Treatments

Keratin Treatment Aftercare: What to Avoid in the First 72 Hours

Don't wash, wet, tie up, clip, or tuck your hair for the first 72 hours after a keratin or smoothing treatment. That window is when the formula is still bonding to the hair shaft, and any moisture or crease during that time can undo the smoothing effect or set a permanent bend where the hair was tucked.

Why water is the enemy for the first few days

Keratin and smoothing treatments work by reshaping the hair's protein bonds under heat, then locking that shape in place as it cools and cures. Water reopens the hair cuticle. If it gets in before the bonds have fully set, it can partially reverse the process, which is why we ask clients to skip the gym, avoid sweating heavily, stay out of the rain, and hold off on washing entirely during that window.

The ponytail rule isn't exaggeration

Any crease, whether from a hair tie, a clip, sleeping with hair tucked under your shoulder, or even a headband, can set into the hair while it's curing. We've seen clients come back with a visible dent from a single hair tie worn overnight. Sleep with hair down and straight, or very loosely draped, for the first three nights.

What's actually fine to do

Light activity that doesn't cause heavy sweating is fine. You can style hair with a flat iron or blow dryer if needed for the first wash, since heat doesn't undo the treatment the way water does. Makeup, normal daily movement, and sleeping (with the crease precautions above) are all fine.

Making it last past the first month

After the initial 72 hours, switch to a sulfate-free and sodium-chloride-free shampoo. Regular shampoo strips the treatment noticeably faster, sometimes cutting a 4-month result down to 6-8 weeks. Avoid chlorinated pool water and heavily salted ocean water where possible, or rinse immediately after exposure. We stock aftercare shampoo and conditioner at the salon formulated specifically to extend smoothing treatments if you're not sure what's safe to use.

Common questions