It is a protein that makes up the structure of hair. Keratin does not change hair color directly, but certain treatments, like a keratin straightening or coloring treatment, can alter the amount of keratin in the hair, which in return change your hair’s appearance and texture.
Unraveling the Mystery and Its Impact on Hair Color
Because a keratin smoothing treatment uses heat to bond the keratin protein into the hair shaft, the cuticle may lift as a result, changing the color of the hair momentarily. After the treatment, the color may appear more vivid or lighter.
A stylist will apply a keratin protein solution to the hair and utilize heat, typically from a flat iron, to seal the solution into the hair shaft during a keratin smoothing treatment. The opening of the hair cuticles brought on by heat enables deeper penetration of the keratin into the hair strand. As a result of the heat making the pigments in the hair expand and spread out, the hair may appear more bright or lighter. In addition, some colors may fade or the color of your hair may change as a result of this process.
What Are The Differences Between Keratin Treatment And Dye Hair And The Pros And Cons Of Each?
Both keratin treatments and hair dyes can alter the appearance of hair, but each has unique advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- can give the appearance of smoother, easier-to-manage hair
- can minimize flyaways and frizz
- can aid in shielding hair from environmental harm
Drawbacks
- can be pricey
- able to make hair more delicate
- can make the color of your hair appear different
Benefits Of Hair Coloring
- able to change their hair’s color to any desired color
- able to conceal gray hair
- changes could be either temporary or permanent
Cons Of Hair Coloring
- if performed incorrectly, may harm hair
- can result in dry or brittle hair
- can deteriorate or alter color with time
What Are The Different Ways Keratin Can Be Damaging?
Sun Exposure: The keratin in the hair can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays, which makes the hair dry and brittle. Breakage and split ends may result from this.
Environmental Conditions: The keratin in the hair can become damaged by exposure to wind, pollution, and other environmental factors. These elements may make the hair dry, frizzy, and more brittle.
Chemical Treatments: By destroying the protein structure, several chemical treatments, such as bleaching or perming, can harm the keratin in the hair. The hair may become brittle and prone to breaking as a result of this.
Heat styling: The keratin in the hair can potentially be harmed by using heat styling products like curling irons or hair straighteners. These tools’ high heat can break down the protein structure of the hair, resulting in split ends and breakage.
According to Stacey, Hair Research Analyst, “Overuse of hair styling products, such as mousses, gels, and sprays, can also harm the keratin in the hair. These cosmetics have the potential to coat the hair and prevent moisture absorption, resulting in dry, brittle hair.“
What Are The Different Ways That Keratin Can Be Restored In Hair?
Brazilian or Keratin smoothing treatments, commonly referred to as keratin hair treatments, are intended to replenish the hair’s natural keratin levels. The hair is coated with a keratin protein solution during these procedures, and the heat sealing process can make the hair look smoother, shinier, and easier to manage.
Protein hair masks are designed to strengthen and repair the protein structure of the hair. They can be applied to repair damaged hair, giving it more flexibility and strength.
Hair oils: To hydrate and strengthen hair, use oils like coconut, argan, and castor. By entering the hair shaft and feeding the hair with necessary nutrients, they can aid in keratin repair in the hair.
Hair conditioner: Using a high-quality conditioner on your hair can help you get back to its natural moisture balance and repair any keratin damage.
Avoiding Excessive Heat Styling: Avoiding excessive heat styling can also assist in keratin restoration for the hair. The protein structure of the hair might deteriorate by using heat styling products, resulting in split ends and breakage.
Avoiding overly aggressive chemical procedures, such as bleaching or perming, can also aid in keratin restoration for the hair. These therapies have the potential to harm hair by destroying its protein structure.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Hair Straightening Treatments That Could Change Hair Color?
Treatments for hair straightening, such keratin treatments, may cause adverse effects that alter the color of the hair. Among these negative impacts that I am aware of are as follows:
Lightening of hair color: The cuticle may lift during some hair straightening procedures that use heat to seal the keratin protein into the hair shaft. The hair color may appear lighter or more brilliant as a result of this.
Hair color fading: Some hair straightening procedures can result in fading or color changes over time. This is due to the possibility that the heat from the treatment will cause the pigments in the hair to spread out and enlarge.
