I started getting keratin treatments for my hair sometime around 2010. I was big on using Groupon at the time. I found a Groupon for a “Brazilian Blowout” treatment as they were known at the time for $99 at a swanky salon in Sandy Springs. I drove all that way to get my treatment and I loved it. I continued to make that drive for a year or so to get my treatments because no near home offered it. At the time, my hairstylist, Beth, and her best friend, Kaylee worked in booths that were side by side. They saw the change in my hair and couldn’t believe it. Kaylee decided to look into offering the treatment to her clients. She went for training, has offered the service for years now and I don’t have to drive to Atlanta to get my hair done anymore!

Now I make jokes about how it takes a village to style my hair. Not too many people I know have two hair stylists, but I do! I am still with Beth for cut and color, and Kaylee does my keratin. They still work in booths side by side, but they have moved into a gorgeous salon they built in Kaylee’s basement. I love going there, it feels like I am living in the movie, Steel Magnolias. Here is their info in case you need a stylist:

Beth Blacksmith: 404-405-5326.

Kaylee Wade: 678-654-7836.

The salon is located near East Paulding High School. Beth works on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Kaylee works on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. They book out way in advance, so plan ahead!

Now more on the keratin treatment details. Global Keratin is the brand that Kaylee uses and she did her training through them as well.

The active ingredient in Global Keratin is called Juvexin.  Juvexin is nonhydrolyzed, contains intact keratin and consists of both large and small molecules.  The smaller molecules penetrate the cortex, improving and restoring hair from the inside out, while the larger molecules wrap around the cuticle layer of the hair, creating a protective shield against free radicals such as UV Rays and pollution.  The GK taming system with Juvexin is beneficial to all hair types.

 GK Hair treatments do not permanently change the structure of the hair, instead they rearrange the hair molecules to reduce the natural curl pattern.  You can expect the results to last for 3 – 5 months depending on the home care regimen, and your natural hair texture.  The GK treatments are progressive, so with each treatment your hair will continue to improve over time. 

Here are some photos for reference:

THE PROCESS: 

1)    My stylist shampoos with a ph shampoo to prepare the hair to receive the treatment.

2)    My stylist paints the treatment on my hair with a brush (like haircolor) a section at a time from root to ends

3)    My stylist blow dries the hair

4)    My stylist flat irons the hair to seal the treatment

5)    I leave the appointment, promising not to shampoo for 48 hours.

6)    I must not get my hair wet or use any styling clips, bands, etc. on my hair for 48 hours.  Leave hair down and do not crimp it in any way. Be cautious even of tucking behind the ear or anything similar.

7)    Repeat the treatment in 3 – 4 months or as needed.

TIME:  This treatment takes approximately 60-90 minutes. 

COST:  My stylist charges $135 for a keratin treatment.  I schedule keratin treatments once every quarter right now.  Just before I stopped doing treatments in 2020, I was only going a couple of times a year.  It really does make your hair better and better every time you apply keratin.

PROS:

·      Nourishes dry and rough hair

·      Repairs damage from within

·      Prevents future damage

·      Natural oils help with frizz and dryness

·      Retains hair moisture and shine

·      8 times healthier, more tamed hair for up to 5 months

·      Formaldehyde free hair treatments

CONS:

 ·      There are some fumes that emanate from the treatment as your hair is being blow dried that are mildly unpleasant.  This sometimes makes me want to close my eyes so that it doesn’t sting.  This only happens during blow dry, so it is over quickly. My stylist is always careful to use a fan while doing the treatment.

·      Other than that, the hardest part is styling and not washing your hair for two days after the treatment is applied.  I only wash my hair two to three times per week anyway, so 48 hours doesn’t bother me, but the treatment is a little heavy and greasy, so it can be hard to style your hair if you are going out.  I usually try to schedule the treatment for a time when I know I can just stay home for a couple of days, but if I have plans, I just brush my hair and run a flat iron over any unruly areas and wear it sleek.  I have even put my hair loosely in a low ponytail with a soft hair tie if I need to gather it up instead of wearing it down.

·      This isn’t a downside for me, because I don’t like my natural curl, but if someone wanted to sometimes still wear their hair curly, the keratin changes your curl texture and you may find that you won’t have much curl anymore, or at least that your curl pattern has changed.  If you wanted to go curly again, you will need to grow out your hair until the keratin has grown out. 

·      In very extreme humid environments (like on the beach) I find that my hair does sometimes still frizz and try to curl.  I compensate for this by keeping it pulled back. I have been able to wear my hair down and straight here at home this summer, however, and we all know how humid it has been! A little frizz doesn’t mean the treatment didn’t work, it is just the environment that you are in.

SUMMARY:

I always say that Keratin is one of my miracles of modern living.  I put it right up there with Lasik eye surgery!  It completely changed my hair and makes it so much more manageable.  Also, because of how healthy my hair is, I find that I don’t need haircuts or trims as often as without keratin.

FOLLOW UP CARE:  If you are receiving keratin treatments, there are some products that you will need to stay away from.  Anything with alcohol, sulphates, parabens, or other harsh chemicals can strip the keratin from your hair, so Global Keratin products are recommended.  I use the GK Hair Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner and I could not love them more. They are by far the best products I have ever used for my hair.  Click on the link here, and use my coupon code for a 15% discount on your purchase of Global Keratin Products Code: JEANNINEKENNEDY

My stylist, Kaylee also carries the Global Keratin line of hair products in her salon for you to purchase.  She also provides other services such as cut, color, highlight, etc. I know she or Beth will take excellent care of you!

Have you ever considered getting a keratin treatment? I’d love to answer any questions you may have. Ask away below in the comments, or email me at hello@kinshipandvine.com

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