How to do keratin hair straightening yourself
Keratin straightening is effective for various types of wavy hair, whether it’s permed, bio-curled, carved, or naturally curled.
Article Contents:
Components of Keratin Straightening Products
Unlike many other professional straighteners, keratin straightening products do not alter the internal structure of the hair. The main ingredient is liquid keratin, which penetrates the hair’s micropores and, when heated, coagulates, forming a protective film on the surface.
This layer gives hair shine and smoothness and also protects against harmful environmental factors such as UV rays, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and more. The formula also contains nutrients and proteins.
Nutritional concentrates include vitamins and plant extracts, giving the modern formula a pleasant aroma—like chocolate, for example. The procedure is completely safe, as it uses only natural ingredients that are gentle on the body.
Furthermore, keratin straightening products often include moisturizing ingredients—hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and glycerin—which help maintain optimal moisture levels within the hair, preventing dryness. This helps maintain elasticity and prevent breakage.
Amino acids are also often added, which help restore damaged areas of the hair and strengthen its structure from within. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, protect hair from free radicals and slow down the aging process.
It’s important to note that high-quality keratin straightening products are free of formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals, making the procedure as safe and comfortable as possible for the client.
Benefits of Keratin Straightening
1. The absence of contraindications is the key advantage of this method, with the exception of pregnancy.
2. The formula does not contain harsh chemicals.
3. Significantly restores damaged hair.
4. Extends the life of color by locking in color.
5. Intensively moisturizes hair that has undergone chemical treatments.
6. Makes styling significantly easier for several months.
7. Closes split ends and strengthens hair.
8. Gives hair a natural shine and makes it smoother to the touch.
9. Reduces frizz and eliminates the “greasy” look caused by wearing hats for long periods or in high humidity.
10. Suitable for all hair types, including fine and soft hair, thanks to the individually tailored treatment formula.
11. The effect lasts for 3 to 6 months, making the procedure economical and convenient.
How to perform keratin hair straightening at home
The main disadvantage of the procedure is its high cost. Furthermore, after straightening, specialized shampoos and conditioners are required, which are also quite expensive. For this reason, many women prefer to perform the procedure at home.
This allows for significant savings: the cost of one at-home keratin straightening kit is higher than the price of a single salon service, but the product is enough for 6-10 applications!
To perform the procedure at home, you will need:
• Special products;
• Spray bottle;
• straightening iron;
• hair dryer;
• round brush.
Start by washing your hair twice with keratin shampoo. Then, gently towel-dry and comb your hair. Gather all your hair and secure it at the nape of your neck. Fill a spray bottle with straightening product (usually 50-100 ml, depending on hair length). Separate your hair into individual strands and gently spray the product onto each strand.
After application, immediately comb through the strands to ensure deeper penetration. Leave the product in for 10-15 minutes. Then blow-dry your hair, straightening it with a round brush and straightening iron. Finally, apply a small amount of keratin serum.
The effect of keratin straightening lasts from 3 to 6 months, depending on your hair structure, growth rate, and the quality of your care. A repeat procedure can be performed 10 days after the first, if a stronger therapeutic effect is desired.
Proper_care_after_straightening
During the first three days, it is extremely important to carefully care for your hair. Never wash your hair or expose it to water, including baths, swimming pools, saunas, or other sources of moisture. Hair must remain completely dry. When showering, it is recommended to wear a shower cap for protection.
After 72 hours, you can wash your hair, but only with shampoos and conditioners that do not contain sulfates or sodium chloride. When swimming in open water, use a leave-in conditioner and then rinse your hair with fresh water.
For three days after the procedure, do not use a hair dryer, straightening iron, or any hot styling tools. Avoid pinning or clamping your hair, wearing glasses, or curling your hair behind your ears.
Hair should be left loose, straight, and sleek. Avoid tight headbands and elastic bands, especially during the first three days. If you need to keep strands out of your face, it’s best to use a soft silk scarf. Furthermore, coloring and highlighting are not recommended for 14 days after keratin straightening to avoid damaging the protective layer created and preserving the results.
Thus, this hair straightening method is one of the most modern and safest, combining straightening with effective restoration of weakened and color-treated hair. After the procedure, it is important to provide gentle and caring care.
With proper care, your hair will surely return the health and beauty that the procedure was intended to achieve.
Common Mistakes When Doing Keratin Straightening at Home and How to Avoid Them
Do not exceed the recommended application time. Apply the product strictly according to the instructions—excessive application can cause dryness and breakage. Use a timer to control the application time.
Avoid using a high heat setting on your straightening iron from the first minute. Heat the iron to the desired temperature, then gently straighten the strands, avoiding repeated passes in the same area to avoid damaging the structure.
Do not apply too much product. Too thick a layer will not improve results, but will hinder absorption and lead to heavier hair, loss of volume, and rapid greasiness.
Do not wash your hair too soon after the procedure. Leave the sealant on for at least 48-72 hours, avoiding moisture, to allow the keratin to fully bond within the hair shaft.
Avoid using harsh products or hot water after straightening. Use sulfate-free shampoos and cool water when washing – this will prolong the effect and healthy hair.
Remember to separate the hair into small sections when applying and straightening. Work carefully to ensure the product is distributed evenly and every strand has contact with the iron.
