Keratin was always on my mind although I was a little intimidated as my past experiences with hair straightening had ended up on a bad note (read a lot of hair breakage!!) I guess it is because of the harsh chemicals they use in re-bonding. But thankfully keratin treatment has nothing to do with hair breakage. And as stylists tell it is the flat iron that is too hot and scorches the hair leading to its breakage. Keratin is a protein that is naturally present in the hair. Keratin hair straightening products are applied to hair and then the heat of a flat iron is used to seal it. Keratin is a restorative treatment. It strengthens the shaft and makes your hair resilient. It can make your kinky locks straight, sleek and frizz free!!
My natural hair before, straight but frizzy and wavy…
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Procedure:
I had gone for a hair spa on my last day in India in November and I casually asked about keratin treatment and they came up with two different kinds of treatment – one that would last for a month and another and the better one that would last for 4-6 months. No guesses about the one I chose!! After two rounds of shampoo ( plus one round at home ) the formula was applied on my hair. There was no bad smell or burning of scalp, it was just that my eyes watered a lot. Once my hair was completely covered with the formula I was given a blow dry and then my hair was ironed so that the heat molds the keratin treatment with the keratin already present in the hair to create new bonds for that super glossy feeling. This process took about 90 minutes on my shoulder length hair and cost me $160. I was told to wash my hair only after 24 hours and use a hair dryer to dry my hair.  I was also advised to use a keratin shampoo to maintain my hair treatment. The treatment is supposed to be effective for at least 3-4 months. But if I use normal shampoos with sulfate, chances are that the keratin will wash off.

P.S. Please check with your dermatologist before you go for this treatment because keratin has formaldehyde, although a very minute amount which is an allergen.

My IRONED hair before the treatment..with a little volume ( I hope!!)
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Life after keratin:
Well I am getting used to the fact that I don’t have to get 20 minutes earlier to blow dry and iron my hair in the mornings. Now I just walk out of the shower and I am ready to go. My hair is getting more complements. They look soft, shiny and sleek (specially under the lights). The amount of time I now save in the morning, is well worth the risks and money I paid.

My fine hair has no volume left but I am getting used to using a lot of volumizing and texturizing products and sprays. But that is MY UNIQUE PROBLEM. I am sure that people with thick, frizzy or JUST normal hair will not have MY kind of issues!!
My first day just out of the shower hair now…with the help of a liitle hair spray..
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Well for now, won’t be surprised if you find me under the lights fishing for complements!!