Discoloration: Because certain hair straightening procedures utilize harsh chemicals, the hair may become discolored, mainly at the ends of the hair.
Hair breakage: Hair breakage can result from the use of chemicals and heat during the treatment procedure, which can result in uneven hair structure and color.
Does Keratin Have An Effect On The Way The Hair Absorbs Dye, Resulting In Different Colors?
Keratin can affect how dye is absorbed by hair and result in a variety of colors. The amount of keratin in the hair can have an impact on the porosity, the hair’s capacity to take in and hold moisture—of the hair. High quantities of keratin are thought to make hair less porous in general, which can make it more challenging for dye to penetrate and attach to the hair shaft. As a result, hair color may turn out to be paler or less bright than anticipated.
Conversely, hair that is weakened or has little keratin is said to be more porous. This may facilitate dye penetration and hair shaft adhesion. As a result, your hair color can turn out deeper or more vivid than you had anticipated.
Before using any hair dye, it’s crucial to consider the porosity of the hair in order to acquire the appropriate color.
According to Meesh, Contributing Editor and HairBrushy Chief Product Analyst, “if you intend to get a keratin treatment, you should color your hair first because the procedure may cause the color to fade or change.“
How To Achieve Silky Smooth Hair While Still Maintaining Your Original Hair Color?
There are numerous methods to get silky smooth hair while retaining the color of your natural hair:
Hair oils: To hydrate and strengthen hair, use oils like coconut, argan, and castor. They can give hair a smooth, silky appearance by assisting in reducing frizz and flyaways.
Hair serums can be used to smooth and silken hair by taming frizz and flyaways. They are also designed to shield the hair against environmental deterioration and heat styling.
Proper hair care helps keep hair silky and smooth by utilizing products like a high-quality shampoo and conditioner. Maintaining the natural texture of the hair can also be facilitated by avoiding overheating and chemical treatments.
Regular Hair Trims: Regular hair trims can help remove split and damaged ends, giving the hair a smoother, silkier appearance.
Use of a Hair Mask: Using a hair mask can assist in supplying the nutrients required for healthy, strong hair that is smooth and silky.
Avoiding too much UV exposure: The keratin in the hair can be damaged by the sun, leaving it dry and brittle. Your hair can be protected from UV radiation by using a UV-protecting product or by wearing a cap while outside in the sun.
Is It Possible To Achieve Gorgeous Blonde Hair Without Bleaching Through A Keratin Treatment?
Oh, no that is not possible. Sorry.
Blonde hair cannot be achieved without whitening it using a keratin treatment. The purpose of keratin treatments is to straighten and smooth out hair, not to alter its color.
The pigments in the hair must be removed in order to create blonde hair, which can be done by employing hair lightening or bleaching solutions. A professional stylist should be consulted before lightening the hair to make sure it is healthy enough to go through the process and to guarantee that the proper product and method are used to get the desired color while minimizing damage.
You can achieve blonde hair without bleaching with alternative hair coloring techniques including highlights, balayage, or ombre. These can make you look blonde without doing as much damage to your hair as full-head bleaching.
If you want to have blonde hair, it’s crucial to remember that preserving the color and keeping it appearing healthy will call for routine touch-ups, the use of color-safe hair care products, and a stay away from harsh chemicals and heat styling tools.
Can Keratin Treatments Cause Permanent Or Temporary Damage To Hair?
If keratin treatments are applied incorrectly, hair damage may be either temporary or permanent. These procedures involve coating the hair with a keratin protein solution, which can make it look smoother and more manageable, then sealing it in with heat.
However, using too much heat or leaving it on too long will dry out the hair, make it brittle, and even cause breaking. Additionally, improper application of the keratin treatment might result in overly dry, lifeless, and brittle hair that loses its shine.
Hair can become more fragile as a result of keratin treatments, which may lead to strand losses. This is because keratin treatments have the potential to make hair more fragile and susceptible to environmental influences like wind and pollution.
And if the procedure is not carried out by a professional or with the proper chemicals, it may result in hair damage, including hair loss, chemical burns, and discoloration.
