Gaga

Gaga is a blogger and founder of the Softer Hair website. She often says that insomnia is to blame for her first blogging attempts. Being the night owl, she hated the morning alarm. She left her office job and returned to what she loved most - writing.

 

How to Apply Keratin Treatment at Home

In-salon Keratin treatment is a fairly expensive service, so doing the treatment yourself at home can help you save money. However, to get the desired results you need to wisely select the product and carefully read the instructions included. It would be a good idea to ask for assistance from a friend who is more experienced. The complete application can take from 2 to 4 hours. The treatment cannot be rushed because the straightening product needs time to work properly. You need to be patient and work slowly.

Buy a Formaldehyde-Free Product

It is important to use a quality product to get the best possible results. Keratin hair products are available in some salons, but you can find them online as well. Knowing that Formaldehyde is harmful, choose a product that is 100% formaldehyde-free. Avoid cheap products because they will not give you lasting results. One of the keratin treatments that fulfill these criteria is Keratin Smoothing Treatment – Formaldehyde Free by Peter Coppola.

African-American girl with curly unmanageable hair

Tools You’ll Need for Keratin Straightening

The necessary tools for performing keratin hair treatment include               

  1. Clarifying shampoo
  2. Towel
  3. Smoothing product
  4. Tint brush
  5. Tint bowl
  6. Latex Gloves
  7. Hair clips
  8. Fine-toothed comb
  9. Processing cap
  10. Blow-dryer
  11. Round brush and paddle brush
  12. Flat iron

Keratin Smoothing Treatment – Formaldehyde Free by Peter Coppola

This semi-permanent keratin hair treatment is formulated to reduce frizz, add shine, and relax curls without involving toxic formaldehyde. It is safe to use on all types of hair but works best for people who want to get rid of frizz and just soften their curls.

Keratin proteins and amino acids seal the outermost layer of your hair to smooth away frizz and reduce the appearance of split ends. Your hair will be, straighter, more manageable, and more humidity resistant for up to 60 days.

This treatment is more convenient for users than traditional keratin treatments because there is no annoying downtime. You can shampoo your hair or go to the gym immediately after the treatment.

In-salon keratin treatment would provide you with better results than DIY keratin treatment at home. However, it is possible to do it yourself as long as you follow instructions and have an extra pair of hands to help with flat ironing. Make sure you watch the instructional video on the Peter Coppola website.

If your hair has been chemically treated, make sure to consult a hair professional because you should be careful with putting chemicals in your hair, or using high-temperature flat irons. The consultation is important to make sure that your hair is in good condition to withstand the straightening procedure.

You can get 1-6 treatments from one 12 oz bottle depending on how long/thick your hair is. For very thick and long hair you may need one 12 oz size bottle to do 1 treatment.

Peter Coppola Keratin Treatment Steps

Keratin Treatment Video by Peter Coppola

1. Clarify: Each kind of treatment will work better on clean hair. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo before starting the straightening procedure. A clarifying shampoo will remove product build-up from your hair, and make it ready to absorb the treatment. If your hair is saturated with styling products, shampoo it twice. Rinse the hair thoroughly. Do not apply conditioner.

2. Towel-dry: Towel-blot your hair to remove excess water. Your hair should be approximately 70% dry.

3. Part the hair: Divide your hair into 4 sections using large clips. Make sure that all necessary tools are easy to access. Shake the Keratin Treatment bottle well and pour 2 oz of product into the tint bowl.

4. Apply the product to the hair: Put on latex gloves and use a brush to apply the straightening product. Start from the neck pulling down 1″ sections of hair and working upwards. Apply the product with a tint brush and use a fine-tooth tail comb to ensure even distribution from root to tip. Make sure that your hair is completely covered with the product.

5. Process: Leave the treatment in the hair to process. If your hair has already been compromised by chemical treatments such as bleaching and relaxing, leave the treatment on for 20 minutes. Very resistant, coarse hair, needs more time to absorb the treatment than processed, high-porosity hair. If your hair is virgin, very thick, coarse, or very curly, leave the treatment on for up to 50 minutes. Comb your hair every five minutes of processing.

