What Is A Keratin Treatment? Benefits, Process & Aftercare

August 12, 2025
A Person Holding Ybera’s Fashion Gold Keratin Treatment

Let's discuss the science behind keratin treatment. Dive into benefits, process, & aftercare with Ybera’s luxury vegan solutions.

Definition: A keratin treatment is a professional smoothing therapy applied in salons that infuses hydrolyzed keratin protein deep into the hair cuticle to restore, restructure, and smooth the hair, making it more manageable, shiny, and resistant to humidity.

Science: Keratin is a protein rich in the amino acid cystine that provides hair with toughness and elasticity. During the treatment, keratin bonds to the hair strands’ subcuticle layer, sealed in by heat using a flat iron. This process smooths and strengthens the hair by filling gaps and repairing damaged cuticles, which reduces frizz and enhances shine. It temporarily changes the hair's natural structure by making it sleeker and more manageable.

Benefits:

  • Saves blow-drying and styling time, especially for coarse or curly hair.
  • Protects hair from thermal damage by reducing the need for frequent heat styling tools.
  • Gives the appearance of healthier hair by temporarily masking damage and reducing breakage and tangling
Fun Fact: Unlike chemical relaxers, keratin treatments do not permanently straighten hair but provide a temporary smoothing effect while also strengthening the hair strands

Key Takeaways:

  • What Keratin Treatments Do: Keratin treatments infuse hair with concentrated proteins for smoother, frizz-free, and more manageable texture, suitable even for color-treated or chemically processed hair.
  • A Safer, Smarter Approach: Modern keratin treatments focus on safety and efficacy, with formaldehyde-free and customizable options that cater to specific hair textures and concerns without compromising health.
  • Why Aftercare Matters: Proper aftercare and maintenance, including using sulfate-free products and limiting heat styling, are crucial to prolonging the effects and benefits of keratin treatments.

 

A keratin treatment is a professional hair-smoothing service rooted in the biology of your hair. Keratin—a protein naturally found in hair—is an internal scaffolding supporting each strand’s structure and resilience. Over time, exposure to heat styling, coloring, and environmental aggressors can strip away this essential protein, leading to frizz, dullness, and breakage.

A keratin smoothing treatment infuses the hair shaft with concentrated proteins and nourishing actives. These treatments use advanced delivery systems to help replenish depleted keratin and seal the hair cuticle, creating a smoother, more reflective surface. The blend of research-driven formulations that prioritize efficacy without compromising health or ethical considerations sets modern keratin treatments apart. 

Keratin treatments are also chosen for those battling unruly curls or persistent frizz and clients looking to streamline their hair routine. With results that can last for several weeks, even after frequent washing, these treatments significantly reduce styling time and heat exposure, which helps prevent further damage.

Advancements in ingredient science continue to shape the evolution of keratin treatments, with newer options focusing on formaldehyde-free compositions that are gentler for both hair and scalp. This evolution reflects a growing emphasis on safety, inclusivity, and long-term hair health, making it easier for more people to confidently incorporate keratin treatments into their care routine.


Benefits Of Keratin Treatments

Keratin treatments have become a trusted solution for effectively transforming and managing hair texture. These treatments work by replenishing the natural keratin protein in your hair, resulting in multiple advantages beyond a sleek finish. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is keratin treatment good for hair?” these core benefits help explain why it’s widely recommended by professionals.


Smoother, Frizz-Free Hair

One of the most significant benefits is the immediate reduction of frizz. By smoothing down the hair cuticle, keratin treatments keep moisture from penetrating and disrupting hair structure, which is especially valuable in humid environments.


Manageability And Time Savings

Styling hair becomes noticeably easier and faster. Blow-drying times can be cut by up to half, and flat irons glide with less resistance, making daily routines more convenient for busy individuals.


Enhanced Hair Strength And Resilience

With a fortified cuticle layer, hair feels softer and withstands environmental stressors better. Keratin treatments can strengthen hair that is prone to breakage, reducing split ends and overall damage.


