Unlocking The Secrets Of A Keratin Hair Spa Treatment At Home

Keratin hair treatments are a great way to get smooth, shiny, and frizz-free hair. Keratin is a natural protein that constitutes about 91% of our hair. However, with age and styling, our hair loses this protein, resulting in a significant lack of shine and lustre. A keratin hair spa can help replenish the moisture and protein lost over time.

There are two options for a keratin treatment: a DIY or salon treatment. Salon treatments can cost between $100 and $500, while at-home treatments tend to be less damaging but don't last as long. It's important to research and read reviews before starting a new haircare regimen, especially since many keratin treatments contain formaldehyde, a chemical that can be dangerous to your health.

If you opt for an at-home keratin treatment, the process typically involves washing your hair with an anti-residue shampoo, blow-drying it, applying the treatment product, letting it sit, blow-drying again, and then straightening your hair with a flat iron.

Wash hair with anti-residue shampoo

To begin your keratin hair spa at home, start by washing your hair with an anti-residue shampoo. This is sometimes called a "clarifying shampoo". Massage the shampoo into your hair and work up a lather. Let it sit for three to five minutes, then rinse it out. Apply the shampoo again, and make sure to rinse it completely out afterward. Do not apply any conditioner or hair mask.

Anti-residue shampoo is formulated to remove buildup from your hair, such as conditioner or styling product residue. This will prepare your hair to absorb the keratin treatment evenly.

Blow-dry hair

Blow-dry your hair

Blow-drying your hair is an essential step in the keratin hair spa process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect blow-dry at home:

Preparation:

• Wash your hair with a shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate and alcohol-free to avoid frizz and dry ends. The frequency of washing depends on your hair type and lifestyle. For fine hair, wash every 2-3 days; for textured or curly hair, wash every 5-7 days, and for coloured hair, wash every other day or every 3 days.
• Squeeze out excess moisture from your hair using a towel. Your hair should be between 50-80% dry. Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel to prevent friction, damage, and frizz. Microfiber or pure cotton towels are the gentlest on hair.
• Detangle your damp hair with a wide-tooth comb or a wet brush. Avoid using a regular bristle brush on wet hair to prevent split ends. You can also add a few squirts of leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to make combing easier.
• Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair before using any heat styling tools. This will help prevent damage to your hair follicles and minimise dryness and brittleness. Follow the instructions on the product label.

Drying:

• Separate your hair into sections using hair clips. Start with a horizontal part across the top of your ears and around your head, clipping the top section up. This will allow you to focus on drying the bottom layer first.
• Take a small section of hair from the front of your head, no wider than your round brush. Brush through this section to ensure it is tangle-free. Always start at the front and work your way back for maximum volume.
• Curl the round brush under the section of hair at the roots and pull the brush to keep the hair taut while spinning the bristles around. This creates volume and prevents frizz. Move the brush in the direction you want your hair to fall.
• Set your blow dryer to low or medium heat, depending on your hair type. Thick hair can handle medium heat, while thin hair is better suited to low heat. Aim the air down at the section of hair on your brush. Slowly work the brush and blow dryer down to the ends, curling the brush away from your face. Pull the hair up and down to get more volume.
• Once your hair is dry, set down the blow dryer and hold the brush at the roots for a few seconds before gently pulling the brush away. This will add extra shine to your hair.
• Continue drying the bottom layer of hair, working from back to front on both sides of your head. Then, remove the hair clip and divide the top layer into sections, continuing to blow-dry until all your hair is dry.

Styling:

• To create a retro look, divide your hair into two parts over your shoulders and use the round brush to scoop up the ends of one section. Hold the blow dryer against the bristles and curl the brush towards or away from your face, depending on your desired style.
• Set your hair in place using the cool air setting on your blow dryer. This will help your hair hold its shape and keep it looking fabulous all day.
• For a glossy look, apply a few drops of hair oil or shine serum to your palms and gently comb your fingers through the ends of your hair. Work from the bottom up to avoid adding excess oil to the scalp.
• Tame any flyaways or cowlicks with a small amount of hair cream or gel. Simply dab your finger into the product and pat it onto the stubborn hairs. For fine flyaways, you can also use hairspray on a clean spooly or toothbrush and run it over the hairs in the direction you want them to sit.

Apply keratin treatment

Applying a Keratin Treatment at Home

Keratin treatments can smooth curls and frizz and increase shine for up to 2.5 months. You can apply a keratin treatment at home by following these steps:

Prepare Your Hair

• Wash your hair with an anti-residue or clarifying shampoo. Massage it into your hair, work up a lather, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Rinse it out and repeat. Do not apply conditioner or a hair mask.
• Blow-dry your hair on a medium heat setting until it is completely dry, unless your product's instructions state otherwise.
• Part your hair into four to eight sections, depending on how much hair you have. Use a hair pick or comb to make a part down the middle of your hair and secure each section with clips.

