Oprah's Hairstylist Dishes On Keratin Treatments

Oprah’s hairstylist made her ‘do look picture-perfect for 25 years. Now, Andre Walker is dishing on embracing your natural hair texture, the upside to Keratin Treatments and transitioning from chemically processed hair to au natural hair.

From Brazilian to Japanese to keratin, there are a lot of in-salon relaxing and straightening options now, but some are controversial.Yes. It’s not that all of the ingredients are bad—for example, keratin is great at repairing damaged cuticles and is found in hair naturally. But in order for these treatments to work, formaldehyde coats the hair and is then set with a flatiron. It acts like a cast on a broken arm to keep the strands straight.

What is the best way to transition from chemically straightened to natural hair?A sodium hydroxide– or calcium hydroxide–based treatment is permanent, so it’s best to let hair grow four to six inches and then cut the straightened hair off; otherwise, it will eventually break. Using a moisturizing styling cream daily will keep new hair soft and manageable while preventing new damage. Brazilian and keratin smoothers, however, are temporary; the effects will wear off in three or four months, so it’s a good option during the transition phase.

Polished Salon Stylists, Dee Dee & Jay, Now Offer Keratin Treatments

 

Have you thought about trying a Keratin Hair Straightening Treatment? As a Black woman it’s sometimes hard to part with a relaxer if you’ve been getting one for years but this product will leave your hair super straight and much more healthier than a chemical relaxer.

The process is pretty simple, but does take a little time. First, you get your hair shampooed and semi-blow dried straight. Then the stylist will apply the product to your hair and let it sit for about 15 minutes. After that, your hair is completely blow dried and then flat ironed at a super high temperature (with a Keratin, Titanium flat iron).  This process seals the Keratin Treatment.

As your stylist starts your blow out, your hair will look straight, soft, silky and light. It's amazing! Then a quick flat ironing and your hair will look the healthiest it has ever looked. It will have shine and  great movement. 

The best part about the Keratin treatment is that your hair is now beach and pool friendly. You don’t have to worry about your hair frizzing out after getting it wet on a hot summer day. It will naturally dry "almost" pin straight. Then, if you wanted to do a quick blow dry to straighten it, you can actually do that! 

Keratin is a safe and less damaging hair straightening treatment that will really make your hair maintenance so much easier. Because it’s not a chemical treatment that means you can do things like coloring your hair without worrying about damage. The Keratin actually seals your hair cuticle(s) and your hair feels stronger than ever before.

The only downside to the Keratin treatment is that it is expensive. It’s priced according to hair length and pretty much starts at $200 and up. The good thing is that it lasts from 4-6 months so you won’t have to do it but more than a few times a year. If you can bite the economical bullet and do it, I think it’s so worth it in the longer run to have thicker, healthier and shiner hair.