Achieving smooth, sleek, and frizz-free hair with a DIY keratin treatment is a great accomplishment. But to ensure the results last as long as possible, it’s crucial to follow the right aftercare routine. Proper aftercare not only preserves the smooth texture but also helps maintain the vibrancy of your hair color if you’ve combined your keratin treatment with a color service.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of aftercare for DIY keratin treatments to help you get the most out of your results. Whether you’ve just finished your treatment or are planning to do one soon, these essential tips will keep your hair looking healthy, smooth, and shiny for months. Kera Mane Keratin Hair Treatment is designed for long-lasting results, and by following the right aftercare, you can enjoy frizz-free hair while protecting your color.
Do’s for Keratin Treatment Aftercare
1. Wait 72 Hours Before Washing
- Why It’s Important: After a keratin treatment, your hair needs time to fully absorb the product and lock in smoothness. Washing your hair too soon can wash away the keratin before it has a chance to set.
- What to Do: Wait at least 72 hours (three days) before washing your hair. During this time, avoid getting your hair wet, so skip the gym, avoid rain, and don’t head to the pool.
- Pro Tip: If your hair gets wet within the first 72 hours, immediately dry it with a blow dryer and re-flat iron the section to reset the keratin.
2. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
- Why It’s Important: Sulfates are harsh detergents found in many shampoos, and they can strip the keratin from your hair, leading to frizz and faster fading of the treatment. Sulfates can also dull your color if you’ve dyed your hair.
- What to Do: Choose a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to gently cleanse and condition your hair without damaging the keratin layer. These products will maintain both your smooth texture and vibrant color.
- Kera Mane’s Approach: Our Kera Mane Keratin Hair Treatment works best when paired with sulfate-free products that prolong the life of your treatment and keep your hair healthy.
3. Sleep on a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
- Why It’s Important: Cotton pillowcases can create friction between your hair and the fabric, leading to frizz and breakage. Silk and satin pillowcases are much gentler, allowing your hair to glide smoothly across the fabric while you sleep.
- What to Do: Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and preserve the sleekness of your keratin-treated hair.
- Pro Tip: Sleeping on silk not only helps maintain smoothness, but it also reduces moisture loss from your hair, keeping it hydrated and soft.
4. Deep Condition Weekly
- Why It’s Important: Keratin treatments can sometimes leave your hair feeling a bit dry, especially if your hair was damaged prior to the treatment. Regular deep conditioning replenishes moisture, strengthens your hair, and keeps it soft and shiny.
- What to Do: Use a deep conditioning hair mask once a week to nourish and hydrate your hair. Look for masks that are formulated for keratin-treated hair and are free of harsh chemicals.
- Kera Mane Repair Max Mask: Our deep conditioning mask is perfect for maintaining moisture and smoothness, especially if your hair tends to dry out post-treatment.
5. Limit Hair Washing to 2-3 Times a Week
- Why It’s Important: Over-washing can strip the keratin from your hair and lead to faster fading of your treatment. Washing your hair less frequently helps maintain the smooth, frizz-free results for longer.
- What to Do: Try to limit washing your hair to 2-3 times a week. This will keep your hair clean while preserving the keratin.
- Pro Tip: Use a keratin-friendly dry shampoo between washes to refresh your roots and keep your hair looking fresh without over-washing.
6. Protect Your Hair from Heat
- Why It’s Important: Although keratin treatments reduce the need for daily heat styling, you might still want to use flat irons or curling wands occasionally. Excessive heat can weaken the keratin bonds over time, so it’s important to protect your hair.
- What to Do: Always use a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools, and try to keep the temperature below 350°F. Use heat sparingly to maintain the longevity of your treatment.
- Pro Tip: If you don’t need to use heat, try air-drying your hair or using cool settings on your blow dryer to minimize damage.
Don’ts for Keratin Treatment Aftercare
1. Don’t Tie Your Hair Back Too Soon
- Why It’s Important: During the first 72 hours after your keratin treatment, your hair is still setting. Tying your hair back in a ponytail, bun, or any tight style can leave creases and dents that are difficult to remove.
