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    1. Beauty
    2. Hair

    The 11 Best At-Home Keratin Treatments Get Me and My Frizzy Hair Through Unpredictable Weather

    Magic in a bottle for silky smooth locks.

    Sophia Vilensky's avatar
    By Sophia Vilensky Contributions by Samantha Holender
    Last updated 9 September 2026 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    two girls with straight black hair next to two keratin products on a red marble background
    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)
    Jump to category:
    • Best At-Home Keratin Treatment Overall
    • Best At-Home Keratin Treatment Mask
    • Best At-Home Keratin Treatment for Dry Hair
    • Best Leave-In At-Home Keratin Treatment
    • Best K-Beauty At-Home Keratin Treatment
    • Best At-Home Keratin Conditioner
    • Best At-Home Keratin Treatment for Fine Hair
    • Best At-Home Keratin Treatment for Frizz Control
    • Best Professional At-Home Keratin Treatment
    • Best Drugstore At-Home Keratin Treatment
    • Best At-Home Keratin Blow Dry Cream
    • What to Look For
    • Salon vs. At-Home Keratin Treatments
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    Keratin treatments have come quite a long way in the past five years. Once upon a time, taming frizz required chemical-filled, formaldehyde-powered treatments. But in 2026, formulas have advanced. Not only are in-salon options gentler on the hair and just as effective, but there are also a plethora of at-home keratin treatments that offer gorgeous, hair-smoothing benefits at a fraction of the price.

    There's no shortage of options. You can choose from keratin-infused shampoos and conditioners, leave-in products, masks, and serums. There are even pro-grade at-home kits available if you really want to take your frizz-fighting efforts to the next level. "It's crucial to select at-home keratin treatment kits specifically formulated for your hair type and needs," shares board-certified trichologist Penny James, IAT, AOT. "By carefully reading reviews and instructions, choose a product that will deliver the desired results."

    Not all at-home keratin treatments are created equal, and it's important to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each formula. For example, tightly curled or coily hair will likely require a more intense treatment to change its shape, whereas wavy or loosely curled hair will find frizz-taming success with a keratin-infused product. Ahead, James and Alexandra Arriaga, a hair chemist and medical researcher, answer all your questions about at-home keratin treatments. Keep scrolling to find the best at-home keratin treatments on the market so you can get your silkiest hair yet.

    The Best At-Home Keratin Treatments

    • Best At-Home Keratin Treatment Overall: Virtue Restorative, Hydrating Treatment Hair Mask With Keratin
    • Best At-Home Keratin Treatment Mask: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
    • Best At-Home Keratin Treatment for Dry Hair: Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Keratin Sealer
    • Best Leave-In At-Home Keratin Treatment: It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Plus Keratin
    • Best K-Beauty At-Home Keratin Treatment: COSRX Peptide 132 Hair Bond Repair Treatment
    • Best At-Home Keratin-Infused Conditioner: OGX Anti-Breakage + Keratin Oil Conditioner
    • Best At-Home Keratin Treatment for Fine Hair: Keranique Lift & Repair Treatment Spray
    • Best At-Home Treatment for Frizz Control: GK Smoothing Keratin Treatment
    • Best Professional-Grade At-Home Keratin Treatment: Gussi At-Home Keratin Treatment
    • Best Drugstore At-Home Keratin Treatment: Novex Brazilian Keratin Deep Conditioning Mask
    • Best At-Home Keratin Blow Dry Cream: Keratin Complex Infusion Keratin Replenishing Blow Dry Cream

    Best At-Home Keratin Treatment Overall

    A tub of Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask set against a white background.

    Virtue
    Restorative, Hydrating Treatment Hair Mask With Keratin
    $72
    $36 AT DERMSTORE

    Even if your hair has never touched dye or chemical treatments, it could use some TLC from time to time. This hair mask will provide just that. Every product in Virtue's line features Alpha Keratin 60ku, a protein that's identical to the keratin that makes up 90 percent of our hair. While this mask works to provide intense hydration, it also fills and smooths the cracks of damage. In the end, you're left with softer, less-damaged hair that's easier to manage.

    Type: Keratin-infused product

    Formulation: Mask

    Size: 5 oz.

