
Which keratin treatment is right for you?
We give you the low-down on all of the keratin treatments out there.
Deciding which keratin treatment is right for you isn’t an easy task — especially when specialist terms and treatment names are often used interchangeably.
Not sure what this type of treatment is good for? Well, our hair is made of a tough protein called keratin, and these treatments work to put back protein into the hair, which is often lost due to heated styling or over-colouring.
However, not all keratin hair treatments are equal — and luckily for you, we’ve put together a simple guide of the 4 main treatments around and who they’re best for, below.
Keratin treatment 101: Find the right one for you

1. The Brazilian blowdry
Best for: All hair types.
Arguably the most well known of all the keratin treatments, the Brazilian blowdry involves applying keratin to the hair, which is then blow-dried (hence the apt name) and “sealed” in.
Most treatments take roughly a few hours to do and last around 3-6 months. If you’re looking to beat humidity, reduce frizz or straighten out your curls, you might want to give this revolutionary keratin treatment a go.
It’s also worth noting that it can be adapted for all hair types and needs, so do consult your stylist beforehand about what might be best for you.
Up next: 5 Things to know before you try Brazilian hair straightening.
Editor’s tip: Planning on using heat on your hair after your treatment? Whether you’re blow drying your hair or using straighteners to smooth down flyaways, make sure you have a good heat protectant at hand.
Our favourite? The TONI&GUY Primer Smoothing Spray, which is great for protecting against heat damage and humidity, ensuring your style always looks fabulously polished.

2. Soft keratin treatment
Best for: Those that want to smooth their hair without losing their curls completely.
Want to tame frizz, but still retain those lush curls and waves? The soft keratin treatment will still flatten out your curls, but to a lesser degree than the Brazilian blowdry.
This treatment is free of formaldehyde-producing ingredients, which is slightly more pleasant for your nose and for anyone with a sensitive scalp. While soft keratin treatments will help smooth and straighten, it’s worth bearing in mind that the results will vary from formaldehyde-including formulas.

3. Japzilian treatment
Best for: Those that want to limit the damaging effects of hair straightening.
This treatment is a blend of the Japanese straightening and the Brazilian blowdry (now the name makes sense, right?). The idea is that it takes the positives of each treatment and mixes them together for the best of both worlds.
Japanese straightening is essentially a chemical relaxer, which can make hair straight, but leave it weaker and drier, so that’s where the Brazilian blowdry steps in. Afterwards, the Brazilian keratin treatment is applied on top to help replenish the hair, seal moisture and prevent the effects of humidity.

4. Express treatment
Best for: Those lacking in time.
Time-poor, but want a protein boost while you get a new ‘do? Then why not try the express keratin treatment? Like the name suggests, it doesn’t take as long as the other straightening methods.
But much like other treatments, keratin is applied to the hair and sealed with a hair dryer and straighteners. However, for this treatment, the keratin comes in the form of a serum. The whole process takes roughly 45 minutes and is typically offered alongside a haircut. Express, indeed!
Can’t muster up the courage to get a real keratin treatment done? Try the next best thing: the TRESemmé 7 Day Keratin Smooth range. This will help you achieve the sleek look you’re longing for, all in the comfort of your home.
The TRESemmé 7 Day Keratin Smooth Shampoo is infused with keratin and is made with lower sulphates, while the conditioner contains Thermal Technology, activated by the heat of your straighteners.
For best results, use in conjunction with the TRESemmé 7 Day Keratin Smooth Heat Activated Treatment, if you’re after 7 days of salon-smooth hair**.
**Up to 4 washes with system usage.