You want smooth hair, you don't just want to spend half your day getting that aspect right. That's where a keratin express treatment comes in. A faster route to smoother, more manageable hair and a practical choice when you want to tame frizz. But is a quicker route always the best? Let's consider all you should know about a keratin express treatment over a full keratin treatment.
What Is a Keratin Express Treatment?
Keratin express treatment is the quicker version of a keratin treatment. It does exactly what a traditional keratin treatment does, only that it gives the results in less time.
The treatment works by applying a keratin-based formula to the hair and then sealing it in with heat. A keratin express treatment is still a keratin treatment, only that it's a service better suited to anyone who wants to spend less time in the salon and get back to their routine sooner. However, a keratin treatment is more intensive, a slow process but the result is longer-lasting and you know why.
The keratin treatment express option is also a go-to option if your biggest complaint is frizz rather than something deeper like texture and movement problems.
How It differs From a Traditional Keratin Treatment
Getting a keratin treatment done doesn't have to take a long time. If you're not one to sit on the salon chair for hours or you're simply about to make an impromptu event, a keratin express treatment fits perfectly into that space. You can have less puffy hair that's easier to style.
A quick question to ask yourself to guide you in what option of keratin treatment to go for is: do you want an intensive smoothing effect or a noticeable improvement? But if you're still getting familiar with keratin treatment as a whole, then our keratin treatment overview is a great place to start.
Keratin Express vs Full Keratin Treatment
A full keratin treatment is when you commit to a big change and a long-term impact, while express is when you can't give up much time but you still want smoother hair. See the difference? Neither means better. Each is just a choice to make and it's dependent on how smooth you want your hair to be, how long you'll like the result to stick around and how much time you're willing to spend getting it done.
| Feature | Keratin Express Treatment | Full Keratin Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Time | Shorter and designed for a quicker time at the salon | Requires more time for application and processing |
| Results | Smooth, shiny, less frizzy and more manageable hair | Intensive smoothing, greater frizz reduction |
| Longevity | Doesn't last as long as full keratin treatment | Lasts longer than a keratin express treatment especially with proper keratin treatment aftercare |
| Effect on natural hair | Keeps natural hair movement intact | Smoother effect depending on hair type and formula |
| Styling | Makes everyday styling easier | Reduces subsequent styling time and effort |
| Price | Lower cost | More expensive |
| Best for | Mild to moderate frizz, people with tight schedules | Longer-lasting result with smoother hair |
What does this mean for you? Let's say you have fine or wavy hair. You like your natural texture. You just don't like the fact that it's frizzy or puffy when humidity shows up. Then, a keratin express treatment may be just better. It's not a better or lesser treatment, you're just simply choosing between two levels of smoothing and each one makes sense for a different kind of hair problem.
But if you're comparing a keratin treatment with other smoothing treatments, then it makes sense to check the difference between express treatment vs Brazilian blowout before you decide.
Who Should Choose a Keratin Express Treatment?
Anyone can. But not everyone needs the same thing from a smoothing treatment. You might simply just want to deal with frizzy hair that comes immediately you step out, or perhaps you simply want to cut down styling time every morning. If any of these sounds like what your hair craves for, then your best bet is a keratin express treatment.
Best Hair Types for Express Keratin Treatment
Fine Hair. If your strands are fine and delicate, it's normal to worry that a keratin treatment may leave it looking too flat. In this case, an express service is a better choice. You want smooth, manageable hair with movement.
Curly Hair. Who doesn't like to keep their curly hair with less frizz and puffiness? A keratin express treatment for curly hair can help fill up rough patches in your strands and make your hair easier to manage, while keeping movement and definition intact. But if your goal is to straighten out tight curls, a more intensive smoothing treatment is what you need.
For people who just want their mornings back. They're tired of the cycle of washing-blow drying-straightening only for humidity to take you back to where you started from. You may just go for the keratin blowout treatment. For this, you may still have to use your blow dryer or flat iron when you want to achieve a certain level of finish, but you won't battle with your hair to get there.
You should lean towards a full keratin treatment if your hair is extremely coarse or has been damaged by heat. Although this treatment requires heat, you won't have to continuously heat-style your hair every morning after it's done. The same applies if you want a treatment that can last for months. So, this means you'll be investing more time and money upfront and sit back till you need to do a reapplication. No need for weekly touch-up.
