Keratin damage to hair – Keratin hair treatments are a common way to get shiny and smooth hair that lasts up to at least 6 months. They are known to be expensive, but many women resort to this type of hair treatment. The importance of keratin for hair is usually to make it wrinkle-free, but there are some side effects and damages that may result from this type of treatment.
Keratin damage to hair
Although keratin is a natural protein, the products added to this substance for cosmetic hair treatment, such as the chemical known as formaldehyde, make this substance some damage that may result from its application to the hair.
The American Cancer Society has warned that formaldehyde is a carcinogen, meaning that it may cause cancer, or at least help its growth.
The Food and Drug Administration also warned that formaldehyde and related compounds in keratin hair treatments may contribute to some damage, and among the most important Keratin damage to hair are the following:
- rash.
- allergic reaction
- It is not good for hair health in the long term, as it does not have any therapeutic benefit for the hair, only helps to increase the softness of the hair.
- Hair loss, especially if it is used frequently.
- Increased chance of exposure to some types of cancer.
- Damage to the hair shaft, due to exposure to formaldehyde and high temperatures.
- Dry hair, which leads to breakage.
- Damages to general health, especially in cases where this treatment is applied without sufficient ventilation of the place.
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What are the effects of keratin on your health in general?
After addressing the most important Keratin damage to hair, other health damages resulting from your use of this type of material must be mentioned, which are as follows:
- eye irritation
- Suffering from headaches.
- sore throat.
- chest pain
- Dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Cough.
- Nausea.
- vomiting.
- Skin rash.
Tips to avoid keratin damage to hair
Here are some tips that will help you avoid Keratin damage to hair and its side effects in general:
- Avoid washing hair for at least three days from the time of treatment, in addition to staying away from swimming and playing sports during this period to avoid sweating.
- Put your hair down and straight for the first couple of days after treatment, or longer if you can, because keratin is flexible at first.
- If you put your hair in a ponytail or bun, it is likely to leave behind some scratches.
- Make sure to sleep on a silk pillowcase, because cotton or any other material can create friction while sleeping, causing frizz and making your keratin treatment short-lived.
- Use hair care products that are free of strong compounds, for example: sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate.
- As these compounds strip hair of natural oils and keratin; This will cause your treatment to wear off sooner than expected.
- Make sure to use hair dryers and flat irons in order to keep your locks smooth and straight after undergoing a keratin hair treatment.
- Go for re-treatment after three to five months, because the treatment after this period begins to fade gradually.
- What you should know, dear, is that keratin damage to hair exists and it can happen often.
- But you can reduce these damages by following some preventive tips and advice that will help you protect your hair after undergoing this type of treatment.