Keratin is a protein that is naturally found in the human body. Our nails and hair are made of keratin and it can also be found in some of our internal organs. It is also produced in many other animal species and can be derived from feathers, horns, wool, etc.
Since our hair mostly consists of this protein, many products and hair treatments now include keratin as an ingredient in hopes that the texture and quality of the hair would improve by using them. Many of these treatments have shown positive results and, therefore, have become extremely common now.
While keratin is a naturally-occurring protein, the hair treatment offered in salons includes many other chemicals, making it a chemical procedure. It is always best to discuss the benefits and side effects of the treatment with your trusted hairstylist before proceeding with it.
There are a few different types of keratin treatments - the common factor among all of them is that they contain keratin, many of the other chemicals change. The results, procedure and duration may also depend on the specific type of keratin treatment used.
The procedure usually starts with a shampoo. Your hair is then partially blow-dried, followed by the keratin product being applied. Your hair will then be straightened using a hair straightener which can take upwards of an hour, depending on the length and density of your hair. This is followed by another hair wash, serum application and finally a blow-dry.
Keratin treatments sometimes go by the name of a Brazilian blowout as well. They can safely be done on coloured hair but can sometimes cause a slight change in the colour.