    Key Ingredients: Keratin (repairing); Baobab Seed Oil (emollient); Brown Algae Extract (heat protection); Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract (color and shine enhancing)

    Hair Type: All

    What I Love: Clinically tested; Vegan; Color safe; Repairs damage; Free of sulfates and parabens; Not heavy; Detangles; Really nice smell

    What I Don't: While not unpleasant, the smell is quite strong; Won't change hair texture

    Review for MC: "Three minutes to softer, less damaged hair? I'll happily take it. Upon first application, I could tell this mask was luxe based simply on its thick, jelly-like texture and gourmand smell. After a thorough rinse, my hair had a straight-from-the-salon slip to it that, until now, I've found impossible to duplicate. After drying, I was so impressed with the softness and shine—especially after a visit from my Dyson Airwrap. Now two days out from wash day, I'm still impressed and I've barely noticed a frizzy strand or stray hair." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer

    Sophia Vilensky before and after testing Virtue's at-home keratin treatment mask, plus a photo of the mask's texture in her open palm.

    Sophia Vilensky testing Virtue's Restorative, Hydrating Treatment Mask with Keratin.

    (Image credit: Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

    Best At-Home Keratin Treatment Mask

    Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

    K18 Biomimetic Hairscience
    Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
    $29
    SHOP NOW

    The second beauty editors start chatting about leave-in keratin treatments, K18 is immediately thrown into the conversation. Creating hair "that feels like new" is one of its key claims. It features a vegan, color-safe formula that effectively seals damaged hair cuticles over several treatments. While this will boost shine and does have frizz-fighting properties commonly associated with professional keratin treatments, it doesn't create naturally straight hair. Those with curly hair will still have curly hair after this treatment—it'll just feel smoother, softer, and healthier.

    Type: Keratin-infused product

    Formulation: Mask

    Size: 1.3 oz.

    Key Ingredients: Signature K18Peptide (repairing)

    Hair Type: All hair types

    What I Love: Repairs damage; Restores shine; No need for rinsing; Split ends feel miles away

    What I Don't: Might weigh down or dry out fine hair; Won't change hair texture; More expensive than other options

    Review for MC: “K18’s leave-in treatment strengthened my hair after first use while keeping the frizz of my fine hair at bay. For me, its most noteworthy features are how lightweight and easy it makes styling after a wash. Dare I say, I wish I had spent money on this instead of a keratin treatment at the salon. Plus, once Sofia Richie endorsed K18, I knew it was worth the hype.” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Beauty Writer

    Malcia Greene tests K18's leave-in molecular repair hair mask with a before shot, a shot of the product's texture, and a shot of her hair after.

    Malcia Greene testing K18's Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask.

    (Image credit: Image credit: Malcia Greene)

    Best At-Home Keratin Treatment for Dry Hair

    Best At-Home Keratin Treatments 2024 | Davines Nourishing Keratin Sealer review

    Davines
    Naturaltech Nourishing Keratin Sealer
    $40
    $40 AT SEPHORA

    This top-rated oil works to repair the hair cuticle from the inside out. When the cuticle is sealed up tight, water can't sneak in, and frizz is avoided. Sounds pretty good, huh? After a few spritzes of this beautiful and fresh-smelling serum-oil hybrid, your strands will dry strong, smooth, and shiny.

    Type: Keratin-infused product

    Formulation: Serum-oil spray

    Size: 3.38 oz.

    Key Ingredients: None listed

    Hair Type: Dry or damaged

    What I Love: Boosts shine; Repairs hair over time; Gorgeous smell; You see results immediately

    What I Don't: Won't change hair texture; No heat protection

    Review for MC: "While a few sprays applied to my post-shower, towel-dried hair certainly makes combing a breeze, it's the once-dried benefits of this serum-oil hybrid that I really live for. I don't have a magnifying glass (should I get one?), but it seems my split ends are gone and the shine is like nothing else. I have fairly thin strands but a lot of them, and I never feel weighed down, either." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer

    Sophia Vilensky before and after testing Davines at-home keratin treatment spray, plus a photo of the leave-in's texture in her open palm.

    Sophia Vilensky testing Davines' Nourishing Keratin Sealer.

