Keratin Treatment Benefits: Smoother Hair, Less Frizz & Long-Lasting Results

Keratin treatments are one of the most popular ways to smooth and control frizzy hair. They work by adding protein to the hair, filling in tiny gaps in damaged strands. This creates a smooth, shiny finish and helps protect against humidity.

If your hair feels rough, takes too long to style, or frizzes up in the heat, a keratin treatment might help. It can cut down your styling time and leave your hair easier to manage for months.

In this guide, we’ll explain how keratin treatments work, the results you can expect, and how long they last. You’ll also learn how to care for your hair after treatment to keep it looking smooth and healthy.

What Is Keratin Treatment?

A keratin treatment is a semi-permanent process that smooths hair and reduces frizz. It adds liquid keratin and a protective layer to the hair surface. The results typically last 3 to 6 months.

The treatment contains hydrolysed keratin, a protein that fills tiny gaps in damaged cuticles. Stylists apply it in sections from root to tip. Then, they use a flat iron at 230°C to seal the protein into the hair.

There are three main types:

• Brazilian Keratin: Contains 2% formaldehyde. Lasts up to 6 months.

• Formaldehyde-Free: Uses glyoxylic acid. Lasts 2–3 months.

• Express Keratin: Takes 60 minutes. Lasts 6–8 weeks.

Keratin treatments work by forming temporary bonds in the hair’s inner layer. These bonds smooth the cuticle, reflect more light, and improve shine.

Here’s what’s in a typical keratin formula:

Treatment Component	Function	Percentage
Hydrolysed Keratin	Fills hair porosity	15–20%
Conditioning Agents	Add moisture	10–15%
Heat Protectants	Prevent heat damage	5–8%
Preservatives	Maintain formula stability	2–3%

Unlike chemical straighteners, keratin treatments don’t alter the hair permanently. They leave your natural texture intact while coating each strand in strengthening protein.

How Keratin Treatment Works

Keratin treatments change your hair’s structure by adding protein deep into each strand. They smooth and protect the hair by filling tiny gaps in damaged cuticles.

The Science Behind Keratin

Keratin molecules are small enough to pass through the hair’s outer layer (the cuticle). Once applied, heat from a flat iron (230°C) helps these proteins bond with your hair’s natural structure.

This process changes hydrogen bonds inside the hair for a short time. New bonds form between your hair and the added keratin, making it smooth and less able to absorb moisture—by as much as 95%.

The treatment also relies on pH. Most keratin formulas have a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. This slightly acidic range opens the cuticle just enough to let keratin in, and then helps seal it shut.

Treatment Process Overview

A professional keratin treatment takes around 2 to 4 hours and follows six key steps:

1. Washing: A clarifying shampoo removes product build-up and opens the cuticle.

2. Drying: Hair is towel-dried until it’s about 80% dry.

3. Application: The keratin solution is applied in small sections (1–2 cm), using around 30–50 ml for medium hair.

4. Blow-drying: Stylists blow-dry the hair on medium heat while the keratin bonds begin to form.

5. Flat ironing: Each section is sealed with a 230°C flat iron, passed over 5–7 times.

6. Cool down: Hair is left to cool naturally for 10 minutes.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Treatment Stage	Duration	Temperature
Washing	10-15 minutes	Room temperature
Application	30-45 minutes	Room temperature
Blow-drying	20-30 minutes	60-80°C
Flat ironing	45-60 minutes	230°C
Cool down	10 minutes	Room temperature

Aftercare Instructions

Once the treatment is done, avoid getting your hair wet for 48 to 72 hours. This allows the keratin to fully set. Stylists will give specific aftercare tips—such as using sulphate-free shampoo and avoiding styling products during the curing period.

Main Benefits of Keratin Treatment

Keratin treatments do more than just smooth the surface. They offer lasting improvements that make daily hair care easier and more effective. Here are four key benefits.

Smoother and Shinier Hair

Keratin fills tiny gaps in damaged hair, leaving strands smooth and glossy. The treatment increases shine by 40–60% compared to untreated hair, according to the International Journal of Trichology.

