Schlepping to the hair salon to get a keratin treatment every four weeks is not only annoyingly time-consuming, but also incredibly expensive. Enter: At-home keratin treatments. They’re inexpensive, easy-to-use, and can be done in your own bathroom.
Of course, there are downsides to DIY-ing your keratin treatment at home. “At-home [keratin] treatments are not as powerful, as they coat the hair rather than altering the structure of the hair, so they generally only last a week at most,” says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. On the other hand, salon keratin treatments are much more expensive (around $300) but will last you at least one month.
When purchasing an at-home keratin treatment, Fitzsimons suggests looking for formulas that are formaldehyde-free. “Formaldehyde is a harmful gas that is considered to be a carcinogen,” he warns. “If you have thicker strands, you should also look for a formula that adds moisture and shine, while damaged hair could use more softening and smoothing ingredients.”
Here are the best keratin treatments to try out at home.
1 Paris Resistance Ciment Thermique Conditioner
Kerastase amazon.com
$28.99
Smooth this primer onto towel-dried hair for a smoother blowout. The mix of keratin and plant sap help build up the protein of the hair and smooth down unruly strands for a salon-worthy finish that will hold for days.
2 Keratin Silk Infusion
This styling treatment uses real silk to help add moisture and shine back into dry, damaged strands while also working alongside keratin proteins to smooth and straighten. Smooth it on pre or post blowdry for a glossy finish.
3 Keratin Protein Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment
Keratin and rice proteins help give strength back to damaged strands while coconut and jojoba seed oil deliver major moisture in this conditioning mask.
4 Keratin Smooth 7 Day Heat Activated Treatment
TRESemme amazon.com
$29.99
This keratin treatment is similar to in-salon treatments as it’s activated by a flat iron. Smooth the serum onto towel-dried hair, blowdry it out, then use your flat iron to go over small sections for a long lasting, smooth finish.
5 Keratin Healing Oil Intensive Hair Masque
Keratin and resveratrol (an antioxidant found in wine) help repair damaged strands for stronger, healthier looking hair. Smooth it in before a workout to reap benefits from the heat as well.
via 5 Best At-Home Keratin Treatments For Straighter, Smoother Hair
General Health Magazine 