Getting a keratin treatment is a fantastic way for men to turn frizzy, hard-to-manage hair into something sleek, smooth, and much easier to style. But the work doesn’t stop when you leave the salon! If you want those smooth, straight results to last for months, you need to follow a special hair care routine.
This guide is your simple, step-by-step plan for keeping your hair looking amazing after your keratin treatment. Think of it as your secret weapon for long-lasting smoothness.
Understanding Keratin Treatment for Men
What is Keratin?
Keratin is actually a type of protein that is naturally found in your hair, skin, and nails. When you get a keratin treatment (sometimes called a Brazilian blowout), a special liquid formula is applied to your hair. This formula is full of keratin and other ingredients that bond with the protein in your hair.
What Does the Treatment Do?
The heat from a flat iron is used to seal this mixture into your hair. This process essentially fills in the porous, rough areas of the hair shaft, making your hair:
- Smoother and Shinier: It reflects light better because the surface is flat.
- Frizz-Free: It seals out the humidity that causes frizz.
- Straighter: It helps relax natural waves and curls, making styling much easier.
Why is Special Care Needed?
The most important thing to remember is that you need to protect that new keratin layer. Harsh ingredients, especially certain chemicals in shampoos, can wash the keratin right out of your hair much faster than it should. By using the right products and following simple rules, you can make your treatment last for months. This is what we call men’s hair care after keratin treatment.
Immediate Post-Keratin Hair Care Tips
The first 72 hours (3 days) after your treatment are the most important. Think of this time as a delicate process where the keratin is fully settling into your hair. You need to be extra gentle!
1. The 72-Hour Rule: Keep it Dry
This is the golden rule! For the first three days (72 hours), do not let your hair get wet.
- No Shampooing: Don’t wash your hair for any reason.
- Avoid Sweat: If you work out, try to keep your head dry, or avoid heavy exercise.
- Stay Out of the Rain/Steam: Wear a hat if it’s raining. Keep your hair covered while showering (use a shower cap if you have to!) to avoid steam and splashes.
If your hair accidentally gets a little damp, grab a hairdryer and quickly blow-dry that section on a low, cool setting.
2. Don’t Tie It Up or Clip It
During the first three days, your hair is very moldable and can easily bend. If you use a hair tie, a hat, sunglasses on your head, or even tuck your hair behind your ears, you can leave a permanent kink or dent in the new, straight keratin.
- Let it Hang Loose: Keep your hair down and straight.
- Sleep Smart: Try to sleep on your back, or use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and bending.
3. Fixing the Kink
If you accidentally get a bend in your hair, don’t panic! Quickly use a flat iron on a low-to-medium heat setting to gently straighten out that section. The heat will help the keratin settle back into its intended smooth shape.
Recommended Hair Products After Keratin Treatment
The biggest threat to your keratin treatment is certain chemicals found in many common hair products. You need to check labels carefully to make sure you are using the best products for men after keratin.
Look for the ‘Must-Avoid’ Ingredients
The following two ingredients are known for stripping the keratin from your hair quickly:
- Sulfate (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS): This is a harsh detergent that creates a lot of foam. It’s too strong and will wash away the keratin layer fast. Always look for “Sulfate-Free” on the bottle.
- Sodium Chloride (Salt): High amounts of salt are often used as a thickener in cheap shampoos. Salt is a major enemy of keratin and will break down the treatment.
Look for the ‘Must-Have’ Ingredients
The best products will clearly say they are “Safe for Keratin-Treated Hair.” They usually contain:
- Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein: This adds back a little bit of the protein that your hair is slowly losing.
- Natural Oils (Argan, Coconut): These help keep your hair moisturized and shiny without weighing it down.
Shampooing and Conditioning Routine
The way you wash your hair is just as important as the products you use for keratin-treated hair maintenance men.
How Often to Wash
Try not to wash your hair every day. Each time you wash, you remove a tiny bit of the keratin.
- Ideal Frequency: Aim for 2 to 3 times per week.
- Use Dry Shampoo: On non-wash days, if your hair feels oily, use a little dry shampoo at the roots. This will soak up the oil without stripping the treatment.
The Washing Process
- Wet Gently: Use lukewarm water. Hot water can also cause the keratin to break down faster.
- Shampoo Focus: Only apply the sulfate-free shampoo to your scalp and roots. When you rinse, the suds will run down and clean the rest of your hair naturally. Do not vigorously scrub the mid-lengths and ends.
- Conditioner is Key: Apply the keratin-safe conditioner from the mid-length of your hair down to the ends. Avoid putting a lot of conditioner directly on your scalp. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse Cool: Finish your rinse with cool water. This helps seal the hair cuticle (the outer layer), locking in the moisture and shine.
Daily Maintenance and Styling Tips
Following the right men keratin hair routine helps keep your hair sleek and manageable every single day.
Blow Drying is Your Friend
Your hair will likely air-dry much straighter than before the treatment, but using a blow dryer is the best way to activate the smoothness of the keratin.
- No Towel Rubbing: After washing, gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt. Never rub your hair aggressively, as this causes frizz.
- Blow Dry: Use a blow dryer on a medium or low heat setting. Use your fingers or a flat paddle brush to guide the hair down as you dry it. You will be amazed at how quickly and easily it straightens out!
Dealing with Water
Try to keep your hair away from these two types of water:
- Chlorine (Pools): Chlorine is a very harsh chemical that will quickly destroy your keratin treatment. If you swim, wet your hair first with clean tap water, apply a little conditioner, and then wear a swim cap. Wash your hair immediately after swimming with your keratin-safe shampoo.
- Salt Water (Ocean): Salt, as mentioned before, is also harmful. Follow the same steps as you would for pool water.
Choosing Styling Products
Avoid styling products that contain alcohol, as this can dry out your hair.
- Good Options: Use light, water-based pomades, smoothing serums, or a small amount of argan oil.
- Apply Less: Since your hair is already much smoother, you’ll need far less product than before. Focus on using products for shine and light hold.
Sleeping Care
To help your style last, try these post-keratin hair tips for men:
- Avoid Wet Hair: Never go to sleep with damp hair.
- Use a Silk Pillowcase: This is one of the best investments. Silk creates less friction than cotton, reducing frizz and tangles while you sleep.
Final Thoughts
The keratin treatment is an investment in your look and your time. It’s supposed to make your life easier by cutting down on styling time, and it will as long as you give it a little care.
The most important takeaway is simple: Always use sulfate-free and salt-free products. By sticking to this simple rule, taking care during the first 72 hours, and protecting your hair from harsh water, you are guaranteeing a smooth, shiny, and frizz free look for many months to come. Enjoy your amazing, new hair!