A heat seal at 230°C locks in the protein, giving hair a silk-like feel that lasts for 12–16 weeks. Hair feels softer within 24 hours and stays smooth, even after several washes.

Reduced Frizz and Humidity Control

Keratin-treated hair shows up to 95% less frizz in humid conditions. A water-resistant layer prevents moisture from entering the hair, helping it stay sleek even in 80% humidity.

Clients with coarse or curly hair often see the biggest changes—many report zero frizz and no flyaways, even in tropical climates.

Faster Styling Time

Keratin treatments cut daily styling time by 50–70%. Tasks that once took 45 minutes now take just 10–15. Hair dries faster and needs little to no heat styling or product.

Since treated hair holds its shape throughout the day, many clients say a quick brush is all they need for a polished look.

Long-Lasting Results

With proper care, keratin results can last 3 to 5 months. Longevity depends on your hair type, how often you wash it, and the products you use. Fine hair typically holds results for 3–4 months, while coarse hair can last up to 5.

Here’s a quick guide:

Hair Type	Treatment Time	Washes Per Week	Expected Longevity
Fine	2–3 hours	2–3 times	3–4 months
Medium	3–4 hours	2–3 times	4–5 months
Coarse	4–5 hours	1–2 times	4–5 months

Using sulphate-free shampoo can extend results by 20–30%. Regular touch-ups every 4 months help keep hair smooth all year round.

Hair Types That Benefit Most

Keratin treatments don’t work the same for everyone. However, some hair types and conditions see more noticeable improvements than others.

Curly and Wavy Hair

Curly and wavy textures often experience the biggest changes. Curls from type 3A to 3C can see a 70–80% reduction in curl, while still keeping natural movement. Wavy hair (2A–2C) gains better shape and smoothness, without losing its bounce.

Curly hair is porous, so it absorbs keratin more deeply. This fills in gaps in the cuticle that cause frizz and tangling. Many clients with tighter curls also report they can wash their hair less often—just twice a week instead of daily.

Here’s what different curl types can expect:

Hair Type	Curl Reduction	Frizz Control	Styling Time Saved
Type 2A–2B	20–30%	85%	15–20 minutes
Type 2C	40–50%	90%	25–30 minutes
Type 3A–3B	60–70%	95%	35–40 minutes
Type 3C	70–80%	95%	45–50 minutes

Keratin helps relax the hair’s hydrogen bonds, which reduces frizz while keeping curl definition. Many people find they can switch between straight and wavy styles with ease after treatment. It also reduces the common "halo" of frizz in humid weather.

Damaged and Chemically Treated Hair

Keratin is highly effective for hair that’s bleached, coloured, or chemically processed. These hair types absorb more keratin—up to 30–40% more than virgin hair—making repairs more noticeable.

Bleached hair benefits the most. Keratin restores lost elasticity, strengthens weak strands, and cuts breakage by up to 80%. It also helps colour last 2–3 weeks longer.

You might need keratin if you notice:

• Split ends just weeks after trimming

• Hair stretching too much when wet

• Tangling that takes 10+ minutes to fix

• Faded colour within 3–4 weeks

• Uneven texture between roots and ends

Heat-damaged hair also improves after treatment. Keratin creates a protective barrier, letting you style with heat at lower temperatures (150–180°C). This reduces the risk of more damage while helping you keep your usual look.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Some treatments contain formaldehyde or similar agents, which may cause eye irritation, breathing issues, or skin reactions. Around 15–20% of clients report mild discomfort during application.

Treatments cost £150–£500, plus:

• Touch-ups: £100–£300 (every 3–4 months)

• Sulphate-free shampoo/conditioner: £20–£40 monthly

• Hair masks: £15–£25 weekly

• Styling tools: £50–£150 (one-time)

Fine hair can go limp. Virgin or healthy hair may show minimal change. Over-processed or bleached hair may become more brittle if not assessed carefully.

The process takes 2–4 hours. Aftercare includes 48–72 hours of no washing, tying, or sweating, and sleeping on a silk pillowcase.

3–5% may experience redness, itching, or swelling. A patch test is advised. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Too many treatments can lead to protein overload, stiffness, and permanent texture changes. Limit to 3–4 times a year.

