Keratin treatments are the celebrity secret to straight, smooth, and frizz-free hair. So when you’re ready to try out this look, you may wonder if K18 works during your appointment + your at-home routine. The answer? Yes! Below we’ll get into why you should ask for it in the salon.

Imagine a keratin treatment as a sealant for hair, like laminating a crumpled document into a smoother, straighter version. Using K18 PRO molecular repair hair mist first is like repairing any tears in the document before laminating it, so you get a better end result. This K18-patented molecular repair technology reverses damage in just 4 minutes*, so you’re not sitting in the chair for ages before the service even starts.

I’ve seen the difference firsthand, using the PRO mist on a client that I had previously done a treatment on. Many keratin treatments require many passes of a flat iron at high heat, which can cause a lot of stress and damage to hair. The PRO-exclusive spray improves hair’s resilience to prevent damage during and after services* for stronger hair over time*. That’s why my client’s hair didn’t feel fragile while smoothing or flat ironing it!

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 5 ROUNDS OF BLEACH ON A HAIR TRESS WITH AND WITHOUT K18 PRO MIST

To get the best results, you’ll want to get the K18 PRO service in salon. Ask your stylist to start with the K18 PEPTIDE PREP™ pro chelating hair complex to reduce metal + mineral buildup for optimal service results. Then they can use the K18 professional molecular repair hair mist to fortify your hair pre-service, restoring up to 99% elasticity* before the damaging keratin treatment. For added softness, shine, and heat protection post-service, ask for the K18 molecular repair hair oil on dry hair.

My PRO tip—wait to use the K18 molecular repair hair mask 3-4 shampoos AFTER the keratin treatment. This gives time for the temporary coating of the keratin treatment to wear off, so you get the full benefit of the reparative K18PEPTIDE™ delivered into the hair.

IMAGE OF K18 PRODUCTS TO ASK FOR IN A KERATIN TREATMENT SERVICE, INCLUDING THE PEPTIDE PREP™ pro chelating hair complex, professional molecular repair hair mist, AND K18 molecular repair hair oil

what you do after your appointment matters

The journey to sleek hair doesn't end with the treatment itself. How you care for your hair post-appointment plays a pivotal role in ensuring that your keratin-treated hair continues to shine. Here are my PRO tips for your at-home routine.

use a sodium chloride-free shampoo

Sodium chloride in some shampoos can dissolve the keratin treatment, so it wouldn’t last the average 2-4 months that keratin treatments usually last. Extend the longevity of your results with a sodium chloride-free shampoo that’s optimized for hair’s pH levels . This minimizes cuticle swelling to prevent moisture loss—keeping hair smooth and clean without drying out your hair.

molecular repair for ongoing damage repair

Prioritizing molecular repair at home is super important to repair any daily damage, and of course the effects of the damaging chemical and heat service. Wait to use the K18 mask until after the first 3-4 shampoos to maximize the benefits of the mask, as the keratin coating temporarily prevents deep penetration.

prevent heat damage with K18 oil

Use the K18 oil for heat protection and a softer mane. Plus, it adds shine without weighing their hair down.

Now you know why K18 and keratin treatments are a match made in haircare heaven. The innovative damage repair technology creates a stronger, more resilient canvas to create on—without stripping the treatment you wanted. So go ahead, realize your hair goals without compromising your hair health!

x Alifia, Curly-Coily Expert + K18 Educator

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*Disclaimers