Keratin treatment - complete guide: what it is, how it works and who it suits

Keratin treatment is the treatment most of our customers ask about, and also the one that is most misunderstood. It does not permanently straighten the hair, it is not a chemical perm in reverse, and it does not change the hair's structure. It replenishes something the hair already contains.

What a keratin treatment actually does

The hair shaft consists mainly of keratin, a protein that is worn away by coloring, bleaching, heat, sunlight, and everyday handling. When keratin levels drop, the surface becomes uneven, the hair shaft attracts moisture from the air, and frizz and static electricity develop. A keratin treatment puts keratin back into the hair shaft and seals it in with heat from a flat iron. The result is a smoother surface that reflects light better, meaning more shine, less frizz, and a significantly shorter styling time in the morning.

The effect lasts for three to five months and gradually fades. The hair never suddenly returns to its original state, which is one of the biggest advantages compared with chemical straightening.

How the treatment works

The treatment always begins with a deep cleanse using Cocochoco Clarifying Shampoo, which removes product residue and opens the cuticle layer. The hair is then blow-dried completely dry, the keratin is applied section by section, and pressed in with a titanium flat iron. The entire process takes between two and four hours, depending on hair length and thickness.

The first 72 hours are crucial. During this time, the hair should not be washed, tied up, or clamped, as the keratin is still setting in the hair shaft.

Who is it suitable for?

Keratin treatment is suitable for dry, frizzy, colored, bleached, curly, and coarse hair. It also works on fine hair, but then a milder formula and lower heat are required. In practice, no hair type is excluded; however, there are different formulas for different needs, and that is where most people make the wrong choice.

At home or in a salon?

We offer both. At the salon, we carry out the entire treatment for you in Stockholm and Uppsala, and you can book a keratin treatment here. If you want to do it at home, we sell the same professional Cocochoco products that we use ourselves, including Cocochoco Professional Original. You can find the complete process in our guide to keratin treatment at home.

During the autumn, we will publish a new article here on the blog every week, covering everything from choosing a formula and aftercare to how to make the treatment last as long as possible.