Human hair is an indispensable part of our body that is often admired and defines our physical outlook. It is not uncommon to hear people showering praises on those with beautiful hair.  

The hair worship in society is understandable because not everyone is blessed with the gift of good hair. However, the rise in treatment options for hair issues has made the line between good and bad hair thinner. 

While hair growth happens naturally and biologically through a three-phased process of birth and death (Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen), there are some scenarios where this natural process of hair growth is altered. 

Common hair issues can range from thinning hair, color alterations, baldness, and hair-splitting. There were only a few treatment options to treat issues peculiar to the hair in the past. However, today, we have 100's of solutions to treat hair issues. 

Among 100's treatments available, this post will focus on the Keratin hair treatment method and make conclusions at the bottom line about its suitability for thin hairs. If you are here and want to learn more about the keratin hair treatment method, I encourage you to read this post to the end.

 

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a fiber-like protein found in the hair, nails, hoofs, horns, wools, and outer layer of the skin or the epithelial cells. Keratin is essential to the survival of the hair because it serves a dual role as both structural support and protective layer. Aside from their functions in vital external organs, Keratins are also said to help regulate protein synthesis and cell growth. 

Types of Keratins

Keratins are divided into two groups. These are; alpha keratins and beta keratins based on their external structures. The type of Keratin relevant to this post is the alpha keratin because it is found in human hair. Alpha keratins are fiber-like and helical. On the other hand, Beta keratins are found in reptiles and birds majorly. 

However, for this post, the Keratin we will discuss is the artificial chemical formula that is popularly referred to as Brazilian blowout, used to treat hair loss and frizziness. Below, we discuss Keratin hair treatment in detail, including its efficacy treatment of hair loss and the effects that may arise from its usage. 

 

Keratin Hair Treatment: What Is It About?

The Keratin hair treatment, also known as the Brazilian blowout or the Brazilian keratin treatment, is a chemical measure adopted to smoothen, straighten, and make the hair less frizzy. Keratin helps lift the outermost layer of the hair known as the cuticle to prevent breakage.

It is a temporary hair treatment measure; therefore, the treatments typically last for just five to six months. 

In Keratin hair treatment, Keratin is inseminated artificially into the human hair, and the end product is curly, shiny, smooth, straight hair. 

Keratin is a naturally occurring protein derived from animal tissues that strengthen hair fibers; however, it contains other synthetic compounds, primary formaldehyde, which are added. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen, which means it may cause cancer. 

Aside from the threats of Cancer, it can also lead to a variety of other health issues.  According to tests and studies, keratin products include many additional substances. It's crucial to know what kind of keratin treatment you're using, and it's best to avoid the ones that include a lot of formaldehyde.

 

How long does it take to carry out the treatment process?

The amount of time taken to perform a keratin treatment on your hair depends on hair density, the type of keratin formula used, and the stylist's expertise, among others. On average, a keratin hair treatment takes about three to four hours. 

 

How is the Keratin applied: Treatment process

The Keratin hair treatment involves several steps which the hairstylist shall take. Below is the procedure for applying keratin treatment formulas.

• Washing: The first step before any solution is applied is to wash the hair. Once you visit the salon, the hairstylist will first wash your hair to prepare it for the treatment. 
• Application of Keratin: After the hairstylist has washed your hair, the next step to be undertaken is the application of the keratin formula. The Keratin formula can be applied to both wet and dry hair. 
• Heating: Final step in the Keratin application process is to heat the hair. For heating, you can use an electric iron on low or medium heat to seal off the treatment. 

Post-treatment

Now that you have completed the treatment process, it is time to take care of your new straight, smooth and shiny hair. It is generally recommended to use mild dry shampoos when washing the hair because, after the treatment, your hair must undergo a 48 hours wait period before you can tie them. 

The most recommended type of Shampoo to use is sulfate-free. Using a sulfate-free shampoo will ensure that the Shampoo does not counteract the keratin treatment. Below is the summarized post-treatment hair care routine. 

• Allow your hair to stand straight a few days after treatment. 
• Always place your hair on soft pillows or any other soft item. 
• Use detergent-free hair care products to avoid interference with the keratin formula. 
• Make use of iron or dryers to keep the hair warm and straight after treatment. 
• Return to the treatment center after six months to re-applicate the Keratin formula. 

Composition of Keratin 

Keratin contains some essential proteins in the form of chemicals injected into the porous parts of the hair to smoothen. The main ingredients used in the production of Keratin include: 

• Cystine
• Amino acids
• Alanine
• Serine
• Tyrosine

Keratin's solutions are also said to contain Formaldehyde- a combustible gas. 

 

Different Types Of Keratin Hair Treatment

Keratin hair treatment has seen wide acceptance in the hair care industry, especially among women. The result of this buzz is that several types of Keratin are now available in the market for those interested to choose from. Below are some of the most popular keratin treatment types:

• Keratin express

This type of Keratin, unlike the conventional Keratin solution, takes less than an hour for the treatment to begin to show. Although affordable and fast, the keratin express treatment is not suitable for pregnant women and babies since it contains Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde'sFormaldehyde's usage in most keratin solutions has generated enough controversy among the users because it contains flammable substances. 

