What to keep in mind while getting a keratin hair treatment done

Each of her visits was followed by fever, nausea, diarrhoea, and back pain. The doctors who published the case found high levels of creatinine in her blood, signalling that her kidneys were not functioning properly.

Keratin hair treatment has become quite popular lately, promising frizz-free, smooth, and straight hair. However, a recent case study published in The New England Journal of Medicine mentioned that a 26-year-old woman suffered kidney damage after undergoing a hair-straightening procedure involving glyoxylic acid at a salon three times between 2020 and 2022.

Each of her visits was followed by fever, nausea, diarrhoea, and back pain. The doctors who published the case found high levels of creatinine in her blood, signalling that her kidneys were not functioning properly.

Women who got hair straightening treatments done had symptoms like stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, and rash on the scalp. Some even suffered kidney failure. The studies have mentioned that none of these women had a history of kidney disease or any other health issue in the past.

A lot of these hair straightening products nowadays contain glyoxylic acid in them. It is also a very common ingredient used in face creams and serums.

Before scheduling your appointment, thoroughly research the salon and the specific treatment they offer. Get the treatment done only by experts. You can schedule a consultation with your stylist to discuss your hair type, concerns, and expectations. This will help you figure out if a keratin treatment is suitable for your hair.

Read the labels of the products being used carefully. Be aware of the ingredients used in the keratin treatment, especially if you have any allergies or sensitivities. It's better to stay away from harsh chemicals. Understand the process and familiarise yourself with the treatment, including the duration, aftercare requirements, and potential side effects.

Ask your stylist to take you through the maintenance requirements.

Prevent the application of medicated hair oils or serums before treatment. Buy a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner before getting the job done. After the treatment, do not wet your hair for at least three days.

Remember to dry your hair as soon as possible if your hair gets wet from sweat or rainwater. Don't forget to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the condition of your hair and address any concerns or issues that may arise after the treatment.

Instead of keratin hair treatment, you could opt for deep conditioning treatments. These treatments provide intense hydration to dry, damaged hair, restoring moisture and improving overall hair health. You can also go for protein treatments, which help strengthen the hair shaft, reduce breakage, and improve elasticity.

Meanwhile, homemade hair masks made from natural ingredients like avocado, honey, yoghurt, and eggs can provide deep conditioning benefits without the use of harsh chemicals. These masks can help moisturise, repair, and strengthen the hair.