Updated in 2018! After seven years of receiving Keratin Treatments, I have updated this blog post (originally published in 2015) with my current thoughts, comparison of the Ulta Smoothing Treatment and Coppola Keratin Treatment and before and after pictures of Keratin treatment for curly hair. I also added a FAQ section.
As the reluctant owner of a head of unruly curly hair, I've been on the hunt for straight hair most of my life. Now, don't get me wrong-I love curly hair-and I did have a few years where I embraced it and admit that it could even look very pretty at times. But it was work. A lot of work.
And so much of how my hair looked depended on the humidity and ensuring nothing touched my hair or I didn't lean on my hair while sitting in the car or a chair-the slightest tousle and I'd have a crowning ball of frizz.
After having my oldest son my hair texture was changed remarkably and the curls loosened and no amount of scrunching would make them return. I invested in a good straightening iron but after 3 kids in less than 5 years, I spent most of my time with my hair pulled back in a bun. Not my best look.
After my third son was born, while my husband was deployed, I had had enough. My cousin (who is an amazing stylist-more on that later) recommended I try a keratin treatment and I spent hours researching it. Finally, I took the plunge and I haven't looked back. Because I spent so much time researching keratin treatments before I pulled the trigger on getting my own I thought it might be helpful to others if I posted my experiences with it here.
Types of Keratin Treatments
My cousin Diah (find her at Teaze Beauty Lounge if you're in the South Carolina Lowcountry) uses Copolla Keratin-she says it's the best she's found. There are two types of keratin treatments-the Blowout or Keratin Express, which takes a shorter amount of time but also lasts approximately 6 weeks, and the full keratin treatment, which is what I opt for.
The Keratin Treatment Process
The full Keratin treatment usually takes about 3 hours for me-but as you all know, my hair is very long. The process starts with a thorough clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup on the hair. The hair is then blown dry and combed through. The keratin mixture is applied to the hair, the stylist has to be sure to soak every strand.
The keratin soaks on the hair for 20-30 minutes and then the hair is flat ironed with an extremely hot iron in very small sections. After the flat ironing, you're good to go with smooth, silky hair!
What Can You Not Do After a Keratin Treatment?
The first three days after the treatment you cannot get your hair wet or do anything that would change the shape of it-so no ponytails, no brushing it behind your ears, etc. It's a little trying but the results are worth it! The length of time the keratin lasts varies on how you take care of it but they say anywhere between 3-6 months. I personally only get my hair treated twice a year and it's worked fine for me. It's important to remember to use hair products made for keratin treated hair for maximum results- I use this shampoo and conditioner as well as this dry shampoo.
Keratin Treatment Before & After
One of my favorite things about the keratin is that it wears off gradually, there is no line as your hair grows out as with other straightening processes so you have flexibility as to when you repeat treatments and it's not a huge commitment to try it once.
Keratin Treatment Lessons Learned
Over the past 3 years that I've been receiving keratin treatments, I've learned that not all keratin treatments are equal. I tried a keratin treatment at Ulta (I believe they call it the Ulta Smoothing Treatment) last year when I couldn't make the drive to South Carolina to see my cousin and it was awful. The stylist did not seem very familiar with the process and after I washed it the first time it was like nothing had happened. I felt like I had paid $150 for my hair to be blown out. It was frizzy again within a week. I DO NOT recommend the Ulta smoothing treatment.
After that situation, I found a local stylist (in North Carolina) that used Coppola keratin but her application process was different than my cousin's. She did not leave the keratin to sit on my hair for 20-30 minutes before drying and flat ironing. My cousin said this is an essential step and again, I had less than stellar results even though the keratin brand was the same as my cousin uses.
All this to say when choosing a keratin stylist be sure to get references from others that have gotten the treatment from that particular person and make sure they have experience using it. In the past, I have asked stylists what kind of keratin they use and if they do not know off the top of their head (it happens, a lot!) then I do not want that person doing my keratin treatment. With the keratin treatment costing upwards of $200+, it's worth it to make sure you're getting what you pay for!
