Which is the best for hair?
This is the most frequently asked question when someone hears about Cysteine treatment: How is Cysteine different from a Keratin treatment, and which one is the best option? Both are temporary hair treatments that help with damage control, but they differ in their methods, ingredients, and results. Let’s examine both treatments to understand their differences and determine which one is best for your needs.
What is a Keratin Treatment and how it works?
A Keratin treatment, also known as a Brazilian blowout or Brazilian keratin treatment, is a chemical procedure performed by salon professionals to make hair appear straighter. For years, Keratin treatments have dominated the haircare industry, becoming synonymous with smooth, shiny, and healthy hair. However, these treatments are semi-permanent hair straightening methods that smooth and add shine to frizzy hair, and the term “keratin treatment” is somewhat misleading.
In theory, Keratin is infused into the hair to fill in the gaps between the hair proteins of each strand while restoring and straightening the hair bonds. Contrary to popular belief, the effectiveness of a Keratin treatment does not come from the use of Keratin itself. Instead, professionals apply a solution containing formaldehyde or its derivatives, which breaks the hair’s bonds and reseals them in a straighter position. This process mimics the effects of naturally Keratin-rich hair rather than infusing the hair with Keratin, as Keratin shampoos, conditioners, or masks do.
Pros of Keratin Treatment
- Smooths your hair.
- Makes your hair appear thicker, which can be helpful if it is thinning.
- Seals split ends and cuticles of each hair strand.
- Ensures that your hair becomes more manageable.
- Makes your hair look straighter and beautifully glossy.
- Requires minimal maintenance.
Cons of Keratin Treatment
- You need to use specific hair care products after the treatment such as shampoo and conditioner.
- You will lose most of the volume and bounciness of your hair once it is straightened.
- You cannot wash your hair, use clips, or style it for a few days after the treatment.
- Your hair may become oily as it loses its frizz.
- The effects of the treatment will start to fade within five months, and new hair growth will look different from the treated hair.
- Keratins laminate the hair externally, creating a super glossy effect. However, when this lamination wears off, it can leave the hair dehydrated, dull, brittle, and easily broken.
- The chemical components of the formula may cause skin irritation, nausea, respiratory issues, and eye irritation.
What is a Cysteine Treatment and how it works?
A Cysteine treatment, also known as an amino acid treatment, has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its notable benefits. This semi-permanent hair treatment leverages a chain of natural amino acids to enhance the existing proteins in your hair, thereby promoting healthy hair growth, strengthening the hair, and improving its resilience to styling processes.
Cysteine is naturally absorbent, enabling it to penetrate deeply into the hair fiber’s core. When activated by heat, cysteine relaxes the disulfide bonds within the hair’s protein structure and forms new bonds. This results in straighter, smoother, more manageable hair, while providing deep conditioning and nourishment. Last but not least, Cysteine treatment effectively prevents breakage, reduces frizz, and enhances shine.
Pros of Cysteine Treatment.
- Cysteine treatment is known to be the safest alternative compared to Keratin or other straightening treatments. Even kids over the age of 12 can get the Cysteine hair treatment without worrying about any serious side effects.
- It is suitable for all hair types and is extremely effective in straightening and repairing chemically treated or damaged hair.
- This treatment gives you a natural straight and shiny look, nothing artificial.
- You can wash your hair, use clips, or style your hair as you wish from day one, as it doesn’t carry the limitations of Keratin treatments.
- Does not permanently alter or amend the hair structure.
- Cysteine treatment is gentle and more efficient than a Keratin treatment. Its formula does not contain any formaldehyde or its substitutes, which are commonly found in most other treatments.
- Because this treatment works directly on the roots, there is no difference between the new growth and the treated hair.
- It is scientifically proven that Cysteine amino acids, at high doses, increase follicle growth rate and hair fiber diameter.
- Even when the effect of the treatment diminishes, the hair remains healthy for a long time.
- It gives you manageable and frizz-free hair that you can style in various ways for any occasion by adding heat.
Cons of Cysteine Treatment.
- While Cysteine treatment comes with promising benefits, it is also considered more expensive than other hair treatments due to its high concentration of natural ingredients.
- If you are looking for a permanent solution to frizzy, curly hair, this treatment is not recommended because the results start fading after about 5 months.
- The treatment prevents you from using henna, dye, hair bleach, or hair highlighting, as these might strip away the Cysteine complex from your hair.
- Products that contain sulfates might also strip away the Cysteine complex.
- To maintain long-lasting results, it is important to use the maintenance kit that comes with your treatment, specifically formulated to continue supplying Cysteine amino acids to your hair.
- Swimming or any kind of chlorine exposure is also not recommended.
Final Thoughts.
Depending on your choice, suitability, and desired look for your hair, you can choose either a Keratin or a Cysteine treatment. While Cysteine Treatment is considered one of the best and safest hair care treatments available, it comes with its own set of responsibilities and challenges. But then again, what hair or skin treatment doesn’t?
Cysteine hair treatment may be an appropriate option for individuals looking to achieve smoother, more manageable, and more natural-looking hair without the harsh chemicals associated with keratin treatments. On the other hand, if you don’t mind the exposure to harsh chemicals, a Keratin treatment is ideal for those who want extra glossy, straight hair with minimal maintenance.