6. Rinse: After the time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear.

7. Blow-Dry: Blow-dry your hair into the desired shape, using a round brush or paddle brush until it is completely dry. If your hair is very curly, use a round brush and apply more tension to ensure a smooth result.

8. Flat iron: Flat ironing is the most important step in the process. Use a high-quality flat iron with titanium plates that can reach and maintain high temperatures. Section the hair in 4 sections and secure it with clips. The flat iron temperature should be set between 350-430 F, according to the condition of your hair. Don’t use very high temperatures if your hair is fine, damaged, or chemically processed.

Flat ironing stage of keratin hair treatment

Take a 1/8-inch section of hair, starting from the back of your neck, and go over each section 3 – 8 times at a constant speed. Keep the iron in motion to avoid burning and breaking your hair.  

It is important to iron your hair meticulously to ensure that the keratin solution is sealed into your hair. Continue the process, gradually releasing hair sections down, until your whole head of hair is smooth and sleek.

It is advisable to color your hair before Keratin Smoothing Treatment or wait at least 2 weeks after the treatment before the color appointment.

Recently, a variety of gentle smoothing products has become available on the market. Many of them are suitable for use at home and some products can be used without a flat-ironing step. Before you take the plunge, also consider some of those gentle and easy-to-use smoothing products.

Five Shampoo Brands for Keratin-Treated Hair

After spending tons of money and time to smooth and shine your locks, you want to ensure that such a sleek look and silky feel lasts as long as possible, right? Well, check the “5 Alive” Top Shampoo Brands for Keratin-Treated Hair. These “5 Alive” products will make your hair and self-esteem thrive!

Because your after-treatment products are your keratin-treated hair lifesavers, be picky to avoid most commercial shampoos that use harsh detergents and keratin-dissolving ingredients to avoid stripping your hair’s special treatment. Read on to discover easy tips to extend your keratin-treated hair with sexiness and flair!

young beautiful woman with keratin-treated hair

Shampoos Without the Boos: Choosing Your Post-Keratin-Treatment Shampoo

While you don’t have to use shampoo and conditioner from the same line as your keratin treatment, you can flexibly aim for shampoos with the books. Select keratin-friendly products, regardless of brand, to effectively meet all your aftercare needs. Cheers to that freedom of choice!

When purchasing your products, carefully read all labels carefully to ensure no harsh ingredients that will ruin your treatment.

Steps when choosing your aftercare shampoo are 3-fold:

1. Don’t Date Sulfates: Avoid Sodium Chloride and Sulfates. To maximize the longevity of your treatment, choose only shampoos free of harsh sulfate cleansers such as sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate. Shampoos with sulfates can remove straightening chemicals from your hair.

Sodium chloride is a thickening agent that dissolves keratin and can undo hair straightening results. Make sure to only use a shampoo that says “sayonara” to sodium chloride!

Be the best version of yourself, not a lab rat! Beware of hidden chemicals in your products. Because your hair has already undergone a chemical treatment, you don’t need additional chemicals to impose additional harm. Scan your brands to avoid parabens and formaldehyde—both dangerous chemicals—so beware!

2. Pucker Up With a KISS:  Strive for KISS products, not the smooches or the rock bad, but KISS as in Keratin-Infused Shampoo Selections. Although you don’t necessarily need keratin-infused products exclusively, these products offer additional benefits to keratin-straightened hair. Hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed silk, and amino acids tame frizz and boost softness and smoothness.

When your keratin treatment starts to wear off, the higher hair porosity will allow for easier penetration of keratin particles into the hair cortex, delivering a shield for your shine!

3. Be Savvy Against Deceptive Labels. Some brands of “keratin-replenishing shampoos” aren’t sodium-chloride- and sulfate-free. Some manufacturers falsely advertise that their products are suitable for use after a keratin treatment, even though they still contain sulfates. Be savvy to read between the lines to keep your hair gorgeous and fine!

