Friday, I decided to bite the bullet and get my first Keratin treatment. I didn't go for the big kahuna though! I decided to do the Keratin Express treatment. Since I have fine, naturally curly hair (with frizz) and not a lot of it, my stylist, Ellen, told me that the express treatment would be perfect for me. I have been coloring my hair since I was in middle school and when I lost a bunch of weight years back, I also lost a lot of my hair. It's grown back some since, but not completely. I take biotin, but it doesn't make my hair grow warp speed. I figured between all the coloring I've done over the years, that my hair could use a little TLC.
If you have very thick, crazy hair then maybe the more aggressive treatment would be better for you, but for me, the express was the ticket! Basically to start, your hair is stripped with a clarifying shampoo. After that, a serum is applied to your hair and sealed in with a blow dryer. Last, your hair is flat ironed. Your hair looks fantastic afterwards - so smooth and silky! It's definitely strange at first! You're basically having conditioner blow-dried into your hair. With the express treatment, you can't wash your hair, put it in a ponytail, ANYTHING for 24 hours!!! The not being able to pull my hair back part was the struggle. #thestrugglesisreal. When I get home, the first thing I want to do is throw on comfy clothes and pull my hair back. I knew after spending the money though, that I was going to follow the rules. FYI, if you get the full fledged treatment, it's 72 hours and double the cost! Ellen also told me the longer I could wait to wash it, the better my results would be. She recommended straightening my hair again later that night before going to bed. It's recommended to use a keratin-based sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. The shampoo and conditioner were about $20 a piece, but may vary by salon.
I managed to make it all weekend without washing my hair but Monday morning I caved and had to wash it. Usually I can go 3-4 days without washing and my hair doesn't really get greasy. However, since the serum had been blow-dried into my hair, it became greasy much quicker. I have some dry shampoo (specifically for the treatment) that I used Saturday and Sunday to help out some, but I felt I needed a good washing. After I washed it Monday morning, all I did was blow dry it and the end result was amazing! My hair was soooo soft and manageable. Usually to get my hair looking the way it did, I have to straighten as well. I didn't have use my straightener at all and it looked like I had! No frizz!!!
I won't lie...it was expensive! The express treatment was $185, but I definitely feel like it's been worth it so far. To skip an extra step in the morning is #winning in my book! It's hard enough trying to get out the door and be to work on time. Ain't nobody got time for that!
If you are interested in the keratin treatment, have questions or hair styling in general, check out my stylist Ellen! She's also a fantastic makeup artist! Her info is below:
Ellen Smith
Intrigue Salon by Lucy
1231 Lincoln Street, Suite A
Columbia, South Carolina
www.ellensmithbeauty.com
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