    (Image credit: Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

    Best Leave-In At-Home Keratin Treatment

    Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Plus Keratin - 4.0 Oz

    It's A 10
    Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Plus Keratin - 4.0 Oz
    $23
    SHOP NOW

    If the mere thought of detangling gives you anxiety, relieve yourself by reaching for this miracle worker of a styling spray, which is infused with hydrolyzed keratin. The brand is best known for its strengthening products to make your hair feel more manageable. After spritzing this all over your head, you'll be able to easily glide your wide-tooth comb through your hair—without the stress of that strenuous arm workout.

    Type: Keratin-infused product

    Formulation: Spray

    Size: 4 oz.

    Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed keratin (moisturizing); Panthenol (fortifying); Sunflower seed extract (softening)

    Hair Type: All

    What I Love: Detangles; Protects from heat damage; Can be used daily; No need to rinse

    What I Don't: Fragrant; Won't change hair texture

    Review for MC: "While the scent is a bit much for me, the sheer detangling prowess of this leave-in conditioner makes it all worth it. Aside from making it easy for me to make my way through any one-time knots with a comb, it strengthens, smooths, and offers my precious strands some heat protection. I hate when I get out of the shower and realize I forgot to use a mask, and with this on my nightstand, my hair still stands a chance post-rinse." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer

    Sophia Vilensky tests the It's a 10 Keratin miracle leave-in with a before photo, an after photo, and photo of the product's texture.

    Sophia Vilensky testing the It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In with Keratin.

    (Image credit: Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

    Best K-Beauty At-Home Keratin Treatment

    A bottle of COSRX Patented Peptide 132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Treatment set against a white background.

    COSRX
    Peptide 132 Hair Bond Repair Treatment
    $16$10
    SHOP NOW

    Korean beauty brand CosRX is constantly going viral for their skincare products, and this—their first foray into haircare!—will likely be the next innovation to take over your feed. Part of their new Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Collection, the rinse-out mask was formulated with PEPTIDE-132, a patented, low-molecular-weight peptide that was clinically developed to "restore damaged hair from within."

    Type: Keratin-infused product

    Formulation: Mask

    Size: 4 oz.

    Key Ingredients: Peptide-132 (restoring)

    Hair Type: All

    What I Love: Leaves hair soft and smooth; Rinses out easily; Easy to dispense; More affordable than other options

    What I Don't: Won't change hair texture

    Review for MC: "I'm a big fan of COSRX, and when I saw that they were taking their scientific skincare approach to the world of hair, I was immediately enticed. After rinsing the shampoo out of my hair and squeezing out excess water, I applied a little of this nice-smelling cream and waited for it to do its magic. I rinsed it out, let it air dry, and found myself with soft, smooth hair—despite the scraggle on my head just an hour before." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer

    Sophia Vilensky before and after testing COSRX's at-home keratin treatment mask, plus a photo of the mask's texture in her open palm.

    Sophia Vilensky testing the COSRX Peptide132 Hair Bond Repair Treatment.

    (Image credit: Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

    Best At-Home Keratin Conditioner

    Anti-Breakage + Keratin Oil Fortifying Anti-Frizz Conditioner for Damaged Hair & Split Ends, With Keratin Proteins & Argan Oil, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free Surfactants

    OGX
    Anti-Breakage + Keratin Oil Fortifying Anti-Frizz Conditioner
    $14$9
    SHOP NOW

    Welcome this conditioner into your daily beauty regimen, and you can wave goodbye to frizz, split ends, and fragile hair that breaks at the slightest swipe of a brush. Keratin and argan oil come together in this beloved formula to repair and strengthen your hair. The brand also boasts a corresponding shampoo if you want to take things a step further.

    Type: Keratin-infused product

    Formulation: Cream conditioner

    Size: 13 oz.

    Key Ingredients: Keratin proteins and Argan oil blend (shine enhancing)

    Hair Type: All

    What I Love: Safe for daily use, Helps repair split ends; Nice smell; Doesn't leave hair feeling oily; Affordable; Impressive at tackling frizz

    What I Don't: Won't change hair texture

    Review for MC: "If you're looking for a keratin-infused product to enjoy without adding something new to your routine, this is the one for you. Gentle enough for every day use, it won't weigh down your hair—just give you plenty of shine. I love the smell, and that I don't have to think too hard about making it work; it's in the shower, I reach for it, I rinse, and next time, I repeat." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer

    Sophia Vilensky before and after testing OGX's at-home keratin shampoo and conditioner, plus a photo of the conditioner's texture in her open palm.

    Sophia Vilensky testing the OGX Keratin Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.

