How to Use a Keratin Treatment at Home
Keratin treatments have become one of the most sought-after solutions for frizz-free, smooth, and manageable hair — and the good news is you don't need a salon visit to get results. With the right product and technique, you can achieve professional-quality smoothing at home.
What Is a Keratin Treatment?
Keratin is a protein that naturally makes up your hair's structure. Heat, chemical processing, and environmental stress deplete it over time, leaving hair porous, frizzy, and prone to breakage. A keratin treatment replenishes this protein, sealing the hair cuticle for smoother, shinier, and more resilient strands.
What You'll Need
- A keratin treatment formulated for at-home use
- A clarifying or sulphate shampoo (to prep the hair)
- A fine-tooth comb
- A flat iron (ideally 230°C / 450°F)
- Gloves and good ventilation
Step-by-Step: At-Home Keratin Treatment
- Clarify first. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove product build-up and open the cuticle. Do not condition.
- Towel-dry thoroughly. Hair should be damp, not wet. Blow-dry to about 80% dry if your hair is very thick.
- Section your hair. Divide into four sections — two at the front, two at the back — and clip them up.
- Apply the treatment. Working section by section, apply the keratin formula from root to tip using a brush or applicator. Comb through to ensure even distribution.
- Process. Leave the product on for the time specified on your product (typically 20–45 minutes). Keep the room ventilated.
- Blow-dry straight. Using a round brush, blow-dry each section until completely straight and smooth.
- Seal with a flat iron. Pass a flat iron over each section in thin passes at high heat. This locks the keratin into the cuticle.
- Leave it alone. Most treatments require you to keep hair dry and unbound for 24–72 hours after application. Avoid washing, tying, or tucking hair behind your ears during this period.
How Long Do Results Last?
At-home keratin treatments typically last 4–8 weeks depending on your hair type, how often you wash, and the products you use post-treatment. Using a sulphate-free shampoo will significantly extend your results.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Always do a strand test first, especially on colour-treated hair.
- Use a sulphate-free, keratin-safe shampoo and conditioner after treatment.
- Avoid swimming in chlorinated or salt water immediately after treatment.
- Repeat every 6–8 weeks to maintain smoothness.
Shop Our Keratin Range
Ready to get started? Explore our professional-grade keratin collections formulated for at-home use:
- Keratin Structure Botox Range — 7deep restructuring with a botox-effect finish
- Keratin Ice Cream Range — nourishing keratin treatment with a creamy, lightweight formula