The Truth About Keratin Treatments: What You Need to Know
If you’ve considered chemically straightening your hair, you’ve probably heard of keratin treatment. It’s a great way to turn your damaged strands into healthy-looking locks.
The process works by infusing protein into your strands of hair, then keratin goes to the inner layer of the hair shaft to fill any gaps and coats the outside, which protects it from the elements.
If you’re considering going into our salon for keratin treatment, first read this article by Nastya Bonds, co-founder of It’sBeauty in the UAE, who shares her professional opinion about keratin.
What a Keratin Treatment Is (and Isn’t)
Keratin treatment (Brazilian blowout) is safe for all hair types and does not affect your natural texture. The treatment can last really long without risking your hair health, unlike other straightening techniques.
How Keratin Smooths the Cuticle and Tames Frizz
The lack of moisture is the main cause of frizz. Keratin solves this problem. It seals the cuticle and smooths the texture, so it is hard for the UAE climate to attack your hair. It is really wonderful when even after rain or during high humidity, your strands are as silky as after a salon treatment.
Salon Process: From Clarifying Wash to Heat Sealing
Everything is really simple. All you have to do is sit down and wait while an it’sBeauty specialist does all the work, and then, after 2-3 hours (depending on hair length and density), you walk out with silky hair.
Step-by-Step: Application, Timing, and Flat Ironing
The process of a keratin treatment is long-established and fairly constant from salon to salon. It begins with a hair wash with clarifying shampoo and applying the product. Then the stylist will blow-dry you and use a flat iron at a high temperature to lock in the keratin. Heat sealing is a very important step. Our specialists always control the temperature and give you stunning results.
Not every formula is a low-odour. Some of them can really irritate the eyes and the throat without good ventilation. It’sBeauty takes care of its ladies and gives them a filter mask. You are totally safe from inhaling nasty ingredients.
Benefits and Drawbacks You Should Weigh
We all have a unique hair structure, and even though keratin treatment is a perfect solution, it is better to book a consultation at It’sBeauty to understand if it suits your hair type.
Smooth hair, shiny finish, and long-lasting results
Everyone is absolutely in love with keratin. Do you want to know why? Here are the reasons:
- Shiny hair: your hair will glow more as smooth cuticles reflect light better,
- Durability: the keratin slowly washes out over time, and can last for months
- Faster blow-dry: sleeker strands absorb far less water, thereby cutting the time needed to blow-dry your hair
- Fewer split ends: heat-sealing means less breakage and a far healthier appearance
- Easier styling: smooth hair is much easier to manage with far fewer tangles
- Frizz control: lack of moisture is the cause of frizz.
With these reasons, it is easy to understand why everyone loves it.
Risks, formaldehyde, and who should avoid it
There are some unscrupulous brands whose products have formaldehyde, but we are different. It’sBeauty chooses high-quality products that will not cause hair damage.
It is not recommended if you are pregnant, have bleached hair, are sensitive to fumes or just want to avoid chemicals entirely.
Safety First: Formaldehyde vs Formaldehyde-Free Options
The most popular alternative ingredient in today’s formula is glyoxylic acid. As an alternative, it works surprisingly well and can make the hair straight for many weeks, if not months, even with a lack of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde itself is a lot more intense and far less gentle on the hair and scalp, but was for many decades the preferred chemical because of its very intense straightening effect.
What to ask your stylist in the UAE climate
If you’re in a humid environment like the UAE, it’s a great idea to ask your specialist a few questions before starting any treatment.
- Is this formula strong enough to handle UAE humidity?
- Will it be gentle on coloured or bleached hair?
- Do you use it on all the different hair types that come through your salon?
- What should I expect if I already have curls or waves?
- Which shampoo or products should I switch to afterwards?
- Can I still swim or hit the beach once it’s done?
These questions are a good litmus test to know if your stylist knows their stuff.
Who It’s Best For (and When to Skip)
If you suffer from unruly, coarse hair, keratin treatment comes to the rescue. But if your hair is clinging to life and breaks just from looking at a hairbrush, it’s best to avoid it.
Hair straightening expectations and hair health goals
If hair straightening is your ultimate goal, other products might fit better. Keratin does not change your curl pattern permanently. Instead, it protects hair health and minimises breakage.
Aftercare That Extends Results
Your routine matters more than you think. Here is the list of the most effective tips to enjoy long-lasting results:
- Switching to a sodium-chloride-free cleanser and a sulphate-free shampoo is a really great way to keep your results for longer.
- Whenever you can, keep it away from chlorine or saltwater, since both will strip away the coating faster and cause hair damage.
- A keratin-based conditioner will help you maintain that salon-fresh shine.
- A silky pillowcase will save you from too much friction.
- Don’t wash your hair too often, as each time in the shower will slowly remove a bit of the treatment.
This aftercare is simple, but your hair will stay glossy for weeks.
Keratin shampoo and keratin conditioner routine
These products protect the coating that keeps your hair smooth. The shampoo is usually gentle and won’t strip away the coating that was sealed onto your hair in the salon. The conditioner adds extra proteins and moisture.
Professional Salon Treatment vs At-Home Kits
Doing keratin at home is definitely cheaper than booking an appointment at the salon. Here’s a quick comparison before you make up your mind.
| Feature | Professional salon treatment | At-home keratin treatment |
| treatment longevity | 8-12 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| Safety | Good ventilation and control | Higher risk of strong fumes |
| Price/time | Costs more, but faster | Cheaper, but slower |
| Aftercare | Easy with stylist guidance | Higher risk of mistakes |
At-home kits look tempting, but using the wrong heat or timing can damage hair. Heading to a salon and being treated by a specialist is always much safer and can actually save you money in the long run from costly repairs later.
Price, time, and maintenance checks
Keratin treatments can be pricey because they take time and require professional products. At It’sBeauty it costs about 300 AED. Maintenance products are also an ongoing cost, so it’s smart to check your budget before you choose keratin.
It’sbeauty Recommendations for UAE Clients
Choose salons that use formaldehyde-free formulas, and ask for high quality brands. Stylists should be familiar with the weather and offer better guidance on how strong the treatment should be. At It’sBeauty Salon, we use formaldehyde free products powered by glyoxylic acid alternative, and we always work in a well ventilated area because your safety comes first. Keratin treatment is really good when it’s done right.
Consultation checklist and patch-test guidance
We are all different and our skin works differently, too. A patch test is really needed if you have sensitive skin or allergies. It checks how your scalp and skin react to the formula before you have the full treatment. You really should ask your stylist which formula they use, how long the result will last and what home care products you will need.