Keratin Treatment Aftercare: First 72 Hours, Week One and Long-Term Care

A keratin treatment can significantly reduce frizz and drying time, but the results depend heavily on what you do in the days and weeks after the appointment. This post explains what to expect and how to care for your hair at each stage.

What Happens During a Keratin Treatment

A keratin treatment works by infusing a keratin formula into the hair shaft, then sealing it with heat from a flat iron. The process temporarily smooths and seals the cuticle, which reduces frizz and makes the hair easier to manage.

The formula needs time to bond fully with the hair after the appointment. What you do in the first 72 hours affects how well the treatment sets and how long it lasts.

The First 72 Hours

The first 72 hours are the most critical. During this window, the keratin formula is still bonding with the hair and is vulnerable to moisture, pressure, and folding.

Do not wash your hairDo not shampoo your hair for the first 72 hours after your appointment. Water and shampoo disrupt the bonding process while the formula is still setting. Keep your hair dry and away from steam (including showers, saunas, and humid environments where possible).

Do not tie or clip your hairElastics, clips, and ponytail holders create creases and bends in the hair during the bonding period. Keep your hair loose and flat. If you sleep with your hair up, leave it down for the first few nights or sleep on a silk pillowcase and keep it as smooth as possible.

Avoid sweatHeavy exercise that causes scalp sweating can affect the treatment during the first 72 hours. If you exercise regularly, it is worth scheduling your keratin appointment around your workout schedule — a rest day the day after works well.

Stay out of rain and humidityMoisture from rain or a very humid environment can affect the treatment before it has fully set. This is especially relevant in Toronto's summer months.

Week One

After 72 hours, you can wash your hair — but use the right products.

Use a sulphate-free shampooSulphates are strong cleansing agents found in many regular shampoos. They strip the keratin formula from the hair more quickly than sulphate-free formulas. Switching to a sulphate-free shampoo is one of the most important things you can do to extend the results of a keratin treatment.

We can recommend a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner that works with your hair type — ask your stylist at the appointment.

Avoid salt and chlorineSalt water and chlorinated pool water break down the keratin treatment. If you swim in the ocean or a pool, rinse your hair immediately afterward and limit exposure where possible.

Avoid other chemical servicesDo not have colour, highlights, or any other chemical service in the first week after a keratin treatment. Wait until the treatment has fully settled.

Long-Term Care

With the right routine, a keratin treatment typically lasts three to five months. Here is how to get the most out of it.

Sulphate-free shampoo throughoutContinue using sulphate-free shampoo for the full duration of the treatment. This is the single biggest factor in how long the results last.

Wash less frequentlyWashing your hair daily accelerates the breakdown of the treatment. If you can extend to washing every two to three days, the treatment will last noticeably longer.

Use a mask or conditioning treatmentKeratin treatments can reduce frizz significantly, but the hair still benefits from regular moisture. A weekly conditioning mask helps maintain softness and shine as the treatment gradually wears off.

Heat stylingYou can use a flat iron or blow dryer after a keratin treatment. Many clients find they need significantly less heat to achieve the same result, or that air drying gives a smoother finish than before. When you do use heat, a heat protectant is still recommended.

When to Book Again

Most clients return for a keratin refresh every three to five months. As the treatment fades, frizz gradually returns rather than disappearing suddenly. Some clients book their next keratin appointment when they notice the weather-resistance starting to reduce — this is usually a reliable indicator that the treatment has run its course.

Book a Keratin Treatment in Toronto

We offer keratin treatments at Calia Hair, 3338 Yonge Street, North York, at Yonge and Lawrence. You can book online or call 416-440-2696.

If you have questions about whether a keratin treatment is right for your hair type, or what to expect from your first appointment, contact us before booking and we can help.