    (Image credit: Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

    Best At-Home Keratin Treatment for Fine Hair

    Lift & Repair Treatment Spray

    Keranique
    Lift & Repair Treatment Spray
    $20
    SHOP NOW

    This spray's keratin amino complex nourishes, strengthens, and protects your hair while adding volume. It’ll give your hair a lift and make it feel thicker and fuller—even if you're dealing with a thin, fine texture. I'm also impressed by this product's ability to combat frizz. It deserves flowers for its lightweight texture, though some note it's a bit sticky.

    Type: Keratin-infused product

    Formulation: Spray

    Size: 3.4 oz.

    Key Ingredients: Proprietary keratin amino (nourishing)

    Hair Type: Fine and thin

    What I Love: Frizz-fighting; Volumizing; Easy to use

    What I Don't: Some find the texture too sticky; Won't change hair texture

    Customer Review: "I have very thin, flat hair and this actually gives it body (without blow-drying even!!) and doesn't change your hair texture or make it feel oily. I'm 28 and wish I knew about this product years ago. You have to see for yourself." — Ulta

    Best At-Home Keratin Treatment for Frizz Control

    Keratin Hair Treatment Frizz Control Salon Smoothing Long Lasting Cream for All Frizzy Free Curly Dry Damaged - Professional Brazilian Complex Blowout Straightening for Silky Smooth - 3.4 Ounce

    GK HAIR
    Smoothing Keratin Treatment
    $68
    SHOP NOW

    Clear your schedule, then get ready for one of the most effective at-home keratin treatments available. Start with clean hair, then use the included application brush to (rather painstakingly) smooth the cream from root to tip on half-inch sections of hair. Wait for up to an hour depending on your hair texture, then blow dry and straighten to silky smooth protection. The treatment's proprietary juvexin, a keratin-based protein blend, will keep your hair smooth for three to five months.

    Type: Keratin treatment

    Formulation: Shampoo and gel

    Size: 3.4 oz.

    Key Ingredients: Juvexin V2 (repairing and strengthening); Natural seed extracts (hydrating)

    Hair Type: Wavy

    What I Love: Lasts three to five months; Mimics salon results;

    What I Don't: Requires precise application; Takes one hour to activate

    Customer Review: "I absolutely love this product. I have 4C hair, and my hairstylist suggested getting a keratin treatment, which she said is the only one she uses. It lasts about three months, but I do wash my hair every two weeks, so it could last longer. I haven't attempted to apply it myself, so I can't speak to the process, but one bottle was more than enough for me. My hairstylist suggested trying to stretch my hair washing to four weeks to have the keratin last longer, and I can already tell this will last longer this time around." — Amazon

    Best Professional At-Home Keratin Treatment

    Gussi Keratin Hair Treatment - Hydrating Mask for Frizzy or Dry Damaged Hair, After Care Alternative, Sulfate-Free Conditioner

    Gussi
    Keratin Hair Treatment
    $30
    SHOP NOW

    Alon Shalom, owner of Alon Shalom Salon in West Hollywood, California, is obsessed with Gussi's results. "One of my long-time clients recently came in for her balayage and the restored health of her hair blew me away—it was so much stronger and shinier than usual," he says. "I was totally shocked when she told me this was all from Gussi’s At-home Keratin Treatment!" The kit promises results lasting a grand total of six weeks and works across all hair types. That said, it's not going to remove curls—it'll just elongate the curl pattern. 

    Type: Keratin treatment

    Formulation: Priming shampoo and treatment spray

    Size: 2.5 oz.

    Key Ingredients: Keratin amino acids (strengthening); Hydrogenated castor oil (smoothing); Moringa seed oil (moisturizing)

    Hair Type: All

    What I Love: Long-lasting; Mimics salon results; Fast-acting

    What I Don't: Only lasts six weeks; Won't permanently straighten hair

    Customer Review: "I have had professional keratin treatment done to help with the frizzies that come with living in a Florida sauna in the summer with fine curly hair. I was hesitant to try this on my own, but also hesitant to pay salon prices..so lets go. The process was pretty painless but did require me to find and use my flat iron. The instructions were easy to follow. The scent was nice but not overpowering.My hair looks great and I think it will continue to as the heat and humidity ratchets up." — Amazon

    Best Drugstore At-Home Keratin Treatment

    Novex Brazilian Keratin Hair Mask, 14 Oz - Reconstructive Keratin, Frizz Control & Damage Repair

    NOVEX
    Keratin Hair Mask
    $10
    SHOP NOW

    This at-home keratin mask is an Amazon gem, boasting more than 1,200 five-star ratings thanks to its quick-acting, extremely effective formula. The key to its success? It uses liquid keratin to perform damage control on weak hair follicles, resulting in stronger, straighter, and shinier hair after just one use. It also reduces volume and straightens existing curl patterns, making it more suitable for people with tighter curl patterns than loose waves. 

