Keratin Treatment Aftercare: A Complete Guide
What to do — and what to avoid — in the days and weeks after a keratin treatment so your hair stays smooth, shiny and comfortable to manage.
The First Wash
Treatments differ, so the directions that came with yours always come first. Some ask you to wait before washing; others don’t. With Hair Liss Perfect, the directions allow washing after the flat-iron step, using only a mask or a hydrating conditioner for that first wash, then drying and styling as usual.
If a stylist did your treatment, ask two questions before you leave: when you can wash, and what you should wash with.
Washing in the Weeks After
- Wash less often if you can. A smoothing result fades with washing, so every wash you skip helps it last.
- Use a gentle shampoo and work it into the scalp rather than scrubbing the lengths.
- Condition every time, from mid-lengths to ends.
- Rinse with lukewarm water. Very hot water is drying.
Many stylists recommend avoiding harsh cleansers and salt-heavy shampoos on treated hair. Our post-keratin hair care collection includes the Brillo Mania hydrating shampoo, which the seller recommends after straightening treatments, and the salt-free Onion & Coffee shampoo and conditioner. Note that salt-free and sulfate-free are not the same thing; if you want to avoid sulfates, check the ingredient list on the label.
Heat Styling
One benefit of a smoothing treatment is that hair takes less effort to style, so you can usually use less heat than before.
- Apply a leave-in heat protectant before blow-drying or flat-ironing.
- Dry hair completely. Slightly damp hair is the first to frizz, especially in humid weather.
- Use moderate temperatures for everyday styling and keep the highest settings for the treatment itself.
Sun, Pool and Ocean
Chlorine and salt water are drying for any hair, treated or not, and Florida offers plenty of both. Wet your hair with fresh water before swimming so it absorbs less pool or sea water, rinse again afterward, and condition. A hat helps on long days in the sun.
A Weekly Mask
Conditioned hair holds a smooth finish better. Once a week, swap your conditioner for a mask and leave it on for the time on the label — typically 5 to 10 minutes. See hair masks and repair treatments for options, including the Excelencia Hair Mask.
Brushing and Sleeping
Detangle from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb or a soft brush, and avoid tight elastics that leave a dent. Many people find that a satin or silk pillowcase reduces friction and morning frizz.
Touch-Ups
The Hair Liss Perfect directions are specific here:
- Repeat the full treatment only every 3 to 6 months.
- When your roots grow in, apply only to the new growth — not to lengths that are already straight.
- On the lengths, use liquid keratin instead of re-treating.
Re-applying a smoothing treatment over already-treated hair is one of the most common causes of dryness and breakage.
What Shortens a Smoothing Result
- Washing every day.
- Strong clarifying or deep-cleansing shampoos used routinely. They are meant for the wash before a treatment.
- Frequent swimming without rinsing and conditioning.
- Skipping conditioner.
When to Talk to a Professional
See a stylist if your hair feels brittle or breaks after a treatment, or a doctor if your scalp or skin is irritated. Stop using any product that causes irritation.