Complete Keratin Treatment Aftercare Guide
You've invested in a keratin treatment to achieve smooth, frizz-free hair. Now learn how to protect that investment and make your treatment last 5+ months with these professional aftercare tips from Hair By Melissa.
Why Aftercare Matters
A keratin treatment is more than just a salon service—it's an investment in your hair's health and manageability. At Hair By Melissa, our formaldehyde-free keratin treatments can last up to 5 months, but only with proper aftercare. The first 72 hours are critical, and your ongoing maintenance routine determines how long you'll enjoy smooth, frizz-free hair.
The Critical First 72 Hours
Critical Period Alert
During the first 72 hours, the keratin is still bonding with your hair cuticles. Any moisture, chemicals, or physical manipulation can disrupt this process and reduce your treatment's effectiveness.
What You MUST Avoid (First 72 Hours)
NO Water Contact
- • No washing or shampooing
- • Avoid rain and humidity
- • No swimming or water sports
- • Use dry shampoo if needed
NO Hair Accessories
- • No ponytails or buns
- • Avoid hair clips or bands
- • No headbands or hats
- • Sleep with hair completely loose
NO Physical Manipulation
- • Don't touch or run fingers through hair
- • No brushing (gentle combing only)
- • Avoid tucking behind ears
- • No excessive head movement during sleep
NO Heat or Chemicals
- • No hair styling tools
- • Avoid saunas or steam rooms
- • No hair products (except recommended)
- • Avoid excessive sweating
What You CAN Do
- • Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase
- • Gently comb with a wide-tooth comb if absolutely necessary
- • Use dry shampoo at roots only if hair becomes oily
- • Keep hair straight and loose at all times
- • Avoid activities that cause sweating
Long-Term Keratin Maintenance (After 72 Hours)
The Right Products Make All the Difference
Essential Product Guidelines
MUST USE
- Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Protects keratin bonds
- Sodium Chloride-Free Products: Prevents treatment breakdown
- pH-Balanced Conditioner: Maintains hair health
- Heat Protectant: Essential before any heat styling
- Deep Conditioning Mask: Weekly treatments
AVOID COMPLETELY
- Sulfate-Based Shampoos: Strip keratin treatment
- Clarifying Shampoos: Too harsh for treated hair
- Sea Salt Sprays: Dry out treated hair
- Alcohol-Based Products: Cause dryness and frizz
- Products with Parabens: Can break down treatment
Optimal Washing Routine
Step-by-Step Washing Process
- 1 Pre-Rinse: Thoroughly wet hair with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as it opens the hair cuticle and can strip the keratin.
- 2 Gentle Shampooing: Use a sulfate-free shampoo, focusing on the scalp. Avoid scrubbing or rough movements. Let the suds run down the length of your hair naturally.
- 3 Conditioning: Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends, avoiding the roots. Leave for 2-3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
- 4 Cool Rinse: Finish with cool water to seal the hair cuticle and lock in the keratin treatment.
Washing Frequency Guidelines
- Week 1-2: Wash 2-3 times maximum
- Week 3-8: Wash every 2-3 days as needed
- Month 2+: Return to normal washing schedule (every other day or daily if needed)
- Pro Tip: Use dry shampoo between washes to extend time between washing
Heat Styling & Daily Care
Heat Styling Best Practices
Temperature Guidelines
- • Blow dryer: Medium heat, cool shot finish
- • Flat iron: 300-350°F maximum
- • Curling iron: 300°F maximum
- • Always use heat protectant first
Frequency Limits
- • Heat styling: Maximum 2-3 times per week
- • Air dry when possible
- • Use heat-free styling methods
- • Give hair rest days between heat sessions
Daily Hair Care Routine
Morning Routine
- • Gently brush with wide-tooth comb
- • Apply leave-in conditioner to ends
- • Use heat protectant if styling
- • Style on lower heat settings
Night Routine
- • Brush gently to distribute natural oils
- • Sleep on silk or satin pillowcase
- • Loose braid for long hair (optional)
- • Avoid tight hairstyles while sleeping
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Hair Feels Stiff or Crunchy
Cause: Product buildup or using the wrong products
Solution:
- • Use a clarifying shampoo (once only)
- • Follow with deep conditioning treatment
- • Switch to keratin-safe products
- • Book a consultation for product recommendations
Problem: Frizz Returning Early
Cause: Using sulfate shampoos or exposure to chlorine
Solution:
- • Immediately switch to sulfate-free products
- • Increase deep conditioning treatments
- • Reduce heat styling frequency
- • Consider a keratin touch-up treatment
Problem: Hair Looks Greasy or Flat
Cause: Over-conditioning or using too much product
Solution:
- • Reduce conditioning frequency
- • Focus conditioner on ends only
- • Use less product overall
- • Try a lightweight leave-in conditioner
When to Book Your Next Treatment
Signs It's Time for a Touch-Up
- Frizz returning to root area
- Increased styling time needed
- Hair texture feeling coarser
- Humidity affecting hair more
- 4-5 months since last treatment
- Longing for that fresh-treatment feel
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should I wait to wash my hair after keratin treatment?
Wait at least 48-72 hours before washing your hair after a keratin treatment. This allows the treatment to fully bond with your hair cuticles for maximum effectiveness and longevity. At Hair By Melissa, we recommend waiting the full 72 hours for best results.
Q: What shampoo should I use after keratin treatment?
Use only sulfate-free, sodium chloride-free shampoos after keratin treatment. Sulfates can strip the keratin from your hair, reducing the treatment's effectiveness and lifespan. We can recommend specific products that work best with our treatments.
Q: How long does keratin treatment last with proper care?
With proper aftercare, a keratin treatment can last 4-6 months. Using the right products, avoiding excessive heat, and following maintenance guidelines can extend the treatment's life. Our clients often see results lasting 5+ months with dedicated care.
Q: Can I color my hair after keratin treatment?
Yes, but timing matters. Wait at least 2 weeks after keratin treatment before any chemical processing. We recommend booking a consultation to plan your color and keratin schedule for optimal results without compromising either treatment.
Q: What if I accidentally get my hair wet in the first 72 hours?
Don't panic! Immediately blow dry your hair straight with medium heat and a round brush. While this isn't ideal, quick action can minimize damage to the treatment. Contact us if you're concerned about the results.
Ready for Your Keratin Treatment?
Experience the transformative power of our professional keratin treatments at Hair By Melissa. Located in Kaukapakapa, serving all of North Auckland with premium hair care.