Can You Curl Your Hair After Keratin Treatment 2024 | Interesting Tips For Using A Curling Iron Post Keratin

Can you curl your hair after keratin treatment or smoothening treatments? Of course, you can! Read on to know, how.

I have naturally wavy to curly hair (think 2c or 3a hair) and I often get keratin treatments to make them more manageable and “straighter”.

But sometimes, you really start missing your curls again and want to bring them back? Sound familiar? 

So is keratin really a permanent process? Or can you get your curls back? And is it safe to curl your hair after a keratin treatment or will you ruin it beyond repair by attempting to do so.

I’ve answered all these queries and more when it comes to keratin-treated hair.

Can You Curl Your Hair After Keratin Treatment

I been wearing my hair straight a lot lately. Hopefully my hair still curling 🙏🏼 https://t.co/gQOg6VhzTE pic.twitter.com/EnmiYWo5Am

— Chantal 🗼 (@Your8bitHero) June 27, 2023

If you’re bored of having smooth, straight hair after getting a keratin treatment or a Brazilian blowout, and want to try curling your hair here’s what you should know.

Yes, you can absolutely curl your hair after keratin, it’s 100 percent possible. However, you need to be careful about the timing and also to use as little heat as possible.

This is because keratin treatments basically involve the use of strong chemicals and heat to rearrange your hair’s cell structure, changing its texture.

So keratin-treated hair has also been through a lot and adding more heat could lead to damage.

What’s The Best Time To Curl Your Hair After Keratin Treatment

Now coming to the other important bit – when is it okay to curl your hair after a keratin hair treatment. And there’s no simple answer to this question.

Some hairstylists claim that you can curl or style your hair (using heat styling tools) on the same day as you get the keratin treatment, provided you wash it off completely first.

Now I find this suggestion to be very far-reaching as it’s a complete waste of keratin treatment to wash it without even letting your hair enjoy its benefits (and also a waste of money, if you ask me!)

So in case, you DON’T want to remove the keratin treatment, I’d suggest waiting out at least two weeks before using any sort of heat styling tools (curling irons, flat irons, etc.) on hair.

This “2-week rule” varies from person to person. If your hair is thick and healthy, and if your natural hair texture wasn’t curly or coily, to begin with, you can try styling it a bit earlier. 

The best thing to do is to check your hair the week after the treatment. Do you feel the keratin treatment has been absorbed your strands properly? Or are there still areas on your tresses that feel “wet” or malleable?

If you feel your hair needs more time to settle into its new texture, I strongly recommend not disturbing it for at least 3 weeks. 

However, you can curl your hair without a second thought if you’re nearing the end of your keratin treatment. Most of these treatments start to wear off after 2-3 months, even if they claim to stay for six months. 

And of course, there’s the issue of your roots growing out in your natural hair texture. So you can definitely style your hair as you would normally 2 months into the treatment.

How To Curl Your Hair After Keratin Treatment

If you’ve decided to go ahead and curl your hair after getting a keratin treatment, here’s what you should keep in mind.

• Only curl your hair after (at least) 2 weeks of getting the treatment
• Use heatless rollers or foams to get curls 
• If you still want to use a curling iron, make sure it comes with a protective ceramic coating
• Never forget to use a heat protectant before curling your hair

Your hair has already been through a lot with the keratin treatment as the process usually involves using heat to add keratin protein to the strands and to rearrange molecules on hair cuticles.

So your hair is already in a vulnerable state and can be prone to damage.

When you’re curling your keratin-treated hair make sure not to do it on wet hair. When your hair is damp, it’s even more likely to get damaged as the cuticles are exposed.

Start off with applying a heat protectant spray, leave-in conditioner, or oil like jojoba oil. This forms a coating on hair strands and prevents excess heat from damaging the hair.

I always use a hair curling iron with ceramic coating or if I’m using a flat iron to curl my hair, one with ceramic plates. This material doesn’t get heated quite as quickly and maintains an even temperature throughout the plate/rod.

So these heat styling tools make sure there are no “hot spots” that can damage hair due to excessive heat.

Also, since the keratin treatment replenishes your hair’s lost keratin, the curls will also hold better.

But it’s still useful to use a hair spray or styling gel to keep them in place.

However, if you go for heatless curls using a foam curling rod or hair rollers, the curls might not look as defined, despite being the much safer option.

How To Get Volume After Keratin Treatment

A lot of women want to get curls in their keratin-treated hair as they feel their locks look too “poker-straight” and limp after getting this process done.

However, if you’re only after volume, then curling isn’t necessary at all! There are several other ways you can volume in your keratin-treated hair without damaging it or ruining your hair texture. Here’s how to do it!

