Benefits of the Brazilian Keratin Treatment for damaged hair

Keratin is a strong protein that is formed mainly of amino acids, which depending of their properties can be hard or soft to the tact. It is primarily present in the formation of successive layers of nails, skin and hair. Even though we are talking also about dead cells, their care and proper maintenance are important for the formation of new keratin layers, given that the old, dead cells protect the new ones.

That's why it's been determined that a good doses applied directly to your hair can repair it from its very core, and recover the strength, elasticity and moisture that lost through the years. You literally have new hair formed of revitalized dead cells.




Look at this case, she had wayyy damaged hair as a result of overbleach, now easily reconstructed entirely by the keratin treatment:

It may vary depending on the product, but mostly you begin by washing your hair with a special shampoo that removes any residual from previous products such as conditioners and also the residuals of pollution, wind and smoke.

Then, either with your hair wet or a bit blow dried, the keratin solution is applied directly with a brush, just as if you were coloring your hair. It's almost the same process, separating your hair mainly in four parts.

Once the keratin has been applied, you seal it with a protective mask formed by additional amino acids (some products have it already incorporated) and blow dry it or use a flat iron. YOU HAVE TO WAIT 4 DAYS STRAIGHT for the treatment to take full effect. That also means no brushing, no sweating, not getting it wet, no coloring, no hair-spray, gel or mousse. Absolutely nothing must happen to your hair during that time. In other cases, it's just a matter of an hour for the full effect.

After the treatment, it is highly recommended that you wash you hair with shampoos that have neutral PH and that contain a minimal amount of sodium chloride or the effect won't last much long. Most keratin treatments last up to 3 or 4 months.

What brand of keratin treatment products are the best?

There are many products out there that make promises and promises but don't really deliver.

So far, Marcia Teixeira keratin treatment would be the one I would recommend, since they were the ones that came up with the original formula.

In order to buy it for individual use, you need to take a course through their site to get the best results, given that this product is meant to be applicated in professional salons.

Here's the link of Marcia Teixeira's site:
www.braziliankeratin.com

Marcia Teixeira Keratin Conditioner Color Treated (select option/size)

Brazilian Conditioner with Keratin - Daily Use 10oz

Marcia Teixeira Buriti Thermal Protector Shine Serum, 2 oz

Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Chocolate Pre-Treatment Shampoo, 32 oz / liter

This was one of the first treatments that came out to be sold in salons, along with Marcia Teixeira, thus they work with an original formula, and they have come a long way with a new line of special shampoos, their repair therapy collections and styling tools.

Its name is Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy and it was founded by salon especialist Peter Coppola.

The great advantage is that it guarantees that it will eliminate 95% of salon frizz, leaving your hair silky and shiny, and it lasts up to 5 months, after the classic 4 day wait.

I consider that this brand is highly underrated because of this testimonial that came out, in which mentioned Coppola treatment as highly toxic, and it was true. The first formula of Coppola used Aldehyde, but they improved it as other brands have done. I tried it recently and its results are fair, yet I'm inclined to recommend more their line of shampoos that are quite unique in their results.

Here's their link if you want to find a salon near you:

Coppola Keratin complex - Find a salon near you

And here's their page for the other products:

Coppola keratin products

Coppola keratin treatment is now available on Amazon at competitive prices with reviews and detailed info!

They have the full line of products, step by step.



Keratin Complex by Coppola Clarifying Shampoo



Coppola Keratin Care Shampoo, 13.5 Ounce
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COPPOLA by Coppola: NATURAL KERATIN SMOOTHING TREATMENT 16 OZ
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Coppola Keratin Complex Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment (8.0 ounces)
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Keratin Complex Color Care Shampoo 33.8oz + Color Care Conditioner 33.8oz Duo
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Keratin Complex by Coppola Shine 1.7 fl oz (50 ml)

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is mostly known as a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling gas that is used to manufacture building materials and produce many household products.

