Can Keratin Treatment Cause Hair Fall?
Keratin treatment is often suggested when hair feels dry, rough, or frizzy. It makes hair look smooth and glossy. Many people try it for easier styling and softer hair. But after a few weeks, some begin to notice hair fall. This leads to a clear concern —Can Keratin Treatment Cause Hair Fall?
The short answer is yes, it can cause hair fall in some cases. It does not happen to everyone, but it is common enough to be taken seriously. The treatment may give instant shine, but it can also weaken your hair and scalp if not done carefully.
Let us understand how this happens, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
Also Read: How to Use Amla Juice for Hair Fall and Boost Hair Growth Naturally
What Is a Keratin Treatment?
Keratin is a natural protein found in your hair. It keeps the strands strong and protects them from damage. In a salon keratin treatment, a layer of keratin solution is applied to the hair. After that, a hot flat iron is used to seal the product into the hair cuticle.
This process smooths the outer layer of the hair. It also reduces frizz, making your hair look straighter and shinier. The results can last for a few weeks or months, depending on how often you wash your hair and what products you use after.
But it’s not just about protein. The products used during keratin treatments often contain chemicals. Heat and chemicals together can stress the hair. If done wrong or too often, they can damage the roots or scalp.
How Can It Lead to Hair Fall?
Hair fall after keratin treatment can be caused by several things. Below are the most common reasons:
1. Very High Heat
To complete the treatment, the hair is ironed at a very high temperature. This helps the keratin stick to the hair strands. But it also burns the outer layer of the hair if the heat is too strong. This weakens the hair and causes breakage. Thin or coloured hair is at higher risk because it cannot handle strong heat for long.
If the heat reaches the scalp, it can also affect the hair roots. Repeated heat exposure can make the roots weak and lead to more hair fall.
2. Chemical Reaction
Most keratin treatments include strong chemicals to help flatten the hair. Formaldehyde is one such chemical. It is used in many salon products because it helps lock the keratin into the hair. But formaldehyde can also irritate the scalp and skin. Some people develop itching, redness, or rashes after the treatment.
When your scalp is irritated, the hair follicles may suffer. The hair becomes loose at the root and starts to fall out more than usual.
3. Product Reaching the Scalp
Ideally, the keratin solution should be applied only to the hair and not the scalp. But if the product touches the skin during the treatment, it can clog the pores. This blocks the natural flow of oils and can lead to scalp dryness or inflammation. Damaged scalp means weaker roots and more hair fall.
4. Already Damaged Hair
If your hair has been bleached, coloured, or chemically straightened before, it is already weak. Adding a keratin treatment on top of that can push it beyond its limit. Hair might look good right after the treatment, but it can begin to break in a few days.
Breakage and thinning are signs that the strands have lost their strength. You may notice short strands on your clothes, pillows, or comb.
5. Poor Aftercare
After a keratin treatment, your hair needs gentle care. You must avoid sulphate shampoos, frequent washes, and tight hairstyles. If you skip these steps, your hair might not recover properly.
Also, many people stop oiling their hair after treatment. The scalp becomes dry, and the roots lose support. Without proper nourishment, the hair becomes fragile and falls out easily.
Also Read: Effective Treatment Options for PCOS-Induced Hair Loss
Signs That Your Hair Fall Is Linked to the Treatment
Not all hair fall is caused by keratin treatment. But if you notice the following signs within two to four weeks of the procedure, it might be connected:
Hair strands falling from the root more than usual
Hair breaking in the middle and not from the root
Scalp feels tight, dry, itchy, or sensitive
Bald patches forming around the crown or temples
Increased hair in your brush, shower, or pillow
These are early signs that your hair or scalp has reacted badly to the treatment.
How to Reduce Hair Fall After the Treatment
If your hair is already falling after the treatment, stop using any heat or styling products for some time. Focus on healing the scalp and restoring strength to your strands.
You can try the following steps:
Use a mild shampoo free from sulphates and parabens
Apply a nourishing hair oil once or twice a week
Avoid tying your hair too tightly
Comb gently using a wide-toothed comb
Eat foods rich in protein and iron
Sleep on a soft pillowcase made of silk or satin
If the hair fall continues for more than a month, speak to a dermatologist. They may check your scalp or suggest a blood test to rule out other causes.
Keratin treatment can offer smooth and shiny hair for a short time. But the heat and chemicals used in the process can cause long-term harm. Hair fall, dryness, and scalp irritation are real risks, especially if your hair is already damaged.
Always ask your stylist what products are being used. Avoid treatments that use harsh chemicals or apply too much heat. Aftercare is just as important as the treatment itself.
Healthy hair is not about how it looks for a week. It’s about how strong and nourished it stays over time.