Thinking about getting a keratin treatment? The best way to know if it’s worth it is to see what actually happens — before and after.
At Numi Hair Salon in Scarsdale, NY, we’ve done thousands of keratin treatments on every hair type. Straight, wavy, curly, coily — we’ve seen the transformation every time.
This guide shows you what keratin treatment before and after results really look like, what to expect at every step, and how to keep your results lasting for months.
What Keratin Treatment Actually Does to Your Hair
Keratin is a protein that your hair is naturally made of. Over time, heat, color, weather, and daily styling strip that protein away. That’s what causes frizz, dryness, and damage.
A keratin smoothing treatment puts that protein back. Your stylist applies a keratin solution from root to tip, then seals it in with heat. The result? Your hair cuticle lies flat, locks in moisture, and reflects light, giving you that smooth, shiny finish.
This isn’t the same as a relaxer. A keratin treatment doesn’t permanently change your hair structure. It coats and strengthens what you already have.
Related: What’s the Difference Between Keratin and Brazilian Blowout?
Before Keratin Treatment: What Your Hair Looks Like
If you’re considering a keratin treatment, your hair probably deals with one or more of these issues:
- Frizz that won’t quit, especially in humidity
- Puffiness and flyaways after blow-drying
- Long styling time every morning
- Dryness and rough texture
- Uneven curl pattern or waves that won’t cooperate
Before the treatment, most clients describe their hair as “unmanageable.” It takes 30 to 45 minutes just to blow-dry and flat-iron. Products help a little, but the frizz comes back as soon as you walk outside.
That’s exactly the type of hair that responds best to keratin. The worse the frizz and dryness going in, the more dramatic the before-and-after difference.
After Keratin Treatment: What Changes
The difference is immediate. Here’s what you’ll notice right after your keratin treatment:
Smoothness. Your hair feels like silk. Run your fingers through it — no snags, no tangles, no rough patches.
Shine. The keratin seals your cuticle flat, so light bounces off evenly. Your hair looks healthy and glossy without any product.
Less volume (the good kind). If your hair puffs up and expands in humidity, that stops. You keep body and movement, but the uncontrollable pouf is gone.
Faster styling. Most clients cut their blow-dry time in half. Some skip the flat iron entirely. A 40-minute routine becomes 15 minutes.
Manageability. Your hair cooperates. It holds styles better, air-dries smoother, and stays put even in rain or humidity.
Results from a keratin treatment typically last 3 to 5 months, depending on your hair type, the treatment used, and how well you take care of it after.
The Keratin Treatment Process: Step by Step
Understanding what happens during the treatment helps you know what to expect. Here’s the step-by-step process our stylists follow at Numi Hair:
Step 1: Consultation. Your stylist looks at your hair type, texture, damage level, and goals. This determines which treatment is right for you. We offer several options, including Brazilian Blowout, Lasio Keratin, Magic Sleek, and more.
Step 2: Clarifying wash. Your hair gets washed with a clarifying shampoo. This strips away product buildup, oils, and residue so the keratin solution can fully absorb into each strand.
Step 3: Keratin application. Your stylist applies the keratin solution section by section, coating every strand from root to tip. Even coverage is critical; this is where experience matters.
Step 4: Processing time. The solution sits on your hair for 20 to 40 minutes. This lets the keratin protein bond to your hair cuticle.
Step 5: Blow dry. Your stylist blow-dries your hair smooth using a round brush. This starts the sealing process.
Step 6: Flat iron seal. A flat iron at high heat (380°F to 450°F) passes over each section. The heat locks the keratin into your hair shaft, creating a protective coating that lasts for months.
Step 7: Final rinse and style. Depending on the treatment type, your hair may be rinsed and styled. Some treatments require a waiting period before washing. Your stylist will give you exact instructions.
The full appointment takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your hair length and thickness.
Which Keratin Treatment Gets the Best Before & After Results?