How a Keratin Express Treatment Works
So, you've weighed your options and a keratin express treatment sounds like the right fit, but what happens when you sit on that salon chair?
If you know how long a keratin treatment lasts already and how it's done, then it's simple to understand what express keratin is like. Think of it as the same service only that the latter gets you out of the salon chair faster. Here's what to expect generally:
Step-by-Step Treatment Application Process
Wash Your Hair
The process usually begins with washing your hair with a shampoo. Here, you don't need sulfates in your shampoo. You simply want to remove oil, dirt and anything sitting on your hair, you don't need lather. Wash the root of your hair with the shampoo and rinse out before you begin applying any treatment. You can choose to use either a Moisturizing Shampoo or a clarifying shampoo.
Either works so long it's not made with harsh ingredients that can predispose the hair to danger. Use GK Hair Moisturizing Shampoo when you just want to provide a clean base for your hair while keeping moisture intact.
Best for: Maintaining moisture and softness in keratin-treated hair. It gently cleanses the hair without making it feel stripped.
Use a clarifying shampoo like our pH+ Shampoo when you want to thoroughly remove product buildup and oils.
Best for: Gently cleansing the hair and preparing it for a smoothing treatment.
Apply the Keratin Treatment
Once your hair has been washed clean, the stylist will apply the keratin formula bit by bit to your hair. This is nothing hard at all, you can do it yourself at home too. Just ensure you get the best keratin treatment formula. Our Best Coco Hair Treatment formula works effectively for both salon use and at home. The formula contains the proprietary Juvexin ingredient that strengthens the hair fibre. It does this by first coating the hair and smoothing the outer cuticle layer, filling up the spaces along your strands.
Whether it's done by you or your stylist, the formula should be distributed evenly across and not be piled onto just a part. This process matters more because it determines the results you get.
Wait for the Treatment to Work
Immediately you apply the treatment, it gets to work. But that's not all. You need to give the treatment time to fully “express” itself. This wait time isn't as long as a full keratin treatment itself and that's where the keratin express treatment earns its name.
One thing to keep in mind: the formula is not the same. You can't get a keratin treatment formula and shorten the processing time yourself. The products for both processes are different and the processing times are there for a reason.
Blow-dry Your Hair
Now that the product has been processed into your hair, you need to dry your hair with heat. This gives the change in texture and that smoothness that is unique with keratin treatments. After that's done, your hair should by now feel easier to work with.
Use Heat to Seal the Treatment
Another level of heat to follow is to flat iron. The stylist then uses a flat iron to seal the treatment into the hair. Usually, the temperature and number of passes of the flat iron is dependent on your hair type and the product used. Thick, coarse hair may require more passes to cooperate and work with.
Now, you've successfully completed a keratin express treatment, but is that all? Your hair still needs the right aftercare if you want the result to last, remember we said the keratin express service doesn't last as long as a keratin treatment itself. So yes, there are a few maintenance routines to go by if you want the treatment to last at all.
Stylist's Corner
Your hair needs equal attention after a keratin treatment as much as during the process. Just a few simple habits and you're able to keep the results for longer. Use gentle, hair-friendly products, don't over-wash your hair and use mild heat when heat-styling.
Pros and Cons of a Keratin Express Treatment
Let's be honest, if you're considering an express treatment, you want to know what's the trade off. Would you be exchanging ‘quick’ for ‘durability’ and would it be worth it for your hair?
One thing you can bet on is that the pros and cons of a keratin express treatment are pretty clear.
Benefits of a Keratin Express Treatment
Following are the benefits of a Keratin Express Treatment:
Less time in the salon
This is perhaps the most obvious benefit of choosing a keratin express service. You won't need to sacrifice hours to give your hair a revamp and you will still get the same smoothing experience. This appointment just fits more perfectly into a busy day.
Your hair is easier to style
If blow-drying feels like a workout, then your hair gets better after the treatment. You may still have to use your blow-dryer occasionally, but you won't fight hard to get that sleek finish.
Frizz is checked, natural movement is intact
For some people, their hair's movement is a priority. A keratin express treatment for frizzy hair can work for curly frizzy hair. This service gives your hair a softer texture, easier manageability and your hair is not pin-straight either. A triple win.
