Are Keratin Treatments Good For Black Hair? [Pros & Cons]

lady with gorgeous black hair (Are Keratin Treatments Good For Black Hair?)

If you’re blessed with thick, curly hair, you know that it can be a hassle to style and manage.

Curly hair is prone to drying out and becoming frizzy, so many women turn to keratin treatments as a way to tame their locks.

But are keratin treatments good for black hair? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

CHECK: Best Straightener for Keratin Treatment

What Is a Keratin Treatment?

A keratin treatment is a hair-smoothing procedure that promises to make your locks sleek and manageable for weeks on end [1].

The treatment involves infusing keratin deep into the hair shaft, which helps to fill in any damaged or broken areas. This gives the hair a boost of strength and shine and can also help to protect against future damage.

In addition, keratin treatments can also help to reduce frizz and lock in moisture, making them a popular choice for those with unruly hair. While the results of a keratin treatment can last for several weeks, it is important to note that the treatment itself is not permanent.

Watch this video to learn the whole process.

CHECK: Are Keratin Treatments Good for Curly Hair?

What happens during a keratin treatment?

A keratin treatment is a hair-smoothing procedure that can help to reduce frizz, add shine, and make hair more manageable.

The treatment begins with a thorough hair cleansing, followed by applying a keratin solution. This solution helps to break down the bonds that create frizzy hair, making it easier to style.

Once the solution has been applied, it is sealed into the hair with a flat iron. The result is smooth, shiny hair that is easier to style and manage. Keratin treatments typically last for around three months, after which the treatment will need to be repeated to maintain results.

Benefits of Keratin Treatment

This popular hair treatment has become a go-to for women (and men!) looking to achieve smooth, sleek, and healthy hair. But what exactly is a keratin treatment, and what are the benefits?

Keratin is a protein that naturally occurs in your hair, skin, and nails [2]. Applying to the hair can help repair damage, add shine, and reduce frizz. Keratin treatments are available in salons, and many formulas can be used at home.

There are many benefits of keratin treatments, including:

1. Smoothing the Hair

Keratin treatments can help smooth the hair shaft, resulting in shiny and manageable locks.

2. Reducing Frizz

Keratin treatments can also help to reduce frizz by sealing the cuticle. This is especially beneficial for those with curly or wavy hair.

3. Protecting the Hair

Keratin treatments can act as a barrier against heat damage and environmental stressors.

4. Strengthening the Hair

Keratin treatments can help to strengthen the hair by filling in gaps in the cuticle. This is particularly beneficial for those with damaged or brittle hair.

If you’re considering a keratin treatment, be sure to consult with your stylist to find the best formula for your hair type and needs.

lady getting a keratin treatment at the hair salon

Side Effects of Keratin Treatment

Some women are concerned about the safety of these treatments, as they can contain harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde [3].

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and exposure to high chemical levels can cause respiratory problems and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat [4].

Fortunately, there are formaldehyde-free keratin treatments available on the market. These treatments use safer ingredients such as glyoxylic acid or serine, which can still provide excellent results without the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.

Read more about the allergic reaction to keratin treatment.

How black hair is different and how to choose the right treatment

Black hair is unique in its structure and ability to retain moisture.

HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK HAIR (4)

The tightly coiled strands are more susceptible to breakage, and the lack of a cuticle layer makes it difficult for natural oils to provide moisture and protect against damage.

As a result, black hair requires special care to stay healthy and strong.

When choosing a keratin treatment, it’s important to find one that is specifically designed for black hair.

These products usually contain higher levels of moisturizing ingredients, which can help to prevent breakage and keep hair looking healthy.

In addition, it’s important to choose a product that won’t cause excessive build-up on the scalp, as this can lead to scalp irritation.

Following these tips ensures that your keratin treatment will help improve your black hair’s health.

Are keratin treatments safe for naturally curly hair?

woman with gorgeous curly hair

The summer can be difficult for many women with naturally curly hair. The humidity can cause frizz and turn even the most well-behaved curls into a wild mane.

As a result, many women turn to keratin treatments to tame their tresses. But are these treatments safe?

There is no doubt that keratin treatments can effectively target frizzy hair. The treatment involves applying a protein-rich solution to the hair to smooth down the cuticle and eliminate frizz. But are these treatments safe for naturally curly hair?