Five Alive: Best Shampoos for Keratin Treated Hair

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

If you don’t have time to read product labels, review the list of MVP shampoos for keratin-straightened hair. These winning shampoos are keratin friendly and formulated with gentle cleansers to minimize the negative effect of shampooing on your keratin-straightened locks. Grabs these MVPs with glee!

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1. Casablanca Cool: Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner by LuxeOrganics

Grab a bit of Moroccan spice! This shampoo and conditioner are made with organic ingredients that nourish your hair, making it look healthier and shinier. This shampoo doesn’t lather like most sulfate-based shampoos, but it cleans hair effectively without over-drying it. Both the conditioner and shampoo have a sweet, citrus scent. Indulge in Casablanca cool without any bull!

Great for:

These products will benefit all hair types, including colored and chemically straightened locks.

Key ingredients/benefits:

This set contains natural Moroccan argan oil, which is absorbed into your hair easily. In turn, it promotes a gorgeous shine and no frizz. It also contains UV absorbers designed to protect hair from harmful UVA and UVB rays and prevent color fading.

Light as a feather: Amino acids help repair hair damage and improve tensile strength, while vitamins and antioxidants nourish the hair, protecting it from styling damage. The rejuvenating Argan Oil Conditioner moisturizes, detangles, and adds volume, without creating buildup or weighing hair down. Let your hair be light as a feather! These products are formulated without sulfates and sodium chloride.

a brunette woman with freshly washed keratin-straightened hair
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2. Milano Magic: Alfaparf Milano Keratin Therapy Lisse Design Maintenance Shampoo

Do you need some Milano magic in your life? Well, this gentle shampoo formula is developed to maintain the effects of Lisse Design Keratin Therapy Smoothing Treatment. It’s a beautifully scented shampoo that gently cleanses hair, without stripping keratin and natural oils. Bellissimo!

Great for:

It’ll keep your keratin-treated hair smooth, strong, glossy, and tangle-free. Grab your expresso and glow!

Key ingredients/benefits:

Enriched with Keratin and Bagasse Oil, these perks keep your strands smooth, soft, shiny, and easy to comb through. This shampoo is sulfate- and salt-free.

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3. Smooth Operator: AG Hair Smooth Sulfate-Free Argan & Coconut Shampoo

See the price at Walmart

This shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients to restore the strength and elasticity of colored and chemically straightened hair. Sulfate-free surfactants are gentle on delicate chemically processed locks and safe for colored and keratin-treated hair. The formula doesn’t use sodium chloride as a thickener.

Other ingredients that make this shampoo ideal for chemically processed hair are argan oil, chamomile, wild cherry bark extract, nettle, rosemary leaf, and sage leaf extracts.

This shampoo maintains the health of your scalp and leaves your hair smooth, touchable soft, and shiny. Let your true light shine!

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4. Salt & Sulfate Free Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner – Keratin Complex by Damila 

About the product:

This is another combo formulated to enhance the results and extend the life of your keratin treatment.

Great for:

The shampoo uses a mild surfactant to gently cleanse chemically treated hair, including colored and keratin-straightened hair.

Key ingredients/benefits:

The set contains hydrolyzed keratin, silk amino acids, and hydrolyzed silk protein to replenish lost keratin and rebuild the strength of chemically treated hair

Natural and botanical extracts nourish and hydrate the hair, leaving it soft, healthy, and shiny. This combo set is free of SLS and sodium chloride.

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5. Anti-Frizz Daily Shampoo and Conditioner by Pure Brazilian 

This shampoo and conditioner set is formulated to deliver moisture and keratin to your hair to keep it smooth and manageable. This duo can be used on all hair types but is especially suited for calming thick/curly/coarse hair. The shampoo gently cleanses your scalp and hair without stripping keratin or hair color. 

Key ingredients/benefits:

The Anti-Frizz Shampoo It’s made with hydrolyzed vegetable protein to infuse your tresses with keratin and maintain optimal smoothness. It makes your hair softer, frizz-free, and shiny.

