Keratin treatments are salon services that are used to smooth and straight hair. They provide a temporary solution for those who want beautifully styled hair without the hassle of daily styling. But is it safe to swim after getting a keratin treatment? This article will answer this important question and discuss common concerns about swimming with a keratin hair treatment.
What is a Keratin Treatment?
Keratin treatment, sometimes referred to as “The Brazilian Blowout,” is a popular hair-smoothing treatment that uses a heated solution to the condition and smoothes the hair. The solution contains keratin, a protein naturally found in the hair that acts as a sealant, locking moisture into the strands.
The process generally takes about an hour or more, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. The result is glossy and smooth hair, making it easier to style into desired looks.
Swimming With a Keratin Treatment
Generally, it’s safe to swim after getting a keratin-smoothing treatment. The keratin solution is designed to penetrate the hair cuticle and bond with the existing proteins, creating a protective layer that helps keep your hair looking smooth and healthy for weeks. If done properly, the keratin should not be affected by water exposure.
Consequently, it is essential to recall that freshwater poses no threat to your treatment. However, if the case involves swimming in salt water or chlorinated pool water, you should exercise caution as these elements may diminish its overall lasting effects.
Keratin Hair Treatment and Chlorinated Water
When swimming in chlorinated water, it’s important to take certain precautions. Chlorine is highly alkaline and can strip away the protective layer of keratin on your hair, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. You should use a chlorine-removing product like swimmer’s shampoo to protect your hair while swimming in a pool or hot tub.
This product is specially formulated to help remove chlorine and other contaminants, restoring your hair’s natural pH balance and helping protect it from damage. After swimming, make sure you also rinse thoroughly with fresh water to get rid of any remaining chlorine.
Saltwater can also be harsh on keratin-treated hair. To protect your strands, it’s always wise to wear a swimming cap before entering the ocean or seawater. A swimming cap will help keep saltwater out of your hair and reduce the damage caused by the sun and surf. After leaving the water, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to replenish lost moisture and repair any damage that may have occurred.
Chlorine and Keratin
Chlorine is a chemical used in some swimming pools, and it can strip away keratin from your hair. In addition, chlorinated water can dry the hair, making it more prone to breakage. To help protect your hair against chlorine damage, always have your hair wet before entering the pool. This will create a barrier between the keratin treatment and the chlorine. Additionally, wear a swimming cap to protect your hair from further damage.
Keratin Hair Treatment and Salt Water
Saltwater is gentler on the hair than chlorine and won’t strip away keratin. If you plan to swim in salt water, it’s important to rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to help protect the treatment from fading.
Salt Water
Saltwater strips hair of keratin, which means the treatment you spent all that time getting will be ruined. Sodium opens up your cuticle, depleting your hair of keratin and moisture. If you think you’ll swim in a pool instead, think again. Unfortunately, chlorine does the same thing.
However, it’s essential to take precautions when swimming with a keratin treatment to maintain the smoothness of your hair. Here are some tips:
Things to Remember After a Keratin Treatment
- Get regular deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair healthy and maintain the effectiveness of your keratin treatment.
- Always consult with a professional stylist before getting any hair treatment.
- Avoid using hot styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons as much as possible. Heat can weaken the keratin bonds and reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
- Avoid using hair products with alcohol or sulfates, as these can strip away the keratin in your hair.
- Don’t shampoo your hair too often, as this can also remove the keratin from your hair.
Helpful Tips After Keratin Treatment
1. Avoid washing your hair for at least three days after the Keratin treatment. This allows the product to set into your hair follicles fully.
2. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and leave-in conditioner. Made specifically for colour-treated or keratin-treated hair, these are formulated to preserve the effects of the treatment.
3. Avoid styling your hair with heat. Such as blow drying or flat-ironing for at least three days after receiving a Keratin treatment. Heat can prematurely break down the product, making it less effective and shortening its lifespan.
4. Use a deep conditioning mask for thick and thin hair weekly. To keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
5. Try to limit the use of styling products. For example, hairspray or mousse can also break down the Keratin molecules and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
6. Regularly trim your ends. To help maintain the health of your hair and keep split ends at bay.
7. Always wear a hat. Protecting your hair from UV rays can damage the Keratin treatment and cause fading or discolouration.
8. Be sure to wet your hair before entering the pool or ocean. When swimming, do this to avoid absorbing chlorine or salt water into your follicles. Additionally, wear a swimming cap or keratin-infused conditioner, for both thick and thin hair, for even more protection.
9. Brush your hair. When showering, this ensures all knots are removed, and your hair is tangle free. In addition, this will ensure even distribution of the shampoo and leave-in conditioner for thick and thin hair and reduce breakage or damage to your hair.
10. Be sure to have regular touch-ups every few months. To keep your Keratin treatment looking and feeling its best. These simple tips ensure that your hair remains healthy and vibrant after a Keratin treatment!
Conclusion
Keratin treatments are an excellent way to improve the condition of your hair and make it easier to manage. A Keratin treatment can last up to six months or more with proper care.
However, it’s important to remember that for the treatment to be effective, you must take extra precautions when swimming and follow the above tips to ensure that your hair remains healthy and vibrant after a Keratin treatment. Check out the vitamins hair cosmetics’ amazon store for Keratin hair care and other products.
FAQs
What are the tips when I sleep after keratin treatment?
It is best to sleep with your hair in a loose bun or ponytail and use a silk pillowcase or sleeping cap to prevent damage from friction. Additionally, if you have very long or thick hair, it’s important to avoid tangling the hair during sleep by either wearing it up or braiding it.
Can I comb my hair after keratin treatment?
Yes. However, it is important to use a wide-toothed comb or brush to prevent breakage and ensure the even distribution of the product throughout your hair. It’s also beneficial to use a leave-in conditioner while combing.