That said, athough the short-term health effects of formaldehyde exposure are well known, less is known about its potential long-term health effects. In 1980, laboratory studies showed that exposure to formaldehyde could cause nasal cancer in rats. This finding raised the question of whether formaldehyde exposure could also cause cancer in humans.

In 1987, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen under conditions of unusually high or prolonged exposure. Since that time, some studies of industrial workers have suggested that formaldehyde exposure is associated with nasal cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer, and possibly with leukemia.

In 1995, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen. However, in a reevaluation of existing data in June 2004, the IARC reclassified formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen.

(Information taken from the National Cancer Institute)

Ok, what does this have to do with keratin treatments?

Formaldehyde is a component often used in sealing acrylic nails, as nails are also formed of keratin. And it works the same with hair. ALL Keratin hair treatments need a certain quantity of formaldehyde in order to help seal and mold the keratin in each strand of hair, and the heat of the flat iron reinforces that process. This may also explain those funny smells if you got it done in a salon.

Would this make the keratin treatment dangerous?

Absolutely not. In minimal exposure and proportions, as it's often used and still has a strong smell, formaldehyde does not cause any damage or health complications. It is recommended, though, as with all chemical products such as hair-dyes, that you use a protective mask and gloves.

What about these keratin treatment products that claim to be formaldehyde-free?

They probably have 0.01 to 0.05 in regards to the total product, or even a bit more. They can still tecnically say that it is formaldehyde-free for marketing purposes. It's sort of a white lie, given that the smell in these cases is barely noticeable and the keratin per se is mixed with aromas such as chocolate, lavender, strawberry, etc for commercial purposes.

Probably one of the best deals you can find on Amazon.com, it is the easiest keratin treatment to find available if you don't want to find your local retailer for other specific brands.

That being said, its 1000ml presentation can easily last more than 10 applications, so for the price it's a good deal. It renders a lot when you apply 80ml to short or mid-lenght hair. If you have short and damaged hair because of use of bleach and dyes, this is a must buy product.

Here's their description:

"QOD MAX Reconstruct Hair Mask with vitamins, extracts of Chocolate and hydrolyzed keratin to make hair straigth and at the same time healthy and shiny. It has high easy combing power and protects the hair against mechanical actions as flat iron and hair dryers. It reduces volume, increases the shine and it returns softness to the hair.

Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment Straightener QOD MAX is a product elaborated with the best ingredients of the world cosmetology. With base of cocoa extract and excellent CHOCOLATE fragrance, QOD MAX provides volume reduction and increase the shine of the capillary fiber. Product with filmógena action that provides protection against mechanical actions as flat iron and hair dryers. It contains hydrolyzed keratin, vitamins, cocoa extract, collagen, poliquatérnio and mix of silicones QOD MAX STRAIGTENING -Is the original Brazilian treatment creates to straighten hair, eliminate frizz and provide shine. This treatment is designed for all hair types, including chemically treated and virgin hair.

QOD MAX line of products is prepared with the best ingredients of the Cosmetology world including hydrolyzed keratin, vitamins, extracts of cocoa, collagen and a mix of silicones. CONTENT: 1000 ML / 33.8 FL OZ Enough for: 15-20 applications"

I've been hearing very good things about this brand, especially for those with curly and/ frizzy hair. I would say it is a direct competitor of Qod Max because it also offers a good quality keratin treatment with collagen, at a less expensive price.

They are very smart in offering their products as a combo already, instead of making you buy their products one by one.



Rejuvenol Brazilian Keratin All in One Set Big Sale!

Other plus is that they openly ADMIT that it has formaldehyde. They are simple in their premise and very straightforward in their ad campaigns and videos.

This is their description:

"Rejuvenol Brazilian Keratin Treatment with Collagen 16 FL. OZ. / 473 ML Rejuvenol Brazilian Keratin Treatment with Collagen is a revolutionay treatment for all hair types. It contains collagen to help maintain the strength and flexibility of the hair. Revolutionary intense treatment that softens, smoothes, and relaxes all hair types."