Long-Lasting Results

Unlike temporary smoothing products, a professional keratin treatment can maintain its effects for several weeks with the correct aftercare. You get enduring shine, smoothness, and improved texture—without daily reapplication.


Safe For Color-Treated And Processed Hair

Many modern formulas are designed to be compatible with color-treated or chemically processed hair, helping to lock in vibrancy while protecting against further stress.

Smooth, healthy hair doesn’t have to be complicated. Ybera’s Fashion Gold keratin treatment delivers lasting shine, reduced frizz, and salon-level manageability—without harsh ingredients or high-maintenance upkeep. Designed for all hair types and safe for at-home use, this advanced formula supports strength and softness from root to tip.

Looking for better hair days that actually last? Discover the power of Fashion Gold—the keratin smoothing treatment trusted by millions worldwide.

 

A Woman Holding Ybera’s Fashion Gold Keratin Treatment


The Keratin Treatment Process Explained

A keratin treatment begins with a thorough consultation to assess your hair’s unique needs and desired outcome. To customize the approach, your stylist will evaluate factors such as texture, previous coloring or chemical processes, and overall hair health.


Step 1: Deep Cleansing

Before cleansing, start with FASHION GOLD’s Protective Pre-Poo—a deeply hydrating, pre-shampoo treatment that creates a nourishing barrier to protect your hair from dryness and breakage. This step is especially important for dry, chemically treated, or textured hair, helping to lock in moisture, detangle strands, and boost shine before you even reach for your shampoo. Apply to dry hair, starting 10 cm from the scalp to the ends, let sit for 2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Follow with a clarifying shampoo or the FASHION GOLD Post-Progressive Shampoo to gently remove buildup, oils, and impurities. This dual-step approach ensures your hair is clean, protected, and perfectly prepped—allowing the keratin treatment to penetrate each strand more effectively while maintaining hydration and manageability from the start.


Step 2: Application Of Keratin Solution

Once hair is clean and slightly damp, a specialized keratin treatment is applied section by section. Precision in this stage is key; the formula evenly coats from root to tip, ensuring consistent smoothing and protection.


Step 3: Processing

After application, the solution remains on the hair for a set period, typically 20-45 minutes. This allows the active ingredients to bond with hair fibers, restructuring the cuticle and infusing it with strengthening proteins.


Step 4: Rinse And Blow-Dry

Some protocols call for a light rinse; others retain product before drying. Your stylist then blow-dries your hair, aligning the strands and activating the smoothing effect.


Step 5: Sealing With Flat Iron

The transformation is locked in using a flat iron at controlled temperatures. Each section is carefully straightened, sealing the keratin complex into the hair shaft and maximizing shine, smoothness, and manageability.


Step 6: Aftercare Guidance

The professional will provide tailored care instructions, such as waiting to wash your hair, recommended products, and styling tips to extend your results and keep your hair healthy. Clients often ask, “How long does keratin treatment last?” and with the proper maintenance, results can typically be enjoyed for up to three months. For those looking to simplify the process without sacrificing performance, a keratin treatment at home can offer a flexible, effective solution when applied with the right tools and post-treatment products.

 

PROTECT & CONTROL SHAMPOO 300ml, PROTECT & CONTROL MASK 250g, and PROTECT POO - Pre-Shampoo 300ml


Types Of Keratin Treatments Available

Keratin treatments come in several forms, each developed to address specific hair concerns and lifestyle needs. Understanding these options will help you select the method most compatible with your hair type and daily routine.


Traditional Keratin Treatments

These treatments aim to deeply smooth hair, minimize frizz, and add long-lasting shine. They’re suitable for those seeking significant texture transformation, reducing curl, streamlining the blow-drying process, and maintaining manageability for several months. Application generally involves a keratin-rich solution and careful flat-ironing to seal the formula.