Are There Certain Types Of Keratin Treatments Better Suited For Changing Your Natural Hair Color Than Others?
Well not really, as I mentioned already. To reiterate for clarity.
Not to affect the color of the hair, keratin treatments are mostly used to straighten and smooth hair. Nevertheless, depending on the desired hue, some keratin treatments can be more suitable for changing your natural hair color than others.
The cuticle may lift during keratin treatments that use heat to bond the keratin protein into the hair shaft, making the color of the hair look more vivid or lighter. Before undergoing any hair treatment, it’s crucial to speak with a qualified stylist, especially if you have color-treated hair, to make sure your hair color is safeguarded and to go over any potential adverse effects.
The best hair coloring products to use if you wish to alter your natural hair color are those made especially for that purpose. These items can be used for many hair coloring techniques, including adding highlights, changing the color, hiding gray hair, and more.
Remember that every chemical treatment of the hair has the potential to harm your hair.
What Is The Best Way To Go About Transitioning From One Color Treatment To Another Without Damaging Your Hair And Ending Up With Orange Hair Instead Of Blonde Hair?
Well…That is tricky. Here is my advise.
It can be challenging to switch from one hair color treatment to another, so it’s crucial to follow the right procedures to prevent damage to your hair or an undesired color. The following advice can help you change your hair color without harming your locks:
Consult a professional stylist: Considering your existing hair color, condition, and intended outcome, a stylist can assist you in choosing the best course of action for changing your hair color.
Gradual change: Making the switch to a new color gradually can assist to reduce hair damage. Instead than attempting a drastic color change at once, this can be accomplished by progressively whitening the hair over time.
Use color-safe hair care products to prevent fading and damage to the hair during the transition phase. Color-safe hair care products include shampoos and conditioners.
Avoid harsh chemicals and heat styling: You can reduce hair damage throughout the transition phase by staying away from harsh chemicals like bleach and heat style.
Select the appropriate method: You can get a new color with hair coloring techniques like highlights, balayage, or ombre without doing as much damage to your hair as full head bleaching.
Be patient: Making the switch to a new hair color might take some time, so it’s crucial to have patience and follow the right procedures to prevent harm to your hair.
What Are The Steps To Take When Using A Keratin Treatment And Trying To Change A Natural Shade Into Something New?
The process of changing your hair color can be laborious, and it might take several visits with your stylist to get the desired outcome.
There are some additional procedures you need do to make sure the process goes properly and your hair isn’t damaged if you’re utilizing a keratin treatment to alter your natural color into something new:
Consult a professional stylist: Considering your existing hair color, condition, and intended outcome, a stylist can assist you in choosing the best course of action for changing your hair color.
Lighten hair before treatment: A keratin treatment may affect the color of your hair to fade or change, so it is advised that you lighten your hair beforehand.
Use color-safe keratin products: To ensure that the hair color is protected and does not fade, look for keratin products that are especially made for color-treated hair.
Avoid using excessive heat while styling your hair: Using heat styling products like curling irons or straighteners can cause the protein structure of your hair to deteriorate, resulting in split ends and breakage.
Take good care of your hair: Good hair care can assist to maintain the health and color of your hair. Examples include using a high-quality shampoo and conditioner and avoiding excessive heat styling and chemical treatments.
Be ready for the upkeep: Changing your hair color might take some time, so be ready for the upkeep that comes with it, such as frequent touch-ups and utilizing color-safe hair care products.
References
Giesen, M., Gruedl, S., Holtkoetter, O., Fuhrmann, G., Koerner, A., & Petersohn, D. (2011). Ageing processes influence keratin and KAP expression in human hair follicles. Experimental dermatology, 20(9), 759-761.
Vyumvuhore, R., Verzeaux, L., Gilardeau, S., Bordes, S., Aymard, E., Manfait, M., & Closs, B. (2021). Investigation of the molecular signature of greying hair shafts. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43(3), 332-340.
Choi, H. I., Choi, G. I., Kim, E. K., Choi, Y. J., Sohn, K. C., Lee, Y., … & Lee, Y. H. (2011). Hair greying is associated with active hair growth. British Journal of Dermatology, 165(6), 1183-1189.