However, there's an interesting alternative I've tried recently and it's the keratin treatment from Israel.

Based on the original brazilian formula, the nanokeratin treatment has incorporated collagen and the results will not dissapoint you!

The name Nanokeratin comes from the term "nano-molecules of keratin". A nano-molecule is 0.000000001 of the size of a regular molecule, thus allowing it to penetrate the smallest fissures in the hair and fill them with keratin.

Once the hair strand is coated with a layer of nanokeratin molecules, a dissolving substance is vaporized through flat ironing. At the end of this process a reaction called polymerization occurs, filling the hair fissures and making the hair durable and flexible.

Their site offers a variety of hair care products as well as the required tools and instructions to apply the treatment at the comfyness of your home, though you can also opt for a salon application.

You may get to spend a bit on the tools and such, but I think it's worth it.

Here's the link:
www.nanokeratin.biz

If you still would prefer to do this at home, here's an option for you:

Soft-liss Professional Line pretty much works as the other brands, just that they're more oriented for home use and the straightening aspect of the treatment. Their products are Formaldehyde free and you don't necessarilly have to leave it on your hair for 3- 4 days. One or two days could be more than enough.

According to their site, "the Soft-Liss Intelligent Brush is a line of products used for hair straightening through a "texturization" technique, in which the active ingredients of the product act on the hair, promoting the straightening of the strands and leaving them naturally straight.

The whole line has been developed with the exclusive Soft Liss Professional Line Integrated Complex, which has a positive bioactive effect that allows the capillary fiber to remain straight and with a natural appearance."

Their step-by-step kit comes in handy. You wash your hair with the Deep Cleaning Shampoo (step1), then use their Intelligent Blowdry (step 2), following the instructions accurately. After 1 or 2 days you use the sealing Mask (step 3) and for further care, wash your hair with their Salt-free shampoo.

And there's more. In the store section, they offer a Satin Fluid Nanokeratin Nurturing Oil that I highly recommend for split or damaged ends.

Soft-liss keratin issues and downsides

I've been getting a lot of messages and emails recently on how this product, either used as the progressive blow-dry or mixed with conditioner components, has been the main cause for an orangey/reddish glow in people with ashy blonde hair. I've tested and saw this myself, and I first thought if was my own orange/red pigmentation issues.

So, if you have very light blonde hair or platinum highlights, avoid this brand like the plague as it will make your blonde color fade away.

Here's the link:
www.soft-liss.com

------Yuko Keratin

This brand has been offered a lot in professional salons. It doesn't cost much, compared to others and allegedly lasts up to 6 months.

They don't have a site per se, but here are some key fragments of their press release:

"In case if you have thick and curly hairs you should be thankful to the hair straightening treatment developed by Japan called as Yuko hair straightening. This is a very astonishing treatment that will help you to have glossy hair that you always desired.
(...)
Yuko hair straightening is a distinct and natural straightening that straightens the hair without any damage to the hair. This treatment will work irrespective of the fact that you have natural curly hair or you have done something to make it curly. It can work for all types of hair except for bleached hair; this treatment will not at all be able to work for this hair. "

It doesn't work for bleached hair. Ugh. So that was the reason my hair didn't feel quite right to the touch when they finished the treatment! My stylist didn't tell me anything! :-/

Anyway, it seems to work best if your hair is natural and doesn't have highlights or any kind of dye that requires a bleaching procedure. It's also ok if you have only used home-based hair dyes that can be bought at drugstores.

-------Escova Progressiva: the smart girl's secret to straight hair

This brand definitely has a great price/quantity/quality relation. I think it's up there with Soft-liss in terms of home-based treatments. It's 100% Brazilian.

