This is how a keratin treatment works - step by step

Many people hesitate before their first keratin treatment simply because they do not know what to expect. Here, we go through the entire process step by step, exactly as we perform it in the salon. If you are doing the treatment yourself at home, follow our at-home keratin treatment guide instead.

Step 1 – Deep cleansing

The hair is washed twice with Cocochoco Clarifying Shampoo. This shampoo has a deliberately elevated pH level to open the cuticle and remove silicones, oils, and product residue. If you skip this step, the keratin settles on top of the buildup instead of in the hair shaft, and the result will be neither as smooth nor as long-lasting.

Step 2 – Blow-drying

The hair is blow-dried completely dry. Not almost dry, but completely dry. Any remaining moisture dilutes the formula and prevents the keratin from adhering evenly.

Step 3 – Application

The keratin is distributed in thin sections, starting approximately one centimeter from the scalp and continuing to the ends. This is where the evenness of the final result is determined, and it is also the step that takes the longest. The formula is then left to process according to the product instructions.

Step 4 – Flat ironing

Using a titanium flat iron, the keratin is pressed into the hair shaft with several passes per section. The heat is what locks the protein in place. The temperature is adjusted according to hair type: bleached and fine hair requires lower heat than coarse, dark hair.

Step 5 – The first 72 hours

The treatment is not finished when you leave the chair. For three days, your hair should hang loose, not be washed, and not be tied up in a ponytail or tucked behind your ears. After that, wash it with sulfate-free products every time going forward.

How long does it take?

Allow two to four hours, depending on hair length and hair volume. If you would like us to do the work for you, you can book a keratin treatment in Stockholm or Uppsala. If you would like to do it at home, you will find the entire Cocochoco Professional range with us, along with the step-by-step instructions in the at-home guide.