilated. Other side effects include a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, cough, nausea and skin irritation. With all this in mind, the FDA recommends keeping a few things in mind before booking that keratin treatment: Read the ingredient list and consult with your stylist.

Reading the label is especially important if you’re thinking about getting a kerati n treatment at home but want something that doesn’t contain this toxic ingredient. If you see formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol in the ingredient list, the FDA indicates that the solution is not formaldehyde-free.

For salon treatments, your stylist should know if the solution they use contains formaldehyde or not. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires products with hazardous chemicals to list the ingredients on a safety data sheet (SDS). If your stylist isn’t sure what chemicals are used in the keratin treatments they offer you, the FDA says to be safe, opt not to use them.

So if this is something that concerns you, ask your stylist about a formaldehyde-free solution for your hair treatment. They should be able to find a safer alternative that will give similar results, while keeping your overall health intact.