Why Keratin May Not Straighten Your Hair: Causes and Key Considerations
Keratin hair straightening allows even the coarsest and most unruly curls to become perfectly smooth and shiny for an extended period—without the use of styling products. Thanks to its long-lasting effect and the beautiful, polished look it creates, the procedure has gained worldwide popularity and remains one of the top salon services. However, sometimes keratin treatments don't deliver the desired results. Below, we explore the main reasons why keratin may fail to straighten hair effectively.
Keratin Benefits and Duration of Results
The uniqueness of keratin lies in its ability to straighten hair of any type for a long time. This is achieved by applying a keratin-based formula that fills gaps in the hair shaft, smoothing and sealing the cuticle.
What to expect after the first keratin treatment?
When the procedure is performed correctly, hair becomes straight, smooth, shiny, and silky. With proper at-home care, the effect can last up to 5 months.
Key benefits of keratin treatment:
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Long-lasting styling effect without flat ironing
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Intense shine and smoothness
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Hair appears thicker and denser
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Easier combing and detangling
Keratin drawbacks:
The main disadvantages are its high cost and the lack of true repair—the structure of the hair is not restored, but the visual appearance improves significantly.
Why Keratin Doesn’t Work: Common Mistakes
Several reasons can explain why keratin treatments may fail:
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Incorrect hair diagnosis, including elasticity and hair type (e.g., ethnic hair types).
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Wrong product formulation chosen due to misdiagnosis. For example, if Afro-textured hair is not identified correctly, a formula that’s too weak may be used, resulting in poor straightening.
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Improper application technique – the product must be evenly distributed in sufficient quantity to penetrate the cortex and ensure effectiveness.
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Insufficient processing time – depending on the hair’s thickness and type, the formula must be left on for the correct amount of time to work effectively but safely.
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Incomplete drying before ironing – hair must be thoroughly dried before sealing the product with a flat iron. Residual moisture can prevent proper results and cause the hair to curl again.
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Using the wrong flat iron – if the iron doesn’t reach the required temperature or distribute heat evenly, the cuticle won’t be sealed properly, causing the keratin to wash out quickly.
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Rinsing the treatment out too early – hair may appear greasy after keratin application, leading some clients to wash it out prematurely. This prevents the product from working fully.
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Incorrect post-treatment care – to maintain the results for up to 5 months, it’s essential to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, as well as keratin-enriched masks that prolong the smoothing effect and help retain protein in the strands.
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Improper care during the first days after the procedure – tying the hair back or clipping it too soon can leave dents and cause waves to return. That’s why it’s crucial that the stylist provides clear aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results.
You can find professional at-home care products for post-keratin treatment in our online store, and explore our blog for more information on how keratin works and who it is best suited for.