Here's what their site claims:

"The Escova Progressiva Hair Straightening System, produced by Niasi, the leading producer of Brazilian hair and beauty products, is a revolutionary and intensive Keratin hair straightener that softens, strengthens and - most importantly of all leaves your hair wonderfully straight. It contains absolutely No Formaldehyde and has been approved as safe by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Escova Progressiva works as an intensive conditioner, locking protein into your hair, the dramatic straightening effect is actually a by product of Keratin, as its conditioning effects smooth away frizz, unlock curls and ease out waves.

The natural ingredients used in Escova Progressiva are very gentle. It's even safe to use on any chemically treated hair."

Thay also have a great variety in other keratin-based products such as shampoos and conditioners developed by Bio Extratus: Cosmeticos Naturais , a Brazilian company that is partner to them.

Here's their site:

Escova Progressiva

With a great presentation, Max-Liss seems to be another good brand from Brazil. Their escova progressiva (intelligent blower) comes with a specific type of ingredients such as mint, honey, chocolate, strawberry and grape. As with other brands, they allege that their product has no formaldehyde, but technically they should have 0.01 percent in order for the product to work well in the hair.

Their main product, the escova progressiva, is composed of a formula that repairs and smoothes hair at the same time. Their cocoa extract is unique, and along with theobromine, caffeine, and fatty acids, they constitute a guarantee of hydratation and reconstruction for your hair.

The first time I tried it, I thought it was average in relation to other brands. As you know, I have overbleached hair and it didn't do much to repair it, not to mention that it turned my hair orangey. My ends still looked fried and rebellious after three days, so that means it doesn't render well unless you use a good portion of the 500ml or even the 1lt presentation for professional salons.

This old version of Maxliss had a component that, when in contact with the heat of the iron, it activated the keratin in a way that blonde hair would turn orange, the very same problem that Soft-liss still has.

However, It's great that they took notice of this and they got a newer version that eliminated this problem for people with blonde hair. This time the 100ml I used rendered a LOT better on my hair, covering and saturating the hair from every root to every end. The substance per se felt a lot softer which meant that they improved the formula in a way that it's not agressive to hair dye chemicals anymore, so it doesn't distort color.

This definitely sets them aside from other brands, making it a great option for a good price.

This is certainly great news for stylists and people in the beauty salon business.

We know that despite most keratin treatments today have a very small, yet necessary percentage of formaldehyde in order to properly seal the keratin into the hair, the fumes emtted each time you iron hair strands can be very annoying, and there's the constant worry of your client being allergic to that component, or you see that your client feels very uncomfortable.

Well, these problems can soon be over with the use of this Fume Extractor manufactured by Sentry Air Systems, to help reduce fume exposure while performing hair treatments on clients.

This is the testimony of Steve Tcherkezian, an stylist and keratin specialist at Nouveau Hair Gallery in Toronto, Canada:

Hey, my name is Steve Tcherkezian. I am in Toronto, Canada. I specialize in the Brazilian/BKT and Japanese Hair Straightening/TR.

For those of you Brazilian BKT stylists who are still contemplating whether you should or should not use a fume extractor, my advice is DO IT, and do it NOW. Sentry Air's fume extractor sucks the fumes into its filtration system and does a great job. I have done thorough research and decided to purchase Model SS-300-BKT from Sentry Air and I use it to do the Brazilian BKT.

Just look at fume when you're pressing the hair with the iron while doing the Brazilian, and then, half an hour later, look at ceiling in the salon; notice the haze/fumes from the Brazilian/BKT? It's THERE without a doubt and you know we need a system. By the way, I decided to use it when I do the Japanese/TR too. I find it reduces the smell of ammonium thioglycolate (stinky) dramatically. Good choice and my clients love it!

The unit is very functional and very easy to use. Your clients will notice the comfort level and they'll love it, and you'll love this unit even more. Additionally, I find the acoustics of the unit to be very pleasing even when I turn it to its maximum. In fact, I find it puts my clients into a very relaxed mode. Not sleepy; just very relaxed, soothing mode!

Here's their link:

http://www.bktformaldehyde.com/

Their blog also provided these contact information:

You can reach Melissa Vaughn from Sentry Air Systems via email at melissa@sentryair.com.

