No, a keratin treatment is not the same as a chemical straightening or relaxer. While both treatments aim to make your hair smoother and more manageable, they work in very different ways and produce very different results.
Keratin Treatments
- What It Does:
A keratin treatment coats your hair with a protein-rich formula that smooths and seals the cuticle. This process helps eliminate frizz, adds softness and shine, and makes your hair easier to style. - How It Works:
After applying the keratin solution, your stylist blow-dries and flat-irons your hair to seal the protein into the outer layer. The treatment fills in porous or damaged areas without altering the internal structure of your hair. - Results:
You’ll notice smoother, shinier hair with reduced frizz. Curls and waves are relaxed but not completely eliminated. The effect is semi-permanent and gradually fades over 3–6 months. - Hair Health:
Because it works on the outside of your hair rather than the inside, a keratin treatment is less harsh and can even improve the look and feel of damaged hair.
Chemical Straightening / Relaxers
- What It Does:
A chemical straightener, also known as a relaxer or permanent straightening, breaks down and alters the internal chemical bonds in your hair to force it into a permanently straight texture. - How It Works:
Relaxers typically use strong chemicals such as ammonium thioglycolate or sodium hydroxide. Some treatments, like Brazilian Blowouts, may also involve formaldehyde. These chemicals restructure your hair from the inside out. - Results:
The outcome is permanently straight hair. However, as your natural hair grows, you’ll see a clear demarcation line between treated and untreated hair, which requires regular touch-ups. - Hair Health:
Relaxers are much harsher on your hair compared to keratin treatments. They can cause dryness, brittleness, and long-term damage if not carefully managed.
Key Differences
- Mechanism: Keratin treats the outside of the hair, while relaxers alter the inner bonds.
- Permanence: Keratin is semi-permanent and fades over time; relaxers are permanent and must grow out.
- Result: Keratin smooths, reduces frizz, and relaxes curls; relaxers create very straight hair.
- Hair Damage: Relaxers are more damaging due to strong chemicals, while keratin treatments are gentler and can even help repair damaged hair.
In short, if you’re looking for smoother, frizz-free, more manageable hair while keeping your natural texture intact, a keratin treatment is the better choice. If you want hair that’s permanently straight, a relaxer may be an option. However, it comes with higher risks to your hair’s health.
Learn more about keratin treatment with us at Rakis on Collins. We will be happy to discuss to you the treatment, contact us on +61 3 9654 6958 or submit a contact form.
