If you read a recent article I wrote on “What You Need To Know Before 

Getting A Relaxer”, you may be at a loss as to what to do with managing your super curly hair!  Well, if you are no longer a fan of being fully natural, you may have heard of keratin treatments and are wondering ”what does keratin treatments do for afro hair?”

What does keratin treatments do for afro hair? 

• They smooth and reduce frizz for those with thick, curly or frizzy hair.  
• It coats the hair for a period of time depending on the brand.
• It will reduce the volume for thick hair.
• Styling the hair takes less time.
• Involves a lot of heat during the treatment. 
• During the application, it can get smoky and some people are sensitive.
• Be aware to get treatments that are formaldehyde free.
• Changes the curl pattern.  It returns gradually after your stop.

• The treatment is costly but as it is mostly redone in a 3-month period. It is comparable to doing three relaxers but paying up front.
• Takes about three hours+  to do, depending on the length of your hair.
• You should color before doing it as it will not penetrate when freshly done.
• You should wait a week after the treatment before washing and/or styling.
• Products for after care need to be keratin based or sulfate-free.
• When the hair is wet, it will look slightly frizzy until you straighten it again.

What does keratin treatments do for afro hair?  It allows you to loosen the curl in your hair in less time with more manageability.

By Paula Barker, Silkie Locks Hair Design

Books:  “Talking Hair”, “Filling My Head” and “Dreadlocks – A Hairstylist’s Manifest”.