Keratin hair straightening at home: pros and cons, recipes, instructions

In recent years, the keratin hair straightening procedure is gaining more and more popularity, this is not surprising, given that as a result of shielding the hair becomes smooth, shiny and dense. It is noteworthy that if in previous years such a procedure could only be performed by experienced masters in hairdressing salons, today the technique is available for execution at home.

Keratin straightening strands is necessary for all women who strive to ensure that their curls are always flawless - smooth, radiant and at the same time do not require the daily use of ironing. It should be noted that this is far from the only effect that can be achieved by resorting to keratinization. So, if you have too thin, easily tangled hair, then under the influence of the composition the problem quickly disappears - your locks will be perfect all day long.

Keratin is a natural protein found in the cuticle of each hair. It forms the cornea, thanks to which the curls remain straight and even for a long time. During keratin straightening, the strands are treated with a preparation whose composition is almost identical to natural keratin, which is why it is often called “liquid hair”.

Keratin has the most beneficial effect on the structure of the hair, moisturizes and nourishes them, and also protects against external adverse factors. Even if the hair looks great, an extra dose of keratin will not harm them, but it is important that the drugs used are of the highest quality, and the application technique is followed as accurately as possible.

In recent years, compositions for home keratinization have become in demand, however, one should not rely on the fact that the result of straightening at home will be the same as during the procedure with experienced masters in beauty salons. The main differences between home and professional procedures are as follows.

• In hairdressing salons, more concentrated and strong preparations and kits are used - they are designed for use by specialists with extensive experience who are able to increase and decrease the concentration of compounds, taking into account the characteristics of hair. Such masters are well acquainted with safety standards and all the intricacies of using certain solutions. Compositions for home application are made according to the “do no harm” rule, their effect on the hair is minimal, so the drugs only slightly smooth out the curls and nourish them.
• Straightening carried out in salons usually lasts about six months, and if supplemented with proper care, smooth hair will delight you even longer. Home keratinization requires adjustment and updating every 1.5-2 months.
• The cost of the procedure varies quite significantly. So, at the hairdresser you will have to pay several times more than with home straightening.

As you know, hair initially contains about 80% keratin, however, the constant use of detergents, dyeing, perming and styling with hot temperatures lead to a gradual leaching of protein. As a result, the hair becomes faded, dull, begins to fall out intensively, they become tangled and are difficult to comb.

Of the other advantages of the technique noted:

• significant improvement in the condition of curls;
• the disappearance of split ends;
• elimination of dry hair;
• facilitating combing and styling.

Moreover, each subsequent procedure only enhances the effect and improves the appearance of hair. However, it was not without minuses, keratinization has some disadvantages.

• Despite the fact that keratin promotes hair regeneration and even gives the most weakened aesthetic appearance, for rare and thinned curls, the weighting associated with the action of keratin often leads to their loss.
• Loss of volume - as a result of straightening the hair completely loses its splendor and loses about 50% in volume. However, such a disadvantage can be easily leveled if you do not apply the drug to the root zone, stepping back a couple of centimeters from the scalp.
• It is believed that after keratinization, the hair gets dirty too quickly, this is a common misconception. When using high-quality drugs, curls, on the contrary, will stay fresh and smooth much longer. Moreover, according to reviews, after keratinization, some girls refused to wash their hair every day.
• Keep in mind that the composition contains formaldehyde, although its concentration is minimal and safe for the human body, but it is better for future and nursing mothers to refrain from carrying out the procedure, especially at home.
• A significant drawback of keratin straightening at home is that the protein is literally soldered into the hair under the influence of elevated temperatures. In the absence of experience, women often apply too little of the drug, which leads to damage to the hair shaft and the deterioration of the strands.

For straightening, you need a keratin composition for home application. The drug should be chosen carefully and competently, the composition should not only straighten curls, but also heal them, nourish and moisturize. It will be right to consult with a professional master, and the funds themselves should be purchased only in specialized trading enterprises where they sell cosmetics for professional use.

Means for home keratinization are today presented in a wide assortment, the most popular products are Cadiveu Professional Brasil Cacau, Honma Tokyo, and Cocochoco IRON FREE Kativa.

Professional tools can also be replaced with masks based on folk recipes. Natural components tend to penetrate deeply into the structure of the hair shaft, smooth out curls and give them a well-groomed appearance. However, we will make a reservation right away - such funds have a short-term effect, not more than 10-15 days. High efficiency is distinguished by:

• lemon juice;
• decoction of chamomile pharmacy;
• Apple juice;
• tea leaves;
• table and apple vinegar;
• rum or brandy;
• essential oils;
• gelatin.