The Anti-Frizz Daily Conditioner is an ultra-moisturizing product formulated with keratin amino acids, mango seed butter, and hydrolyzed collagen to rehydrate dry hair and protect it from styling and environmental damage. When used regularly, it helps to seal hair cuticles, preserves hair color, and creates a healthy shine. This Anti-Frizz Shampoo and conditioner set is free of harsh sulfates and sodium chloride.

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More brands to consider: Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo Sulfate Free for Normal Oily Curly Dry Damaged Color and Keratin Treated Hair by BELLISSO, COSMO9 KERATIN Shampoo + Conditioner, Keratin Care Moisturizing Shampoo by Keralove, Keratin Shampoo with ARGAN OIL by Gorgeous Beauty & Care, Shampoo & Conditioner Kit for Keratin Treated Hair by CARILDA BEAUTY, Lust Shampoo by Seven Sins Hair Care, Color Smoothing Shampoo by Keratin Perfect, Keratin Replenishing Shampoo by MAJESTIC KERATIN, Sulfate-Free Keratin-Infused SHAMPOO by ORGANICOLAB, Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo by Alin, and MarocVita Keratin Shampoo by Tion.

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Say “Hi” to Dry: Using Dry Shampoos After Keratin Treatment

If you’ve had a keratin treatment or a Brazilian blowout, you still can use a dry shampoo to keep your hair looking fresh. Don’t be shy to say “hi” to sulfate-free dry shampoos. They come in powder form to help absorb oil without interfering with keratin treatments. Those dry powders will be your best friend during the 72-hour phase when you must avoid washing your hair.

Stylists believe that it’s absolutely safe to use dry shampoo to refresh your style without water when your hair gets greasy, but you should choose a product formulated to help preserve your results.

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  • Loma Dry Shampooicon: Loma products are paraben-, gluten-, sulfate-, and sodium chloride-free, so you can be assured that this dry shampoo is good for your hair and scalp. It will not harm your keratin treatment in any way and will leave your hair looking fresh and smelling clean.
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  • Living proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo (Walmart) absorbs grease and sweat and eliminates odors, leaving the hair feeling fresh and clean. Patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA) technology helps to easily brush out the powder leaving your hair really clean. A time-released fragrance delivers a light, refreshing scent throughout the day. This dry shampoo is safe for colored and chemically treated hair. It can help to extend the time between hair washing, which prolongs the life of your keratin treatment.
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  • Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Biotin Dry Shampoo is designed to absorb excess oil, normalize oil production, and nourish your scalp. Unfortunately, this quality, naturally based, and cruelty-free shampoo powder comes in inconvenient packaging that can make it hard to control the amount you want to apply.
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Keratin Shampoos vs. Keratin-Safe Shampoos

Keratin-infused shampoos are designed to strengthen hair and provide smoothness and frizz control by repairing and filling in weak areas inside hair fibers.

That sounds great, but these shampoos are not necessarily free of salt and sulfates. Some brands contain SLS or claim to have a “lower sulfate formula.” Examples include Tresemme Keratin Smooth Infusing Shampoo and Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Shampoo.

And then there are some sulfate-free formulas that still contain sodium chloride, such as Burgati Keratin & Argan Oil Professional Series Shampoo.

If you are skeptical about the ingredients of your post-keratin shampoo, consult a reliable hair professional or dermatologist to make sure that the product meets your needs.

Related Article

A fasion woman with straightened hair

Caring for Your Hair after Brazilian Keratin Treatment

Once you’ve had a Brazilian Keratin treatment done, you need to take special care of your hair to make sure that the treatment will last as long as possible. Keratin treatments wash away gradually over time, but with proper care, the results will last about 12 weeks or more.

