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When to Wash Hair After Keratin Treatment – Tips & Tricks (2024)

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when can you wash hair after keratin treatmentCapturing the moment when you first see your sleek, shiny hair after a keratin treatment is like witnessing a butterfly emerging from its cocoon – it’s absolutely breathtaking. But if you’re looking to maintain that smooth and straight look for longer, there are certain steps you must take in order to keep your hair healthy post-treatment.

One of the most important but often overlooked aspects of caring for keratin-treated hair is understanding when you can wash it without damaging the results.

Key Takeaways

  • Wait at least 72 hours before washing your hair after a keratin treatment.
  • Seek advice from a stylist regarding the specific timing for washing your hair after the treatment.
  • Follow a hair care routine that includes sulfate-free shampoo and lukewarm water.
  • Take steps to prolong the effects of the keratin treatment, such as using dry shampoo between washes.

Why Wait 72 Hours Before Washing Hair?

Why Wait 72 Hours Before Washing Hair
The first 72 hours after your keratin treatment are essential for it to settle and harden, so it’s best to wait at least twelve hours before shampooing.

To keep the effects for a long time, use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner that is specially made for chemically treated hair, such as L’Oreal Paris Defy, Keratin Complex, or Alfaparf Milano Lisse products.

When washing with water, make sure its temperature isn’t too hot or cold since lukewarm water is ideal in order to not damage your freshly treated hair strands. Gently blot dry with a microfiber towel instead of using heat from hairdryers; air-drying works best if possible.

Also, try avoiding tight hairstyles like ponytails, which can accelerate product stripping off, as well as exposure from hard waters like chlorine pools, which are also damaging to fresh treatments!

Taking all these steps can ensure that you have healthy-looking locks through every wash cycle while preserving the longevity of your hair treatment now and keeping it undamaged throughout its lifespan!

Preparing for Your First Post-Treatment Wash

Preparing for Your First Post-Treatment Wash
Now that you’ve already waited the recommended 72 hours before washing your keratin-treated hair, it’s time to prepare for your first post-keratin treatment.

To help make sure you get optimal results from this new look and maintain a smooth finish, there are some extra steps to take.

First off, using a suitable shampoo and conditioner duo is key; opt for something sulfate-free like L’Oreal EverPure Frizz Defy or Keratin Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner by Alfaparf Milano.

It’s also important to avoid heat as much as possible when drying – air dry if possible or use low heat on a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment – and blot gently with a microfiber towel instead of scrubbing roughly.

For maximum results:

  • Air dry whenever possible
  • Avoid wet brushing in the first two weeks
  • Use white/clear/colored Dry Shampoos between washes
  • Gently blot excess water if necessary then use low heat settings on hairdryers
  • Use sulfate-free shampoos

Taking these extra steps will ensure long-lasting effects of your freshly treated hair! Keep an eye out for any signs of damage such as split ends appearing more frequently than usual over time.

Invest in the Right Hair Care Products

Invest in the Right Hair Care Products
Investing in the right hair care products is essential for maintaining your keratin-treated hair. We recommend trying out L’Oreal EverPure Frizz-Defy Bundle, Keratin Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner, and Keratin Hair Care Value Pack – all of which are sulfate-free.

Additionally, using a microfiber towel to gently blot excess water from your hair, as well as having a wide-toothed comb, will help you keep up with post-treatment maintenance.

1. L’Oreal EverPure Frizz-Defy Bundle


Try L’Oreal EverPure Frizz-Defy Bundle for a vegan, cruelty-free hair care solution that will help control your flyaways and frizz for up to 48 hours! The bundle contains sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, and serum with key ingredients like rosemary and juniper oils.

For optimal results, avoid heat styling after the treatment; air dry or use low heat on a hairdryer. Steer clear of dyes and perms for a few weeks as well as tight styles – tuck hair behind ears instead.

2. Keratin Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner


Alfaparf Milano’s Keratin Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner is a paraben-free liquid duo that can help you keep your hair smooth, strong, soft, and tangle-free. It also helps maintain and prolong the effects of keratin salon treatments. The sulfate-free formula gently cleanses and moisturizes hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

Use heat protectants before styling to ensure maximum frizz resistance. For best results, pair it with Keratin Complex Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner Set or a microfiber towel for gentle drying post-wash.

3. Keratin Hair Care Value Pack


Invest in the Keratin Hair Care Value Pack to experience maximum frizz resistance and improved thickness while extending your keratin treatment results. This sulfate, salt, and SLS-free shampoo and conditioner set hydrates hair while being safe for color-treated or keratin-treated hair.

It contains mild surfactants that won’t strip away the treatment’s beneficial effects. Formulated with botanical ingredients, it provides a soothing scent as well as removes frizz, defines curls, makes hair stronger & shinier, and reduces hair loss.

Use a Microfiber Hair Towel

Gently dry your hair with a microfiber towel after shampooing to prevent friction and maximize the effects of your keratin treatment! Microfiber towels are essential for preserving the keratin treatment.

They have superior absorbency and are gentler on strands than regular towels. Furthermore, choose the right shampoo: sulfate-free formulas retain moisture better without stripping away any of its benefits.

