Keratin treatment at home – step by step

A keratin treatment is easy to do at home, as long as you prepare your hair properly. We carry out keratin treatments in the salon every week, and we sell the same professional Cocochoco products to you if you would rather do the treatment yourself. What determines the result is not technique but preparation: the right wash before, the right tools during and the right aftercare after. Here we explain what the treatment does, how to choose a variant, what you need and how to do a keratin treatment at home step by step.

What a keratin treatment does – and does not do
A keratin treatment tames frizz, adds shine and makes your hair much easier to style. It does not, however, straighten your hair: your texture remains, and if you have curly hair the curls often become finer and more defined. If you want completely straight hair, permanent straightening is the right method, not keratin. For afro hair we also offer texturizer and afro permanent straightening in the salon. Knowing what to expect is the first step towards a result you will be happy with.

What you need
You need Cocochoco Clarifying Shampoo, the deep-cleansing shampoo that opens the hair before the treatment, and a Cocochoco keratin treatment in the variant that suits your hair. For the treatment itself you need a flat iron that holds an even heat, a hairdryer, a fine-toothed comb, hair clips and disposable gloves. For aftercare you need sulfate-free shampoo and sulfate-free conditioner. If you want everything in one, there is the Standard package with keratin treatment and Clarifying Shampoo, the Complete package with aftercare included and the Aftercare package with the products you need after the treatment.

Choose the right Cocochoco variant
We stock three Cocochoco variants, tailored to different hair types and needs. Original is the core variant for dry, frizzy or unruly hair. Gold suits hair that feels dull and worn, bleached or fine and needs extra care. Onyx is developed for dark and black hair. If your hair is chemically treated, dry and mainly in need of moisture, Cocochoco Hair Botox may suit you better – read more about the difference in Keratin treatment or hair botox – what is the difference? If you are unsure, we are happy to help you choose.

How to do the keratin treatment step by step
Start by washing your hair twice with clarifying shampoo. This step cannot be skipped, because the shampoo removes silicone, product residue and limescale so the keratin can reach the hair strand. Then blow-dry your hair completely – never apply to wet hair, as water dilutes the product. Divide your hair into thin sections with clips and apply the treatment evenly with the comb, from about one centimetre from the scalp to the ends. Leave on for 20–30 minutes depending on your hair type. Then blow-dry your hair and flat iron it section by section: the heat seals the keratin into the hair strand, and this is where the result is created. Work in thin sections and follow the temperature instructions on the bottle.

The first 72 hours
The treatment sets during the first three days. Wait 72 hours before washing your hair for the first time, and avoid hard workouts and swimming. Skip hair ties and clips and do not put your hair up, as they can leave marks that stay. Keep your hair straight and loose. Read more in The first 72 hours after your keratin treatment.

Aftercare – what decides how long the result lasts
Switch to sulfate-free products straight after the treatment. Sulfates and salts break down the keratin early and can halve the lifespan of the result. Clarifying shampoo is not a daily shampoo but a preparation – if you use it regularly afterwards, you are effectively washing out your own treatment. Add Cocochoco Keratin Repair Mask to your weekly routine and use Cocochoco Protection Spray as heat protection whenever you do heat style. For extra shine to finish, Cocochoco Diamond Drops are a good choice. The result lasts about 3–6 months, depending on lifestyle, care and how closely you follow the aftercare advice. It washes out gradually, so there is no visible line as your hair grows.

Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistakes are skipping the deep cleanse, so the keratin does not bond properly, applying to damp hair and taking sections that are too thick when flat ironing, so the heat cannot get through. Many people also go back to regular shampoo afterwards, which shortens the result. And do not expect poker-straight hair – that is not what the treatment does.

Would you rather we did it?
We carry out keratin treatments in the salon in both Stockholm and Uppsala, and the consultation is free. The price depends on the length and thickness of your hair. You can book a keratin treatment directly or compare the methods on our page about keratin, texturizer and permanent straightening.