By Kaylie Babajan
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November 17, 2024
Thinking About a Keratin Treatment? Here's What You Need to Know Considering a keratin treatment for your hair? It's a fantastic way to achieve smooth, sleek locks, but you might be curious about what happens during the appointment. Understanding what to expect can make you feel more ready and excited for your salon visit. Let's explore what happens from the moment you walk into the salon until you leave with fabulous hair. Start with a Chat: The Consultation Your keratin treatment journey kicks off with a consultation, especially if you're new to the salon. They set aside an extra 15 minutes for your first visit to allow for an in-depth chat with your stylist. During this session, your stylist will focus on your hair goals and history. They'll ask about your previous hair treatments and usual products. This is also when you'll discuss pricing, so there are no surprises later. As one stylist said, "We take the time to have a pretty thorough consult with you about your hair goals, your history, and the products we should be using." Time to Get Clean: The Shampoo Phase After your initial conversation, the next step is a really thorough shampoo. This part is crucial because clean hair is the best canvas for the keratin treatment to work effectively. Expect this wash to last around five minutes. As the stylist explained, "Then your stylist is going to jump right into the shampoo, a very, very thorough wash that takes about five minutes." This ensures all residues are gone, fully prepping your hair for the keratin solution. The Main Event: Applying the Keratin Treatment Once your hair is squeaky clean, your stylist will apply the keratin treatment. This involves working the treatment into your hair and blow-drying it afterward. To ensure the treatment is both effective and gentle, the stylist uses three different flat irons at varying temperatures. This approach helps to "make sure that you're getting the most customized, effective, and non-damaging treatment available." Should You Consider a Trim? After applying and drying the keratin treatment, your stylist will look at the ends of your hair to see if a haircut is needed. Sometimes a trim is suggested at this point. As one stylist noted, "If the ends are still feeling dry, that means we know we must cut it because if the keratin treatment hasn't restored your hair, literally nothing will." It’s all about making sure your hair looks its best, free from damaged or dry ends. Final Touch: Sealing the Deal Now that your hair is treated and trimmed, if needed, it’s time for the finishing touch: locking in the keratin. Your stylist will use heat one more time to seal the treatment into your hair. The keratin treatment works like a "get-out-of-jail-free card" for damage, so ensuring the treatment stays locked in helps keep your hair smooth and healthy for as long as possible. Heading Out: Aftercare and Leaving the Salon Once your session is complete, you'll leave the salon with the treatment still in your hair. Usually, you're advised not to wash your hair for about 48 hours afterward, although this waiting period might slightly change. Additionally, your stylist will arm you with tips and tools to care for your hair over the next few days, ensuring you know how to make the treatment last. As another stylist points out, "We're going to send you away with the tools to make sure you know what to do in the next couple of days and how to keep your treatment in as long as possible." How Long Will It Take? You might wonder about the length of the appointment. The salon usually schedules two hours for new clients, though it often takes less time. If your hair is particularly thick, letting the salon know in advance can help them allocate a bit more time. However, the stylist reassures, "We schedule two hours for every new guest. It rarely takes that long." Wrapping It Up A keratin treatment appointment is more than just a hair service; it’s a personal and customized experience designed to ensure your hair looks and feels its best. From the initial consultation to the final styling step, each part of the session is crafted to give special care and attention to your hair's unique needs. By knowing what each step involves, you can walk into your session confident and leave with beautifully smooth hair. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you're a regular, a keratin treatment offers a transformative experience for your locks.