A Keratin Treatment is the perfect solution for frizzy, unmanageable, and damaged hair. With a single treatment, you can totally transform your stressed out hair into luscious, flowing tresses, glossed to perfection. The treatment is neither a relaxer nor a straightener. It’s a frizz reduction therapy. Relaxers and straighteners use harsh chemicals to change the texture and break the bonds in your hair. It evens out the porosity and damaged parts of your hair, smoothing the cuticles. However, using a shampoo that is not suitable for treated hair will eventually cause it to turn brittle.

You don’t want that for your hair, do you?

Here are some notorious ingredients you need to avoid in your shampoos and conditioners after a Keratin Treatment:

1. Sulphates: These are surfactants (surface acting agents) that are used to clean the dirt and excess sebum on the scalp. They are used for lathering in your shampoo. These surfactants like SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate are all damaging in nature. They can cause an allergic reaction on your scalp and may even cause frizzy hair. Sulfates are also harmful for the environment.
   
   
2. Parabens: To increase the shelf life of hair care products, manufacturers add preservatives called Parabens . They prevent the growth of bacteria in shampoos. Parabens - Butyl, Propyl and Ethyl, are known to mimic the function of Estrogen (female hormone responsible for reproductive functions) and may increase the risk of breast cancer.
   
   
3. Alcohol: Alcohols used in hair care can make your hair extremely dry. Steer clear of alcohols like Propanol and Isopropyl alcohol. Alcohols are used as thickening agents in shampoos. Sometimes, they are used as emollients (softeners) when derived from Palm oil or Coconut oil. Alcohols can cause hair to turn brittle and may result in breakage.
   
   
4. Sodium Chloride: This is used in hair shampoos as a thickening agent. However, Sodium Chloride has a tendency to open up cuticles and pull moisture and keratin proteins out. The salt can diminish the duration and quality of your keratin treatment, so you may need more frequent reapplication. Any product that opens up the cuticles should be avoided after a keratin treatment.

So next time you’re scouring the supermarket shelves for your hair care regime, make sure you take note of these shampoo ingredients to avoid - especially if you have had a Keratin Treatment!

Disclaimer: In case of any allergic scalp reactions please visit a dermatologist for the right treatment.