For those of you who don't straighten your hair, keratin treatments straightens curly hair permanently.
Now I know that most people are unhappy with their hair. If its straight, you want it curly. If it's curly, you want it straight. If your blonde, you want to be a brunette. You get the picture, right?
Well. I don't have a problem with people liking different things for special occasions. Updos, curls, etc. are fun when you have some special event to go to. But for everyday wear, straightening irons, curling irons, and worse yet, keratin treatments only take their toll on your hair. And unlike the irons, keratin treatments are mostly permanent. Now there are some instances where a permanent solution is best. So you have to take into consideration the time it is going to take to grow out, if you decide that you've made a mistake, what it's going to take to maintain the regrowth, if you decide this solution works best for you, or just what your back up plan is going to be.
Here is my struggle, in talking about curly hair, because that is what mine is, and I have the most experience with this, I have seen too many girls (some guys too) that have used these keratin treatments on their hair in hopes for beautifully straight locks. But if your not using the right products anyway, to protect your hair from the heat you have been using, what is going to happen is that you are not going to get what you wished for. It will be straight, yes, but the ends will be very dry and damaged. And straight hair is unforgiving in hiding these things, and here is the kicker, trying to go back, you will have curly regrowth, and straight ends. And the only solution to those straight ends is amputation. (I know, an extreme word, but I am frustrated)
So, here is a suggestion. Please, before you decide to go with a permanent route. Seek wise counsel! (not your best friend who doesn't have a cosmetology licence, or a friend with a cosmetology license who is pushing these expensive treatments just to make some money) Consider the long term. I don't want to see you have to cut off your long awaited long hair so someone could benefit to pay for that new shoes they have been wanting, and forget all about your daily frustration with your hair.
Also, you do have to have quality products with curly hair. Curly hair is very, very thirsty. And the products on the market strip away this moisture.
There is a wonderful book to help teach you to deal with your curly hair and make it beautiful. Curly Girl by Lorainne Massey. (I have a copy if you want to borrow it)
I suggest you try some of the things recommended in her book (some are home recipes) and ask questions for a month or longer. It has taken me several months to perfect a solution for my own hair, but I did see results in a few days. If you do decide this route is not for you, and you want to straighten your hair. Please use a good protectant. every time. Dry your hair COMPLETELY. The smaller the sections the better. Go slow, and only once, maybe twice with the iron. Not repeated times, its way too much heat for your hair. Start underneath, If you have a bump in your hair underneath, it will only get bigger on the top! And get a trim once in awhile. (I prefer every 6weeks) Your hair will thank you!
If you do decide to go permanent. Know the risks before you make your educated decision, please.
Thank you for reading.
Love your hair like I do! :)