Brazilian Keratin Treatment and Hair Coloring

If you color your hair, you can do so immediately before a Brazilian Keratin Treatment without damaging your hair or reducing the efficiency of your color or straightening treatment. However, you should wait at least three weeks after the treatment before dying hair with permanent color again. This is because the keratin treatment coats the hair shaft and reduces the porosity of your strands making them less receptive to oxidative dyes.

gorgeous young woman with keratin treated hair

Post Treatment Period

Avoid getting your hair wet for three days after receiving a keratin treatment. This means no washing, swimming, or sweating—and staying out of the rain. Make sure to give your treatment time to adhere completely to your strands.

Leave your hair down and unstyled for the first few days after receiving a Brazilian keratin treatment. The keratin is still malleable, so if you put your hair in a tail, or use a hair clip, this can leave dents in your hair. If you want to tie your hair up, wait until the keratin has been in the hair for at least three days, and then you can use a soft hair tie for short intervals of time.

You are not supposed to use any hair products during the 3-day waiting period, and if your hair does become twisted you need to use a flat iron to smooth it out.

Styling

young woman with long keratin-straightened hair

Blow-dry your hair after washing, but avoid using hair products after the first shampoo. You don’t need root lifting sprays, mousse, hairspray, or gels to style your hair after a Brazilian keratin treatment. Freshly applied treatment will keep your hair silky-smooth without the need for many styling products. Overuse of styling products could make your hair look dull and dirty.

Instead, just use a blow-dryer to dry your locks and use a flat iron to create a sleek finish. Most time you won’t need a hair straightener, but it is ok to use it if you need to obtain a perfectly sleek finish.

Beautiful model with keratin-treated hair

After Treatment Precautions

To maintain a sleek shiny look longer, it is also a good idea to wash hair less often because the effects wash out gradually. Avoid exposing your hair to chlorine or salt water and high levels of UV radiation, as these factors may reduce the longevity of your treatment.

Wear a cap when swimming because the salt from the ocean, as well as chlorine in swimming pools, can wash out your keratin treatment. If you don’t like wearing a cap, take a shower before you go swimming, and saturate your hair with a pre-swim conditioner. The fresh water soaks your strands and reduces the absorption of chemicals from pool water, while the conditioner provides an additional level of protection.

Keratin Aftercare Shampoos

In the months following the treatment, use a shampoo and conditioner free of sodium and sulfates. For maximum longevity, purchase a shampoo that is specially developed for keratin aftercare. This shampoo will complement the keratin straightening treatment making the results last longer.

Woman with blue eyes and dark straight hair

Deep Conditioning

Use a sulfate-free deep conditioning masque enriched with hydrolyzed keratin at least once a month. Deep conditioning works to nurture hair and helps extend the duration of keratin treatments. Once the treatment began wearing off a deep conditioning mask helps prevent the effects of humidity, keeping the hair less frizzy, smoother, and easier to style.

Nighttime Care for Keratin Straightened Hair

Sleep on a silk pillowcase at night. Traditional cotton pillowcases can create friction and disrupt hair cuticles as you move, making your hair frizzy and the treatment short-lived. By sleeping on a silk pillowcase, you’ll avoid roughing the hair strands when you toss and turn at night. Silk creates very little friction, which means a longer-lasting keratin straightening treatment.

Don’t wear your hair and avoid using hair accessories when going to bed. Instead, leave your hair down and try to keep it straight during sleep hours. Ensure your room isn’t too warm to prevent sweating and tossing which may cause friction.

When to Redo Your Keratin Treatment

On average, a Brazilian keratin treatment should last about three months. After that, your hair will return to its normal state, but it should be healthier-looking and softer because of the conditioning impact of the keratin.

Once the effects of the Brazilian keratin treatment wear off, you can apply treatment again. Repeating keratin treatment will enhance the appearance of your hair over time. The reapplication will be done on the entire length of your hair and in the same way as the initial treatment.

Beautiful model after receiving keratin service

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8 Uses of Coconut Oil for Hair

Although commonly found in the kitchen, coconut oil is not only used in cooking and baking recipes. This thick, buttery oil has been used for centuries as a natural beauty treatment for skin and hair.

