How to Chemically Straighten Hair at Home
I am a do-it-yourself kind of girl! I don't like to rely on others if I can accomplish something on my own.
Want straight hair without the fuss and the frequent visits to the salon? I have found online Keratin products that work effectively to straighten my frizzy hair for 3-4 months at a fraction of the salon costs.
My hair is very thick and frizzy straight out of the shower. Over the years, I have learned to keep it short and pulled back into a ponytail to keep the frizziness away. Until recently I started straightening my hair with an iron. It definitely improved my appearance but takes away precious minutes in the morning. I am not a morning person and every minute counts!
Thankfully, I have found this home treatment that is a fraction of the cost of permanent straightening offered at salons. It is also very simple.
Recommended Product
The most effective at-home keratin I have found is a product called Coppola Keratin Complex.
- It comes in an 8 oz bottle and will last at least 8 treatments. At under $100 per bottle, that equates to a little over $10 a treatment! This definitely beats the typical $200 -$400 salon charges.
- It is available for purchase online for anyone (not just salon owners).
Instructions
- First, thoroughly shampoo your hair twice, wash it, and dry it.
- Divide your hair into small sections and apply keratin with gloves on. Comb it evenly through hair. (Note: Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area. There will be strong fumes. Place a towel under hair to keep clothing from getting stained. Also, please wear gloves!)
- Make sure that the entire head is well coated. Now, let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Dry hair with a blowdryer after the 30-minute soak-in.
- Run a straightener through each strand at least three times. This will lock the product in for longer-lasting results.
- Keep keratin in hair for 72 hours without washing.
- Straighten your hair several times during the 72 hours to help penetrate the product within each strand.
Notes:
- Keep from tying your hair back or placing it in a ponytail for the next 72 hours.
- Use only sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner here on out for longer-lasting results.
Where to Buy
There are several manufacturers that sell keratin online. I have had good success with both Global and Coppola. Amazon and Ebay are good sites to check for competitive pricing.
How It Works
There are four bonds in your hair:
- peptide
- disulphide
- salt
- hydrogen
It is the disulphide bonds that are altered when you heat your hair with a straight iron or when applying a chemical straightening agent such as keratin.
How Long Does Chemically Straightened Hair Last?
You can expect your hair to remain fairly smooth and straight for about 3 to 4 months. Don't be discouraged if you still have to pull out your straightening iron to smooth out from time to time.
Good luck!
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Comments
Bob on September 07, 2017:
DO NOT do anything in this article, especially repeated applications. Go to a professional, home stuff ... you could DIE
Jaleesa on May 16, 2017:
Read More From Bellatory
When you are straightening your hair can you use heat protectant?
Alline Rufino on August 03, 2016:
Thanks for sharing this information with us.
I'm a little bit confused. I found a lot of products and I don't know witch one is the correct one. Can you share a photo from the product?
Ella on May 11, 2016:
Can you go swimming with the treatment or will swimming mess it up?
CurlyHair101 on April 08, 2016:
I have very curly and frizzy hair. I have always straightened my hair with a flat iron and I hate burning my hair, especially in the summertime I love to swim but do to the water my straight hair doesn't last. My question is will the Keratin treatment work for very curly hair? Thank you in advance for anyone who answers my question. :)
Monica on March 11, 2016:
Do you think you could put a picture up of the products? I just want to know which one it is! There's so many! Thanks in advance!
harmony155 (author) from Atlanta, Georgia on July 12, 2013:
Healthylife2: It's amazing what you can find on amazon! Some products will advertise that they are formaldehyde-free but that is a false claim because the formaldehyde is the key ingredient for straightening.
healthylife2 on July 12, 2013:
I heard Coppola is the best and didn't realize you could buy it online. I used to do the Japanese straightening but that causes so much damage over time. I look for chemical free alternatives now but there really aren't any for removing the frizz.
Sarah Carlsley from Minnesota on December 20, 2012:
I bought the keratin, just looking for tips on how to use it :) Thanks!
Alexandria Taberski from Loveland, CO on August 16, 2012:
Seems to create a really great glossy look. I wonder if it's comparable to an Asian straight perm?
wrenfrost56 from U.K. on July 02, 2012:
I straaighten my hair at home but I have not used keratin before, thanks for the tip. :)
Venugopaal from India on June 20, 2012:
now I will definitely tell my wife to straighten her hair following your article. Thanks for sharing.
harmony155 (author) from Atlanta, Georgia on June 19, 2012:
Another good product is Coppola Keratin Treatment. You can find this on www.folica.com. Also try amazon or eBay for competitive keratin products. I hope this helps!
harmony155 (author) from Atlanta, Georgia on June 19, 2012:
You can purchase Global Keratin Treatment on many websites. They do not sell this at beauty stores or drug stores,
Check out http://www.stylebell.com/Global-Keratin-s/429.htm?...
harmony155 (author) from Atlanta, Georgia on June 19, 2012:
K Kiss: Sorry for not being more clear, but yes, run your hair straightener though each strand at least 3 times ( to activate the keratin). This can be somewhat tedious. Just an fyi: I like to continue to straighten my hair daily for the next 72 hours before washing to really set the keratin in.
K Kiss from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK on June 19, 2012:
Hi this seems like a promising adventure I could take. However, had a question. What do you mean by "Straighten hair 3 times"? Do you mean iron my hair with hair straightner while the hair is covered with kerating?
Other than buying online, where can I get keratin? in drug stores or beauty product stores?
Thanks. Your DIY hub are amazing
