What does a keratin treatment do? Itso explains

I am Itso, a hair stylist and colour specialist here, and one question I hear a lot is: what exactly does a keratin treatment do, and would it suit my hair? Here is my honest answer.

A keratin treatment coats the hair with keratin, the protein your hair is made of, and seals it in with heat. Frizz settles, shine comes back, and styling gets quicker and easier.

What it is not: it is not a permanent straightener, and it does not repair broken hair. It smooths the hair you have. The result fades slowly over a few months, so think of it as upkeep, not a one-off fix.

Here is what I, Itso, always advise. Ask what is in the formula before you book, and a good salon will tell you honestly. Follow the aftercare you are given: some formulas ask you not to wash or tie up your hair for a day or two. Afterwards, use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo, because a harsh shampoo strips the treatment out early.

Who loves it: frizzy, wavy or hard-to-manage hair. Who needs a gentler plan: very fine or heavily lightened hair. When you come in, we look at your hair first and tell you honestly what it can take. If keratin is right for your hair, we offer it at both salons, 16 Beauchamp Place and Jumeirah Hotel.

To keep hair soft between visits, at the salon we use the George Vallossian Repair Hair Mask, a leave-in mask you put on towel-dried hair. It is made to nourish and repair, and the product page lists heat and UV protection among its aims.

Have a question about your hair? Come in, have a coffee, and ask us. Or WhatsApp us any time - we answer 24/7.

Itso