Keratin treatments can damage curly hair, as they essentially work by straightening the hair shaft. This might alter your natural curls in one way or the other. 

While it is true that keratin treatments can temporarily change the structure of the hair, they will not permanently ruin your natural curls.

The active ingredient in most keratin treatments is a protein called Keratin, which is naturally found in the hair.

When this protein is applied to the hair, it helps to fill in any gaps or cracks in the cuticle, resulting in straighter, smoother hair.

However, your natural curl pattern will return once you wash the treatment.

So if you’re considering a keratin treatment but are worried about damaging your natural curls, rest assured that your hair will bounce back.

The key is to work with a stylist who understands your hair type and can tailor the treatment to your specific needs. With the right approach, a keratin treatment can leave you with sleek, shiny hair that still retains its natural curl pattern.

How long will a keratin treatment last?

If you’re considering getting a keratin treatment, you may wonder how long the results will last.

The short answer is that it depends on several factors, including the type of product used, your hair type, and how often you wash it.

Generally speaking, you can expect a keratin treatment to last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. If you have particularly frizzy or unruly hair, you may find that you need to touch up your treatment more frequently.

But if you take good care of your hair and use the right products, you should be able to enjoy smooth, sleek locks for months at a time.

How to care for your hair after a keratin treatment

If you’ve just had a keratin treatment, congratulations! You’re on your way to having smooth, shiny hair for the next few months.

However, it’s important to remember that keratin treatments require some special care to be effective. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after the treatment. This will give the keratin time to fully penetrate the hair shaft. Shower with a shower cap and avoid swimming, saunas, and steam showers.
  • When you do wash your hair, use a mild shampoo and avoid scrubbing too vigorously.
  • Only use heat styling tools when absolutely necessary. Keratin treatments make your hair more susceptible to heat damage.
  • Be sure to use a deep conditioning treatment once a week. This will help keep your hair hydrated and prevent the keratin from drying out your locks.
  • To avoid dents, avoid tying your hair or tucking it behind your ears. Hats and sunglasses can also leave marks on your hair, so use caution.
  • Do not apply hair styling products such as hair sprays or gels, mousse, root-lifting sprays, etc.
  • Sleep on a silk pillow or pillowcase since cotton and other materials might cause friction as you sleep, causing frizz and shortening the life of your keratin treatment.

By following these simple guidelines, you can prolong the life of your keratin treatment and enjoy beautiful, healthy hair for months to come.

FAQs

Does Keratin treatment damage black hair?

HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK HAIR (3)

No, it does not. Keratin treatments are safe for all hair types. Damage can only occur if your stylist uses the wrong tools and the wrong formula.

Can I dye my hair after keratin?

Yes, you can, but you will need to wait 2-3 weeks after the treatment to color your hair. 

How Long Does A Keratin Treatment Last? 

A keratin treatment lasts between 3-6 months, depending on your hair type and lifestyle.

How Often Can I Get A Keratin Treatment?

keratin treatment at the salon

Keratin treatments should be done no more than three times a year, as they might cause hair damage over time.

Do Keratin Treatments break your hair?

Keratin treatments may strengthen and restore damaged hair, making it less prone to breakage. However, if treatments are done too frequently, they might cause hair damage.

Conclusion

So, are keratin treatments good for black hair? The answer is a resounding yes!

Keratin treatments can help to smooth and soften your hair, leaving it looking and feeling healthier.

If you’re interested in trying a keratin treatment for yourself, consult a professional first to find out which treatment would be best for your specific hair type.

keratin treatment

Have you ever tried a keratin treatment? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below.

Resources

  • 1. Basit A, asghar F, Sadaf S, Akhtar MW. Health improvement of human hair and their reshaping using recombinant keratin K31. Biotechnology Reports. 2018;20:e00288. doi:10.1016/j.btre.2018.e00288
  • 2.Keratin: Protein, Structure, Benefits, Uses & Risks. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23204-keratin
  • 3.Keratin Treatment Side Effects: Causes, Symptoms, and More. Healthline. Published February 25, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-the-side-effects-of-a-keratin-treatment
  • 4.Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk – National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov. Published June 10, 2011. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-fact-sheet#:~:text=The%20International%20Agency%20for%20Research