    Type: Keratin-infused product

    Formulation: Mask

    Size: 35.3 oz.

    Key Ingredients: None listed

    Hair Type: All

    What I Love: Powerful results; Can be used regularly in place of your conditioner; Huge container gives you major value

    What I Don't: Some say it weighs hair down; Won't change hair texture

    Customer Review: "I have been using this product for almost two years. My hair is curly and very frizzy without product. I left it in my hair one day and my curls were perfect. This is the first product I have found that makes my hair look extremely healthy. I don’t know think I can live without Novex. Seriously a game changer." — Amazon

    Best At-Home Keratin Blow Dry Cream

    Infusion Keratin Replenisher Blow-Dry Cream - 4.0 Oz

    Keratin Complex
    Infusion Keratin Replenisher Blow-Dry Cream
    $46
    SHOP NOW

    Hydrolyzed keratin is the second ingredient in this effective leave-in cream, which also contains strengthening proteins such as soy and wheat. It really will minimize the amount of time you spend wielding a hair dryer and extend the number of days before you need to do it again. Unlike more intense, heat-activated treatments, this simple blow-dry cream can be used on repeat and will take all of two seconds away from your day. It's not going to break down your hair's bonds for jaw-on-the-floor straightening results, but it will give you smoother, shinier hair every damn time. 

    Type: Keratin-infused product

    Formulation: Cream

    Size: 4 oz.

    Key Ingredients: Rosemary leaf extract (conditioning and calming); Hydrolyzed wheat protein (strengthening); Soy protein (frizz control)

    Hair Type: All

    What I Love: Boosts hydration; Fights frizz; Lightweight; Easy to use

    What I Don't: Doesn't have much of an impact on curly or coily hair; Won't change hair texture

    Customer Review: "The older I get, the more issues I have been having with my hair always reverting to wavy and frizzy. Just a little bit of this product in my hair before I blow dry keeps it straight and shiny for days. I have been able to add another day between needing to wash my hair, and barely have to do anything to it on day two or three. It's the first product I have tried that has made such a positive difference. I always stock up when it's on sale." — Ulta

    What Should I Look For In An At-Home Keratin Treatment?

    • Formeldahyde

    Finding the best at-home keratin treatment is less about what you should see on the label and more about what you shouldn’t see. The big chemical to avoid is a carcinogen called formaldehyde, “a colorless, strong-smelling gas that presents a health hazard when breathed into the lungs, gets into the eyes, or touches the skin,” says Arriaga.

    According to the National Cancer Institute, when formaldehyde reaches a certain concentration in the air (0.1 ppm to be exact), you may experience watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, wheezing, nausea, and skin irritation.

    “Many keratin treatments, both professional and at-home options, contain the liquid form of formaldehyde, which is called methylene glycol,” explains the expert. “To identify products containing formaldehyde-related ingredients, look for the following words on the label: Formaldehyde, formalin, and methylene glycol.”

    • Keratin

    There's a big difference between a true, at-home keratin treatment that can be likened to what you get in a salon and a keratin-infused product—marketing, however, makes sorting through products pretty confusing.

    The former uses a chemical straightening solution to break and re-seal the hair cuticle, creating a straighter, frizz-free shape. "Avoid any at-home keratin treatment if you have weakening hair," explains James, noting it can cause further dryness and breakage.

    A keratin-infused product, on the other hand, is actually beneficial for hair health. "Keratin-infused products are hair care products that contain keratin, a protein naturally found in hair. These products help strengthen, condition, and repair damaged hair," explains James. "Keratin-infused products work by smoothing the hair cuticle, reducing frizz, and restoring elasticity, resulting in softer, shinier, and more manageable locks."