Keratin Treatment FAQs
Do I still do keratin treatments? I have been continuing with my keratin treatments but am going to take a break from it in 2018. Over the past few years I have had a lot of hair breakage and it's becoming difficult to keep my hair as long as I like it. (See my tips for growing long hair here.) My current stylist recommended I try a Brazilian Blowout next time I need smoothing as it works differently than the keratin treatments and may help with the breakage (which could be caused by too much keratin over the years since my hair is so long.) I will update this post when I do that treatment to compare.
How long does a keratin treatment last? I think this is highly individual. A lot depends on how often you wash your hair and how vigilant you are in using the right hair products. I find that I've been comfortable going 4-6 months between treatments. We lived in England for a year and I went the entire year and it was awful, I had been spoiled with smooth hair for so long!
Is the 3 day wait to wash after a keratin treatment torture? I get this question in emails a lot and it always makes me laugh! The three day way is annoying for sure, your hair will have a bit if a chemical smell to is and it's SO hard to remember not to put it behind your ears or pull it back with your sunglasses, etc. BUT it's worth it. And washing your hair on day 3 will feel like a little piece of heaven!
What do you do if your hair gets wet within the first 3 days after a keratin treatment? If your hair does get wet in those first three days (say you get caught in the rain, etc) don't panic. Simply dry the hair and go over the area that got wet with a very hot flat iron. No major damage should be done by little moisture. If you wash it though, don't expect your treatment to last as long or work as well as if you had waited the full 36 hours.
Laura says
Hi!
I just received a Coppola keratin treatment yesterday. The person at the salon doing my hair wasn’t having a hard time blow drying my hair after the application and said that she had too much and then rinsed my hair and then proceeded to blow dry it and straighten it with an iron. I questioned that extra rinse and she said it wouldn’t harm it. However, everywhere I read. 84 never says about a rinse. Just want a second opinion
Linda says
Never rinse out the product before the initial blow dry and flat iron!
The keratin product is what is sealed into your hair during the flat iron process.
If it’s rinsed out it will not work.
Wilma Gircsis says
I realize I am late to the party, but could anyone possible recommend a solon that does the Coppolla Keratin Treatment in North Carolina?
Melissa says
I'm not sure where you are Wilma but you can put in your zip code here to see a salon near you that uses that type of keratin https://www.petercoppola.com/apps/store-locator/ I would just caution you to see examples of their work, not everyone applies it properly and with the same results.
Julie says
Hi! Was wondering if you saw a major different between the Brazilian blowout and 3 day peter Coppola’s? These are the two that I am debating between and I would love some insight on someone who’s gotten both done!!!!
Melissa says
I've had both and personally, I prefer the keratin. I have VERY coarse hair and the Brazilian didn't give me the same level of smoothness I felt. I talked with my cousin as she does both at her salon and she said for someone with less frizzy hair than myself they are probably comparable.
Denise says
Keratin friends, I have curly textured hair which looks best smooth but not completely straight and flat.
I’m afraid a Keratin will take my hair from one extreme to the other. I need to eliminate frizz and keep some body in my hair.
I’d appreciate any suggestions.
Bhagyashree P. says
Thank you for sharing nice blog on Keratin, it is really useful!
Lisa says
I have been gettin keratin treatments since they came out appx. 10 years ago and nothing has done the job l as well as the Keratin Coppola Tx done in a salon so if you are not sure or on the fence dont waste your money if it is not the Coppola ! You will be happy if your stylist does it correctly ( minimum 8 passess on small sections of hair)
Melissa says
I totally agree Lisa, the skill of the person applying it makes a HUGE difference! ~Melissa
Hair treatment says
Thanks for sharing information with us. keratin treatment results really good.
Janis says
Does the non straightening version work for medium length fine hair. I just wanted to eliminate the frizz when I am out in humidity?
Melissa says
I'm going to try the Brazilian Blowout next Janis, it's supposed to eliminate frizz and let you keep your curl/wave.