- What to Avoid: Avoid using hair ties, clips, or headbands for the first three days. Let your hair stay loose and free to prevent creasing.
- Pro Tip: If you need to keep your hair out of your face, use a silk scrunchie and tie it very loosely to minimize any marks.
2. Don’t Use Sulfates or Sodium Chloride
- Why It’s Important: Sulfates and sodium chloride (salt) can strip the keratin from your hair, making it frizzy and reducing the longevity of the treatment. Sodium chloride is often found in shampoos and hair products, so be mindful of what you’re using.
- What to Avoid: Read the labels of your hair care products and avoid any that contain sulfates or sodium chloride. These ingredients can undo all the hard work of your keratin treatment.
- Pro Tip: Stick to sulfate-free, sodium chloride-free products that are specifically formulated for keratin-treated hair to ensure you get the most out of your treatment.
3. Don’t Swim in Chlorine or Saltwater Without Protection
- Why It’s Important: Chlorine and saltwater can break down the keratin in your hair, leading to dryness, frizz, and even color fading if your hair is dyed. Pools and oceans are the biggest culprits for ruining keratin treatments.
- What to Avoid: Try to avoid swimming in pools or the ocean if possible. If you do swim, protect your hair by wearing a swim cap or thoroughly rinsing your hair with fresh water immediately after swimming.
- Pro Tip: Apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming to create a protective barrier between your hair and the water.
4. Don’t Overuse Heavy Styling Products
- Why It’s Important: Heavy styling products, such as gels or creams, can build up on your hair and make it look greasy or weigh it down. This can affect the sleek, lightweight feel of your keratin-treated hair.
- What to Avoid: Stay away from heavy, oil-based products that can weigh your hair down or cause buildup. Instead, opt for lightweight, keratin-friendly styling products.
- Pro Tip: Use a lightweight serum or spray to add shine without adding weight to your hair.
5. Don’t Skip Regular Trims
- Why It’s Important: Even though keratin treatments reduce frizz and breakage, it’s still important to get regular trims to keep your hair healthy. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft and lead to breakage, diminishing the smooth look of your keratin-treated hair.
- What to Do: Schedule a trim every 8-12 weeks to keep your ends healthy and prevent split ends.
- Pro Tip: Trimming your hair regularly not only helps maintain its health but also helps retain length by preventing breakage.
6. Don’t Forget Sun Protection
- Why It’s Important: UV rays can dry out your hair and cause your color to fade. The sun can also reduce the effectiveness of your keratin treatment over time.
- What to Avoid: Avoid prolonged sun exposure without protecting your hair. Use a UV-protectant spray or wear a hat if you’re going to be out in the sun for long periods.
- Pro Tip: Look for a leave-in conditioner that includes UV protection to shield your hair from sun damage while keeping it hydrated.
Why Kera Mane Is Your Best Companion for DIY Keratin Treatment Aftercare
Kera Mane Keratin Hair Treatment is formulated to give you long-lasting smoothness and frizz control, but the key to maintaining your results lies in proper aftercare. Here’s why Kera Mane is the ideal choice for both your DIY treatment and aftercare routine:
- Sulfate-Free: Our formula is gentle on keratin-treated hair, ensuring that your treatment lasts for months without frizz or damage.
- Moisture-Rich Ingredients: Kera Mane’s products are infused with nourishing oils like argan oil and coconut oil to keep your hair soft, hydrated, and healthy.
- Easy Application: Our keratin treatment kit comes with clear instructions, making it easy to achieve salon-quality results at home, followed by the right aftercare to maintain those results.
Conclusion
Aftercare is essential to getting the most out of your DIY keratin treatment. By following the do’s and avoiding the don’ts, you can prolong the smooth, sleek results of your treatment and protect your hair’s health and color. From sulfate-free shampoos to deep conditioning and sun protection, each step in your aftercare routine will ensure that your hair remains frizz-free, shiny, and vibrant for months.
Kera Mane Keratin Hair Treatment is designed to deliver long-lasting results, and with the proper aftercare, you can keep your hair looking its best—whether you’re rocking your natural color or maintaining a fresh dye job. Stick to the tips outlined in this blog, and enjoy smooth, manageable hair every day.
