Dreaming of a sleek, long-lasting blowout without the daily styling hassle? Enter the world of keratin hair treatments. Hairstylist and founder of Manketti by Charlotte Mensah, Charlotte Mensah, breaks down the ins and outs of this semi-permanent hair straightening solution, unveiling both its benefits and potential health concerns.
The Benefits of a Keratin Hair Treatment:
1. Smooth and Shiny Finish: The standout advantage is the smooth and shiny result. Mensah emphasizes that keratin treatments enhance natural shine, diminish frizz, and offer a sleek hairdo, reducing styling time.
2. Strengthening Properties: Keratin treatments have the potential to strengthen hair by reducing breakage and the appearance of split ends. The temporary bonding process fortifies hair, making it less prone to breakage—a boon for those with frizzy or naturally curly hair.
The Downsides:
While the treatment strengthens strands, it carries potential risks. The process involves high heat and harsh chemicals, leading to moisture loss and dryness. Mensah cautions against the use of these harsh chemicals, highlighting their potential hazards to overall health.
The Process:
The journey to smoother hair is a time-consuming one. Depending on factors like hair length, texture, and curl pattern, anticipate spending a couple of hours at the salon. The process begins with hair washing to eliminate impurities. After applying the solution and letting it sit, an oxidation process takes place, setting into the cuticles for smoothing. Subsequent steps involve thorough rinsing, blow-drying, and flat ironing to activate the solution.
Post-treatment care includes avoiding hair washing for two to three days to allow the solution to penetrate and deliver long-lasting results. The effects typically last between three to six months. Suggested hair products for maintenance include paraben- and sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
Keratin Hair Treatment vs. Relaxer:
While both treatments yield similar results, they differ significantly. Mensah clarifies that keratin treatments offer temporary smoothing, while relaxers permanently break hair bonds for a more enduring solution.
Is it Safe?
Controversy surrounds the use of formaldehyde in keratin treatments. Formaldehyde, classified as highly toxic, is released into the air during the heating process. Potential risks include inhalation of this carcinogen, leading to various side effects such as eye and throat irritation. The FDA recommends reading ingredient lists and consulting with stylists. If opting for at-home treatments, avoiding products containing formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol is crucial.
For salon treatments, stylists should be aware of the chemicals in the solutions they use. OSHA requires hazardous chemicals to be listed on Safety Data Sheets. If uncertain, the FDA advises caution and opting for formaldehyde-free alternatives to ensure both stunning results and overall health.
