We dove deep into the technology behind volumizing hair products, learned about the history and chemistry behind antiperspirants, and read up on Accutane. Now, we're talking keratin treatments. The hours-long, in-salon remedy works to de-frizz and de-puff, but how does it work? What exactly can keratin do for the hair? And is it suitable for all hair types? Needless to say, we have some lingering questions. To get some answers, we talked to the team at Keratin Complex along with pros in the hair industry.

Keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about getting a keratin hair treatment.

What Is a Keratin Treatment?

Keratin is a fibrous protein found naturally in the hair that acts as a protective shield against humidity (the primary cause of frizz). Over time, the hair loses keratin from exposure to the sun, environment, styling, and chemical services—causing porous spots to develop (much like potholes in a road). "Keratin in and of itself works with the porosity of the hair. Most frizz, damage, and tangled hair is due to overly porous hair," says Abraham Sprinkle, a Keratin Complex International creative team member. "Keratin treatments fill in the gaps where keratin has been depleted, so humidity is combated and hair is left with a healthier appearance. Think of it in the same way spackle deals with nail holes in sheetrock: The surface is left smooth."

There are a variety of keratin treatments to choose from, Brazilian blowout (where the hair texture is straightened out) being the most popular. "A keratin treatment is more for smoothing and frizz control compared to a straightening treatment, which is to straighten the hair," explains Lordet. "While the keratin treatment may straighten hair a little bit, it keeps more body in the hair than a straightening treatment." Sprinkle agrees, adding that "Unlike straightening treatments (which can break protein bonds to reform hair structure into a permanently straight shape), the Keratin Complex treatments specifically won't break the bonds of your hair—instead, they reduce frizz and restore health to provide the straightening, smoothing effect without permanently changing the structure. This allows versatility to style wavy or straight as desired."

Performed in-salon by a professional stylist, this powerful treatment replenishes the hair with high concentrations of keratin that penetrate throughout the hair structure and are sealed within the cortex to repair the damage. "This locks out humidity, repairs damage and breakage, and rebuilds strength to make smoother, shinier and healthier-looking hair, improving manageability and significantly reducing styling time," Sprinkle explains.

Depending on where you go to get a keratin hair treatment, it can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 per treatment. (For reference: at Pierre Michel Salon, it costs $450 for a single treatment).

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Can cut blow-drying time in half
• Hair doesn't tangle as easily

Cons

• Can permanently damage curl pattern
• An expensive fix if directions aren't followed post-treatment
• Can contribute to hair loss and shedding if not cared for with the right products