Express/Smoothing Treatments

For individuals pressed for time, express or smoothing versions offer similar benefits on a compressed schedule. The procedure and heat-sealing process are less intensive, making it ideal if you want softer, more manageable hair without the commitment of a complete treatment, or as a quick, effective touch-up between standard services.


Formaldehyde-Free Keratin Treatments

Increasing demand for safer alternatives has led to formulations excluding harsh chemicals like formaldehyde. These treatments prioritize gentle, non-toxic ingredients while preserving the smoothing and strengthening effects of traditional keratin therapies. They’re especially recommended for those with sensitivities, color-treated hair, or anyone prioritizing a clean beauty regimen. With the right formula, a formaldehyde free keratin treatment at home can deliver salon-grade results without compromising safety or convenience.


Customizable And Specialized Keratin Systems

Some systems cater to specific hair goals, such as preserving natural volume, enhancing curls while taming frizz, or prolonging vibrant color. Products can be tailored during the application process, allowing for a personalized approach—whether seeking maximum straightening, a subtle polish, or treatment focused on damage repair.

By considering the available types, you can ensure your chosen keratin service aligns with your needs, delivering smoother, more manageable hair in a way that fits your lifestyle and values.


Maintaining Results: Do's And Don'ts

The results of keratin smoothing treatment for hair can be transformative, but lasting shine and smoothness depend on how you care for your hair in the following weeks. The proper habits will safeguard your investment, while the wrong ones may cause that coveted silkiness to fade prematurely. 

Here’s a guide to preserving and extending the benefits of your keratin hair treatment and addressing common concerns like does keratin treatment damage hair by focusing on supportive care.


Do’s

  • Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner: Sulfates strip away the smoothing agents applied during your treatment. Always reach for gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and conditioners to maintain integrity.
  • Hydrate & Nourish: Products rich in plant-sourced oils, vitamins, and proteins help rebuild and reinforce treated hair. Weekly hydrating masks can keep strands supple and resilient.
  • Limit Washing: The less frequently you shampoo, the longer the treatment lasts. Aim for two to three washes weekly, and use lukewarm water to prevent cuticle swelling.
  • Protect From Heat: Apply a heat protectant before blow-drying, flat-ironing, or curling. Even though keratin-treated hair is more resilient, ongoing heat exposure can weaken bonds over time.
  • Brush Gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or soft-bristled brush to detangle damp hair, starting at the tips and working up. This minimizes breakage and prevents stress on treated strands.

 

Don’ts

  • Avoid Salt & Chlorine: Saltwater and chlorinated pools can degrade the keratin layer. If swimming is unavoidable, use a swim cap or rinse hair thoroughly with fresh water before and after exposure.
  • Stay Away From Harsh Chemicals: Hair products containing alcohol, parabens, silicones, or aggressive surfactants can counteract treatment effects. Read ingredient lists carefully.
  • Don’t Tie Damp Hair Tightly: Wait until hair is dry before tying it up. Tight styles on wet hair can create dents and disrupt a smooth finish.
  • Hold Off On Color Treatments: Dyeing or chemically altering hair too soon can compromise the results. Wait at least two weeks for your cuticle to reseal before coloring.
  • Don’t Overuse Dry Shampoo: While convenient, frequent use of powder-based dry shampoos can cause buildup and reduce shine. Use sparingly to retain a fresh, clean appearance.

Small adjustments to your everyday routine make a measurable difference in the longevity of your keratin treatment. Consistent care ensures hair remains smooth, lustrous, and easy to style.


Why Choose Formaldehyde-Free Options

Formaldehyde has long been a topic of debate in the hair care world, particularly regarding traditional keratin treatments. While it’s effective in smoothing and straightening, formaldehyde releases strong fumes during application and heat exposure, raising significant health and safety concerns for both clients and stylists. Prolonged exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and skin, as well as respiratory discomfort.