• Japzillian Keratin

The Japzillian Keratin is the ideal keratin treatment for those whose hair curling and frizziness level has gone above board. From its name, the Japzillian Keratin is a combination of both Japanese and Brazilian blowout or Keratin. 

• Brazilian blowout

Brazilian blowout can be referred to as the indigenous keratin treatment and the most ideal and purest of all the keratin treatment types—the Brazilian blowout has gained notoriety among women with less textured and curly hair. 

• Cezanne

Cezanne is another keratin-based treatment that delivers shiny, smooth, straight hair. Cezanne is a formaldehyde-free treatment and has been touted as the alternative treatment that gives the benefits of conventional keratin solutions without their drawbacks.

 

Who Is Eligible for Keratin Hair Treatment?

Before adopting the Keratin solution in hair treatment, it is fundamental to know whether the treatment will be compatible with your hair. You can ask your stylists to suggest the best type of treatment unique to your hair issue. 

Most hairstylists agree that curly and frizzy hairs are best suitable for keratin treatment. However, if your hair is smooth and straight, applying the keratin treatment may damage your hair altogether.

Those excepted from the keratin hair treatment include Pregnant women and those with bald hair. 

Pros of Keratin Hair Treatment

Keratin is an essential solution that our body needs. The Keratin treatment is often adopted for hair treatment because of the following pros. 

• It makes the hair smooth and shiny

Keratin contains nutrients such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc., that help smooth hair cells and remove frizziness, thereby improving the physical outlook of the hair and reducing the breakage of the hair. 

• It encourages hair growth

One of the biggest culprits against hair growth is hair breaking or splitting. However, the application of Keratin solution increases the growth rate of the hair or at least makes an appearance of growth. 

• It saves times

Keratin hair treatment will save hair drying time by almost 60%, especially for those who do straight styling. 

• Keratin treatment offers sun protection

Keratin treatment helps keep your hair safe from the effects of the sun in the event of continuous exposure. According to dermatologists, continuous exposure to ultraviolet rays can damage the hair cuticle causing split ends, thinning, and discoloration.

 

Cons of Keratin hair treatment

• Formaldehyde

Continuous hair exposure to Formaldehyde can damage the hair causing breakage at split ends, drying out, and hair fall. Also, Formaldehyde can be dangerous to the body when inhaled. 

• Cost

The Keratin hair treatment is not that affordable at $500- $1000, especially when other cheaper options are available.

• Requires constant maintenance

The keratin treatment comes with many cautions that users must adhere to. For example, you cannot swim or wash your hair frequently. This hurdle is a turnoff for most people. 

 

Is Keratin Hair Treatment Suitable For Thin Hair? 

Shedding or thinning the hair is a normal part of the biological process that every human goes through and is beyond our control. An average human being can lose about 50 to 200 strands of hair per day. 

Shedding of the human hair occurs through three biological phases; the Anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. Hair growth occurs in a cycle. At each stage, the number of hair strands keeps reducing from the Anagen to the telogen. 

Thinning hair may result from reasons such as; age and genetics, hormonal changes, and hair damage. 

So to answer the question, ''Is Keratin hair suitable for thin hair?'', I will say yes! If you are battling thinning hair for whatever reason, you can deploy the keratin treatment to salvage your hair. If you want more voluminous hair rather than thin hair, keratin treatment might be a good option. 

Keratin treatment is also effective for people with coarse, curly, or color-treated thin hair. 

 

Side Effects of Keratin Hair Treatment: Is Keratin Safe? 

Some Keratin solutions contain Formaldehyde, a carcinogen capable of igniting flames. The Federal Drug Authority has advised against using keratin products containing Formaldehyde as unsafe. 

Keratin hair treatments may appear to be a quick remedy for curly or wavy hair, but they might end up costing you more money in the long run. Keratin treatments have been found to contain dangerous quantities of formaldehyde and other toxins, according to tests. Formaldehyde is a cancer-causing substance. Skin rashes and other adverse effects are also possible.

Thankfully, most keratin solutions nowadays are Keratin-free, so there is less to worry about.

 

Keratin Treatment vs. Chemical Relaxation

Most times, people confuse these two treatments to mean the same thing. However, keratin treatment and relaxers are entirely different in function and content. While the chemical relaxers alter the composition of the hair, Keratin does not alter the hair. Keratin only acts to smoothen the hair by injecting a protein into the hair. 

 

Conclusion

The secret to smooth, shiny hair for many women lies at the end of a keratin treatment. De-frizzing has never been more popular, but what exactly does it do, and how long will it last? Is it suitable for thin hair? I believe this post has answered all these questions with enough details. 

Keratin hair treatment has become one of the most popular hair treatments. It has several advantages for hair, including making it lustrous, silky, straight, and frizz-free. The keratin treatment is most commonly used for straightening hair.

Hair straightening often degrades the hair's quality, so hairdressers that conduct hair straightening use the keratin treatment to prevent hair damage. There are a plethora of reputable professional hair salons in today's world that offer a very effective hair straightening service with a Brazilian keratin treatment. This improves the appearance and manageability of your hair and has no negative side effects.