Ever wish you could have smooth, silky hair without struggling with the blow dryer and straightening iron? You know there are different types of Keratin Treatments and straightening systems, but which is right for you? Well, read on. The professionals at Beaucage Salon and Spa, experts at Keratin Treatments in Boston, have spelled out the skinny on Keratin and smoothing treatments that professionals use.

First and foremost, always have a consultation. Ask as many questions as possible and make sure your stylist understands the type of smoothness you are looking for and that you understand your options.

Here’s a brief overview of some of the options available:
If you want something that lasts until your hair grows out…?Thermal reconditioning (also called Japanese straightening) is best for bulky and loose to medium curls. This treatment is not ideal for kinky curls. The hair is saturated with a solution containing a chemical that breaks the bonds that give each strand its shape; it is then rinsed, blow-dried, and meticulously flat ironed. Once a neutralizer is applied, the hair is locked into this new, straight configuration.

This process can take up to eight hours the first time while touch-ups require three to four hours. For three days after the treatment, you can’t get your hair wet or do anything kink inducing (like wear a ponytail), and while your hair will now be sleek and shiny (even after air-drying), you’re left with one styling option: bone-straight. Even curling irons or hot rollers won’t restore volume or wave. Keep in mind that this treatment permanently changes the structure of the hair, so you have to continue it or endure a grow-out period. Tell your stylist everything you’ve done to your hair in the past two years as bleach and some hennas don’t react well with the chemical in thermal reconditioning solutions, and colored hair may be too fragile to handle a relaxer, which is particularly harsh.
If you want something that wears off over two to four months…?Treatments like Pure Brazilian and Coppola Keratin smooth the surface of the hair but don’t permanently break bonds, so your natural texture gradually returns.

Pure Brazilian offers a choice of two different Solutions – Pure Brazilian Original Reconstructor and the Pure Brazilian CLEAR. The hair can be washed the same day because Pure Brazilian requires “no down time”. Both last up to three months as hair reverts back to its natural texture.

The two Pure Brazilian solutions give the stylist an opportunity to customize their clients’ treatment to their hair type and desired results. The Original Reconstructor Solution is a stronger formula that is based on Brazilian Keratin, Cocoa and Acai. The Original Reconstructor Solution is ideal for coarse, thick or curly textured hair. It reduces volume and frizz, as well as imparting shine and softness. The CLEAR Solution is a plant-derived formula that reduces frizz and gives shine through an amino acid bonding system. The CLEAR Solution is ideal for fine to medium textured hair as it does not reduce volume. The CLEAR Solution is perfect for fine to medium hair clients, as well as pregnant and breast-feeding clients and children. Both Solutions yield results that last up to three months or longer and leave the hair in an overall healthier condition.
Keratin treatments are comprised of a high protein base, which is what gives our hair its natural strength. Coppola Keratin adds volume, reduces up to 95% of frizz and leaves hair full-bodied and frizz free for up to three months. This process takes an average of 1 ½ – 2 hours to complete. As with the thermal reconditioning, you should not wet or wash your hair for three full days. During this time you have to be careful not to use hair ties, clips, or anything that might put a crease or kink in your hair.

The Pure Brazilian system is milder; it lasts about three months but also keeps some body in the hair. The process is much faster to do and there is no waiting time before washing your hair. During the summer months, consider Coppola Keratin for better longevity.
Make sure you protect your new, smooth hair with the correct products. A Sulfate free shampoo first and always because sulfate strip the product out faster. Some terrific conditioners are the Moroccan Oil Conditioner, Pureology Smooth Down Conditioner or Yuko Deep Conditioner. A thermal protector is definitely a must. Lastly, a once a week a deep conditioning mask will also give your treatment better longevity.