Sentry Air Systems
832-255-7111 (direct)
713-690-2153 (main)
713-690-7872 (fax)

Yours truly,

Steve Tcherkezian

Brazilian & Japanese Hair Straightening - REAL Specialist
e-mail: steve@VerticalsInHair.com
Website: http://www.verticalsinhair.com/
Nouveau Hair Gallery
201 Huntington Park Drive
Thornhill, ON. L3T 7A7 (Greater Toronto Area)
Steve Direct: 416 669 9118

Their site: http://beautypureandsimple.com/hair

The premise of Organix is 'Beauty, Pure and Simple' and that can be seen in their diverse line of products, especially those based on Moroccan Oil, which produces results that have nothing to envy to keratin.

Each Organix product is based on the combination of attractive and exotic natural components: Coconut Milk, Cherry Blossom Ginseng, Pomegranate green tea, Vanilla Silk, Shea Butter, Acai Berry Avocado, Cocoa Butter, Passionfruit Guava, Mandarin Olive Oil, Grapefruit Mango Butter, Cucumber Yogurt, Lavender Soymilk, and Mocha Expresso.

But what will surprise you is the price of their keratin line. While their presentation is small and relative to the price, this is a good product if you don't have bleached hair and just want to give your hair an extra lift of shine and smoothing, yet if you have curly and/or ethnic hair, this was labeled the best product of 2010 for those purposes.

Keep in mind that the concentration of raw keratin is relatively lower than the other big brands. You could say that this brand of keratin is more based on 'amino-acids' components of keratin that straighten the hair, rather than raw keratin itself that heals and repairs damaged hair.

I believe that this product comes in the right amount (100ml, 3.38 ounces) to render especifically for that purpose. My advice would be to not oversaturate the product, actually using 60ml to 80ml is best, and you have the remaining amount for another application or extra finish.

Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy 30 Day Smoothing Treatment 3.38 fl oz (100 ml)

As for duration, it guarantees that the straightening effect will last up to 30 days, but there have mixed reports that it last less or that it has lasted up to 45 days. I guess that it all depends on the lenght of your hair and the amount of the product you initially used, so you have to keep a balance on those variables.

This is their official description:

"Beauty Pure and Simple
Organic Cocoa Nut Oil & Avocado Extract
An exclusive blend of antioxidant rich cocoa nut oil along with lush keratin proteins to strengthen and soften the hair, while organic avocado oil and cocoa butter smooth the cuticle for straight, strong tresses, adding a brilliant glow and luminescent shine.
An exclusive, high potency, keratin complex with reduces up to 95% of frizz and curl by penetrating the cuticle with keratin proteins.
Why We Love It...
You can change your hair texture! This fool proof, easy to use, revolutionary system of products eliminates 95 percent of frizz and curl for 30 glorious days.
Why You Want It...
Rich Brazilian cocoa nut oils add brilliant shine, while the finest keratin proteins fill in broken hair cuticles creating strong, lustrous strands.
What's In It For You...
An exclusive blend of antioxidant rich organic cocoa nut and avocado oils along with nourishing cocoa butter combined with rich keratin proteins use heat to infuse into tresses and lock hair into smooth, straight, shiny, healthy looking strands. Eliminates 95 percent of frizz and curl and cuts blow-drying time by 75 percent. Organix® Brazilian Keratin Therapy's system is recommended for all hair types including highlighted, color treated, chemically relaxed, wavy, curly and damaged.
What It's In...
Organix® bottles are eco-friendly, manufactured from materials containing recycled post-consumer resin. All labels are printed utilizing environmental inks and compostable label film made from annually renewable resource corn, not from petrochemicals.
Sulfate & Sodium Free. Not Tested On Animals.
Made in USA.

Either for straightening or repairing purposes, there are more and more shampoos and conditioners with keratin ingredients, or a mix of keratin and other natural nourishing ingredients that produce great results. It is being seen as a safe option if you don't want to go through the treatment itself, either because you may be allergic to formaldehyde or simply don't like to be in contact with it at the moment of the procedure.