Make sure to use lukewarm water – not too hot or cold – when washing it off to keep hair hydrated. Follow up with a good minute deep conditioning session for added smoothness and shine, then shape your tresses however you desire afterwards using only minimal heat setting if desired! A microfiber towel helps maintain both texture and volume while ensuring that no damage is done due to excessive brushing or drying.

Have a Wide-Toothed Comb

Carefully detangle your locks with a wide-toothed comb, like unlocking the doors to a shining palace. Pre-shampooing is essential for protecting the scalp and strands before keratin treatments; this helps reduce frizz and keep hair tangle-free.

Use sulfate-free shampoos that are gentle on color-treated hair while also maintaining moisture balance, as well as quaternized collagen to strengthen it further. After washing, gently blot dry your hair with a microfiber towel instead of rubbing or brushing vigorously to maximize the effects of keratin treatment without damaging delicate strands.

How to Wash Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment

How to Wash Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment
When it comes to washing your hair after a keratin treatment, there are several key points you should keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you check the water temperature and ensure it’s lukewarm; secondly, don’t wet your hair too much – just enough for products; thirdly, maximize the use of shampoo and conditioner by applying conditioner before showering.

Check the Water Temperature

Check that your water temperature is lukewarm, around 38-42°C. This will help maximize the effects of your keratin treatment and keep hair healthy.

Avoid heat drying – use a microfiber towel to blot dry instead.

Hair type also plays an important role in aftercare. Straight hair may require more hydration than curly or wavy locks, so consider using masks or creams when washing with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for best results!

Don’t forget to avoid too much heat styling post-treatment either. This could lead to stripping away some of the benefits you’ve gained from the Keratin Treatment itself.

See what works best for you!

Don’t Wet Your Hair Too Much

Don’t drown your hair in water – just enough to get the shampoo and conditioner on! The key is lukewarm water, around 38-42°C.

Use a microfiber towel to blot dry without causing friction, which could damage your hair further.

Developing a tailored wash routine to suit you will ensure that you keep those coveted Keratin Treatment effects for as long as possible.

Maximize Your Shampoo and Conditioner

Blot your hair dry with a microfiber towel to get the most out of your sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and keep that Keratin Treatment looking fierce!

Maximize time keratin on hair by detangling with a wide-tooth comb before air drying or using low heat.

Use a sodium chloride/sulfate-free shampoo for extra care, then apply conditioner set from roots to ends.

Afterward, protect it all further with a leave-in heat protectant spray.

Dry shampoos are also great in between washes – just make sure they don’t contain petroleum or sea salt, which can strip away treatment effects quickly!

Keeping up this routine ensures you enjoy the maximum benefits of the Keratin Treatment over time.

Apply Conditioner Before Showering

Before hopping in the shower, treat your tresses with a generous helping of conditioner – it’s key for retaining that silky-smooth feeling. Use sulfate-free shampoo and make sure you use lukewarm water (not too hot or cold) to maintain moisture levels in color-treated hair.

Dry shampoo is great between washes, but make sure it doesn’t contain petroleum or sea salt, which can strip away treatment effects quickly.

Air drying with low heat is ideal after using this dynamic duo. If wet, gently blot and use a hairdryer on the lowest setting possible until dry.

Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Keratin-Treated Hair


To make sure your keratin treatment lasts, it’s important to use the right shampoo and conditioner. Some great options are L’Oreal Paris Defy, Keratin Complex, or Alfaparf Milano Lisse. These products are sulfate-free and will help maintain frizz resistance. They also provide natural botanical oils for hydration.

When washing your hair after a keratin treatment, be sure to use lukewarm water temperature. Avoid over-wetting your hair, and only wet it enough for product application. Before showering, apply conditioner and then gently blot with a microfiber towel afterwards.

To further protect your treated locks from heat styling damage, leave in a heat protectant prior to drying out your tresses naturally.

Dos and Don’ts After a Keratin Treatment

Dos and Don
After your keratin treatment, make sure to avoid tight hairstyles and dyeing or perming your hair for a few weeks. Heat is one of the biggest threats to treated strands, so it’s best to air-dry whenever possible and use low heat settings when using a hairdryer.

Use lukewarm water while shampooing to prevent any damage from occurring on the hair shaft.

To maintain healthy-looking locks, incorporate hydration into your routine with sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners like L’Oreal Paris Defy or Keratin Complex. These products will help preserve frizz resistance without stripping away important oils from the scalp.

Dry shampoo can be used between washes, but it should not replace regular washing as this could strip away some of the protective treatment coating on strands over time.

With proper care, you can ensure that your keratin treatment lasts longer than expected!

How to Tie Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment

How to Tie Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment
Gently tying your hair with a soft scrunchie after a keratin treatment can keep your locks looking luscious and frizz-free without compromising the effects of the treatment.

  • Use sulfate-free products to maintain water balance, avoid damage, and control frizz.
  • Air dry or use low heat settings when drying, like hairdryers on diffuser mode.
  • For colored hair, use microfiber towels to blot out excessive moisture instead of rubbing or brushing it dry.
  • Seek professional advice from stylists who have applied keratin treatments before. They can guide you through proper post-treatment care specific to your case! Preparing properly is essential for maintaining smoothness and shine even after several washes.