The ability to straighten curls have oils. To achieve the best result, you can take olive oil, as well as castor and burdock in the proportions of 1 x 1 x 2, slightly warm in a microwave or water bath and apply to the strands under a warming cap for 60-90 minutes. This mask should be applied weekly.

The smoothing property is different from apple cider vinegar balm (2 tbsp.), Mineral water (2 tbsp.) And pure olive oil (1 tsp.). The resulting mixture is spread on the hair and left for half an hour, after which it is washed off with a detergent. By the way, you can make a good rinse from apple juice, mineral water and table vinegar, after which the hair becomes silky, radiant and easy to comb.

For dry curly hair, you can use tea leaves mixed with sugar - the composition is applied to wet hair and left. However, it is important not to overdo it - otherwise the hairstyle will look untidy and stuck together. Therefore, on a cup of tea leaves you need to put no more than a teaspoon of sugar.

The most effective folk straightener is gelatin. This substance is a collagen of a connective protein of animal origin. When added to masks and balms, a protective film forms on the hair, which acts like keratin. Most often, 1 tbsp. l gelatin is dissolved in 5 tablespoons of water, thoroughly stirred so that it dissolves completely, a little hair conditioner is added and applied for half an hour or an hour.

We will not dwell on folk remedies, in the classic version, keratin straightening involves the use of professional means, so we will analyze step-by-step instructions for conducting hair straightening on your own.

You need to prepare:

• shampoo with a deep cleansing effect;
• keratin composition;
• an iron for straightening curls with a ceramic coating;
• hair dryer;
• round brush of large diameter;
• a comb with rare teeth;
• tassel, cloak, clamps and gloves.

We will analyze the instructions for carrying out this technique at home in stages.

• First you need to wash your hair thoroughly, it is advisable to do this 2 times to completely wash off the remnants of any contaminants and previously used styling products. After washing, the scales open completely, so the hair absorbs the active substance to the maximum.
• Dry your hair slightly with a towel and a little hairdryer so that the locks remain moist.
• Hair is divided into separate curls of 3-3.5 cm and fixed with clips.
• The composition is applied with a brush or spray. With independent execution, the first option is preferable, so the application will be more uniform. If you have an assistant, then you should use a spray gun.
• The tool is smeared each strand in turn, departing from the roots by 2-5 cm. The composition must be applied thickly, and then the hair is combed and left for 20-25 minutes.
• After that, keratin is washed off with water without the use of shampoo and dried with a hairdryer (with a cold regime) using a round comb.
• After this, it is necessary to set the iron to 230 degrees and proceed directly to pulling each strand, while the iron must be carried out at least 5-7 times, with strong waviness 8-10 passes are allowed. Similarly, the protein is distributed evenly within the hair shaft.
• After straightening, the head is washed with warm water, a moisturizing balm is applied for 10-15 minutes, it is washed off and the hair is dried with a hairdryer.

To keratin straightening was more effective, you should be aware of common errors that occur during the home procedure.

• Keratin preparation should not be applied to the scalp and root zone.
• Too little makeup should not be smeared on the hair, but there should not be too much of it either - the hair should be combed well. If at the same time there will be surplus funds, then it is better to comb them to the ends of the strands, it is in this place that the hair is most exposed to adverse factors and especially need protection.
• Using a dryer, one should not set the hot mode; when the keratin is dried out under the influence of high temperatures, it becomes active - then straightening does not occur.

There is no clear answer to the question of the duration of keratin straightening, a lot depends on the initial condition of the hair, the features of the procedure and the preparations used. So, the length of the strands plays an important role - the longer the hair, the sooner the effect comes off. An important factor is the structure of curls, if they were injured, then keratinization should be repeated after a month.

Hard curly hair is quite difficult to straighten, it can begin to curl after the first shampoo, and you will have to repeat this procedure every month. But even in this case there is no guarantee of obtaining the desired result. Thin and dry strands hold keratin for several months, but it is impossible to restore hair in one procedure - the procedure will need to be repeated after 3-4 months.

In order for keratinization to stay on the hair as long as possible, several rules should be followed.

• To wash your hair, you need to use shampoos without sodium chloride, salts tend to destroy the protective shell, then the effect of straightening decreases pretty soon.
• Within three days after keratinization, you should not wash your hair and carry out any other manipulations with the hair.
• If in the morning you find that the locks are “broken”, you should correct them with a hot iron.
• Keratin is also washed away by the sea and ultraviolet radiation, so when going on vacation, you should protect your strands as much as possible. Also be prepared for the fact that upon returning you will have to do the keratin straightening procedure again.

On how to carry out keratin hair straightening at home, see the next video.