A Safer, Cleaner Alternative

Opting for a formaldehyde free keratin treatment addresses these risks head-on. Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, these alternatives use advanced protein blends, botanical extracts, and natural conditioners to realign the hair’s structure. You still achieve sleek, manageable hair, but without exposing yourself or your stylist to unpleasant fumes or potential allergic reactions.


Better For Color-Treated And Processed Hair

There’s also an added layer of reassurance for those with color-treated or chemically processed hair. Formaldehyde-free options tend to be gentler, minimizing the likelihood of fading or additional damage. This means you can maintain vibrant color and hair health, even as you enjoy the benefits of smoother texture and frizz reduction.


Supporting A Shift Toward Clean Beauty

Finally, the shift to safer, formaldehyde-free alternatives aligns with broader demands for cleaner beauty products—those that are vegan, cruelty-free, and respect your hair’s integrity and the environment. For busy professionals, families, and salon operators, these formulas provide a reliable option that prioritizes safety alongside performance.

 

Brazilian Keratin Treatment, Smoothing and Straightening System


Frequently Asked Questions About Keratin Treatment

What is a keratin treatment?

A keratin treatment is a professional hair-smoothing service that infuses hair strands with liquid keratin, a protein naturally found in hair. This process helps eliminate frizz, boost shine, and create a smoother, more manageable texture. At Ybera, our research-driven formulas deliver these benefits while prioritizing safety, utilizing advanced, vegan ingredients free from formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals.


How does a keratin treatment work?

During a keratin treatment, your stylist applies a specialized formulation to your clean, damp hair. This formula penetrates the hair cuticle to reinforce the hair’s natural structure with additional keratin. Sealing with heat (typically using a flat iron) locks in the ingredients, resulting in smoother, stronger, and more resilient hair. Ybera’s French-Brazilian expertise ensures effective results across all hair types, focusing on gentle, high-performance care.


How long does a keratin treatment take to apply?

The full application process for Ybera’s keratin treatment typically takes between 90 minutes to two and a half hours, depending on your hair’s length, texture, and density. The treatment itself should be left on the hair for 60 minutes to ensure optimal results. While professionals may perform the treatment in-salon, Ybera’s clear, step-by-step instructions make it easy and safe to achieve professional results at home.


Who is the best candidate for a keratin treatment?

Keratin treatments are suitable for most hair types, especially those dealing with frizz, dryness, or unruliness. Ideal candidates include busy professionals, seniors, and anyone looking for smoother, more manageable hair with reduced styling time. Ybera’s formaldehyde-free and vegan options are also safe for color-treated and chemically-processed hair.


What are the main benefits of a keratin treatment?

Keratin treatments offer a range of benefits: frizz reduction, smoother texture, enhanced shine, faster drying time, and improved resistance to humidity. With Ybera’s formulations, you also benefit from enhanced hair health, thanks to our emphasis on hydration, nourishment, and protection against heat and environmental stressors.


What is the difference between keratin treatment and Brazilian blowout?

While both treatments aim to smooth and defrizz hair, they differ in formulation and technique. Brazilian blowouts often rely on harsher chemicals and may release formaldehyde during application. Ybera’s keratin treatments are based on innovative, research-driven formulas that are vegan, cruelty-free, and entirely free from formaldehyde, delivering lasting results with proven safety for professionals and home users.


Can a keratin treatment damage hair?

When performed with high-quality, formaldehyde-free products such as those from Ybera, keratin treatments do not damage hair. In fact, our advanced, sulfate- and paraben-free formulas are designed to strengthen and protect hair. Damage risk primarily occurs with inferior or harsh chemical-based treatments, underlining the importance of choosing a trusted, science-based brand like Ybera.


How often can you get a keratin treatment?

Most professionals recommend repeating a keratin treatment every three to five months, depending on your hair type, maintenance routine, and desired level of smoothness. However, as your hair grows, you may need to reapply the treatment to the roots sooner to maintain consistent results. Regular at-home care using sulfate-free, nourishing products—like those from Ybera—will help extend the life of your treatment and keep your hair smooth and manageable between applications.