As a salon tech professional, you're constantly looking for ways to enhance your clients' hair and provide them with the best possible services. One treatment that's gained popularity in recent years is keratin treatment. But what exactly is keratin treatment, and how can you incorporate it into your salon services? In this article, we'll delve into the world of keratin treatment, exploring its benefits, how it works, and the steps to perform it.
Keratin treatment is a semi-permanent hair treatment that aims to repair and restore damaged hair. It's particularly popular among clients with curly, frizzy, or unmanageable hair. By infusing keratin into the hair shaft, keratin treatment helps to smooth the cuticle, reduce frizz, and add shine to the hair. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of keratin treatment, let's take a closer look at what keratin is and its role in hair health.
What is Keratin?
Keratin is a type of protein found in the skin, hair, and nails. In hair, keratin is the main structural component, making up about 85% of the hair shaft. Keratin is responsible for giving hair its strength, elasticity, and texture. However, keratin can be damaged by various factors such as heat styling, chemical processing, and environmental stressors. When keratin is damaged, it can lead to dry, brittle, and breakage-prone hair.
The Benefits of Keratin Treatment
So, why should you consider offering keratin treatment in your salon? Here are just a few benefits of keratin treatment:
- Smooths the cuticle: Keratin treatment helps to smooth the cuticle, reducing frizz and adding shine to the hair.
- Repairs damage: Keratin treatment repairs damaged hair by infusing keratin into the hair shaft.
- Reduces curl: Keratin treatment can help to reduce curl and wave, making it ideal for clients with unruly hair.
- Long-lasting results: Keratin treatment can last for several weeks, depending on the type of treatment and aftercare.
How Does Keratin Treatment Work?
So, how does keratin treatment work its magic? Here's a step-by-step explanation:
- Pre-treatment: Before applying the keratin treatment, you'll need to wash the client's hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup.
- Application: The keratin treatment is applied to the hair, usually in the form of a cream or serum.
- Processing: The keratin treatment is left on the hair for a specified amount of time, usually 15-30 minutes.
- Rinsing: The treatment is rinsed out of the hair, and a moisturizing conditioner is applied to help lock in the keratin.
Types of Keratin Treatment
There are several types of keratin treatment available, each with its own unique benefits and characteristics. Here are a few:
- Brazilian keratin treatment: This is one of the most popular types of keratin treatment. It involves applying a keratin-based cream to the hair and then sealing it in with a flat iron.
- Keratin express treatment: This is a shorter version of the Brazilian keratin treatment, lasting about 30 minutes.
- Keratin deep treatment: This is a more intensive version of the keratin treatment, lasting about an hour.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Keratin Treatment
Here's a step-by-step guide to performing keratin treatment:
- Pre-treatment: Wash the client's hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup.
- Section the hair: Section the hair into four quadrants, from the crown to the nape of the neck.
- Apply the treatment: Apply the keratin treatment to each section of hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
- Processing: Leave the treatment on the hair for the specified amount of time, usually 15-30 minutes.
- Rinsing: Rinse the treatment out of the hair, and apply a moisturizing conditioner to help lock in the keratin.
- Sealing: Use a flat iron to seal the keratin into the hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
Aftercare and Maintenance
To get the most out of keratin treatment, it's essential to follow a proper aftercare and maintenance routine. Here are a few tips:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, which can reduce the effectiveness of the keratin treatment.
- Use a moisturizing conditioner: A moisturizing conditioner can help to lock in the keratin and keep the hair hydrated.
- Avoid heat styling: Heat styling can damage the hair and reduce the effectiveness of the keratin treatment.
- Use a wide-tooth comb: A wide-tooth comb can help to detangle the hair without causing breakage.
Conclusion
Keratin treatment is a popular hair treatment that can help to repair and restore damaged hair. By understanding the benefits, how it works, and the steps to perform it, you can offer your clients a valuable service that will leave their hair looking and feeling its best. Remember to follow a proper aftercare and maintenance routine to get the most out of the treatment.
What is keratin treatment?
+Keratin treatment is a semi-permanent hair treatment that aims to repair and restore damaged hair.
How long does keratin treatment last?
+Keratin treatment can last for several weeks, depending on the type of treatment and aftercare.
Is keratin treatment suitable for all hair types?
+Keratin treatment is suitable for most hair types, but it's particularly popular among clients with curly, frizzy, or unmanageable hair.