Understanding the Return of Curls After Keratin Treatment
After a keratin treatment, your curls may not return to their original state immediately. Keratin treatments work by smoothing the hair and reducing frizz, which can temporarily relax your natural curl pattern. However, over time, as the treatment wears off, typically within 3 to 6 months, your curls should gradually return. The extent of curl return can depend on several factors, including your hair type, aftercare practices, and the growth of new hair.
Factors Influencing Curl Return
Hair Type: Different hair textures react differently to keratin treatments. Curly hair may take longer to revert than wavy hair. Understanding your hair type is crucial in predicting how your curls will return after treatment.
Aftercare: Proper aftercare can help maintain your curl pattern. Using sulfate-free shampoos and avoiding excessive heat styling can prevent damage and aid in the return of your natural curls. It’s important to gently style your hair to help it adjust to its natural texture.
Growth: New hair growth isn’t affected by the treatment, so as your hair grows, you will see your natural texture returning. Be patient, and give your hair time to return to its original state.
Expediting the Return of Curls
If you are eager to see your natural curls return, you can take several steps to expedite this process. Using shampoos designed for curly hair can help. Avoid fully drying your hair by fully combing it, and instead, gently squeeze the water out using your hands. Do not use a hair dryer too close to your scalp or hair, as this can dry out your hair. Additionally, it’s best to stop getting keratin treatments if you want the hair to get used to its natural state because keratin treatments only last about 2 months.
A Keratin Treatment and Your Natural Hair
Your natural hair that grows out of the roots and does not have the treatment on will come back with your natural curls. However, the hair length that has been treated will not revert back to its natural state. The curls on the treated hair will eventually return to their natural texture as the keratin treatment gradually wears off.
Challenges and Solutions
A keratin treatment is just that—a treatment. It does not chemically alter the structure of the hair. While it may reduce frizz, it does not permanently straighten your hair. You should still be able to style your hair curly, even if it is less frizzy or expansive.
If you choose to blow out your hair or use a flat iron on your keratin-treated hair, you will find that it lasts longer and is less frizzy. Keratin treatments generally last approximately 90 days. Understand that the effect is not instant and will not disappear on day 90; it will be a slow wearing away of the keratin that adheres to the hair during the initial service.
Some individuals have reported that keratin treatments can permanently straighten hair, especially if they only shampoo their hair once a week, allowing the treatment to last longer. To prolong the longevity of the treatment, use products specifically designed for the particular brand of smoothing treatment. Sulfate-free shampoos, keratin-infused shampoos, and conditioners can all help. Consult with the professional who performed the service to find out what products you should be using at home to make it last longer.
Remember, it is not a straightener but merely a smoothing treatment. You can still wear your hair curly, but it may not be as frizzy or expansive as before.