It’s also important that you hydrate regularly both before and after getting a keratin treatment to prevent protein imbalance. This imbalance can lead to dullness over time if not taken seriously into account.

Additional Hair Care Tips for Treated Hair


After receiving a keratin treatment, it is important to keep your hair down and avoid other chemicals for the first few weeks. Establishing a hydration routine by using sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, and a leave-in heat protectant will help maintain its effects.

Additionally, make sure to blot dry with microfiber towels instead of rubbing or brushing treated strands to prevent breakage.

Keep Your Hair Down

Avoid tight styles and keep your locks down to maximize the effects of your keratin treatment! Use sulfate-free products, air dry with low heat settings, and use microfiber towels for colored hair. Incorporate natural oils such as rosemary oil into your regimen – L’Oreal EverPure Frizz Defy Bundle is perfect for this! To avoid stripping away the protein that gives you smoothness and shine, wash only 1-2 times a week using sodium chloride/sulfate-free shampoo.

For those days in between washes, reach out for white or clear dry shampoos enriched with vitamins or botanical extracts like Keratin Hair Care Value Pack to absorb excess oil.

Avoid Other Chemicals for the First Few Weeks

To protect your hair’s luscious locks, steer clear of other chemical treatments for the first few weeks following a keratin treatment – think dyes, perms, and straighteners. Make sure to hydrate regularly with leave-in heat protectant products before and after showering.

Wash only with sulfate/salt-free shampoo like L’Oreal Paris Defy or Keratin Complex to maintain water balance while avoiding damage.

Additionally, refrain from using permanent or semi-permanent dye as this will strip away the frizz resistance provided by the keratin treatment you just had done.

Establish a Hydration Routine

Establish a routine that nourishes your hair with hydration – use sulfate/salt-free shampoo and conditioner, gently dry with a microfiber towel, and detangle using a wide-tooth comb after showering.

Keep the water temperature between 38-42°C when washing to avoid damage. Lather up only your roots and rinse thoroughly.

Apply babassu oil as a heat protectant before styling for added shine, while avoiding tight styles like ponytails or buns.

Dry shampoo is an option in between washes to absorb oils without stripping keratin treatment effects away!

Hydrate regularly with leave-in heat protectants containing botanical ingredients such as vitamins and natural extracts to keep locks strong, glossy, soft, and tangle-free – all the way until your next salon appointment!

Use a Leave-in Heat Protectant

Protect your hair from heat damage with a leave-in heat protectant, giving you glossy, soft locks for up to 12 weeks! Choose one that is specifically designed for treated hair and helps balance the pH levels.

It will also help restore oil balance and maintain effects of keratin treatment such as Keratin Express Treatment.

Depending on your hair type, it can be applied before or after heat styling, but should always be used prior to any direct contact with hot tools like flat irons or blow dryers.

With proper care, including hydration treatments and using a quality leave-in protectant regularly, you’ll keep looking beautiful all season long!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I wash my hair after a keratin treatment?

It is recommended to wait 12+ hours before washing your hair after a keratin treatment. For best results, use sulfate- and salt-free shampoo and conditioner made for chemically treated hair. Wash 1-2 times per week with lukewarm water, gently blotting dry afterward to prolong the effects of the treatment.

To maximize time between washes, use a leave-in heat protectant and opt for low styling temperatures or air drying instead of using hot tools like hair dryers or straighteners.

Can I use my regular shampoo after a keratin treatment?

No, you should not use your regular shampoo after a keratin treatment. Use sulfate/salt-free products specifically made for chemically-treated hair to maximize the effects and ensure strong, healthy locks that last.

How soon can I dye my hair after a keratin treatment?

Wait at least 2-3 months before coloring your hair after a keratin treatment. During this time, avoid using any heat styling tools or washing with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to maintain the effects of the treatment.

Ask your stylist for specific advice on dyeing hair based on type, amount of treatment used, and other factors.

Is there any way to extend the effects of a keratin treatment?

You can extend the effects of a keratin treatment by following proper aftercare instructions. Wait 12+ hours before washing, use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, gently dry with a microfiber towel, and detangle with a wide-tooth comb.

Can I use a hairdryer after a keratin treatment?

You can use a hairdryer after a keratin treatment, but make sure to keep it on low heat and avoid harsh styling. Gently blot your hair dry with a microfiber towel before using the diffuser for best results.

Allow time for the keratin to settle into your hair before blow-drying, or you may strip away some of its effects.

Conclusion

After a keratin treatment, your hair will feel smooth, strong, and glossy. But to keep the effects of the treatment lasting, proper aftercare is essential.

To get the most out of your keratin treatment, wait at least 72 hours before washing your hair and use sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in heat protectant. Detangle with a wide-toothed comb, dry with a microfiber towel, and avoid tying your hair up for the first few weeks.

Nourish and hydrate your hair with natural extracts and vitamins, and use a dry shampoo in between washes. With the right products and techniques, you’ll be able to maintain your keratin-treated hair for months to come.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.