In a bid to look great and presentable, we often burden our hair with chemically-rich products and treatments that tend to do more harm than good.
In recent years, one such hair care solution that has gained a lot of popularity includes keratin treatment, which promises to provide smooth and frizz-free hair. In most cases, the results are astonishing, and one may feel they've invested, but is keratin treatment really beneficial for the hair? Are there any long-term side effects? Should you start resorting to natural remedies?
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Shitij Goel, Head - Dermatologist, Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida, answers all these questions.
Also Read: Secret To Smooth And Shiny Hair: Here's How You Can Make Homemade Keratin Treatment
What Is Keratin?
Keratin is a protein naturally produced by the body. It protects your skin and helps your nails and hair grow and stay healthy.
When it comes to your hair, it gives it strength, shine, and structure, which can diminish over time due to daily wear and tear, heat styling, and even environmental factors such as air pollution.
Dry, frizzy, and weak hair are some of the common symptoms of reduced keratin production. This is where keratin-based products or treatments come in. They are said to replenish the keratin in your hair, making it smoother, shinier, and more manageable.
Harmful Effects Of Keratin Treatment On Hair
While keratin treatments are said to provide long-lasting effects, there are certain hesitations when it comes to their safety. This is because the treatment uses formaldehyde or other chemicals that release formaldehyde, which is a colourless, highly toxic, and flammable gas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr Goel lists some common side effects that can come with keratin treatment:
Dryness and brittleness: Keratin treatments often involve the use of heat and chemicals, which can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness.
Scalp irritation: The chemicals used in keratin treatments can sometimes cause irritation to the scalp, resulting in redness, itching, or even flaking.
Hair breakage: Overuse or improper application of keratin treatments can weaken the hair shaft, leading to breakage and split ends.
Formaldehyde exposure: Some keratin treatments contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, which can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Also Read: Hair Damage Due To Pollution? Here Are Some Effective Tips To Combat It
Natural Ways To Treat Damaged Hair
Instead of investing so much money, time, and energy in getting keratin treatment, Dr Goel shares natural remedies that can help do the same but with no side effects. These include:
Coconut oil: Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil can help moisturise and strengthen damaged hair. Apply warm coconut oil to the hair, leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.
Avocado mask: Mash a ripe avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture to damp hair, leave it on for 20–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Apple cider vinegar rinse: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. This can help restore the pH balance of the hair and make it smoother and shinier.
Egg treatment: Beat an egg and apply it to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Eggs are rich in protein, which can help strengthen the hair and reduce breakage.
Other Common Causes Of Hair Damage
Besides being mindful of the potential side effects of keratin treatments, Dr Goel also advises avoiding common causes of hair damage. These include:
- Excessive use of heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers
- Going for chemical treatments, such as perms, relaxers, and frequent dyeing
- Poor hair care habits, such as brushing or combing hair when wet, using harsh hair products, and washing hair too frequently
Conclusion
Keratin treatment has become a popular hair care solution, especially among young people. While it does provide results, it is important to be aware of the long-lasting damage it can have on your hair's health. So, ditch salons and expensive procedures and instead go for natural remedies that not only help replenish your hair but also have no harmful effects on it.