ROAD TEST: I Tried a Keratin Treatment to See If It Could Tame My Frizzy Hagrid Hair

Hannah Keratin Before Hannah Keratin Before

Do you remember The One in Barbados? 

You know, the one when Rachel and Joey FINALLY kiss? Watching them kiss just felt wrong. Worst couple in the history of Friends. Yes, worse than Ross and Janice. 

Moving on.

Why is this story relevant? Because if you've watched that episode, you’ll probably also remember Monica’s hair, made comically poofy by the Barbados humidity.

This was meant to be so funny. But it's not so funny when this is your *actual* hair when you go overseas. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love curly hair. But over the years, I’ve found my addiction to heat styling has damaged my natural curl, which is such a shame.

Exhibit A.

Hannah's Hair Hannah's Hair

One day, I will embrace my natural curls and I’ll detox from my heat tools. Unfortunately, today is not that day.

(Side note: if you’re interested in regaining your natural curls, we have a YouTube video on the Curly Girl Method.)

When I go on holidays, I find the humidity makes my hair really unmanageable. I end up trying to straighten it, but the humidity usually has other plans for my hair. 

While overseas, I’ve done chemical straightening (my hair fell out). I’ve done the braids (the outcome is pictured above). I’ve pretty much tried everything to tame my frizz while on holidays. On my last trip to Thailand, I soaked my hair in coconut oil, refused to wash it and covered up the greasy roots with a hat. 

Now, I find myself asking... why the hell didn’t I try a keratin treatment? After 31 years of travelling, I really wish I had discovered this sooner. 

Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about getting a keratin hair treatment.

FYI, you can listen to Hannah's keratin treatment hair journey on this episode of the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast, get it in your ears below!

What Is a Keratin Treatment?

Unlike chemical straightening, which permanently breaks the bonds in your hair and has to be grown out (and as I learnt, can result in major breakage and an unintended mullet), a keratin treatment infuses the hair with, you guessed it, keratin.

So the question really becomes: what the hell is keratin?

Keratin is a naturally-occurring protein that’s found in hair, skin and nails. According to Healthline, a keratin treatment theoretically works because the hair cuticle absorbs the keratin making it look glossier, but the effects of a keratin treatment will vary depending on the health of your hair.  

Watch Hannah recap her keratin treatment experience in her helpful YouTube video below!

How Does a Keratin Treatment Work?

I had a Goldwell Kerasilk Keratin treatment at Conrad Hair in Melbourne, because despite all the great things I’d heard about these treatments for frizzy hair, I wanted to find out for myself.  

The process takes between two to five hours depending on the length and thickness of your hair.

I have shoulder length, thick hair and it took three-and-a-half hours. But once you’ve put in the hard yards at the hairdresser, it’ll last for three to five months. 

Here's a step-by-step of what you can expect when you go to the salon for a keratin treatment: 

Step 1: You'll have your hair washed and blow dried.

Step 2: The stylist will coat each strand of your hair with the Goldwell Kerasilk keratin treatment. 

Step 3: The stylist will blow dry your hair, and then the treatment is sealed in with a straightener. My hairdresser did seven passes over each section with the straighter.

Step 4: You'll have your hair washed and blow dried again, and voila! Smooth, silky hair. 

My Keratin Treatment Before and After Results.

Hannah Keratin Before/After Hannah Keratin Before/After

I went into this with realistic expectations. I was not expecting to have dead straight hair and neither should you.

Instead, I have smoother, more manageable hair. My styling time is cut in half - straightening with the Dyson Corrale took 16 minutes before the treatment, and now takes just five.

I also don’t need to straighten my hair before using a curling tong, which reduces the amount of heat damage I’m inflicting on my poor hair. 

And to answer a question someone commented on my keratin YouTube video about if I had blow dried my hair in my 'after' photo above...

I can confirm, nope - that is my hair AIR DRIED! It really is a miracle (frizzy-haired girls will agree that I am not exaggerating here).

Keratin Treatment Aftercare.

Keratin After Care Products Keratin After Care Products

It’s recommended you don’t wash your hair for five days after the treatment.

Plus, if you’re investing in a treatment like this, you’ll want to maintain the results at home by using products free from harsh sulfates. Harsh sulfates will strip the keratin treatment from your hair, which is basically like burning money. Ask your stylist for a recommendation on whether a product is appropriate or not post-Keratin treatment.

Home care is really important, too. You'll be advised to use at-home products formulated to enhance and maintain the results of your treatment. I am using the Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo and Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner, as well as the Goldwell Kerasilk Control Intensive Smoothing Mask

One caveat to the treatment you should know before having it done is that it can strip colour from your hair. I learnt this the hard way.

I would recommend you get your hair dyed at least two weeks after the treatment. At home, I’ve been using the evo Fabuloso Cool Brown Colour Boosting Conditioner 220ml to get rid of the brassy tones.

I'm pretty happy with the results.

Hannah Keratin Colour Before and After Hannah Keratin Colour Before and After

Can I Do a Keratin Treatment At Home?

You sure can! But just like at-home chemical peels, don’t expect the same results as an in-salon treatment.

I was using the Kerasilk Control range prior to my keratin treatment, and I would say these products help to repair and rehydrate the hair, which makes it easier to style.  

Where Can I Get a Keratin Treatment?

Thank you to the incredible team at Conrad Hair who kept me entertained for almost four hours! 

If you’re interested in getting a Goldwell Kerasilk keratin treatment, you can find a salon near you here.

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