Use a clarifying shampoo once a week

Yes, I know. A lot of hairstylists advise you to avoid a sulfate-based shampoo like the plague. But a good clarifying shampoo (even if you choose one without sulfates) can really help get the grime and oil from your scalp.

This helps lift the roots and prevents your strands from being weighed down from the dirt, making your hair look more bouncy and voluminous.

I’d suggest limiting your clarifying shampoo usage to once a week or even once every 10-12 days if you have dry hair. 

Point your hair dryer upwards while using it

Of course, you should only be using a hairdryer on your keratin-treated hair only after 2 weeks or so to prevent it from getting damaged.

But if you’re using a hairdryer, point it upwards so that the hot air blows upwards. Ideally, I suggest you also bend over at the waist with your hair falling down over your head as your dry them.

Sounds excessive, I know. But it really helps add that “bounce” to keratin-treated hair.

Is it safe to use blow dryer on hair after keratin treatment?

After a keratin treatment, it is generally safe to use a blow dryer on your hair. However, it’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by the stylist or the manufacturer of the keratin treatment product you used. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Wait for the recommended time: Most keratin treatments require a waiting period before you can wash or style your hair. This waiting period allows the keratin to fully penetrate and bond to the hair strands. Follow the recommended waiting time before using any heat styling tools, including blow dryers.
2. Use a lower heat setting: When blow drying your hair after a keratin treatment, it’s advisable to use a lower heat setting to minimize the risk of damage. High heat can potentially weaken the keratin bond and cause the treatment to break down prematurely. Opt for a medium to low heat setting on your blow dryer and avoid using excessive heat.
3. Use a heat protectant: Before blow drying, apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair. Heat protectants create a barrier between your hair and the heat styling tools, reducing the potential damage caused by high temperatures.
4. Use a diffuser: If your hair has been treated with a smoothing keratin treatment and you have curly or wavy hair, using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer can help enhance your natural texture while minimizing frizz. The diffuser helps distribute the airflow more evenly, reducing the direct heat exposure to the hair.
5. Follow proper blow drying techniques: Use gentle and consistent movements with the blow dryer, keeping it at a safe distance from your hair. Avoid excessive tugging or pulling while drying to minimize stress on the hair.

Remember, the guidelines provided above are general recommendations, and it’s crucial to consult the specific instructions provided by the stylist or the product manufacturer for the best results. They can provide specific guidance tailored to the particular keratin treatment you received.

Additionally, if you have any concerns about blow drying your hair after a keratin treatment, it’s advisable to consult your hairstylist for personalized advice based on your hair type and the specific treatment you received.

Can I use store-bought keratin for hair treatment?

Yes, you can use store-bought keratin treatments for hair treatment. Many brands offer keratin treatment products that can be purchased at beauty supply stores or online. These products typically come in the form of kits that include the necessary products and instructions for application.

When choosing a store-bought keratin treatment, it’s important to consider the following:

1. Research and read reviews: Look for reputable brands and read reviews from other users to get an idea of the effectiveness and results of the product. This can help you make an informed decision about which product to choose.
2. Follow the instructions: Carefully read and follow the instructions provided with the product. Each brand and product may have specific instructions for application, processing time, and aftercare. It’s important to follow these instructions to achieve the best results and minimize the risk of damage.
3. Consider your hair type and condition: Different keratin treatments may be formulated for specific hair types or conditions. For example, there may be products designed for curly hair, frizzy hair, or damaged hair. Consider your specific hair needs and choose a product that is suitable for your hair type and condition.
4. Patch test: Before applying the keratin treatment all over your hair, it’s advisable to perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product on a small section of your hair and monitor for any adverse reactions or allergies. If you experience any negative effects, discontinue use immediately.
5. Seek professional advice if needed: If you’re unsure about using a store-bought keratin treatment or have concerns about the process, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can provide guidance, recommend specific products, and even perform the treatment for you.

While store-bought keratin treatments can be effective, it’s important to note that professional keratin treatments performed by trained stylists in a salon setting often yield more consistent and long-lasting results.

Professional treatments often use higher-quality products and may have additional steps and techniques that enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.

FAQs about Curling Hair After A Keratin or Smoothening Treatment

A keratin treatment uses high heat to add keratin protein back into your strands, rebuilding the damaged portion of your hair and reshaping the texture, making it smoother.

This process leaves your hair prone to being reshaped if you apply force. So hairstylists often suggest you don’t even use a hair tie, let alone curl your hair.

But after 2 weeks when the hair gets more “settled” into its new texture is when you can start experimenting with new styles if you get bored of smooth, straight hair. 

So to sum it up, sure you can curl your hair after a keratin treatment. Just wait 2 weeks before doing it. 

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

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