Keratin in itself has already made an impact in the hair care world, it has changed the concept in that everyone can have straight, soft, shiny hair if they wish so, it is not an issue anymore in that you need thousands of products or straighteners to reach that goal.

One of the latest novelties in the midst of the storm of new keratin brands every day, its premise is based on the fact that this keratin treatment takes wayyy less than others to process (you would have to wait 1 day instead of the traditional 3 days), achieving the same results.

Spray on Keratin Treatment contains hydrolyzed keratin, along with a Vanillin Complex, which includes hydrolyzed keratin and L-Cysteine, a powerful aminoacid for reconstruction.

Spray-On keratin results last for 15 weeks, and is quite specific on curl reducing technology. It's also versatile since you can use it even after a bleaching procedure, something that was a limitant with some other brands.

An interesting advantage is that it comes in a 3 oz. reusable bottle that allows you to control the amount of keratin applied to the hair without overdoing it.

Right now, it is only available in salons, but you may find more info here:
http://www.sunpurebeauty.com/sunpure-brazilian-keratin-treatment/sunpure-brazilian-keratin-treatment-spray-on.html?cart=avkrfvyhh

Taip is a professional line of products, similar to Maxliss and often sold along with it, but based on the Asian formula for keratin blower (escova progressive). It's an interesting, alternate option to complement your Brazilian Keratin Treatment. This line is specialized in straightening hair rather than repairing it, that's why you can use it along Max liss for an extra effect.

You can get the 2000ml kit for a great price of $310 so it's definitely worth a try.

Their description says:

The developed Advanced Brush technology adds an asset smoothing, high-impact, low aggression, including action of active nutrients and moisturizing of banana extracts. Banana has revitalizing action, and is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, minerals (potassium, sodium and calcium phosphorus) and vitamins A and B6. This product has a high nutritional value, and balances the pH of the hair.

Advanced Brush TAIP is composed of a kit of two products that have two active smoothing: one reductive lotion mascara and one fixative. Having a higher concentration of assets, the product makes the result more significant than any other type of brush. The product can be used in natural hair color, streaked, and all kinds of hair straightening, because its formulation is compatible with any type of chemistry, thus providing greater flexibility for the professional salon work.

This is another option that doesn't contain (technically) formaldehyde. The Liquid Keratin step-by-step kit is less expensive than other brands and certainly does well in its 30 minute application. The only downfall that I see is that it lasts up to one month and a half, while most treatments last up to 4 months.

But it can be a quick, easy, and effective solution if your hair is not that dry, fried or damaged and you just need to pump it up a bit.

However, given the last recent reviews of this product, I wouldn't quite recommend it. It has worked well on some people, yet the results have been disastrous for others. It's quite a bet. :-/

Liquid Keratin 30 Day Straight-Smooth-Strong & Long Treatment Starter Kit 1 kit
Here's the description:

"Liquid Keratin Treatment is a revolutionary patented at home treatment that smoothes, strengthens, softens and most importantly gives you frizz free manageable hair that lasts up to 6 weeks. This progressive treatment provides instant results as well as long-term benefits. The more often you use it, the more beautiful your hair.

Developed for all hair types and suitable for chemically treated hair.

In independent clinical lab studies of Liquid Keratin, treated hair had 100% less frizz, 70% less curl and was 25% longer with results lasting as long as 6 weeks.
Unlike salon treatments, Liquid Keratin offers choice! Wear your new sexy soft curls, waves or straight hair with ease and without frizz or expensive, lengthy salon visits.