It's a great place to start a smoothing treatment
If you're new to smoothing treatments, you could start with the lower-cost express treatment option. It's a lesser commitment in terms of your time, money and your hair. You could simply just experience the change and see how you feel about it.
Limitations of a Keratin Express Treatment
The results don't last long
In comparison with the full keratin treatment, this shorter commitment means shorter longevity. The answer to how long an express treatment lasts depends on your hair type, how often you wash it, the aftercare products you use, and your routine.
May not work effectively for coarse and textured hair
If your hair is coarse and highly textured, express is not enough commitment to give you smoother hair. It doesn't mean the treatment doesn't work. It simply means you need a more intensive and deep service. You can still go for it but you would have to reduce your high expectations from the treatment.
Needs More Aftercare Heat styling
While the choice of your shampoo, conditioner and other product matters, your styling habits matters too. This includes getting the first wash timing for express treatments right and following up with instructions your stylist gives you.
Can You Do a Keratin Express Treatment At Home?
Yes. But a smoothing treatment at home is not the same as a professional express service. The results speak for themselves. Although there are plenty of DIY keratin products available designed for home use, you need to know what you're signing up for before you begin.
When you consult a professional, they look at your hair before they begin. Is it fine or coarse? Is it chemically processed or has it been color-treated? Is it dry or well moisturized? These small details help a great deal.
Professional vs DIY Results
Maybe we should look from the results point of view. A stylist may be able to adjust the application process such as heat, passes of the flat iron and other things based on what they observe. They also know how to manage the heat involved in the process. This is not to say a keratin express treatment at home can't work.
If you're DIYing, you'll also need to pay close attention to the product too. Not every product labeled as keratin can work like a professional express treatment. Use The Best Hair Treatment and follow the application instructions thoroughly. If you're specifically looking for a professional alternative to a DIY smoothing treatment, explore our professional express treatment alternatives to choose and adjust to your lifestyle.
Aftercare for Express Treatments
Now to the big question: how do I make sure to keep the treatment now that the application is done?
Glad that you know that your work doesn't end at application. You shouldn't throw all that investment because of a simple aftercare routine.
Follow your stylist's first wash instructions
Not every keratin express treatment follows the same wash schedule. Should you do your first keratin express treatment at the salon, your stylist will guide you on when to have your first wash.
Choose the right shampoo
Don't reach for just any shampoo sitting on your bathroom shelf. You've done a quick keratin treatment, be intentional about choosing a shampoo. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo for treated hair. The same goes for conditioner and other wash products. Our Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner duo is your best friend here.
Avoid dipping your hair in chlorine and salt water
Even if you're planning a beach holiday or spending summer in the pool, you should be careful of your hair. It doesn't mean that you stay completely away from swimming. Before getting into the water, wet your hair with clean water and use a leave-in conditioner. This is so that your hair doesn't absorb moisture from the pool since it's already wet and saturated.
Lower the heat
Avoid unnecessarily high temperatures and use a heat protectant. That's simply how to control high heat from getting to your hair.
Conclusion
An express keratin treatment should not replace your full keratin treatment service especially if you want a stronger, long-lasting, smoothing result. GK Hair offers professional and quality treatment formulas popular in over 75 countries. Visit our Treatment Collection for the best treatment your hair needs at the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a keratin express treatment?
A keratin express treatment is a faster smoothing treatment that's designed to smooth the hair, reduce frizz and make hair easier to manage without spending so much time doing it. It's a practical option for a less time at the salon even though it offers shorter-lasting results when compared with a full keratin treatment.
Is a keratin express treatment as effective as a full keratin treatment?
Yes, if you want to reduce frizz and be better able to manage your hair. But it doesn't last as long as a full keratin treatment and it's not as intensive. If you want maximum smoothing, then book a full keratin service today.
Is a keratin express treatment good for fine or curly hair?
It can be. Express treatment is well suited to fine hair because it makes the hair smooth, less frizzy without flattening it out, but curly hair may just get less frizz with a soft texture, and that's just all. The final result is still dependent on the curl pattern, product and how smooth you want it to be.
Is a keratin express treatment safe?
Yes, when the treatment is suitable for your hair type and is applied correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions. You should also ensure that the room is well ventilated and the process is well done. If you have any concerns or fears about getting a keratin treatment done, discuss with your consultant or stylist first.
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