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Tired of fighting frizz every morning? Struggling to style hair that just won’t behave? A keratin treatment could be your ultimate hair game-changer. Sometimes known as the “Brazilian blow-dry,” it’s the secret behind smooth, shiny, and effortlessly manageable hair, helping countless clients achieve looks they once thought impossible.
With so many variations and so much information out there, it can be tricky to know what’s right for you. That’s why Franck Provost is here to guide you, explaining how keratin treatments work, who they’re best for, and answering the most common questions we hear in our salon.
What is a keratin treatment and how does it work?
A keratin treatment is a semi-permanent smoothing service designed to reduce frizz, soften the natural curl or wave pattern, add brilliant shine, and improve overall manageability. The treatment works by infusing the hair with keratin (the very same protein that makes up our hair, skin, and nails) before sealing it into the cuticle with heat.
So why keratin? Because hair is primarily made of keratin, replenishing it helps restore strength, smoothness, and resilience.
What about the cuticle? The cuticle is the hair’s outermost layer, acting as a protective shield. Imagine it like overlapping scales on a fish: when they lie flat, light reflects evenly, creating smooth, shiny hair. But when they’re raised, cracked, or missing (often due to heat styling, colouring, or humidity) hair appears dull, frizzy, and difficult to manage.
A keratin treatment helps by filling in the weak or damaged areas of the hair shaft with protein, then sealing the cuticle flat. The result is smoother, shinier, more polished-looking hair that resists frizz and is easier to style.
What’s the process involved?
A keratin smoothing treatment usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your hair type, length, and thickness.
The process begins with a thorough cleanse to ensure the hair is completely free of oils, residue, or buildup. To make the most of your appointment time, we kindly ask that you arrive with your hair freshly prepared at home. The best way to do this is to shampoo your hair twice and condition it as normal the night before or morning of your treatment. Please avoid applying any leave-in products such as serums, oils, sprays, or gels, as these can interfere with the bonding process.
If it’s more convenient, we’re also happy to wash your hair for you in the salon.
The keratin solution is then carefully applied from root to tip, ensuring every strand is evenly coated. The product processes for 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your hair texture and the results you’re aiming for (for example, thick, coarse, or very frizzy hair may require longer processing than fine or lightly wavy hair.)
After processing, the excess product is rinsed out at the basin. Your stylist will then blast-dry the hair (no brushes needed) before taking fine sections and passing a straightener over each one between 5 to 15 times, depending on your hair type and the results you’d like to achieve. Thicker, curlier, or more resistant textures, and clients wanting a sleeker finish, usually require more passes, while finer hair or those preferring to keep some natural movement may need fewer. This final step locks the treatment into the cuticle, ensuring long-lasting smoothness, shine, and frizz control.
And just like that, you’ll leave the salon with beautifully soft, smooth, and more manageable hair.
What’s the difference between a keratin treatment and a chemical relaxer?
There is a big difference! The two products use completely different active ingredients that work on different parts of the hair.
A chemical relaxer works from the inside out, breaking the hair’s internal bonds to permanently straighten it. Think of it like knocking down a house and rebuilding it with the same bricks to look different. The result is very straight hair that will grow out over time, but the process is harsher and can be more damaging to the hair.
A keratin treatment, on the other hand, works on the outer layers of the hair. It coats and smooths the cuticle, softening the natural curl or wave pattern without changing the internal structure. Think of it like filling in a road full of potholes, now it’s smooth, fresh, and shiny. The effect is semi-permanent, lasting up to 8 months, while leaving hair smoother, shinier, and more manageable.
Is it safe?
Yes! Modern keratin treatments are safe when applied by a professional. The formulas used today at Franck Provost are formaldehyde-free and glyoxylic acid-free, and have been specifically developed to meet strict safety standards.
Keratin treatments originally came from Brazil, and the earliest versions did contain small amounts of formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. However, these formulations have undergone a complete overhaul in recent years to ensure they are safe for salon use.
During the treatment process, a mild smell may be noticeable, but there are no viable fumes in the salon. For most people, this is not an issue. As always, if you have any concerns (such as respiratory issues or pregnancy) we recommend consulting your GP before your appointment.
Can I still get a keratin treatment if I colour my hair?
In almost all cases, absolutely! Coloured or highlighted hair can still benefit from a keratin treatment, though we may make slight adjustments to ensure your hair stays healthy and strong. On rare occasions, if the hair is highly sensitised from colouring or bleaching, we may advise waiting or taking extra precautions. If you’re unsure, we offer a complimentary consultation beforehand to assess your hair and make any necessary adjustments for the best results.
It’s also helpful to know that keratin treatments can sometimes subtly alter hair colour. Highlighted hair may need a toner to refresh brightness, while darker or more vibrant shades might benefit from a colour refresh to restore depth and tone.
With the right approach, keratin treatments and colour can work beautifully together, leaving hair smooth, shiny, and manageable without compromising your colour.
How long does it last?
A keratin treatment gradually washes out each time you shampoo your hair. With the right care, it can last up to 8 months, though results may vary depending on hair type and lifestyle.
To maintain your results and guarantee the longevity of your treatment, we recommend using sulphate- and sodium-free shampoo and conditioner. For the best outcome, we suggest using the matching shampoo and conditioner, available at all Franck Provost salons. Following this routine helps keep your hair smooth, frizz-free, and beautifully shiny for longer.
How much does it cost?
Our keratin treatments start at $399 for short hair and $489 for medium to long hair. For first-time clients, the treatment includes take-home shampoo and conditioner, with prices of $509 for short hair and $599 for medium to long hair.
The exact cost can vary depending on the length, thickness, and condition of your hair. To get an accurate quote and personalised advice, we recommend booking a complimentary consultation with one of our stylists.
*Prices correct as of Sept 2025
Are there any special care tips I should follow after my keratin treatment?
With the modern keratin treatments used at Franck Provost, your hair can be washed and conditioned immediately after your appointment using a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner. You can even colour your hair straight after your treatment if you wish—there’s no need for downtime.
To maintain your results at home, continue using the recommended sulphate- and sodium-free shampoo and conditioner. Bonus: the conditioner is actually a 3-in-1 product that can be used as a treatment. After shampooing, towel-dry your hair, apply a slightly larger amount than you would for regular conditioner, comb through, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then rinse. This helps keep your hair soft, smooth, and shiny between treatments.
Keratin treatments have come a long way from the first-generation formulas, which often required waiting 1–2 days before washing hair or delaying colouring. Today’s refined formulas provide immediate flexibility and long-lasting smoothness with fewer restrictions.
For more information and advice on how our keratin treatment can work for your hair visit us in the salon for a complimentary consultation.
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