Keratin Treatment Or Japanese Straightening

Keratin Treatment vs. Japanese Straightening have you wondered what the differences are?  

Keratin Treatment vary by brand, at Noelle Salon we use the Brazilian Blowout brand which is formaldehyde free.  This treatment is a smoothing treatment which infuses protein into your hair cuticle.  Keratin treatment will eliminate frizz and calm down your curl, it is not a permanent process - it gradually washes out of the hair within 3 to 4 months.  I suggest a quality product not one from overseas since they may contain formaldehyde as well as detergents that not only damage your hair, but your health.  Overseas keratin, such as some from Brazil, may last longer in the hair, but overtime this treatment can cause permanent damage to your hair.

What to know about keratin hair treatments aka Brazilian Hair Treatment

1)  This is a smoothing treatment, not a permanent process.

2)  Keratin will subtly change your curl pattern, but you will still have curl just more relaxed

3)  You may have to wait to wash your hair (3 days), Brazilian Blowout can be washed the next day.

4)  Only sulfate free products,  no products with salt or salt sprays, products containing "sodium chloride" are a big no no~

5)  Your hair will dry quicker - almost half the time

6)  The process takes 2 to 3 hours depending on hair length & thickness

7)  Avoid clips or ponytails for the first 24 hours.

8)  Wear a mask and/or glasses when having the treatment done to avoid inhaling fumes. Most are not disturbed by the odor, but why risk it?

9)  You will still have volume, just a bit more sleek

10) The more often you have the treatment done, the better the result

Japanese Straightening

Japanese is a permanent process, your hair will be completely straight,  You will have regrowth that needs to be touched up as your hair grows.  Most clients find they redo the process 2 to 4 times per year.  The active ingredient is Ammonium Thioglycolate which softens the natural bonds of the hair, a thermal iron is then passed through the hair several times to straighten the hair completely.  If you are familiar with curly perms with rods, this is the reverse process just straightening.    The best results are on hair that has no major chemicals, or is perhaps very kinky and/or frizzy and super straight hair is desired..

What to know about Japanese Straightening

1)  This is a permanent process and you will have regrowth 

2)  Make sure your stylist is well versed with the process, ask for client referrals and have a strand test!  

3)  If you have  chemicals in your hair such as hair relaxer (sodium hydroxide), hair bleach, excessive color damage, then you are not a good candidate for the process since your hair can literally turn to mush and break.  This is why I will say again - ask for a strand test!

4)  Use sulfate free products and natural oils to keep your hair and scalp healthy.

5)  Avoid using hot irons over 350 degrees since this will lead to breakage.  

6)  You can not wash your hair for up to 3 days and no clips and ponytails until you wash your hair.

7)  Treat your new silky strands with care, hair wraps at night stop friction on the hair shaft especially if you are a restless sleeper.

8) The process can take 3 to 5 hours based on hair length & texture

Keratin treatments are extremely popular these days, seek out a professional salon that offers free consultations and has a lot of experience with keratin.  This also applies when seeking a salon for Japanese straightening.  Strand test, strand test, strand test!