Chlorine and hard water break down keratin faster. Results last 3–4 months in humid climates, and up to 6 months in dry conditions.

Keratin Treatment vs. Other Hair Treatments

Keratin treatments differ from other smoothing methods in terms of longevity, damage risk, and results. Here's how they compare to the most common alternatives:

Brazilian Blowout vs. Traditional Keratin Treatment

Both treatments smooth hair and reduce frizz, but they differ in process and how long the results last.

Feature	Brazilian Blowout	Traditional Keratin
Processing Time	90 minutes	2-4 hours
Waiting Period	Immediate washing	48-72 hours
Results Duration	10-12 weeks	3-5 months
Frizz Reduction	60-70%	85-95%
Cost Range	£200-£350	£150-£500

Brazilian Blowouts coat the hair's surface, while keratin treatments go deeper into the strand. If you need something fast with less downtime, the Blowout may suit your schedule better.

Japanese Hair Straightening Comparison

This method permanently alters hair by breaking and reshaping its bonds.

• Permanence: Lasts until new hair grows out; keratin lasts 3–5 months.

• Hair Damage: Japanese straightening causes 30–40% more damage due to chemical restructuring.

• Versatility: Keratin retains 20–30% of natural texture; Japanese straightening results in pin-straight hair.

• Processing Time: 4–6 hours for Japanese; 2–4 hours for keratin.

Unlike keratin, you can’t go back to your natural texture after Japanese straightening. It’s a permanent change.

Chemical Relaxers vs. Keratin Smoothing

Relaxers break disulphide bonds in textured hair to make it permanently straighter.

Frequency: Relaxers need root touch-ups every 6–8 weeks; keratin requires full reapplication every 3–5 months.

Hair Types: Relaxers are for textured hair (types 3C–4C); keratin suits all types (1A–4C).

Damage Risk: Relaxers may cause 50–70% protein loss if overused. Keratin adds protein, reducing breakage by 40–50%.

Relaxers are only suited for highly textured hair. They straighten permanently but can weaken hair over time.

Hair Botox Treatment Differences

Hair Botox treatments focus on deep conditioning whilst keratin treatments prioritise smoothing and straightening:

Aspect	Hair Botox	Keratin Treatment
Primary Function	Repair and hydration	Smoothing and frizz control
Formaldehyde Content	Always free	Varies by brand
Treatment Duration	45-90 minutes	2-4 hours
Results Timeline	2-3 months	3-5 months
Volume Reduction	Minimal (10-20%)	Significant (40-60%)

Smoothing Treatment Alternatives

Several alternatives to keratin treatments offer varying benefits for different hair concerns:

Cysteine treatments: These amino acid-based treatments straighten hair by 50-60% whilst maintaining more natural movement than keratin options.

Silk protein treatments: Lasting 6-8 weeks, these treatments add shine without significant straightening effects.

Olaplex treatments: Bond-building treatments repair damage without altering texture, ideal for maintaining natural curl patterns.

Deep conditioning masks: Weekly applications improve manageability by 20-30% without chemical processing.

We recommend considering your specific hair goals, maintenance commitment, and budget when choosing between keratin treatments and alternatives. Each treatment serves a different purpose. Keratin stands out for lasting frizz control and faster styling, but the best option depends on your needs, lifestyle, and hair goals.

Maintenance and Aftercare Tips

With proper care, keratin treatments can last up to 5 months, significantly longer than the standard 3 months. Here's how to protect your results between salon visits.

First 48–72 Hours: What to Avoid

The first three days are crucial. Follow these rules to lock in the treatment:

• No water contact – Keep hair dry; use a shower cap while bathing

• Avoid clips or bands – Don’t use accessories that leave dents

• Don’t tuck hair – Keep it loose; no behind-the-ear styling

• No sweating – Skip workouts that cause moisture build-up

• No styling – Avoid ponytails, buns, or tight twists

Best Hair Products to Use

Use sulphate-free products to extend your results by up to 40%. Here are some key product types:

