After a Keratin Treatment: How to Make Your Results Last Longer

You've invested in a professional keratin treatment for smoother, shinier and more manageable hair - now it's time to look after those results.

The right aftercare routine can help maintain your smooth finish, minimise frizz and keep your hair looking healthy between treatments.

From your first wash to your everyday styling routine, here's everything you need to know about looking after keratin-treated hair.

The First 72 Hours: Give Your Hair the Best Start

For the best possible results, we recommend waiting 48–72 hours before your first wash, where possible.

This waiting period is recommended rather than essential for Renew Hair keratin treatments. If you need to wash your hair sooner, don't panic - it doesn't mean you've ruined your treatment.

During the first few days, it's still a good idea to keep your hair as dry, loose and smooth as possible.

Keep your hair dry

Avoid getting your hair wet where possible, including during showers, swimming or heavy exercise.

If your hair does become damp accidentally, gently dry it as soon as possible and smooth it with your normal styling routine.

Keep your hair down

For the first few days, avoid tight ponytails, buns, clips and headbands that could create unwanted bends or creases.

Try not to repeatedly tuck your hair behind your ears either.

Sleep comfortably

Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce friction while you sleep and may help minimise frizz and tangling.

If your hair becomes slightly bent or creased overnight, gently blow-dry it smooth rather than repeatedly applying high temperatures. 

Choose Keratin-Friendly Haircare

One of the most important things you can do to prolong your results is choose the right shampoo and conditioner.

Look for sulphate-free and sodium chloride-free formulas designed to be suitable for keratin-treated hair.

Harsh cleansing products can strip the hair and may reduce the longevity of your treatment, particularly when used frequently.

A gentle aftercare routine helps maintain the smooth, conditioned finish you've achieved in the salon.

Tip: Don't assume every sulphate-free product is automatically suitable for keratin-treated hair. Look for products specifically designed or recommended for use after smoothing treatments.

Don't Over-Wash Your Hair

The more frequently you wash your hair, the more quickly your treatment will gradually fade.

Aim to wash your hair only as often as necessary for your hair type and lifestyle. For many people, 2–3 washes per weekcan be a good starting point, although there is no need to force yourself into a particular schedule if your scalp needs washing more frequently.

When washing:

• Use lukewarm rather than very hot water

• Concentrate shampoo mainly on your scalp and roots

• Gently massage rather than aggressively scrubbing the lengths

• Always follow with conditioner

• Avoid rough towel drying

Keep Your Hair Nourished

Keratin-treated hair still needs moisture and conditioning.

Incorporating a nourishing hair mask into your routine can help keep the lengths feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Apply your mask mainly through the mid-lengths and ends, particularly if these areas are dry or prone to damage.

A lightweight hair oil can also be useful for adding shine, smoothing flyaways and keeping the ends looking polished.

Why aftercare matters

Keratin treatments are designed to make hair smoother and easier to manage, but that doesn't mean your hair no longer needs conditioning.

Maintaining moisture and reducing unnecessary stress on the hair helps you enjoy the cosmetic benefits of your treatment while continuing to care for the condition of your hair.

Protect Your Hair From Heat

One of the biggest benefits of a keratin treatment is reduced styling time - so take advantage of it!

You may find that you need fewer passes with straighteners and less time spent blow-drying to achieve a smooth finish.

Whenever you use heated styling tools:

Always use a heat protectant first.

Try to minimise unnecessary heat and choose a temperature appropriate for your hair's condition and type. Fine, fragile or chemically treated hair generally requires less heat than thick, coarse hair.

You don't need to repeatedly straighten your hair simply because you've had a keratin treatment. Let your treatment do the work for you.

Be Careful With Chlorine & Salt Water

Love swimming or heading to the beach? You don't have to avoid it completely, but a little extra care can help protect your results.

Before swimming:

1. Wet your hair with fresh water.
Hair that is already saturated with clean water will absorb less of the pool or seawater.

2. Apply a suitable leave-in conditioner.
This can provide an additional layer of conditioning and help reduce the effects of the water.

3. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Don't leave chlorine or salt water sitting in your hair.

After swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water and follow your usual cleansing and conditioning routine when needed.

Handle Your Hair Gently

Keratin-treated hair may feel smoother and easier to manage, but it still benefits from gentle handling.

Avoid aggressive brushing, particularly when your hair is wet.

Instead:

• Gently detangle from the ends upwards

• Use a suitable detangling brush or wide-tooth comb

• Avoid pulling or tugging on knots

• Pat or gently squeeze excess water from the hair rather than rubbing it vigorously with a towel

Small changes to your everyday routine can help reduce unnecessary mechanical stress and keep your hair looking its best.

Make the Most of Your Keratin Between Treatments

A keratin treatment doesn't have to mean constantly reaching for your straighteners.

With the right aftercare, you can help maintain:

Smoother hair
Less frizz
More manageable styling
Improved shine
Reduced styling time

As your treatment gradually fades, your hair will naturally begin to return towards its original texture.

When you're ready for your next treatment, your stylist can advise you on the best timing based on your hair's condition and your desired results.

Your Keratin Aftercare Checklist

✓ Wait 48–72 hours before washing where possible
✓ Keep your hair dry and loose during the initial period
✓ Use sulphate-free, sodium chloride-free aftercare
✓ Avoid over-washing
✓ Use conditioner every time you wash
✓ Treat your hair to a nourishing mask regularly
✓ Always use heat protection
✓ Minimise unnecessary heat styling
✓ Protect your hair from chlorine and salt water
✓ Handle your hair gently

Want Your Keratin to Last Longer?

A professional treatment is just the beginning.

The right aftercare routine can help you get the most from your investment, keeping your hair smoother, softer and easier to manage for longer.

Discover our range of professional keratin aftercare and haircare products at Renew Hair Professional.