GROUPON GUIDE TO WORCESTER

What Is Keratin & Will It Make My Hair Smooth?

BY: Groupon Editors |Jul 1, 2016

Keratin smoothing treatments are hugely popular for a couple of reasons: they may eliminate frizz, reduce time spent blow-drying, and make hair look like it stepped off a Hollywood poster for Nice Hair: A Movie. But what is keratin exactly and why is it favored by many people who are tired of battling the stuff growing out of their heads every day? Read along as we answer everything you need to know about the popular hair relaxer.

What is keratin?

Keratin is a protein that already exists naturally in your hair (and nails, for that matter).

Keratin forms a protective shield around the hair shaft and helps your hair stay elastic and youthful
Unfortunately, keratin can be depleted due to overstyling, heat, chemicals, and other damaging processes.

Where can I find keratin deals near me?

Click one of the boxes below to find deals on keratin treatments near you:

How do keratin treatments work?

So what is a keratin treatment, then? Keratin straightening treatments aim to help replenish this lost protein by using a formula that contains keratin (among other ingredients). When applied by a professional stylist, this formula can strengthen the hair shaft and help smooth its surface, leading to silky, frizz-free hair. Here's the entire process:

Once you're in a salon chair, the stylist will apply a keratin formula to your hair.
The stylist then seals the formula with a very hot flat-iron.
The heat from the iron, along with other chemicals in the keratin formula, activate the straightening effect.
Your hair should feel smooth and silky. Enjoy!

How long does keratin smoothing take?

It can take 90 minutes or longer. The more hair you have, the longer the treatment will take.

What does keratin do for hair?

Although results will vary slightly depending on your natural hair and service type, a keratin treatment will smoothen and add shine to your hair. It will also reduce the appearance of damage from previous treatments, like frizziness or dryness.

How long do keratin treatments last?

Typically, keratin treatment results last around 2 to 3 months. However, it ultimately depends on the type of keratin product used and aftercare.

How much does a keratin treatment cost?

Cost largely depends on multiple factors, such as how long your hair is and what brand of smoothing treatment you try. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $250 and $450 for the service. Be sure to check our website for deals on straightening treatments near you—we did a recent search and found keratin treatments as low as $75 in our hometown of Chicago!

What is a Brazilian Blowout?

Brazilian Blowout is a specific brand of keratin hair-straightening treatment. Other common brands include Brazilian Keratin, Brazilian Hair Straightening, Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola, Global Keratin Complex, and La-Brasiliana. You should talk to your stylist to determine which treatments they offer and which one is right for your hair.

If I have curly hair, will this take the curl out of my hair?

Not completely. According to numerous stylists, the treatments relax curls slightly but don't completely get rid of them. If your hair is wavy or frizzy, the treatment will likely get closer to straightening it, but if you have bountiful curls, some curl will remain.

Will I still be able to curl my hair afterwards?

According to many stylists who specialize in keratin straightening, you should be able to curl your hair after the treatment with a round brush and blow-dryer. The treatments shouldn't reduce your overall hair volume, and your hair should remain malleable to your styling touch.

What customers say about keratin treatments

Here's what a few of our customers had to say about their experience with keratin smoothing:

"My hair feels so much better, soft and silky after the keratin!! Alma is very experienced and friendly. She did great job with my haircut too!"- from Noriko R.'s review of Salon Zoey in Chicago

"Getting this hair treatment has been life changing! Saves me hours each week and keeps my hair so much healthier! I never need to straighten anymore and used to straighten my hair every day."- from Sophie T.'s review of Hair Bar NYC

Watch the complete keratin process and check out the before-and-after pics:

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Toss your flat-iron and blow dryer out, it's time to break up with those kinks and curls once and for all.