Keratin Treatment Vs Japanese Hair Straightening | Top Differences
Keratin treatment and Japanese hair straightening are two of the most common smoothing treatments in the hair industry. However, while they produce similar results, the process these treatments go through is fundamentally different. Read on in this blog from BKT Beauty to find out the difference between these two treatments and which is right for you.
What Is Keratin Treatment?
Keratin treatments which are also known as Brazilian blowouts are a type of smoothing treatment that reduces frizz, protects against damage, and creates silky, shiny hair with the use of the protein keratin which already naturally exists in your hair and nails.
This protein breaks down in response to damage so by reintroducing this protein to your hair, you reduce damage and improve the texture and health of your hair by strengthening the hair follicle. Since keratin smooths down your hair strands, it reduces frizz and flyaways and may relax your curl pattern.
Keratin treatment is not necessarily a straightening treatment, but it often makes it easier to get sleek straight hair and many clients with slightly wavy hair may experience much straighter hair after keratin treatment.
This treatment lasts for 3 to 6 months and you will need to use sulfate-free shampoos afterwards. While traditionally you would need to avoid getting your hair wet for 72 hours, many keratin treatments nowadays can bypass this rule.
What Is Japanese Hair Straightening?
Japanese hair straightening is a treatment that straightens the hair by altering the natural hair bond. This is also called thermal reconditioning. A specially formulated solution is applied to the hair that breaks down the bonds to straighten it. This solution is then rinsed out.
Know the Differences
Keratin treatment does not alter the hair’s internal bond so you can always go back to your natural hair texture once it grows out. It’s performed by infusing the layer of keratin into your hair with the use of a flat iron.
The exact application process is slightly different at various salons but it typically involves washing and drying the hair first and then sectioning the hair and applying the keratin treatment with a fine tooth comb.
After letting the solution sit, the hair is blow-dried and then flat ironed. Hair is smooth, silky, and straight after keratin treatment because the keratin is sitting on top of the cuticle and smoothing it out. However, it hasn’t changed the actual structure of the hair bonds.
Japanese straightening treatments, on the other hand, are considered chemical straightening. This will fundamentally change the bond of your hair. Japanese Hair Straightening is more invasive and weak hair always impose an risk of some serious damage. You cannot wash your hair for 3 days after Japanese straightening treatment.
Keratin Treatment for All Hair types
To be suitable for Japanese straightening, your hair should be in good condition. Weak and brittle hair are also not a good fit for Japanese straightening treatment. So, hair that has recently undergone another chemical treatment may not be able to withstand strong chemicals and high heat without serious damage. Bleached, relaxed, or permanently waved hair is not suitable for Japanese straightening.
When it comes to hair texture, Japanese straightening best suits wavy and moderately curly hair. People with tightly curly hair are not good candidates because the demarcation line between the straightened hair and the newly grown roots can be a problem.
Unlike thermal bonding, a keratin treatment can be applied to chemically treated hair. Keratin treatment can even temporarily fix damaged hair and make it look healthier. This treatment will most suit women who have problems with frizz or excessive hair volume, so it’s worth considering if you live in a high-humidity area. Finally, a keratin treatment is a good choice for very curly hair as it can loosen the curls and make them frizz-free and shiny.
Summary
Keratin treatments only temporarily alter the cuticle because the protein is laying on top of the hair rather than changing the hair’s internal bond. As a result, a keratin treatment is more suitable for clients who have colour-treated, bleached, or relaxed hair.
When it comes to Japanese hair straightening, it’s important to get a consultation and speak to a hair specialist to find out if you’re considered a good candidate. Good candidates are people with wavy or moderately curly hair that hasn't been colour-treated or relaxed.