If you've had a keratin treatment done, you are probably not new to the golden rule: “Don't wash your hair for the next three days.” That's a whole 72 hours of holding back! What if you bend the rule a little and wash at 48 hours instead? Will that undo the treatment, or is it not such a big deal? You're about to find out.
What Is a Keratin Treatment?
A keratin treatment isn't just another wash-and-style process. It's a chemical treatment that infuses keratin deep into your hair fibre and is sealed in with heat using a flat iron. But here's the catch: this keratin wonder, however, requires high maintenance, especially when it is just done. This is the reason why the 72-hour wait period exists anyway.
Once you decide to have a keratin treatment done, you must comply with basic instructions to get the most out of the treatment.
Why the Wait Time Matters
The flat iron may seal keratin in, but the bond doesn't happen instantly. For the first 72 hours, your hair is in a delicate state—bonding the keratin with your individual strands. Any contact with water or humidity can break the process.
Picture it like painting your nails. You wouldn't run your fingers under water immediately after a fresh paint, would you? If you nod in the affirmative, then the same goes for a hair keratin treatment. Washing too early can make the treatment look ineffective.
What Really Happens When You Wash at 48 Hours?
Truth is, you wouldn't have an overnight disaster suddenly because you washed after 48 hours, but it can mess up your results in ways you'll notice later.
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The results don't last long - A keratin treatment normally would last 4-6 months if it were done properly, like the Best Hair Keratin Treatment. Instead, you may enjoy 1-3 months of smoothness if it doesn't fully set in.
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Patchy results - You may notice that some areas are smooth to you, while some areas look like they haven't been touched at all. This unevenness is peculiar to keratin treatments that were not done properly.
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Frizz can crawl in sooner.
Living in the UAE? Here's Why You Should Wait
So, here's the hard truth you already may know. The climate in the UAE, like in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, isn't exactly hair-friendly. It's a common struggle in the UAE to have smooth hair every day.
Regular treatments like conditioners, serums, and oils may not see you through the day, so you need a keratin treatment. For one, humidity in the UAE is no small joke. Your hair can go from fine and smooth to limp and frizzy before the end of the day. So if your keratin treatment hasn't fully stayed, humidity will win.
Between humidity and intense heat from the sun, it's hard to say which is worse. If your hair is not getting affected by humid air, watch out for the sun. The sun in the UAE is stronger than in many other places; thus, UV rays can weaken the keratin layer.
Let's not even forget to mention the water in the UAE. The water in most places is hard due to its high mineral content. However, GK Hair's The Best Hair Treatment lasts even in these climate situations. Well, that's if you follow the 72-hour wait period or whatever period was stated on the keratin bottle.
Doing It Right: Keratin Treatment Aftercare
The aftercare begins immediately when you stand up from that salon chair or, if you did a home keratin treatment, after you leave the shower. Keratin treatment is a luxury treatment, but if you don't follow the aftercare routine, you'll feel like the UAE’s climate is working against you.
Wait a While
Now that you already know why waiting is of the essence, let's talk about what you can do in the waiting period. You can plan your post-wash schedule.
Many people count on keratin treatment to do all the work. A keratin treatment can do wonders, but it isn't magic. You'll still need the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products and tools. Map out when you will do a trim and a Deep Conditioning Mask.
You could even go about your usual day-to-day activities, but be sure your hair is protected—no direct sunlight, no water contact at all. You are allowed to comb mildly through your hair. This just helps to spread natural oils without tampering with the keratin treatment.
Use Sulphate-Free Shampoos
Yay, the 72-hour wait time is over; you can now wash your hair! The caveat, though, is that a chemical as strong as sulphate isn't keratin’s best friend. In fact, all of your hair care products should truly care for your hair so as to extend the life of the keratin treatment. Don't waste your time still deciding which to go for. GK Hair's Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner are keratin-friendly, hair-friendly, gentle, and hydrating.
Avoid Salt and Chlorinated Water
Chlorine can dry the natural oils from your hair, leaving it brittle. Salt water, on the other hand, can make your hair shaft swell. This opens the hair cuticle, letting the protein out of your hair.
Tune Down Heat-Styling
After a keratin treatment, you really don't need heat tools. You should enjoy the sleekness of the keratin! You don't always have to rely on hot tools to style your hair effortlessly. Try safer options like buns and slick back that just require a brush and a wide-toothed comb. What heat does is to trigger the hair cuticle to open up again, making it react to structural changes by the tools.
Protect Your Hair Outdoors
Even if the weather seemed friendly before you stepped out, it's better to be safe than sorry with a hat on your head. Keep an umbrella close to you in case it rains. An alternative is to wear a UV-protecting spray like GK Hair's Shield Conditioner or a leave-in conditioner to protect your hair from the sun. Whichever option you go for, ensure your hair is fully protected.
Use a Silk Pillowcase
Many things could go wrong while you sleep. There's friction that can cause breakage and split ends. Swap cotton fabrics for silky ones. Silk allows the hair to glide smoothly without becoming flattened or creased. Silk pillowcases also prevent hair from losing oil.
Get Regular Keratin Touch-ups
Keratin treatment isn't a one-time solution. Over time, the treatment will start to fade, hence the need for a touch-up. Without touch-ups, the treatment will be back to normal, like a keratin treatment wasn't done at all. Moreso, because your hair is growing, new regrowth would look and feel different from areas that have been worked on. A regular touch-up session would help treat these areas.
Use Keratin-Infused Products
You don't have to always wait for your next touch-up. Using keratin-infused products, like those of GK Hair, is a perfect hair treatment for smooth hair every day. With GK Hair's shampoo and conditioner, and oil serum, your hair gets keratin every day. This is rather a great way of having a touch-up without booking an appointment. If the UAE has you frustrated, browse GK Hair's Anti-frizz and Shine Collection for some keratin-infused relief.
UAE’s climate might want to dictate for you, but here's How to Achieve Good Hair Day Every Day.
Wrap Up
We know the struggle—living in the UAE means you'll sweat more, and that can leave your scalp wet too. If 72 hours feels like forever because you feel very uncomfortable, try using a dry shampoo that is free of sulphates, alcohol and other harsh ingredients. By the 48th hour, you can go ahead and have a light rinse with GK Hair's Moisturising Conditioner. One more thing before you go: ensure to cover your hair with a silk scarf.