    • Hair Type

    "It's crucial to select at-home keratin treatment kits specifically formulated for your hair type and needs. By carefully reading reviews and instructions, choose a product that will deliver the desired results," shares James.

    Tightly curled or coily hair will likely require a more intense treatment to change the hair shape (just make sure you're going to a reputable provider and have selected a formaldehyde-free treatment), whereas wavy or loosely curled hair will find frizz-taming success with a keratin-infused product.

    What’s the Difference Between an At-Home Vs. Salon Keratin Treatment?

    At base level, keratin is a protein found in the hair. It fills the frizz-causing holes in the hair cuticle; the more keratin you have, the smoother, glossier, and shinier your hair will be.

    Still, as mentioned, not every keratin treatment is created equally. In a salon, you can expect more dramatic, longer-lasting results. An in-salon keratin treatment can take curly, coily hair to a straighter state that lasts for weeks or more. "Salon keratin treatments are performed by licensed professionals because they involve highly concentrated active ingredients and chemicals that require expert handling," says celebrity hairstylist, Eddie Parra. "A trained stylist understands your hair structure, porosity, chemical history, and heat control—all that directly affects results of the treatment and your hair health."

    At-home treatments, which can take the form of conditioners, shampoos, masks, or, occasionally, salon-mimicking systems, are "more accessible and less regulated," per Parra, and they can work wonders for frizz, but won’t necessarily last through dozens of shampoos or change your natural texture. The results will also differ across hair types.

    How Do Keratin Treatments Work?

    When you go to a salon or purchase a professional-grade at-home keratin treatment kit, the hair is typically straightened with a solution containing glyoxylic acid or formaldehyde, explains Arriaga. “When some of these solutions are applied on the hair, the bonds inside each strand are broken and resealed in a straighter position.” Dr. James adds that a minimum temperature of 450 degrees is needed to seal the deal (pun very much intended) and “glue” the cuticle back together.

    Meanwhile, keratin-infused solutions and products “work by coating each individual strand to smooth down the hair cuticles and give a glossy, frizz-free finish," says Dr. James. "This coating wears off over time, however."

    How Do I Do a Keratin Treatment At Home?

    As tempting as it may be, don’t go straight into treatment mode. Preparation is just as important.

    “The pre-treatment will be shampooing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo,” says Dr. James. Arriaga also recommends getting your hair colored ahead of your treatment. “Keratin will help preserve the color,” she adds. Just give yourself a few days or weeks of buffer time.

    After you finish your at-home treatment, there are a few key things to avoid, like getting your hair wet or direct sun exposure. “Even keratin treatments that claim you can wash your hair immediately benefit from waiting at least 24 hours," says Alexandra Efstratiou, a New York-based stylist. “It just gives the hair and product time to settle in together.”

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    How Do I Make At-Home Keratin Treatment Last?

    Simple keratin treatment products that aren't heat-activated provide results that last until your next shampoo. With continued use, your hair may become naturally silkier and smoother. But if you're using a more intense at-home treatment that's designed to last for months, reducing your wash day frequency can be beneficial. “The longevity of a keratin is primarily based on your frequency of washing, so the less often you wash, the better,” Efstratiou says.

    In between treatments, you'll also want to use silicone-free hair care products. Silicone is like a band-aid for the hair. "Most silicones that are on the market are very heavy, and they create a residue on the follicle that just lies on the hair. It doesn't penetrate, but it can be damaging," explains Shay Hoelscher, founder and owner of haircare brand Privé.

    Stylists also recommend using hair styling products infused with keratin to keep your treatment looking fresh. “I like to recommend using keratin-infused products on days you do wash and style your hair,” says Shalom. “Extra doses of keratin help to refresh the treatment results.”

    How Often Can I Do an At-Home Keratin Treatment?

    If you're using keratin-infused styling products that don't require heat activation, you're free to use your product of choice every single wash or at least once per week. That said, more intense treatments requiring heat activation should be applied sparingly. They're designed to last at least a couple of months, but the exact duration will vary depending on the treatment. Make sure to double-check the instructions on your bottle.

    Are At-Home Keratin Treatments Safe?

    This is a great question, and the answer is complicated. Just know that if you're using one of the above recommended keratin-infused products, there's nothing to be worried about—you're good to go.

