Quick answer: to make a keratin or smoothing treatment last, follow your stylist's instructions on when to first wash (often a couple of days, depending on the treatment), then wash with a gentle sulphate-free shampoo, rinse with cool water, avoid salt water, chlorine and sea salt sprays, use heat protection and wash a little less often. A shampoo made for after smoothing treatments, such as Insight's Gentle Moisture Shampoo, helps keep hair smooth and frizz-free for longer.
The first few days
Every smoothing treatment is different, so your stylist's instructions come first. Some treatments ask you to wait before washing, and to avoid tying hair up, tucking it behind your ears or getting it wet, while the result sets. Others let you wash the same day. Ask before you leave the salon.
Keratin aftercare: the everyday rules
- Use a sulphate-free shampoo. Harsh cleansers strip smoothing treatments faster. Gentle Moisture Shampoo is sulphate-free and made for after keratin and other smoothing treatments, with organic witch hazel plus apple and marshmallow root extracts. See all sulphate-free shampoos.
- Wash less often. Every wash wears the result down a little. Try dry shampoo between washes: see how to use dry shampoo.
- Rinse with cool or lukewarm water, not hot.
- Avoid salt and chlorine. Sea water, swimming pools and sea salt sprays break treatments down faster. If you swim, wet your hair with clean water first, and rinse straight after.
- Use heat protection. Your hair will need less heat to style, but protect it whenever you do. Heat Protection Shield is part of the same Intech range as Gentle Moisture Shampoo.
- Condition the lengths, and use a weekly mask if your ends feel dry.
- Sleep on a smooth pillowcase to reduce friction, such as our Eco-Silk Pillow Case.
How long does a keratin treatment last?
Usually a few months, but it varies with the treatment, your hair type and your aftercare. The rules above are what make the difference between a treatment that fades in weeks and one that lasts until your next appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What shampoo should I use after a keratin treatment?
A gentle, sulphate-free shampoo. Gentle Moisture Shampoo is designed specifically for after smoothing treatments.
When can I wash my hair after a keratin treatment?
It depends on the treatment: follow your stylist's instructions. Some ask you to wait a couple of days; some don't.
Can I swim after a keratin treatment?
Chlorine and salt water shorten its life. Wet your hair with clean water first, and rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Can I use sea salt spray after keratin?
Best avoided, as salt can break the treatment down faster.
Can I colour my hair after a keratin treatment?
Ask your colourist. Many prefer to colour before a smoothing treatment rather than after.
What does keratin actually do?
See what does keratin do for your hair?
About the author
Charlotte Read has spent six years in the hair industry with Insight Professional and holds a First Class BSc in Business Management and Marketing. She writes with reference to real salons across social media and the wider Insight community, and draws on the Insight office team, who between them bring over 100 years of combined experience on salon floors.
Where technical expertise is needed, Charlotte consults Lorraine Matic, Head of Insight UK Education, who brings over 38 years of global experience in colour, technique and hair science.