Coconut oil is a magnificent gift of nature, especially in its organic extra virgin form. Since organic coconut oil is free of synthetic chemicals, you don’t need to worry about any side effects if you have delicate hair or sensitive skin. People of any age can use virgin coconut oil without harmful side effects.

Woman applying coconut oil to her hair in the bathroom

How Coconut Oil Can Benefit Your Hair

Coconut oil is one of the richest sources of natural nutrients for healthy hair. It contains Capric acid, Lauric acid, Caprylic acid, and vitamin E that help promote a healthy scalp and hair. Studies have shown that due to its small molecular weight, coconut oil has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft better than other hair oils. Most hair oils would only sit on the surface of your hair and coat the strands. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and helps trap moisture and emollients inside your hair.

There is a number of ways to include coconut oil in your hair care regimen. Here are some of the benefits coconut oil can offer to improve the health of your scalp and hair.

1. Coconut Oil for Hair Growth

According to lovebeautyandplanet.com coconut oil is one of the best natural ways to help your hair grow longer.

One of the causes of hair loss is increased microbial activity that can lead to infection of hair follicles.

Anti-microbial fatty acids present in coconut oil penetrate the scalp to eliminate fungi and harmful bacteria that are responsible for the inflammation that causes hair loss. The small molecules of coconut oil sink deep into the hair follicles, providing the scalp with valuable nutrients and promoting hair growth.

One study from the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that loss of hair proteins can be minimized by applying coconut oil before or after hair shampooing. Healing fatty acids penetrate the hair shaft, and nourish and strengthen the hair strands from the inside, reducing hair breakage. Lauric acid in coconut oil binds to hair protein, reduces protein loss, and protects the roots. This results in longer and healthier hair.

Coconut oil helps restore and maintain your scalp’s natural pH balance, creating a healthy environment for hair growth.

Pour some slightly warmed coconut oil into the palm of your hand and gently massage for a few minutes to evenly distribute the oil into your hair and scalp. Use a hot towel to steam your hair or cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it for at least 2 hours. You can leave it overnight if you have dry hair. Then wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo.

Massaging your scalp with oil helps improve blood circulation in the scalp area and increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Repeat this treatment at least three times a week.

For hair growth purposes you can also mix a small amount of coconut oil with your shampoo or conditioner.

Girl with beautiful hair holding the bottle of coconut oil

2. Anti-Dandruff Treatment

The most common causes of dandruff are fungal infections and dry skin. The potent anti-fungal properties of coconut oil will keep fungal infections away, tame itchy and irritated scalp, and keep dandruff under control.

Gently massage lightly warmed virgin coconut oil into your scalp using your fingertips. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the coconut oil sit on your scalp for 15 minutes. You can also leave the treatment overnight. Wash your scalp and hair with a mild shampoo. For best results repeat the treatment three times a week. Regular application of coconut oil will prevent the fungus from coming back.

Coconut oil also keeps your scalp moist and healthy, reducing flaking caused by dry scalp conditions.

3. Coconut Oil Before Bleaching

Coconut oil is a great natural way to reduce the harmful effects of hair bleaching. Adding coconut oil to the hair before the bleaching session protects the hair from excessive drying and from protein loss. Without protein and internal moisture, your hair would be weak and brittle. That is why you need to apply coconut oil to your hair before a harsh chemical process such as bleaching.

For this purpose, use unrefined coconut oil and apply it to your hair before bleaching.

Divide your hair into sections to make application easier. Apply coconut oil to the scalp and the entire length of your hair and use a comb to distribute the oil evenly. Put on a shower cap and leave the treatment overnight or at least for a few hours.

Do not wash your hair before applying bleach. Coconut oil will not interfere with the bleaching effect, but it will protect your scalp from irritation and help avoid excessive drying and damage to your hair.

4. Lice Prevention and Treatment

Chemical products available for the treatment of lice can be damaging to the scalp and hair due to the presence of toxic components. Applying coconut oil is one of the most effective ways to get rid of lice. Coconut oil prevents the eggs from attaching to the hair which keeps lice from coming back.