Apply the Keratin Treatment

• Put on gloves and old clothing or a smock.
• Take a section of your hair and apply the treatment product, starting with a small amount and increasing until your hair is coated but not overly saturated. Use a fine-tooth comb or a hair colouring brush to work the product into each section, from roots to ends. Clip up each section when you're done.
• Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the product sit for 20-30 minutes or as instructed.
• Remove the shower cap and clips. Don't rinse out the product unless the instructions advise you to do so.
• Blow-dry your hair with the product still in. Use the hot or cold setting on your blow dryer, depending on what your product recommends.

Straighten Your Hair

• Set a flat iron to the temperature recommended by the product instructions for your hair type.
• Straighten your hair in small sections (about 1-2 inches thick). You may want to clip up sections of your hair beforehand or as you finish straightening them.
• Using a flat iron that is too hot may scorch your hair and cause breakage.

Maintaining Your Keratin Treatment

• Don't wash your hair for at least three days after your treatment. If you can wait a week, that's even better!
• Avoid using hair ties, ponytail holders, or hair clips for at least 48 hours. Don't tuck your hair behind your ears. Try a fabric bandana if you want to keep your hair out of your face.
• Your keratin treatment may last longer if you avoid styling or drying your hair with heat. Wash your hair sparingly, as needed, with a sulfate-free shampoo only (skip the conditioner).

Let it sit for 20-30 minutes

Once you've applied the keratin treatment product to your hair, it's time to let it sit and work its magic. Cover your hair with a shower cap and set a timer for 20 to 30 minutes, or follow the instructions provided with your specific product. This processing time allows the keratin to penetrate the hair shaft and start repairing and smoothing the hair cuticles.

During this time, you can relax and let the treatment do its job. You might want to put on some comfortable clothes, listen to music, or even meditate. It's important not to disturb the product or touch your hair during this processing time.

If you have particularly frizzy, curly, or thick hair, you may need to adjust the processing time. Some treatments may require a shorter or longer processing time, so always refer to the instructions included with your specific product. It's crucial to follow the recommended timing to ensure the best results and avoid over-processing your hair.

While you wait, you can also prepare the tools you'll need for the next steps, such as a blow dryer and a flat iron. Make sure your blow dryer is set to the temperature recommended by the product instructions, and have your flat iron heating up to the suggested temperature as well.

Dry hair

How to Do a Keratin Hair Spa at Home for Dry Hair

Step 1: Wash Your Hair with a Clarifying Shampoo

First, you'll want to remove any dirt, excess oil, and product residue from your hair. Use a clarifying shampoo to give your hair a deep cleanse and prepare your strands for the keratin treatment. After shampooing, be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly and avoid conditioning your hair afterward.

Step 2: Towel Dry Your Hair and Apply the Keratin Treatment

Gently pat your hair with a towel to remove any excess water, then apply the keratin treatment of your choice. Focus on coating the ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp. Use a wide-tooth comb to ensure the product is evenly distributed and your hair is fully coated.

Step 3: Cover Your Hair and Let the Treatment Sit

Once your hair is fully coated, cover it with a plastic cap. Leave the treatment in for the amount of time recommended by the product instructions. This can vary depending on the specific product you are using, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Step 4: Rinse Your Hair and Blow Dry

After the allotted time has passed, thoroughly rinse your hair with lukewarm water to remove all of the product. Then, blow-dry your hair on a low heat setting, using a round brush to smooth out any frizz or tangles.

Step 5: Flat Iron Your Hair

Separate your hair into small sections and use a flat iron to apply heat evenly. The heat will help seal in the keratin. Be sure to follow the product instructions for the recommended temperature setting to avoid damaging your hair.

Step 6: Avoid Washing Your Hair for 24 to 72 Hours

For best results, keep your hair dry and avoid washing it for at least 24 to 72 hours after the treatment. During this time, refrain from tucking your hair behind your ears or tying it up.

Step 7: Incorporate Keratin-Rich Products into Your Hair Care Routine

To maximize the benefits of your keratin treatment, use keratin-rich products in your daily hair care routine. Look for keratin shampoos and conditioners, such as those recommended in the products section below.

Products:

• TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Smoothing Mask
• TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo and Conditioner
• Cream Silk Treatment Keratin Damage Repair
• Dove Advanced Keratin Treatment Mask
• Trichup Keratin Hair Mask
• L'Oreal Paris Professional Nourishing Treatment
• BBLUNT Intense Moisture Heat Hair Spa Mask

Frequently asked questions