Finally, hair perfection for all!
Made in USA"

Want to maintain your already done treatment in an effective way? This homemade option may be of your interest:

You will need:

30 ml (1.02oz) of pure Keratin. (The brand of your preference can be currently bought at professional salon stores, be it Soft-liss, Marcia Teixeira, Global, etc)

10 ml (0.34oz) of Moroccanoil

20 ml (0.68oz) of Paul Mitchell Conditioner

15 ml (0.51oz) of Tresemme Vitamin E Enriched Moisturizing Conditioner

15 ml (0.51oz) of Planthura Professional Mineral Oil Conditioner

10 ml (0.34 oz) of any Aloe Vera based conditioner

Mix all them up in a small recipient. When you use it, leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse. This can be used for extremely damaged, non-keratin treated hair as sort of a reconstructor.

Amazingly enough, keratin treated hair is not that hard to care of. Just keep in mind the previous recommendations. So far, these are the best shampoos and conditioners I've found in order to maintain and last the effect.

MillCreek - Keratin Shampoo, 16 fl oz, and MillCreek - Keratin Conditioner, 16 fl oz lotion
Keratin Shampoo 16 oz Keratin Conditioner 16 oz.
APHOGEE Intensive Keratin Reconstructor Restores Softness & Elasticity & Repairs Damaged Hair 8 oz/237ml
Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor 16oz
Goldwell Kerasilk Ultra Rich Care Treatment 33.8 Oz.
Chi Keratin Mist, Leave-In Strengthening Treatment, 32 fl oz (950 ml)

Matrix Biolage : I've been recommended a lot lately this line of hair care products, especially the Hydrotherapie Shampoo I tried it and it's perfect for maintaining the silky, lightweight feel of your hair, either if you use a flat iron or simply blow dry it with cool air.

Biolage by Matrix Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo 33.8 Ounces

But I've found that the their Smoothing Conditioner , not only has the best natural sweet almond smell ever, but it takes you into a whole new level of nurturing and enhancement for your hair. That's why I recommended it in my other lense about the use of bleach for restoring damaged hair purposes.

Matrix Biolage Smoothing Conditioner, 33.8-Ounce Bottle

The answer is no, because not only would that be overkill, it would dramatically reduce the volume in your hair and that can't be always to your advantage.

When you use a keratin based shampoo and/or conditioner, you hair is already absorbing its repairing and straightening properties, so that you will only need to use the blow-dryer and nothing else. This can provide a good opportunity to let your hair rest from the iron.

If you want to enhance even more your silky, fabulous new look, you can use a flat iron daily or once a week, but it can't be just any iron. The best ones in the market are made of Tourmaline Ceramic (from 200 to more than 400 ions) that help seal the already treated cuticle of your hair.

The best thing is that they're not that expensive.

Here are some of the best reviewed at Amazon:
Andis 67670 1-Inch Nano-Silver Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron
HOT TOOLS Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron 1 inch (Model:1161)
Solia Professional Ceramic Ion Flat Iron (1-1/4")
Sedu Ionic Ceramic Pro Flat Iron

IMPORTANT: Is Chi flat iron a scam?

While CHI is a good brand for haircare products, there seems to be a problem with their flat irons. I have been hearing many cases in which the iron broke after 2-3 months of use, and then the customer can't return it for his money given that it wasn't bought at a professional salon products store.

Either way, I wouldn't put too much stock in extremely cheap products. As I said before, the best flat irons you can get are made of tourmaline ceramic with ionic properties. They may be more expensive, but you can be sure it's a good investment, keeping in mind that you follow all the indications for their use care, such as disconnecting it from the plug and let it cool for a while.

Aside from keratin based products to keep your hair shiny and healthy, there's also this option.

What is Ojon oil?

Ojon is a type of oil that is extracted from palm nut trees in Central America, specifically Honduras. It has been used for over 500 years by the Tawira Indians, known as "the people of beautiful hair".

This oil works pretty much the same way as keratin, restoring the natural balance in your hair and protecting it from damaging agents.

You can simply apply it to dry hair once a week for best results, distributing it with a comb. Then you can back it up with their shampoo and conditioner, using them daily, and you're set :-)

The great advantage it has is that it is for all hair types, no questions asked.


Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment 5oz - renders for 30 treatments