Product Type	Key Ingredients	How Often to Use
Shampoo	Sodium lauryl sulphoacetate, cocamidopropyl betaine	2–3 times weekly
Conditioner	Argan oil, keratin proteins	Every wash
Leave-in Treatment	Hydrolysed keratin, silk proteins	Daily
Hair Mask	Coconut oil, shea butter	Weekly
Heat Protectant	Dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane	Before heat styling

Washing and Styling Tips

• Water temp: Use lukewarm water (under 38°C)

• Shampoo method: Focus on the scalp; let lather rinse through lengths

• Drying: Pat hair with a microfibre towel; don’t rub

• Blow-drying: Use medium heat with the nozzle pointing downward

For heat styling:

• Keep tool temperatures below 180°C

• Always use a heat protectant

• Only flat iron dry hair, using one pass per section

Long-Term Care Between Treatments

To maintain smoothness:

• Silk pillowcases reduce friction and prevent frizz

• Weekly protein masks top up keratin levels

• Swim cap in pools; rinse hair right after swimming

• UV sprays protect hair during long sun exposure

Mistakes That Shorten Results

Avoid these, or your treatment could fade 50–70% faster:

• Clarifying shampoos – Strip away keratin

• High heat styling – Above 200°C breaks bonds

• Salt water – Ocean swimming dissolves the treatment

• DIY colouring – Harsh box dyes damage the keratin layer

• High pH products – Above pH 7 weakens keratin effects

Bonus tip: Trim your hair every 6–8 weeks to keep ends healthy. If you colour your hair, do it two weeks before or after the keratin treatment—not in between.

Conclusion

Keratin treatments have changed how we care for and style our hair. They offer a proven solution for frizz, dryness, and time-consuming routines. With strong results backed by science, it’s easy to see why they remain popular for all hair types.

Whether you're fighting humidity or want to cut styling time, a keratin treatment can help you reach your hair goals. The upfront cost and aftercare pay off in months of smoother, shinier, and easier-to-manage hair.

We recommend visiting a certified stylist to assess your hair type and suggest the right treatment. They can guide you through the best option and tailor a maintenance plan. With expert help and good aftercare, you’ll understand why so many rely on keratin treatments as part of their regular routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a keratin treatment and how does it work?

It’s a semi-permanent smoothing treatment that infuses hair with liquid keratin proteins. These fill in damaged areas, creating a barrier against frizz and humidity. The treatment temporarily alters hydrogen bonds, leaving hair smoother and straighter for 3–5 months.

How long does a keratin treatment last?

With proper care, results last between 3 and 5 months. This depends on your hair type, how often you wash it, and how well you maintain it. Sulphate-free shampoos, reduced heat styling, and regular touch-ups help extend results.

What are the main benefits of getting a keratin treatment?

The primary benefits include 85-95% frizz reduction, 40-60% increased shine, significantly faster daily styling time, and humidity resistance. Hair becomes more manageable, requiring less maintenance. Many clients report cutting their styling routine from 45 minutes to just 10-15 minutes daily.

Are keratin treatments safe for all hair types?

Whilst most hair types benefit from keratin treatments, fine or thin hair may become limp or greasy. Curly, wavy, and chemically damaged hair typically see the best results. Always consult a professional stylist for an assessment and consider a patch test to check for allergic reactions.

How much does a keratin treatment cost in the UK?

Prices range from £150–£500, depending on hair length, salon, and product used.

Maintenance adds to the cost:

• Products: £20–£40/month

• Touch-ups: £100–£200 every 3–4 months

What's the difference between keratin treatment and Brazilian Blowout?

A Brazilian Blowout allows immediate washing, while keratin treatments need 48–72 hours before getting wet. Blowouts last about 10–12 weeks, whereas keratin treatments last 3–5 months. Both reduce frizz effectively.

How should I care for my hair after a keratin treatment?

Avoid washing, sweating, or tying your hair for the first 48–72 hours. Use sulphate-free products, wash no more than 2–3 times a week, and protect hair from chlorine and sun. Trimming every 6–8 weeks helps maintain results.

Can I colour my hair after a keratin treatment?

Yes, but timing is crucial. Wait at least two weeks after your keratin treatment before colouring. For best results, colour your hair before the treatment, as the keratin can help seal in colour and add shine. Always inform your stylist about recent chemical treatments.