    If you're using a professional-grade at-home keratin system, it's worthwhile to exercise a little extra caution. Formaldehyde is the biggest health-impacting ingredient to be wary of, and it may be printed on the label as formalin or methylene glycol (the liquid form of formaldehyde). According to the CDC, "exposure to formaldehyde can irritate the skin, throat, lungs, and eyes," while "repeated exposure to formaldehyde can possibly lead to cancer." But if you do your due diligence and find one of the best keratin treatments from our expert-vetted list, you'll be on your way to smooth, silky-soft hair in no time.

    Who Should Avoid At-Home Keratin Treatments?

    According to Parra, at-home keratin treatments should be avoided by people with fine hair as well as those with chemically treated hair—this includes people whose hair is relaxed, colored, bleached, or has previously been keratin-treated. "These hair types are more vulnerable to damage and protein overload, which can lead to brittleness, excessive shedding, or breakage," he adds.

    This should go without saying, but if you've gotten any of the above chemical treatments and they've caused significant damage or breakage, you should still steer clear of keratin treatments.

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    Meet the Experts

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    Alexandra Arriaga
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    Cosmetic Chemist

    Alexandra Arriaga is a chemist, Public Health practitioner, medical researcher, and haircare influencer. Besides working as a scientist, she currently uses her knowledge and background to bust myths related to products and beauty practices on social media. She’s an advocate for using science to to optimize your beauty routine. 

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    Penny James
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    Trichologist

    A board-certified Trichologist, Penny James works with anyone who is suffering from hair loss and scalp problems. She has over 20 years of work experience in the industry and has collaborated with celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker, Megan Hilty, Sting, Trudy Styler, and Lorraine Bracco. She began her career in London working for Trevor Sorbie, then moved to New York and became a founding stylist for Frédéric Fekkai. 

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    Shay Hoelscher
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    Founder and Owner, Privé

    Shay Hoelscher is a veteran of the Professional Beauty Industry with more than 37 years of professional beauty experience. Currently, she is the CEO and Owner of privé products. Prior to privé, Shay held senior leadership positions across the industry including Sebastian International, Wella International and Nioxin Research (now all owned by COTY), TIGI (now owned by Unilever), Alterna Haircare (now owned by Henkel) and Cezanne Hair.  Her experiences span a wide variety of channels of distribution, sales leadership, and cross-corporate functions in the US and internationally. Shay is dedicated to making privé products a force for good. She brings that vision into reality with 3 core pillars to: Empower women as a women-led company; Make a strong social impact by giving 1% of all revenue to a nonprofit to help women in need; Produce natural and clean, vegan products that are good for you and good for the planet.

    .
    Alex Efstratiou
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    Hairstylist and Colorist

    Alex Efstratiou is a hair stylist and colorist in New York City. Hailing from the Hudson Valley, after graduating from hair school she quickly found herself in SoHo, immersed in an intensive apprenticeship at Arrojo. After many years of traveling the country as a sought-out haircutting educator, she decided to shift her focus and incorporate hair coloring into her salon repertoire. With over 14 years in the industry, she is known for her dynamic haircutting skills and sun-kissed hair colors.

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    Alon Shalom
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    Hairstylist and Founder of Alon Shalom Salon

    After a very successful career in Tel Aviv, Israel, as the top hair stylist with an A-list clientele including celebrities, models, and singers, Alon decided to make his move to the City of Angels and take his artistry to the next level. Immediately, he drew a high end clientele and connected with the best agencies in town including Ford, LA Models, and Wilhelmina, as well as CAA and William Morris Endeavor. Throughout his eleven year span in Los Angeles, Alon has collaborated with the industry's leading celebrities and models to create memorable looks and set trends in both entertainment and fashion. These names include Heidi Klum, Courtney Love, Melissa George, Ellen Barkin, and Kyle McLaughlin.

    a close up headshot of a man wearing a black turtleneck
    Eddie Parra
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    Celebrity Hairstylist

    Eddie Parra is a celebrity hairstylist and senior stylist at BENJAMIN Salon New York. Throughout his career, he's worked behind the scenes at Fashion Week shows for designers like Naeem Khan, Veronica Beard, Patricia Field, Rebecca Minkoff, and Lisa Perry, and he's also styled A-list talent such as Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Martha Stewart, Olivia Wilde, and more.

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    Sophia Vilensky
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    Freelance Writer

    Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.

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