Crazy for Keratin

I never stood a chance to have naturally straight hair since both my mom and dad have curly locks.  I can't tell you how many hours of my life have been wasted trying to tame my mane–pulling it straight with bore bristle round brushes the size of my head and high-powered, salon-standard blow dryers then sectioning off tiny pieces to endure the wrath of a flatiron.  The whole ridiculous process could take up to an hour at a time, which explains why it took me so long to get ready and why I've always dreaded the task.  Not to mention, my motto happens to be "the blonder the better" which is not conducive to a healthy head of hair when mixed with such aggressive styling.

And then I was introduced to the life-changing treatment of Keratin hair straightening, thanks to my girlfriend Emily.  Let me tell you, this girl has a head of hair!  When I saw her after her first treatment, I couldn't believe how straight and healthy her hair looked.  I knew I had to give it a go.

Luckily, my hair color specialist and owner of Eleven Studio Heather Suchma offers the service.  I skeptically tried it for the first time earlier this year, but was immediately made a believer.  It was as close to magic as I had ever seen! She used the Rejuvenol 24 Hour spray-on treatment.  The idea behind this formula is that you only have to leave it in for 24 hours before washing your hair.  However, to reap the most benefits, I left in on for three days to let the product set in like the "Original" treatments advise.  When I washed my hair for the first time, I was amazed by the results.  What once took me 30 minutes to an hour now took me only 5-10 minutes, and there was no tugging or flatiron-ing involved–just simple blow drying with a paddle brush.  I ran into the living room where my husband was watching TV and screamed "It's magic!"  I was hooked right then and there!

Since then, I've had two other Keratin treatments.  My second go-round was performed by the wonderful Albert of Roots, The Salon.  He offers two options: the Rejuvenol Instant treatment and the Marcia Teixeira Original treatment. I opted for the Instant treatment because it hadn't been too terribly long since my first treatment, and because it's much cheaper.  Like my first treatment, I left it in for three days to let it set.  My third and most recent treatment was performed by Sabrina of Hairy Business in San Antonio.  She uses the Global Keratin line.  This time I used the full-on Original formula and let it set for three days as instructed.

I can say after trying these three different products, the Global is by far my favorite.  My hair was so silky-smooth when she finished applying the treatment, unlike the Rejuvenol products that left my hair really sticky and stinky until I washed it out.  I haven't tried the Rejuvenol Original formula, so I can't attest if that's the difference.....if the speedier formulas are a bit ickier.  The Instant treatment was certainly more sticky than the 24 Hour.  But....the 24 Hour did not last as long as the Instant.  I would say I reaped solid benefits from the 24 Hour formula for about 4 weeks and almost 6 weeks from the Instant formula.  My Global treatment has only been in for a few weeks so I can't comment on it's longevity just yet.  I'm hoping since it's an Original formula that I get a few more weeks of results.

I've also tried three different lines of Keratin maintenance shampoos and conditioners, which they say are important for replenishing your hair with Keratin each wash and extending the life of your treatment: Rejuvenol, Marcia and Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Shampoo and Cream Rinse.  I'll be honest and say the Rejuvenol and the Marcia shampoos and conditioners downright suck, especially if you have very dry, chemically processed hair.  They are not at all moisturizing and left my hair very coarse and tangled.  I found I had to supplement them with my Keratin-safe Pureology hydrating shampoo and conditioner.  I just recently purchased the Paul Mitchell Keratin line and am much happier.  The products leave your hair feeling a bit healthier and they smell delicious, which is just a bonus.  I still use my Pureology conditioner on top of the cream rinse for added moisture since I'm a firm believer that you can never hydrate chemically-abused hair enough.

If you're considering a professional Keratin straightening treatment, here's what you can expect.  Your haircare professional will:

1. wash your hair with a deep cleansing shampoo
2. blowdry your hair
3. completely coat small sections of your hair with the Keratin treatment until your whole head is covered in the formula
4. blowdry your hair again
5. flatiron very small sections of your hair over and over again until your whole head is perfectly straight

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Don't schedule your treatment the same day as another chemical service
2. Reserve a few hours in your schedule for the process
3. Prepare for the fact that you CANNOT wash your hair, get sweaty or subject your locks to any moisture or hair products for at least 72 hours if you really want the treatment to work
4. Understand that different products and formulas offer different results and bare different price tags
5. The products that actually work contain formaldehyde.  Remember that.  If it doesn't have formaldehyde, it isn't going to last and the results won't be as drastic.  During the treatment, this can irritate your eyes, nose and throat.  It does me every time.  Keep your eyes closed during the flatiron-ing portion of the treatment.  Make sure the salon is well-ventilated.  Since I don't get this treatment done everyday, I'm willing to suffer through a little headache or light-headedness for the fantastic and life-changing results.
6. Don't get your treatments done too close together.  I made this mistake and suffered some breakage.