Q. What is the Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
A. The Brazilian Keratin Treatment is a keratin base solution that gently relaxes the hair and removes frizz.
It is neither a relaxer nor a straightener, since both use harsh chemicals to change the texture of your hair. It is a revolutionary treatment that softens, smoothens, and gives you straight or smooth hair.
The treatment involves a few steps that can take about 2 hours to complete, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. A certified stylist will apply a solution made with active keratin, a protein that is similar to a component of your hair. (88% of your hair is already comprised of keratin)
We use a 450-degree iron to seal the formula onto the outside layer of the cuticle. The formula bonds to the cuticle's rough edges, trapping the moisture, hydrating the hair, and creating a glossy veneer.
The results last from 3-4 months, depending on the amount of times you wash your hair. This is not a permanent straightening but a natural treatment. Therefore, when the product is gone, your hair will be back to its natural form.
This revolutionary process was developed in Brazil, and is now available worldwide.

Q. What is keratin?
Keratin is a extremely strong protein which is a major component in skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Most of the keratin that people interact with is actually dead; hair, skin, and nails are all formed from dead cells which the body sheds are new cells push up from underneath.
If the dead cells are kept in good condition, they will serve as an insulating layer to protect the delicate new keratin below them. Damage to the external layer of keratin can cause skin, hair, and nails to look unhealthy or flaky. In general, the thicker the layer of keratin, the healthier the hair or nail is, because the dead cells outside protect the living cells at the core. Keeping the external layer of keratin moisturized will also keep it healthy and prevent cracking and splitting.

Q. How does the Brazilian Keratin Treatment work?

It works by bonding to the hair and forming a protective coating. This coating rebuilds and strengthens the hair, the company says it lasts up to four months, however, my hair still blow dries silky straight after 10 months....it is not as great as it was obviously, but I still see a difference.

Q. How long will it last?
The protective coating will last approximately 3-4 months depending on home care.
However, the less the hair is washed the longer this protective is preserved. It is also essential that sodium free hair care products are used. Swimming in the ocean or pool is also discouraged as salt or chlorine will diminish the life expectancy of the Brazilian Keratin Treatment.

Q. What can be expected from the Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
It will relax the hair approximately 30-90% depending on the clients hair and will remove frizz from the hair. It is also heat activated therefore cutting down styling time.
1.Results vary from client to client depending on the original texture of the hair.
2. Although some wave might remain, all frizz is eliminated.
3. Hair that is very damaged might reflect the appearance of a failed Brazilian Keratin Treatment, but this is not the case in fact due to the damaged structure of the hair. A light trim after the service is always recommended.
4. It will slowly wash out and the hair will revert back to its original texture.
5. The keratin concentration in the treatment will help strengthen the hair.

Q. Can it be used over processed hair?
Yes. It actually works better when applied over processed hair. Hair that has been chemically treated is porous therefore giving the Brazilian Keratin Treatment a good foundation with which to bond. The treatment can be done on all types of hair, virgin, including chemically treated hair (colored, permed, relaxed, highlighted and bleached). After the product is applied, it is sealed with a flat iron at 450?F which traps moisture, hydrates the hair and creates a glossy finish.

Q. Is the Brazilian Keratin Treatment safe?
In 1986 the CIR labeled formaldehyde safe for use in cosmetics at a level of .2%or lower. Phenoxyethanol has been labeled safe at levels of .5%-1%. We only use products well below the established safety level. The company I have chosen to use, Simply Smooth by American Culture, uses NO Formaldehyde and is completley safe. It also uses quality Keratin from human hair and plants, NOT animals. See the link to their site for more info.

Q. What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a commonly used preservative. It is used in food, cosmetics, building materials, fertilizer, paper, antiseptics, medicine, and embalming fluid.

Q. Does Keratin treatment work on chemically treated hair?
It can be applied on ANY type of hair over ANY previous chemical treatment (colored, permed, relaxed, highlighted and/or bleached)

Q. Can you do the Brazilian Hair Straightening Treatment over Japanese straightening?

Yes. You can do the treatment over any kind of straightening. Since BKT is a part of conditioning treatments, Japanese straightening and BKT would be a great combination for your hair.

Q. Can I do my own hair?
No, do not try this at home. The Keratin Treatment must be done by a hair professional only.

Q. What kind of hair is suitable for Keratin treatment?
Safe to use on all hair types including color treated and highlighted hair.

Q. How long should I wait before washing the hair?
For best results, the keratin treatment should be left on hair 4 days after application. IF you absolutely cannot wait 4 try to wait 3 at least.

Q. Can I wear a ponytail or tie my hair?
NO, you should keep your hair as flat and straight as possible until you are able to wash it on the 4th day.

Q. What should I do if my hair gets wet during the first 4 days?
Blow dry immediately.

Q. How long does the treatment keep the hair straight?
It lasts 2 to 3 months depending on the hair type. Treatment will work better on a chemically treated hair like colored or relaxed. On virgin hair the best result will be achieved after the second or third application.
This is not a permanent straightening but a natural treatment. Therefore, when the product is gone, your hair will be back to its natural form.

Q. How long does Keratin treatment take?
It will take about 1 to 4 hours depending on the length and thickness of the hair.

Q. Is it best to do Keratin treatment before or after coloring?
For optimal results, color/highlighting processes should be done before Keratin. Otherwise, wait 2 weeks before applying color/highlights.

Q. Which shampoo is recommended after the treatment?

We recommend clients to use specially formulated Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner to keep their hair healthy, silky and shiny. Our shampoos are Sodium Chloride free and provide Keratin and UV protection.

Q. If I get any ridges in my hair when I sleep, what should I do?
Use either a blow dryer or flat iron to straighten out the ridge in the hair.