What Not to Do After Getting a Keratin Treatment

If you’ve just had a keratin treatment, the first 48–72 hours are critical. The wrong habits can cause dents, frizz, and premature fade. Use this no‑nonsense “don’ts” checklist to protect your results.

Top “Don’ts” (First 72 Hours)

• Don’t get your hair wet. No washing, rain, steam, or sweat. Keep it completely dry while the treatment sets.
• Don’t tie, clip, or crease your hair. Skip ponytails, buns, headbands, clips, bobby pins, and tucking hair behind ears.
• Don’t rest sunglasses on your head. Frames can create pressure marks and dents.
• Don’t sleep on rough fabrics. Use silk/satin pillowcases to reduce friction and prevent bends.
• Don’t work out hard. Avoid sweat and humidity; if you get damp, blow‑dry on cool/low and smooth gently.

Ongoing “Don’ts” (To Prolong Results)

• Don’t use sulfate or salt (sodium chloride) shampoos. They strip the treatment. Choose sulfate‑free shampoo and conditioner.
• Don’t overwash. Limit washing to 2–3 times per week and refresh with dry shampoo as needed.
• Don’t overdo heat styling. Excessive or max heat can shorten longevity. Use a heat protectant and moderate temperatures.
• Don’t swim unprotected. Chlorine/salt water can degrade results. Wet hair with fresh water, apply a leave‑in, and wear a swim cap; rinse immediately after.
• Don’t skip UV protection. Sun exposure dries hair; use UV‑shielding leave‑ins or hats.

Quick Fixes (If a Dent Happens)

Notice a bend? Within the first few days, blow‑dry on low and smooth with a flat iron on low heat in small sections. Always apply heat protectant first.

How Pure‑Keratin.com Keeps Your Results Longer

• 30+ years of expertise formulating and refining keratin aftercare.
• 200+ salon‑grade products (sulfate/salt‑free) to support every hair type.
• Affordable bundles that extend treatment life and reduce frizz.
• 5‑star customer support for personalized aftercare routines.

Start with our best‑sellers: Keratin Treatments, Sulfate‑Free Shampoos, and Deep‑Repair Masks.

Related Guides

• How to Sleep After a Keratin Treatment
• Keratin Treatment: Maintenance Tips
• The Ultimate Keratin Aftercare Routine

External, Authoritative Resources

• OSHA: Hair smoothing products & formaldehyde facts
• FDA: Formaldehyde released when heated
• CDC/NIOSH: Health Hazard Evaluation on salon exposures (PDF)
• PubMed: Elevated formaldehyde in “Brazilian keratin” products

FAQ

Can I tie my hair after a keratin treatment?

Avoid ponytails, clips, headbands, and tucking behind ears for at least 48–72 hours to prevent dents.

When can I wash my hair?

Most salons advise waiting 48–72 hours. Then wash with sulfate/salt‑free shampoo.

Is swimming allowed?

Not in the first few days. Afterwards, protect hair with fresh‑water rinse, leave‑in conditioner, and a swim cap; rinse immediately post‑swim.