Not every keratin treatment works the same way. The right one depends on your hair type and what you want to achieve.
| Treatment | Best For | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Brazilian Blowout | All hair types, especially wavy/curly wanting smoothness with movement | 10–12 weeks |
| Lasio Keratin | Thick, coarse, or very frizzy hair needing maximum smoothing | 4–5 months |
| Magic Sleek | Sensitive scalps, formaldehyde-free option with ultra-sleek results | 3–5 months |
| Olaplex | Damaged or color-treated hair needing bond repair before/after keratin | 4–6 weeks per session |
| K18 | Quick molecular repair, great as a keratin add-on | Cumulative with each use |
Not sure which one is right for you? Book a consultation and your stylist will recommend the best option based on your hair.
Related: Keratin Treatment for Curly Hair
How to Prepare for Your Keratin Treatment
Getting ready before your appointment helps you get the best before and after results:
Skip the styling products. For 2 to 3 days before your appointment, stop using heavy products like dry shampoo, hairspray, or leave-in conditioner. These create buildup that blocks keratin absorption.
Come with clean, dry hair. Your stylist will wash it again with a clarifying shampoo, but starting clean saves time and helps the process.
Bring reference photos. Show your stylist the level of smoothness you want. Some clients want pin-straight. Others want to keep their natural wave but lose the frizz. Your stylist needs to know your goal.
Plan for the waiting period. Some treatments require you to avoid washing your hair for 48 to 72 hours after. Plan your schedule around that.
How to Make Your Keratin Results Last Longer
Your before and after results can last 3 to 5 months — but only if you take care of your hair the right way after treatment.
Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Sulfates strip keratin out of your hair faster than anything. Switch to a sulfate-free line and your results will last weeks longer. We recommend Kerastase and Oribe products for keratin-treated hair.
Wait before washing. Follow your stylist’s instructions on how long to wait before the first wash. This is usually 48 to 72 hours.
Reduce heat styling. One of the biggest benefits of keratin is needing less heat. Take advantage of that. The less heat you use, the longer the treatment lasts.
Avoid chlorine and saltwater. Both strip keratin fast. Wear a swim cap or rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming.
Schedule regular touch-ups. Most clients come back every 12 to 16 weeks for a maintenance treatment.
Related: What Are the Pros and Cons of a Brazilian Blowout?
Common Questions About Keratin Before and After
Is keratin treatment safe? Yes. Modern keratin treatments are safe when applied by an experienced stylist. At Numi Hair, we use formaldehyde-free and low-chemical options like Magic Sleek for clients who are extra cautious. If you have concerns, read our guide: Can a Brazilian Blowout Damage Your Hair?
Will keratin make my hair flat? Not if the right treatment is chosen. A Brazilian Blowout keeps natural movement and body while reducing frizz. Your stylist will match the treatment to the level of smoothness you want.
Can I color my hair after keratin? Yes, but wait at least 2 weeks. Coloring too soon can interfere with the keratin coating. If you want to color and get keratin at the same time, ask your stylist about sequencing.
How much does keratin treatment cost? Treatment prices vary by length, thickness, and the specific keratin formula used. At Numi Hair, keratin treatments start at $350+. For a detailed cost breakdown, see: How Much Is a Brazilian Blowout?
See the Difference for Yourself at Numi Hair
Real keratin treatment before and after results speak for themselves. At Numi Hair Salon, we’ve been named the Best Hair Salon in Westchester with over 993 five-star reviews. Our stylists have years of experience with every keratin treatment on the market.
Whether you want to tame frizzy curls, cut your styling time in half, or just want smooth, shiny hair that lasts, we’ll find the right treatment for you.
Ready to see your own before and after?
Call us: 914-574-6402 Visit us: 69 Harney Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583 Book online
Numi Hair Salon is located in Scarsdale, NY, just off the Bronx River Parkway. We serve clients from White Plains, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Eastchester, Hartsdale, and throughout Westchester County.
