Keratin treatment: everything you need to know
Published
30th Sep 2022
Keratin treatment is one of the most talked-about services in the industry, prompting questions from clients and hairdressers alike. We ask keratin experts for the lowdown and their tips for clients considering treatment.
What is a keratin treatment?
A keratin treatment is a chemical process that smooths and shines frizzy hair, Jo Eykyn, creative services manager and art director at Haringtons, Winchester, explains: "A keratin treatment is a semi-permanent treatment that reduces frizz and smoothes and strengthens the hair. It can reduce drying time by 10% and is humid resistant."Who is keratin treatment suitable for?
Gary Green, director at Nanokeratin, tells us that keratin treatment is suitable for all types, "It is especially effective on damaged or coarse hair, such as bleached, coloured or lightened hair, hair extensions made from natural hair and sun damaged hair," he does, however, warn that it should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and children under the age of 10, as no medical testing has been done in these groups.
"A consideration for hairdressers is the porosity of the hair, and its ability to withstand the 230°C heat. The heat from the irons is the only thing that can damage the hair during treatment, so it is vital that hairdressers diagnose the degree of porosity prior to carrying out the service. For overly-porous hair, the temperature of the irons will need to be lowered slightly," adds Gary.
How should you go about client consultation for a keratin treatment?
Although keratin treatments work for most hair types, it is important to make sure your client knows what to expect from their treatment in comparison to its natural state says Ben Collins founder at Keratin Revolution: "If they already have straight or just slightly wavy hair, they can expect to achieve fantastically conditioned hair. Whereas if their natural hair is tight curls and frizzy, hair will look tamed and conditioned but thick. Keratin aftercare products are sold on the idea of using them to protect an investment. Ensuring clients know that products which are specifically fortified with keratin will increase the longevity of the results and get the most out of their treatment will encourage them to invest in the best aftercare range."
Jo Eykyn also explains that it is important to establish what the clients' individual needs and requirements are as to whether the keratin treatments are suitable for their needs: "Find out a history of the clients’ hair and gather all appropriate information possible. Explain how the product works and the process so the client knows what to expect on the day being really clear about after care and expectations on how long the treatment should last. It's important to give a quotation on cost and how long it will take on the day."
Can you use keratin on coloured hair?
"Keratin treatments will always improve and enhance the condition and texture of coloured hair but, generally, there will always be a degree of fade on freshly coloured hair," says Chris Vieyra, Brocato UK. "It is advisable to colour hair or refresh the colour after the treatment, as hair structure will be stronger so you will achieve more vibrant, longer-lasting colour results."
What are the most important safety precautions to take?
It is also important that your supplier has an approved safety certificate says Lorraine Rose, L'Kerabelle: "Check that your supplier has a safety certificate; these should always be made available for clients to view if requested. When applying keratin treatments always wear gloves and apply in a well-ventilated salon as when ironing the hair a small amount of smoke or steam will be released. A skin test is always advisable."
What ingredients should you look out for in keratin treatments?
"Keratin protein itself strengthens, repairs and smoothes the hair." explains Mark Shorrock, La Brasiliane adding: "Other good ingredients to look for in a treatment are cystine, which is found naturally in the hair and adds extra strength; argan oil for moisture; collagen for elasticity and pro vitamin B5 (panthenol) for shine. Nano-technology leads to better ingredient absorption and longer-lasting results. Avoid anything that includes formaldehyde and/or formaldehyde releasers."
What should you be looking for when choosing a keratin supplier?
Research each company you have short listed, says Jo: "Your research should be based on brand ethos and how it fits with your salon brand, pricing for clients and cost of products to buy to make sure it's affordable to your clients and the available training given for staff and ongoing support from the supplier." "It is essential that any products brought into the salon pass all UK health and safety laws for the safety of your team, clients and business," recommends Jez Barnett, KeraStraight: "Any non-compliant products could void a salon's insurance. Suppliers should provide Material Safety Data Sheets and be able to explain thoroughly how their treatment works. A supplier should be happy to answer all and any questions you may have and should appreciate that salons need to be 100% certain that the products they choose are not only safe, but will deliver fantastic product performance and help them boost their profits."Why not read our Power of Three series for clients that are after silky, smooth locks?
