Keratin treatment aftercare: how to make your results last

Keratin treatment aftercare comes down to three things: wait 72 hours before your first wash, use a sulphate free shampoo, and keep heat styling gentle. Get those right and your hair stays smooth, shiny and easy to manage for months. Here is the routine our team at Simon Warwick Salons in Maida Vale gives every client after a keratin straightening treatment, including the products we recommend.

Quick answer: don't wash, tie up or tuck your hair behind your ears for the first 72 hours. After that, switch to a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner, use a heat protector, and book a top up every three to four months. Find out more about our keratin straightening treatments in Maida Vale.

The first 72 hours after a keratin treatment

The first three days matter more than any other part of your aftercare, because the treatment is still setting into the hair.

• Don't wash your hair. Wait at least 72 hours before your first wash so the keratin can fully bond and the smoothness lasts.
• Keep your hair loose. Avoid ponytails, clips, buns and tucking your hair behind your ears. Any kink or crease can set in while the treatment settles.
• Stay dry. Skip the gym, swimming and steam rooms, and carry an umbrella if rain is forecast.
• Sleep on silk. A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction overnight and helps prevent creases and frizz.

Good to know: if your hair does get a bend in it during the first few days, smooth it gently with a straightener on a low setting rather than leaving it to set.

Your first wash and the best shampoo after a keratin treatment

When you do wash, the shampoo you choose makes the biggest difference to how long your results last. Sulphates are strong cleansers that strip keratin away, so use a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner every time. Wash in lukewarm rather than hot water, and try not to wash every day, as fewer washes means longer lasting results.

At the salon we recommend the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture range for home care:

• Shampoo: Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo is sulphate free and gentle, so it cleanses without stripping the treatment.
• Conditioner: the matching Replenishing Moisture Conditioner locks in moisture and keeps hair soft and shiny.
• Weekly masque: the Replenishing Moisture Masque once a week gives an extra boost of hydration and strength.

Rule of thumb: if a product label lists sodium lauryl sulphate or sodium laureth sulphate, leave it on the shelf until your next treatment.

Keeping your keratin results for longer

After the first week, a few easy habits protect your investment. Keep heat styling to a minimum and always use a heat protector when you do reach for the straighteners or tongs. Rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming, as chlorine and salt water both shorten the life of a treatment.

Book a trim every six to eight weeks to keep your ends healthy, and treat your hair to a salon conditioning treatment such as Olaplex to restore moisture and strength. If you colour your hair, our coloured hair aftercare tips work well alongside this routine.

How often to repeat a keratin treatment

Many of our clients come back every three to four months to keep their hair frizz free and easy to style. The treatment fades gradually, so there is no sudden change, but if your hair starts to take longer to dry or style, it is a good sign to book your next appointment. If you are weighing up the cost, our guide to how much a keratin treatment costs in London explains what shapes the price.

Frequently asked questions

When can I wash my hair after a keratin treatment?

Wait at least 72 hours before your first wash. Washing earlier can rinse the treatment out before it has fully bonded to the hair, which shortens how long your results last. When you do wash, use lukewarm water and a sulphate free shampoo.

What shampoo should I use after a keratin treatment?

Use a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner, as sulphates strip keratin from the hair. At Simon Warwick Salons we recommend the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, with the matching masque once a week for extra hydration.

Can I tie my hair up after a keratin treatment?

Not for the first 72 hours. Ponytails, clips and even tucking your hair behind your ears can leave kinks that set in while the treatment settles. After three days, loose styles with soft scrunchies are fine.

Can I swim after a keratin treatment?

Avoid swimming for the first 72 hours. After that, wet your hair with fresh water before you swim, wear a swimming cap if you can, and rinse straight afterwards. Chlorine and salt water both wear the treatment down faster.

How long does a keratin treatment last?

A keratin treatment usually lasts around three to five months, depending on your hair and how you care for it. Good aftercare, especially a sulphate free shampoo, makes a real difference to how long the smoothness holds.

Book your keratin treatment in Maida Vale

Ready for smoother, easier hair, or due a top up? See what is involved on our keratin treatment page, then book online or call the salon on 020 7289 2100.