Just to be clear, keratin is not bad. Keratin is a protein found in hair, which is responsible for strengthening hair, preventing breakage and heat damage.
Keratin treatments, on the other hand, involve the application of a semi-permanent hair straightening product to curly or frizzy hair followed by flat ironing to seal in the treatment.
This treatment keeps the hair straight for up to 3 months irrespective of how many times you shampoo and deep condition your hair.
The hair will slowly return to its natural state and the process will have to be repeated to achieve the straight hair again.
Is Keratin Treatment Good for Hair?
Keratin treatments sound like a boon for stress-free hair. However, keratin treatments can dry out the hair significantly and lead to split ends and breakage.
Repeated treatments can lead to your hair literally disintegrating every time the treatment wears off.
Can Keratin Treatment Cause Hair Loss?
Keratin treatments contain formaldehyde, which is a harsh and possibly hazardous substance.
This treatment also involves the use of a flat iron at extremely high temperatures.
A combination of these things can be deadly to curly hair over time. It starts with dryness and split ends but will eventually graduate to excessive shedding and hair breakage.
Keratin Hair Treatment Side Effects
Dry hair, breakage and thinning are superficial side effects of long term use of keratin treatments.
However, there are more serious side effects such as eye irritation, stuffy nostrils, sore throats and nosebleeds even when a face mask is used.
While there are now formaldehyde-free keratin treatments on the market, they do not achieve the same results or last as long.
Some of these formaldehyde-free keratin treatments include Cezanne Perfect Finish Keratin Smoothing Treatment and Goldwell Kerasilk.
12 Ways to Eliminate Keratin Hair Treatment Damage
If you are in the process of letting a previous keratin treatment wear off while you nurse your distressed strands, you’re on the right page.
I’ve compiled a list of resources across the website, which includes recipes specifically formulated to treat dry and damaged hair:-
1. Moringa Oil Mask
Leven Rose Cold Pressed Moringa Oil
Moringa oil is an emollient oil with moisturizing properties, which makes it so ideal for dry hair.
Moringa oil contains B vitamins essential for healthy hair growth, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin K for stronger hair and protein.
The moringa oil mask recipes will soften hair, melt my tangles, and help you work out knots without losing too much hair.
Read more about the benefits of moringa oil and how to use it for a moisturising mask at Soften, Detangle & Condition Dry Hair with this Moringa Oil Mask.
2. Replenish Dry Hair Moisture with Canola Oil
La Tourangelle Organic Canola Oil
Canola oil contains sterols, which help treat damaged hair and reduce split ends. It also contains vitamin E and K, 2 components required for strong, soft, and healthy hair.
These recipes make use of mayonnaise plus two of my favourite natural oils. Read more about these recipes at Replenish Dry Hair Moisture with Canola Oil.
3. Intensive Dry Hair Treatment with Wheat Germ Oil
Naissance Virgin Wheatgerm Oil
Wheat germ oil has a lot of nutrients and minerals that can hydrate even the driest of curls. Wheat germ oil has high concentrations of vitamin E oil.
A member of the ceramide family, frequent applications lead to shiny, smoother hair and stronger hair protected against split ends and frizziness.
Wheat germ oil also boosts hair elasticity. Read more about wheat germ oil and the different recipes at Intense Dry Hair Treatment with Wheat Germ Oil.
4. Enriching Rice Bran Oil Mask
Baja Precious Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil enriches the hair, nourishes hair follicles and promotes healthy hair growth. It also contains vitamin E.
This mask recipe combines rice bran oil and hemp seed oil. Read more at Enriching Rice Bran Oil Mask.
5. Smoothen Dry Hair with Sunflower Oil
Baja Precious Organic Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil acts as an emollient, softens hair and eliminates frizz. It also controls greasy hair and gives hair more bounce.
These recipes include a DIY sunflower shampoo and an egg yolk sunflower deep conditioner. Read more at Smoothen Dry Hair with Sunflower Oil.
6. Rescue Dry & Dull Hair with Baobab Oil
Shea Terra Organics African Baobab Oil
Baobab oil isn’t very popular but it’s excellent oil for treating dry and dull hair. It aids in moisture retention and improves hair elasticity.
It also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve scalp conditions such as eczema.
Read Rescue Dry & Dull Hair with Baobab Oil for baobab oil recipes for hair.
7. Achieve Intensive Hair Moisturisation with Mongongo Oil
Shea Terra Organics Mongongo Oil
Traditionally, mongongo oil is used to moisten skin during dry winter months. This also transfers to use as a moisturizer to protect the hair from harsh elements and treatments.
Mongongo oil can be used for deep conditioning, hot oil treatments and to create a twist defining butter.
Read more at Achieve Intensive Hair Moisturisation with Mongongo Oil.
8. Vitamin E Oil Treatments
Sundown Naturals Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is used in many hair and skin care formulations because it’s such a versatile oil. It stabilises products and enhances the quality and texture of hair.
It guards against split ends when combined with the other oils in here. Read Nourish, Soften and Enhance Your Hair with Vitamin E Oil for recipes.
9. Super Moisturisation with Rosehip Seed Oil
Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil
Rosehip seed oil is excellent for fine hair. It hydrates hair by locking in moisture and protects hair from breakage.
The high beta-carotene content in rosehip seed oil helps strengthen follicles as well.
Read Achieve Super Moisturized Hair with Rose Hip Seed Oil for hair and scalp recipes.
10. Hair Conditioning with Kukui Nut Oil
Sweet Essentials Organic Kukui Nut Oil
Kukui nut oil has conditioning properties and amino acids that leave hair soft and moisturized. Kukui nut oil is a popular ingredient in body care and beauty.
Kukui nut oil also relieves scalp conditioners such as eczema and dandruff.
Read Hair Conditioning & Moisturising with Kukui Nut Oil for dry hair and scalp recipes.
11. Strengthen Your Hair with Carrot Oil
Shea Terra Organics Carrot Oil
Carrot oil contains high levels of beta-carotene. The nutrients in carrot oil help hair retain moisture, strengthen hair from the roots, prevent split ends and promote shiny hair.
These recipes combine the best hair strengthening oils with carrot oils. Read How to Strengthen Your Hair with Carrot Oil for carrot oil recipes for hair.
12. Grapeseed Oil Treatments
Baja Precious Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is one of my favourite oils and I almost always add a few tablespoons to my recipes.
Grapeseed oil is light and helps protein treatments work more effectively.
Read Restore Hair Health with Grapeseed Oil and Learn How Grapeseed Oil Helps Protein Treatments Work Better for more on how you can use grapeseed oil.
Trying out one or more of these recipes will help hair damaged from keratin treatments recover over time without the need to big chop.
Are you trying to recover from keratin treatment damage? Have you tried any of these recipes? Let us know in the comments section.
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