As with your clothes, you don’t want to worry about your hair from the moment you step out the door. The weather, pollution in the air, diet, age … so many factors affect our hair. Our hair becomes thinner, drier and more fragile, requiring more and more work to get into the fold.

There are several solutions to reduce hair struggle. It all depends on how much time and money you have to spare. Because although the media promises that all problems will be solved in 1 solution – because you are worth it – it will still require an effort from you.

Besides, your hair along is your business cards. It is one of the first elements that stands out and helps determine a good first impression. So be intentional about it.

Since we cannot step into our hairdressers for a quick blow-dry every day, many women swear by a keratin treatment.

What a keratin treatment is, how long it lasts, how much it costs and whether there is a DIY treatment, we have gathered for you in this article.

What is keratin?

As the name suggests, the main ingredient of a keratin treatment is keratin. Keratin is a protein found in hair, skin and nails.

Our hair consists of 91% keratin. When your natural keratin levels are low, your hair can look dry, frizzy, dried out and damaged.

Keratin treatment for shiny hair

A keratin treatment is a hair-softening treatment. It gives hair an intensely shiny shine and reduces frizzy hair.

Despite the name, keratin is often not the main ingredient. “In fact, hair cannot accept more than about one per cent extra keratin in a treatment without losing its moisture-protein balance. An essential balance to keep hair strong and supple. This is why most keratin treatments use other sources of protein to restore the hair, including corn, vegetable, soy and wheat.

Side note: to really create that smooth, sleek and shiny finish, more than just proteins are often used. It is and always will be a chemical treatment. Early keratin treatments contained formaldehyde or methylene glycol, but these have fortunately been largely banned due to health and safety concerns. Modern formulations use ingredients such as a glyoxylic acid-carbocysteine blend.

This is how a keratin treatment is done

Each hair salon has its own methods and uses its favourite products. Ask about this before booking an appointment.

Most salons start with a gentle, clarifying shampoo to prepare the hair. The keratin is then applied to the hair via a liquid solution.

This solution binds to the hair and forms a protective layer around each hair strand.

Then the hair is dried and straightened with a straightening iron. The straightening iron is run through the hair in small sections to close the hair cuticles and anchor the keratin in the hair.

Practical: How long does a keratin treatment take and how much does it cost?

It will save you styling work in the morning, but you will have to take half a day off for the treatment itself. Depending on how long and thick your hair is, the keratin treatment takes between 2 and 4h. Without cutting or colouring included.

In addition, you will be allowed to dig deeper into the money bracket. A keratin treatment usually starts at around €200. The salon, the products used and your hair can push that price up.

It’s not you, it’s me

A keratin treatment is semi-permanent. It stays for about 3-5 months, depending on how well you take care of your hair after treatment. The treatment will fade naturally over the course of a few months and your hair will return to its natural state.

DIY keratin treatment

Don’t have half a day to spare or prefer to spend your money on other things? Then you can also go for a DIY keratin treatment. Meanwhile, there are several quality products on the market that offer similar results, are affordable and can easily incorporate into your hair routine.

Our favourite is the keratin booster from the Belgian brand Nannic. You can simply apply this one after washing your hair. The highly effective age control conditioner contains Shea butter, keratin, Vit. E, Vit. F and panthenol. These ingredients give the hair shine, bounce and volume. It supplies the hair with keratin that penetrates deep into the hair fibres. It improves moisture retention – making hair more elastic and thicker as well as giving extra volume, and combability, it acts anti-static and protects against heat damage from styling (tested at 200°C). Finally, the keratin booster contains a strong antioxidant that protects against pollution and UV damage.

Have you already had a keratin treatment, thinking about it or do have any questions? Let us know in a comment below!