Keratin treatments can transform frizzy, unmanageable hair into smooth, sleek, and shiny locks. However, achieving long-lasting results requires proper aftercare. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the best ways to maintain keratin-treated hair. These myths can often lead to improper care, causing the treatment to fade prematurely or hair health to decline.
In this blog, we’ll separate myths from facts about keratin treatment aftercare, offering you the truth on how to properly maintain your hair post-treatment. We’ll also explain how Kera Mane Keratin Hair Treatment fits into a healthy aftercare routine for smooth, long-lasting results.
Myth 1: You Should Avoid Washing Your Hair for a Week After a Keratin Treatment
Fact: You Only Need to Avoid Washing for 72 Hours
One of the most common myths is that you need to avoid washing your hair for an entire week after a keratin treatment. In reality, you only need to avoid washing your hair for the first 72 hours (three days) after the treatment. This allows the keratin to fully set into the hair cuticle, locking in the smoothness and ensuring long-lasting results.
What Happens If You Wash Too Soon:
Washing your hair too soon after a keratin treatment can prevent the keratin from properly bonding to the hair shaft, which can reduce the treatment’s effectiveness. For the best results, wait at least three days before shampooing your hair.
Myth 2: You Should Never Tie Your Hair Back After a Keratin Treatment
Fact: You Should Avoid Tying It Back Only During the First 72 Hours
Another common myth is that you should never tie your hair back after a keratin treatment. While it’s true that you should avoid putting your hair in a ponytail, bun, or any other style that uses hair ties for the first 72 hours, it’s perfectly fine to style your hair as you wish after this period.
Why It Matters:
During the first 72 hours, the keratin is still setting in, and any tension or creasing caused by hair ties can leave dents or marks in your hair that are hard to smooth out. Once this initial period is over, you can style your hair as usual, including tying it back.
Myth 3: Keratin-Treated Hair Doesn’t Need Conditioning
Fact: Deep Conditioning is Essential for Healthy, Keratin-Treated Hair
There’s a misconception that keratin-treated hair doesn’t need conditioning because it’s already smooth and moisturized. In fact, deep conditioning is crucial for keeping your hair healthy and hydrated after a keratin treatment. Keratin treatments can sometimes leave the hair feeling a bit dry, so using a nourishing conditioner or hair mask helps restore moisture and maintain smoothness.
Best Practice:
Opt for a sulfate-free, keratin-friendly conditioner to prevent stripping the keratin from your hair. Using a deep conditioning mask like Kera Mane’s Repair Max Mask once a week can help replenish moisture and keep your hair looking sleek and healthy.
Myth 4: You Can’t Color Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment
Fact: You Can Color Your Hair, but Timing Matters
Many believe that coloring your hair is a no-go after a keratin treatment. While it’s true that the timing is important, it’s possible to color your hair before or after a keratin treatment with the right approach. If you plan to color your hair, it’s best to do so before your keratin treatment. This ensures that the color is sealed in when the keratin is applied, giving you smooth, vibrant results.
Coloring After Keratin:
If you want to color your hair after a keratin treatment, it’s recommended to wait at least two weeks before applying any hair dye. This gives the keratin time to fully set and minimizes the risk of compromising the treatment.
Myth 5: Sulfate-Free Shampoos Aren’t Necessary for Keratin-Treated Hair
Fact: Sulfate-Free Shampoos Are a Must for Longevity
One of the most damaging myths is that you can use any shampoo on keratin-treated hair. Sulfates, which are common in many shampoos, are harsh detergents that strip away oils and products from the hair. Unfortunately, they can also strip away the keratin treatment, causing it to fade much faster than it should.
Why Sulfate-Free Matters:
To prolong the life of your keratin treatment, it’s essential to use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on the hair, allowing the keratin to last longer while keeping your hair moisturized and frizz-free.
Myth 6: Heat Styling Is Off-Limits After a Keratin Treatment
Fact: You Can Use Heat Styling Tools, But With Care
There’s a widespread belief that heat styling should be avoided after a keratin treatment. In reality, heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can be used on keratin-treated hair, but it’s important to use them correctly to avoid damage.
Best Practice:
Use a heat protectant spray before styling your hair with heat tools. Keep the temperature setting on the lower side (around 300-350°F) to avoid weakening the keratin bonds. Occasional heat styling won’t harm your keratin treatment, but overuse or high temperatures can reduce the longevity of the treatment.
Myth 7: You Don’t Need to Worry About Water After a Keratin Treatment
Fact: Chlorine and Saltwater Can Shorten the Life of Your Treatment
Some people mistakenly believe that water, whether from the shower, pool, or ocean, won’t affect their keratin-treated hair. While freshwater (like in your shower) is safe after the first 72 hours, exposure to chlorine or saltwater can strip the keratin from your hair, making it less effective.
How to Protect Your Hair:
When swimming in pools or the ocean, it’s best to protect your keratin-treated hair by wearing a swim cap or rinsing your hair with freshwater immediately after swimming. Chlorine and saltwater are harsh and can shorten the lifespan of your keratin treatment, leading to frizz and dryness.
Myth 8: Keratin Treatments Last Forever
Fact: Keratin Treatments Last 3-6 Months with Proper Care
Keratin treatments are long-lasting, but they don’t last forever. Depending on your hair type and aftercare routine, most keratin treatments last 3-6 months. Following proper aftercare, such as using sulfate-free products and avoiding excessive heat, can help extend the life of your treatment.
Maintenance Tips:
For best results, use keratin-infused aftercare products like Kera Mane’s sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, which are designed to prolong the effects of your keratin treatment. Regular trims and avoiding over-washing can also help extend the smoothness and manageability of your hair.
Myth 9: You Should Wash Your Hair Frequently to Avoid Greasiness
Fact: Washing Less Frequently Helps Your Treatment Last Longer
Some believe that frequent washing is necessary to avoid greasiness in keratin-treated hair. However, over-washing can actually reduce the lifespan of your treatment and lead to dryness. Instead of daily washes, aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week to maintain the keratin and prevent excessive oil buildup.
How to Manage Greasiness:
If you find that your hair gets greasy between washes, try using a keratin-friendly dry shampoo to refresh your roots without stripping the keratin. This will help maintain smoothness and keep your hair looking clean without over-washing.
Myth 10: Keratin Treatments Fix All Hair Problems
Fact: Keratin Treatments Improve Texture, But Regular Maintenance is Needed
While keratin treatments can dramatically improve the texture, smoothness, and manageability of your hair, they are not a cure-all for all hair problems. Issues such as dryness, damage, or scalp health still need to be addressed with regular care, hydration, and proper products.
How to Care for Keratin-Treated Hair:
Incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments, like Kera Mane’s Repair Max Mask, into your routine to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. Use lightweight leave-in products to nourish the hair without weighing it down or contributing to greasiness. Maintaining a balanced diet and proper hydration also supports healthy hair growth and shine.
Conclusion
Understanding the facts about keratin treatment aftercare is key to keeping your hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free for as long as possible. By debunking common myths, you can avoid damaging your keratin-treated hair and ensure you get the best possible results.
With the right aftercare routine—including using sulfate-free shampoos, protecting your hair from chlorine, and deep conditioning regularly—your Kera Mane Keratin Hair Treatment will provide long-lasting smoothness and manageability. By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy beautiful, sleek hair for months after your treatment.
