How a keratin treatment works – step by step

Many people hesitate before their first keratin treatment simply because they don't know what to expect. Here we walk you through the whole process step by step, exactly as we do it in the salon. If you'd rather do the treatment yourself at home, follow our guide to keratin treatment at home instead.

Step 1 – Deep cleansing

The hair is washed twice with Cocochoco Clarifying Shampoo. This shampoo has a deliberately raised pH to open the cuticle and lift away silicones, oils and product build-up. Skip this step and the keratin sits on top of the build-up instead of inside the hair strand, and the result is neither as smooth nor as long-lasting.

Step 2 – Blow-drying

The hair is blow-dried completely. Not almost dry – completely dry. Any remaining moisture dilutes the formula and stops the keratin from bonding evenly.

Step 3 – Application

The keratin is applied in thin sections, starting about one centimetre from the scalp and working out to the ends. This is where the evenness of the final result is decided, and it's also the step that takes the longest. The formula is then left to work according to the product instructions.

Step 4 – Flat-ironing

Using a titanium flat iron, the keratin is sealed into the hair strand with several passes per section. It's the heat that locks the protein in place. The temperature is adjusted to the hair type: bleached and fine hair needs less heat than coarse, dark hair.

Step 5 – The first 72 hours

The treatment isn't finished when you leave the chair. For three days your hair should hang loose – no washing, no ponytails and no tucking it behind your ears. After that, wash with sulphate-free products, which in practice means every time from now on.

How long does it take?

Allow two to four hours depending on the length and thickness of your hair. If you'd like us to do the work for you, you can book a keratin treatment in Stockholm or Uppsala. If you'd rather do it at home, you'll find the full Cocochoco Professional range with us, along with step-by-step instructions in our at-home guide.