For the following lice-eliminating homemade treatment you need unrefined coconut oil and raw apple cider vinegar.

  1. Remove all tangles and knots from your hair.
  2. Gently rinse out your hair with 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of filtered water.
  3. Let your hair dry without rinsing the solution.
  4. Saturate your scalp and hair with coconut oil, cover with a shower cap, and leave the treatment on for 12 hours.
  5. When the time is up, comb your hair thoroughly to remove the dead lice and eggs.
  6. Wash out your hair as normal with a mild shampoo.
  7. Keep this routine until the lice are completely gone.

For preventing head lice, you can use coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner. You need to apply a small amount and massage it into the tips of your hair after washing.

5. Deep Conditioning

Coconut oil is very effective as a deep conditioner because of its ability to penetrate the hair shaft. Virgin coconut oil works as an excellent deep conditioner for all hair types making the hair healthier, stronger, and shinier. This treatment is the most beneficial for dry, damaged, and over-processed hair. The fatty acids in coconut oil help replace the lost moisture and nourish your locks, making them silky and soft.

Use a quarter-sized amount of warm coconut oil into your hand and rub it into your hair and scalp. You can leave the oil in the hair overnight to really nurture your dry hair. Put a towel on your pillow to protect it from the oil. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo in the morning.

6. Easy Detangling

The lubricating effect of coconut oil reduces fiber friction which helps prevent hair damage from combing and brushing. This will also make your hair less prone to breakage.

Rub the oil between your hands and massage into the tangled areas of your damp hair, avoiding the roots. Use a wide-toothed comb to get rid of tangles.

Regular application of coconut oil helps minimize tangles.

7. Coconut Oil for Frizzy Hair

If you have curly hair prone to dryness and frizz, coconut oil can replace your anti-frizz serum. Coconut oil prevents moisture from entering the hair shaft and creating frizz. To tame frizzy locks, use a tiny bit of oil and rub it into your hair. Lightly run your fingers through your hair, paying special attention to the ends. Coconut oil helps smooth strands out without leaving hair looking greasy. Make sure to avoid the scalp area.

For frizzy or dry ends use a small amount of oil and rub it into the ends of your hair.

8. Pre-Shampoo Coconut Oil Treatment

Coconut oil is a hydrophobic substance. When used as a prewash conditioner it coats the hair surface and protects hair from absorbing too much water during washing. This decreases swelling of hair fibers and protects the cuticle from damage, which in turn helps to increase protein retention in the hair.

Rub the oil through your hair and leave it on for 1 hour before shampooing.

How to Purchase a Quality Coconut Oil for Hair

Look for pure, unrefined organic coconut oil that is processed without chemicals, dyes, and other harmful substances. Processed coconut oil may contain trans-fats and additives to prolong its shelf life. Nobody wants chemicals on their skin and hair.

Cold-pressed coconut oil is made from fresh coconut meat and contains all its phytonutrients and health-giving ingredients.

Woman applies coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment

Unwanted Side Effects of Brazilian Keratin Treatments

Keratin treatment has become very popular over the past decade due to its potential to dramatically improve the appearance of frizzy and unmanageable hair. A keratin straightening treatment is known for its ability to turn frizzy and curly strands into glossy and pin-straight hair. It makes hair more manageable and gives it a healthy and sleek look for up to four months. Keratin treatments are typically performed in a salon by a certified hair professional. However, a substantial number of at-home smoothing treatments have entered the market in recent years.

Is Keratin Treatment Bad for you?

To make hair straight, the formula– along with keratin – must contain chemicals that bind to the keratin in the hair. Many straightening systems use formaldehyde or its derivatives for straightening purposes. However, these chemical ingredients can cause both acute and long-term health problems. Your biggest concerns as a client are the short-term effects, which may include eye and skin irritation, and itching in the nose and throat.