Arial L. says
It's been 9 days since my treatment and I've washed my hair 4 times since. So far the results are subtle - looser waves, shinier, faster air drying time and blow drying time. These are all things I was told were happen. So no dramatic change just a subtle one. No horror story to report except paying $180 for this service. Overall, I'm glad I did it because I would have always wondered if it would have made my natural waves more manageable but I'm not sure if I would get another treatment. My Ulta salon used Keratin Complex brand for the treatment (I opted for the non-straightening version) which the stylist said is much better than the previous brand they were using as this one allowed people to get wet right away, put hair in a ponytail or tuck behind ears with no lasting indentation on the hair. Therefore if this brand is offered at any other salon, I'd say do it if someone were curious like I was.
Melissa says
Thanks for the report Arial, glad it turned out well for you! ~Melissa
Arial L. says
I'm nervous to read two poor Ulta salon feedbacks here. I am scheduled for a Keratin smoothing treatment tomorrow (a birthday gift to myself). I have never done anything to my hair before and I almost always let it air dry - I prefer to spend time on makeup than hair. My natural texture is thick and wavy, strawberry blonde/light auburn. I'm anxious now but intend to go through with the treatment - will share results.
Melissa says
I hope your experience is better than mine Arial, please let us know! ~Melissa
Marilyn Jensen says
dont do it if they get a bad review .
Vigneswari says
I have planned to take keratin smoothing...it will give poker straight hair or same as natural hair...
Melissa says
My hair is quite curly naturally so for me it gives me wavy hair if I dry it naturally-but it dries quickly and straightens very fast with an iron
jacquelyn says
I personally love my Cocoa Keratin by Karmin ♥-♥
Melissa says
I haven't tried that-I'll look it up!
Elsa says
I use one called 4hair keratin and i swear by it....i do it myself at home....so worth it!!! I started doing the keratin about 5 years ago and it has changed mybhear texture for the better. I have tight curls combined w dryness...not a good combo! !
Lauren says
Wow, your hair looks amazing! I am also in the Northern Va area, have you heard of anyone nearby that produces good results? I'm grateful for your tips and advice... I will definitely put a lot of research into it before trying a keratin treatment.
Melissa says
Lauren I haven't found anyone up here to personally recommend for keratin yet...I went to a salon in Alexandria and had it done and I'm not sure if it was the person's technique or the fact that we have very hard water, but I did not feel like it lasted as long as I would have expected it to. I just had my cousin do mine in December and so I'm waiting to compare to see how long it lasts (to see if it's who is applying it, or just the hard water.) I can update you in a couple of months if you want!
Cheryl Lowman says
This may be late but I have been getting Coppola Keratin treatments for almost 2 years from my hairdresser of 15 years. I have naturally curly hair and it has changed my life. My hair dresser Alicia owns Maximum Hair in Hampton Roads area of Va. She is absolutely the best my treatment last 3-4 months. Best investment ever!!!!
Melissa says
That's great to know Cheryl-my family lives in Hampton Roads so I can keep that in mind and for myself when we move back to the States if we end up close by-I love my keratin! ~Melissa
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
Nicole, your hair looks great! As a hairstylist I have used several different Keratin treatments and yes if a stylist does not do it right the results won't be the same. But, your cousin seems to do a fantastic job.
Nicole says
Your hair looks great, I'm envious that you are able to grow it so long. I have dry, frizzy, curly hair and I have been looking into getting a keratin treatment. I think I will definitely have to give it a shot.
- Nicole
http://www.theretrohousewifelife.com
Joy says
I, too, love the Coppola Keratin treatment and do the Express through the winter months when there is less humidity. I tried doing the at-home Liquid Keratin which was ok, but smelled funny and was labor intensive. I tried Ulta's and, like you, was not happy. My hair felt greasy all the time. I use the Coppola shampoo and conditioner as well. Just wish you didn't have to wait 3 days to wash your hair after!!