If you struggle with frizz, humidity, or long styling routines, you’ve probably considered a keratin treatment. But then comes the big question? Do you prefer the Classic Keratin Treatment or the quicker Keratin Express?

At our hair wellness spa in Medford, we always get this question, and for good reason. Both straightening treatments promise smoother, shinier, healthier-looking hair, but they’re not the same.

Choosing the proper treatment can make all the difference if you’re planning for summer humidity or want to reduce your daily styling time. Learn more here about what sets them apart and which is right for your hair goals.

Keratin Treatment vs Keratin Express Breakdown

If you prefer not to read the complete article and are short on time, compare the two using the comparison below.

Keratin Treatment vs Keratin Express: The Difference

As our comparison table shows, both treatments have similar characteristics but differ.

What is a Keratin Treatment?

Our hair and scalp spa provides a keratin treatment to smooth your hair without frizz. The process takes longer to transform the texture of your hair and lasts for months. This treatment will completely reset you if you have curly, coarse, or frizz-prone hair.

What Happens During a Keratin Treatment

Here is what you can expect when you visit us at Haste for a keratin treatment:

1. Clarifying Shampoo: The first step is to start with a deep-cleansing shampoo to help remove buildup and open your hair cuticle, ensuring the keratin can penetrate properly.
2. Blow Dry: We will dry your hair around 80% using a blow dryer.
3. Keratin Application: We then apply the keratin solution by sectioning your hair. 
4. Processing Time: We will leave the application on your hair for up to 30 minutes to fully absorb.
5. Blow Dry Again: We then blow-dry your hair with the treatment to seal the formula.
6. Flat Ironing: Finally, we use a flat iron at a high heat on each section of your hair to lock the keratin into it and give it a smooth and glassy finish.

Pros And Cons of Keratin Treatment

Before you decide to have a keratin treatment, it has its advantages and disadvantages, as with any other hair treatment:

Pros:

• Long-lasting results up to five months
• Provides you with frizz control 
• Cuts your daily styling, saving you loads of time
• Strengthens your damaged hair

Cons:

• It can take between two and four hours
• You cannot wash, style, or use clips for up to 72 hours
• Can weigh down fine hair
• Higher price point

What is a Keratin Express Treatment?

As the term says, Keratin Express is a faster and lighter treatment if you want to refresh between your full therapies. The treatment smooths out your hair’s outer layer instead of bonding the keratin deep into the shaft. It helps reduce frizz, adds shine, and makes styling easier, but it is short-lived.

What Happens During a Keratin Express Treatment?

Compared to the classic keratin treatment, this one is faster and ideal for a hair pick-me-up during your lunch break.

1. Gentle Cleanse: We start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to prep your hair.
2. Towel Dry: We then dry your hair to remove the excess moisture, but keep it damp.
3. Keratin Express Formula: We formulate a lightweight mixture similar to a deep conditioning treatment for your hair.
4. Blow Dry: We will then dry your hair while the treatment is still in.
5. Flat Iron (Optional): Then we do a quick pass using the flat iron to seal the product. While optional, we recommend using it according to your hair type and goals.

Pros and Cons of Keratin Express Treatment

As with the keratin treatment, you can also expect advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Takes less than 90 minutes
• More affordable
• Great if you want to try a keratin treatment for the first time
• Helps to extend the results if you had a keratin treatment previously

Cons:

• Only lasts up to six weeks
• Not effective on thick and coarse hair
• Does not completely straighten or relax curl patterns

Keratin Treatment vs Keratin Express Aftercare

Great. Now that you know the difference between these two treatments, you know that both require different aftercare to protect your investment.

Keratin Aftercare:

• You must wait 72 hours before washing your hair, tying it up, or using accessories.
• We always recommend our clients use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
• During the waiting period, keep your hair dry and straight
• We recommend sleeping on a silk pillowcase to help prevent friction
• Also, avoid chlorinated or salt water, and use a protective leave-in conditioner

Keratin Express Aftercare

As the formula is lighter, you only need to:

• Wait 8 to 24 hours before washing your hair
• Also, avoid wearing ponytails, clips, or anything that can crease the hair
• Stick with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prolong the results
• Limit your washing to 2 to 3 times per week
• Use a smoothing serum or a leave-in conditioner

Still Can’t Decide?

At Haste, many of our clients use both of these treatments. For example, you might book a keratin treatment during spring before the humidity peaks, then refresh it in mid-summer with the Keratin Express. Visit us and we’ll help you with a custom plan based on your hair texture, goals, and lifestyle.

Also, learn the difference between a Keratin and Japanese Hair Straightening treatment here.

Wrap-Up: Your Hair, Your Choice

Choosing between a keratin treatment and a Keratin Express isn’t about which is better. It’s about which one fits into your life right now.

Whether you want a dramatic change or a quick one before your vacation, we’ll help you regain control of your hair.

Book your keratin consultation today at Haste Urban Hair Spa in Boston. Let’s give your hair the love it deserves, smooth, frizz-free, and gorgeous.

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