Ask The Experts: The Truth About Keratin Treatments

By now you’ve probably heard that keratin treatments restore and restructure your hair, but is the treatment for you? Are you looking to shorten your blow-dry time up to 60%? Are you trying to strengthen your hair shaft? Are you interested in reducing frizz? We asked Sonya Raubeson, Senior Education Development Manager at Keratin Complex to answer a few questions about the process. And, her answers may surprise you. Take a look!

ESSENCE.com: How well do keratin treatments work on colored, highlighted or previously processed hair?
Sonya Raubeson: Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy Treatments are compatible with professional color services and act as a color-locking system, helping color to appear brighter with increased vibrancy and intensity (as compared to color-treated hair not treated with a Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy Treatment.

ESSENCE.com: Are Keratin treatments safe for pregnant ladies?
Raubeson: With anything chemicalized or artificial, a woman who is pregnant or nursing should seek the advice of her physician.

ESSENCE.com: Many say keratin treatments can be dangerous to your health because they contain formaldehyde. How can you ensure your stylist isn’t using a harmful keratin treatment?
Raubeson: Keratin Complex products adhere to the strictest in safety standards to ensure optimal service results and longevity, while also providing a safe and comfortable service for both the client and the salon technician. To ensure your stylist is using a product with these standards, I recommend visiting the Professional Keratin Smoothing Council’s website at pksc.org for the most accurate and up-to-date information as it pertains to product testing, safety standards and the like.

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ESSENCE.com: Should you get keratin treatments while using extensions or braids?
Raubeson: Keratin treatments help to make hair silkier, softer, smoother, shinier while also improving manageability, reducing daily blow dry and styling time, and strengthening hair with the power of keratin. Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy Treatments may also provide these same benefits to extensions and may help to reduce breakage, resulting in longer-lasting extensions.

ESSENCE.com: How long is frizz eliminated from you hair with keratin treatments?
Raubeson: Longevity of frizz reduction is based upon the treatment utilized as well as at-home maintenance, such as using the appropriate shampoo and conditioners.

ESSENCE.com: If your hair is very kinky will the keratin treatments last 2 to 4 months? What results can someone with very kinky hair expect?
Raubeson: Results vary dependent upon the individual’s curl pattern, hair texture (fine, medium, or coarse), density, length and appropriate at-home maintenance. Your professional stylist should discuss individual expectation and results during a professional consultation.