A dark-skinned woman with black smooth hair

One of the main problems with keratin treatment products is that manufacturers don’t stick to the regulations that determine the concentrations of formaldehyde. The information on the label may not be completely accurate or may miss to include the correct hazard warnings. In such cases, even hair salon owners might don’t know that hair straightening products contain formaldehyde. Some of the formaldehyde-containing products may even be labeled as “formaldehyde-free”. An air test performed by Federal OSHA has shown high formaldehyde fumes levels in salons using Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, which has been labeled as “formaldehyde-free”.

Dangers of being exposed to the chemicals during and after the straightening procedure include

  • Dizziness
  • Eye irritation
  • Skin irritations, particularly on the scalp
  • Ears and nose irritation
  • Coughing and difficulty in breathing
  • Hair loss
  • Allergic reaction

Allergic reactions can be in the form of itching, skin irritation, burning eyes, burning throat, and asthma attacks. Your dermatologist will give you advice on substances you should stay away from. Make sure to inform your stylist if you have any history of allergic reactions.

Many salons take special safety precautions during the procedure, such as proper ventilation and protective masks and gloves for their workers. However, continuous exposure to chemicals could pose health risks and cause long-term health problems for the stylists.

The Risks of Exposure to Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is present in many products as a preservative, embalming agent, or disinfectant. Formaldehyde can also modify our hair proteins, causing the hair to return to its original, smooth state. Formaldehyde is classified as a suspected human carcinogen, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It can cause acute and long-term health problems in sensitive persons, including breathing difficulties, nausea, and bloody noses. Formaldehyde levels above 0.1 ppm in the air can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. If formaldehyde levels go up, the symptoms will get worse.

You can be exposed to formaldehyde by:

  • Breathing it in through your nose or mouth
  • Getting it on your skin
  • Getting it in your eyes or mouth
  • Being used on other customers in a saloon
black woman with long straightened hair

Is there a Formaldehyde-Free Keratin Treatment?

There are many formaldehyde-free formulations that are now available due to raised awareness of the problem. As public awareness grew, salons began offering “no-formaldehyde” and “low-formaldehyde” treatments. However, some hair-smoothing products listed as formaldehyde-free actually contain ingredients that break down into formaldehyde during the heat application stage. These formaldehyde-producing ingredients may be listed as formalin, formic aldehyde, methanol, methylene glycol, methylene oxide, paraform, oxomethane, and oxymethylene.

Other products that claim to be formaldehyde-free, were found, when tested by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to contain significant levels of formaldehyde. The low-formaldehyde products, while not as toxic as the original formulations, still carry health risks.

What are Alternatives to Keratin Straightening Treatment?

If you want smooth, frizz-free hair without possible side effects, there are some highly effective alternatives to formaldehyde-based straightening treatments.

To get quality, long-lasting straightening results you need to invest in high-quality flat iron. An effective straightener should go at least up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperature helps smooth the cuticle and infuses hair with intense shine. Other features to look for are tourmaline and ionic technology. Ionic flat irons use negative ions to make hair shiny and frizz-free.

Other options to get straighter, shinier, and more manageable hair include Botox hair treatment and gentle amino acid-based smoothing treatments. Some of these mild smoothing treatments you can do yourself or with a little help from your more experienced friend.

The following is the list of keratin treatments that are known to contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde donors.

PRODUCTS LISTED IN HEALTH CANADA ADVISORIES WITH LEVEL OF FORMALDEHYDE (Source: d-scholarship.pitt.edu/19728/1/Frawley_MPH_essay_8_2013.doc)

PRODUCT/LEVEL OF FORMALDEHYDE
Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Solution by Brazilian Blowout 8.4 %
Brazilian Keratin Treatment by Marcia Teixeira 1.8 %
Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy Treatment by Copomon (Coppola) 1.8 %
Global Keratin Taming System Strawberry by Global Keratin 3.0 %
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Resistant by Global Keratin 4.4 %
Pro-Collagen RX Keratin Treatment 2.8 %
IStraight Keratin (Advanced Keratin Treatment) by IBS Beauty 2.3 %
Brazilian Thermal Reconstruction by Cadiveu 7.0 %

fashionable young woman with keratin-straightened hair