Keratin treatments are game-changers for many people. If you've always had dry and rough hair, a keratin treatment can give your locks a much-needed boost.

However, many of us are not aware of what to do after a keratin treatment. Without the right post-treatment care, your hair will go back to its previous state in no time.

There are some general post-keratin treatment guidelines, like not washing your hair within 72 hours of the treatment. But that's not all — you must also choose the right shampoo to ensure long-lasting shine and smoothness.

Table of Contents:

• What Is a Keratin Treatment?
• What to Do After a Keratin Treatment?
• Avoid washing your hair
• Don't tie or tuck your hair
• Use a silk pillow
• Avoid swimming
• Do You Need Special Shampoo After Keratin Treatment?
• Sodium Chloride
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Parabens
• What to Look for in a Shampoo for Keratin-treated Hair?
• Best Shampoos for Keratin-treated Hair
• Wow Activated Charcoal & Keratin Shampoo
• Wow Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

What Is a Keratin Treatment?

The term 'keratin treatment' has become an umbrella term for different hair smoothening treatments. However, all such hair treatments have one thing in common — they use keratin to add shine and straighten hair.

Brazilian blowout is the most common and long-lasting keratin treatment. A single session can give you smooth and straight hair for up to six months. But there are other types of keratin treatments as well, and they last anywhere from a month to six months.

Stylists apply a keratin-based product on your hair and then seal it with a flat iron during a keratin treatment. Keratin is also the name of the protein that makes our hair and nails. You can think of treatments as an external layer of protein that keeps hair smooth, straight, and manageable.

What to Do After a Keratin Treatment?

There are a few things you MUST do after a keratin treatment:

• Avoid washing your hair

You can't wash your hair after a keratin treatment, not even with plain water. Most stylists recommend waiting for at least 72 hours, but you may have to wait longer depending on the kind of keratin treatment you've had.

• Don't tie or tuck your hair

Your locks would be quite vulnerable for a few days following the keratin treatment. During this time, you must not tie your hair with a hairband or hairclip. Some stylists recommend not tucking your hair behind your ear during this time since leaving it like that for a long time may cause creasing.

• Use a silk pillow

A silk pillow cover will reduce friction between the fabric and your hair. This is particularly important when you have just had a keratin treatment, and your hair is still prone to breakage.

• Avoid swimming

Swimming is a strict no-no for as long as a month following your keratin treatment. That's because the chlorine present in pool water can wash away the keratin. If you must swim, protect your head with a tight cap.

Do You Need Special Shampoo After Keratin Treatment?

Yes, you do need special shampoo after keratin treatment. You cannot use any off-the-shelf supermarket shampoo if you want to maintain the shine and smoothness of your hair.

However, it's easier to understand what you should avoid in shampoo. Let's have a look at some ingredients to avoid following your keratin treatment:

• Sodium Chloride

Many shampoo manufacturers use sodium chloride as a thickening agent. It gives the shampoo a soft and velvety texture, adding a premium feel to it. However, sodium chloride is terrible for keratin-treated hair. 

It's the fastest way to wash off all keratin from your hair. When choosing a shampoo after a keratin treatment, make sure it doesn't contain sodium chloride.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Many shampoos use sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a mild detergent. It creates lather and makes the shampoo easier to use. However, you should stay away from SLS after a keratin treatment. SLS can strip away the externally applied protein and leave your hair dry and rough.

• Parabens

Parabens add shelf life to hair and skin care products, but they are not good for your hair. They tend to percolate through the skin (and scalp) and have certain carcinogenic properties. You should avoid parabens even if you don't have keratin-treated hair.

What to Look for in a Shampoo for Keratin-treated Hair?

First, you make sure that the shampoo you choose doesn't contain sodium chloride, SLS, and parabens.

Second, look for natural ingredients, and specifically, natural oils. Keratin-treated hair needs gentle washing, so avoid any harsh chemicals. Go for shampoos with natural oils, coconut extracts, and other moisturizing ingredients. As long as you are staying away from harsh chemicals, your hair will be fine.

Best Shampoos for Keratin-treated Hair

There are plenty of good shampoos for keratin-treated hair, and the choice would depend on your hair type. In the following segment, we have some product recommendations for post-keratin treatment hair care.

Wow Activated Charcoal & Keratin Shampoo

If you are confused about what to use after a keratin treatment, go for a keratin shampoo. This activated charcoal and keratin shampoo from Wow Skin Science gently removes dirt and impurities without drying your hair. 

Keratin makes your hair stronger by adding a protective layer to your strands.

Wow Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

As we already mentioned, natural oil-based shampoos are great for keratin-treated hair. The Moroccan argan oil shampoo from Wow Skin Science has Nettle leaf extract, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera extract. Using this shampoo won't dry out your hair and will extend the life of the keratin treatment.

Keratin treatments are effective, but you must be cautious of the dos and don'ts following the treatment. We hope this guide answers some questions about keratin-treated hair care.