How to Cover Hair with Keratin

Keratin is a protein that forms the structure of hair, and also protects hair from damage and stress. Hair care products containing keratin can smooth frizzy and frizzy hair and increase shine for up to two and a half months. ^{[1] X Source of Research} The keratin product is applied to thoroughly washed and dried hair, without rinsing, then blow-dried and straightened. Leave product on hair for at least 2 days before washing hair again. During this time, you should avoid hair ties or hair clips. Wash your hair only when necessary and use a sulfate-free shampoo (no conditioner).

Table of Contents

Choose a keratin coating solution

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Decide to do it yourself at home or go to a hairdresser. The price of keratin coating at a hair salon is usually about 1 million or more. ^{[2] X Source of Research} If you do it at home, you may not get the same results as in the salon because the product is not specially formulated for your hair type. At-home keratin treatments are usually less damaging, but they’re also not as durable as salon treatments. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

For example, if you have light hair, your hairdresser can adjust the formula so that it doesn’t change your hair tone. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
If you’re going to a hair salon, it’s a good idea to talk to your hairdresser first so they can choose a recipe for your hair.

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See comments. Whether you choose to work at a salon or buy products to do at home, you should always read user reviews online before making a decision. Prioritize quality over price. If you know someone who has had keratin done, you can ask them to recommend the product brand or the salon/hairstylist. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Understanding the keratin coating process. “Keratin” actually does not smooth the hair, it is the keratin coating process that does this. During treatment, a hair straightening keratin product is applied to the hair, and the heat of the straightener helps the product penetrate deeply into the hair. As a result, the hair will be straighter and smoother.

Patrick Evans

Owner, Patrick Evan Salon

Patrick Evan is the owner of Patrick Evan Salon, a hair salon in San Francisco. He has been a hair stylist for over 25 years and a salon owner for over 15 years. Patrick Evan Salon was rated by Allure magazine as the best hair salon in San Francisco.

Patrick Evans
Owner, Patrick Evan Salon

Patrick Evan, owner of Evan Salon, explains: “Kertin coating is a technique that allows keratin to penetrate the porous parts of the hair fiber to increase shine and smoothness, while reducing frizz or frizz. First, the hair will be washed. and deep clean to remove impurities.The keratin product is then applied to the hair section by section, blow-dried, and then pressed into the hair so that the product adheres firmly to the hair. keratin takes about 90 minutes.”

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Stay away from products that release formaldehyde. Some keratin products contain ingredients that release formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a chemical that can cause health problems, such as eye and nose irritation, skin, eye and lung allergies, and even cancer. ^{[6] X Trusted Source US Occupational Safety and Health Administration Go to source} Some other products use ingredients that replace formaldehyde. Check the product label or ask your hairstylist if you want to make sure the product is formaldehyde-free. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Because it is commonly used in hair salons, formaldehyde can be harmful to people who are regularly exposed to it. ^{[8] X Trusted Source US Occupational Safety and Health Administration Go to source}
DMDM hydantoin, glyoxal, imidazpidinyl urea, diazpidinyl urea, methyl glycp, ppyoxymethylene urea, quaternium-15, and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate are all formaldehyde-releasing chemicals that may be present in hair care products. ^{[9] X Research Source}
Products that do not contain harmful chemicals are usually not very effective at softening frizzy hair.

Shampoo and part hair

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Wash your hair with a shampoo that removes residue from the hair. Rub shampoo into hair to lather up. Leave shampoo on hair for 3-5 minutes, then rinse. Rub the shampoo again. Remember to rinse the water thoroughly. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Descaling shampoos are formulated to remove residue build-up left by hair care products, such as conditioners or styling products. This is a step that prepares the hair to absorb the keratin product evenly.
Descaling shampoos are also known as “deep cleansing shampoos.”

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Blow dry hair completely. Run your fingers through your hair while drying on medium heat. Make sure hair is completely dry, unless otherwise directed by the product.

Brazilian straightening requires hair that is still slightly damp (85-90% dry), while keratin therapy requires completely dry hair. Since the terms “Brazil” and “keratin” are sometimes used interchangeably when it comes to hair treatments, it’s important to carefully read the instructions on the product label.

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Part your hair into sections. Use a styling comb to part a line from the center of the head down. Clip the hair into 4 -8 sections (depending on the thickness of the hair). Remember to clip each section of hair tightly to keep it in place during the keratin coating process. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Keratin coating and hair drying

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Follow all instructions exactly. The type of product and brand you choose will provide instructions on how to apply the keratin. Be sure to read and follow all instructions and safety measures.

If the product you are using has instructions that differ from this article, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

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Spread the product evenly on the hair. Wear gloves and old clothes or a cape. Take a section of hair and spread the product over hair, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing until the product covers the hair but is not drenched. Use a fine-tooth comb or hair dye brush to spread the product into each section of hair from root to tip. Clip each section of hair up once you’re done.

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Leave product on hair for 20-30 minutes or as directed. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the product on for the recommended time. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Blow-dry the hair. Remove the hair cap and the hair clips. Do not rinse again unless the product instructs you to do so. Blow-dry the hair while the product remains on the hair. Use hot or cold according to the instructions on the product label you are using. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Straighten your hair with a straightener. Set the straightener on heat according to the product instructions for your hair type. When the straightener reaches the right temperature, you will press the hair in small sections (about 2.5 – 5 cm). You may need to clip sections of your hair before or after you finish a section. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Hair can burn and break if you use a straightener that is too hot.

Keratin coating maintenance

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Do not wash your hair for at least 3 days. Washing your hair too soon will reduce the strength of the keratin coating. If you can stand a week without getting your hair wet, even better! ^{[15] X Research Source}

Try dry shampoo if you need to clean your hair. ^{[16] X Research Source}

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Do not tie your hair for at least 48 hours. Avoid using ponytails with rubber bands, and avoid hairpins if possible. Try using a bandanna when you want to keep your hair out of your face. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Hair ties or clips can create marks in your hair, but loose ties are fine. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

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Avoid heat and certain hair care products. Keratin-coated hair may last longer if you avoid styling or heat drying your hair. Wash your hair only when needed and use only shampoo (not conditioner). ^{[19] X Research Source} Remember to choose a sulfate-free shampoo. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Warning

Take care not to get the product in or near the eyes.
See a dermatologist before applying keratin to your hair if you have psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. ^{[21] X Research Source}

Things you need

Shampoo cleans hair residue
Hairdryer
Comb with tight teeth
Hairclip
Hair hood
Old clothes or robes
Glove
Straightener
Sulfate-free shampoo
Keratin products

Steps