You may have read about the Brazilian Blowout™, Global Keratin, and Brazilian Keratin Treatments on A Mom In Red High Heels; now learn about Keratin Complex by Coppola! Resident keratin treatment expert and A Mom in Red High Heels Beauty Task Force member Jordana Lorraine tells us how Keratin Complex differs from the others.
Process:
First your hair will be shampooed with a clarifyer, then loosely blow- dried to remove moisture and allow the stylist to see patterns in your hair, such as curl and frizz. Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy solution is then applied with a brush and combed through, wrapped in a plastic cap and allowed to settle in for 20 minutes. Your stylist will blow-dry the treatment in and then iron it. Your hair may have some static at this point, but natural oils will stick those down within a few hours. You must keep your hair very straight as the stylist leaves it, with no clips or ponytails, for 72 hours. It is important to avoid wetting your hair in the shower, or even with perspiration, but if it happens the best thing you can do is re-dry and flat-iron it.
Product:
The Keratin Complex solution is gel-based and has almost no fragrance. The treatment is formaldehyde-free, but does contain an organic aldehyde which works similarly but causes irritation in fewer people. Because it is gel-based and not cream-based, the steam that evaporates during the treatment is not as thick in the air as with some other treatments that are cream-based. In my salon, we do all keratin treatments in a private room to minimize both fumes and irritation. Keratin Complex by Coppola is headquartered and manufactured in the US (Florida).
Results:
Keratin Complex is not a straightener, but does give stronger results than many other keratin treatments, and for this reason I called it “demi-permanent” rather than “semi-permanent”. I have seen the results linger (they do fade, but don’t completely disappear) for as long as 6-8 months; this could be a pro or a con, depending on your hair type, situation, and desired results. I like to use Keratin Complex on clients who are growing out a Japanese or other permanent straightener, because it gives a slightly stronger, stiffer result which blends better with their ends. Or for a client who is currently flat-ironing her hair daily and wants to make it easier to get that pin-straight look. However, on a curly girl who just wants to try it out and may want her curls back, I would recommend Brazilian Blowout™ instead because it fades completely back to natural in 3-4 months after one treatment.
Aftercare:
As with all keratin treatments, it is important to use shampoo that is free of sulfates and sodium chloride. Coppola makes a shampoo, conditioner and deep conditioner which are safe for the treatment and also contain some of the active ingredients to help prolong the effects of your treatment. See this recent post on AMIRHH to learn more tips on taking care of your keratin treatment: Caring For Your Keratin Treatment.
Find Jordana at Lorraine Colour Bar in Santa Monica, CA.
www.jordanalorraine.com
contact: 310-922-2645
Looking for an alternative to Keratin Complex by Coppola? Try the NEW Hyde-Free Brazilian Blowout™! As of April 2010, it is now free of formaldehyde and all hyde family ingredients, as shown on their website www.brazilianblowout.com. Read our report: BIG NEWS: Keratin Hair Treatment, Brazilian Blowout™ in Now HYDE-FREE!
Not ready for the commitment of a keratin treatment? Try an at home anti-frizz system for hair: Living Proof Straight Making Styling System ($34 Value)
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Hi there.
Thanks for the advice. I will follow up with the salon and hopefully get some answers.
If the feedback is helpful, I will post it here to help others
Thank you
Susan
Hi Suzy, yes, feedback is always appreciated, so please let us know what happens!
I LOVE this product. It lasted 6 months for me and my hair was gorgeous! I have been one month without it and will be getting it back. My hair was straight, manageable without ANY frizz. I used the Intense RX as I highlight my hair. People who knew me as a frizz head loved it so much THEY use it now. LOVE LOVE LOVE Keratin Complex!!!!
Hi there,
I have found out what happened to my hair! Apparently the straightening iron was too hot. The company advised ironing at 230 degrees. However, most straighteners, although they say they reach 230 degrees, don’t. And so the product was never tested at the right temperature. My hairdresser’s straightener is a true 230 degrees straightener and proved to be too hot for the product and my hair. So the highlighted hair around my crown were almost burnt and left dry, strawy, stiff hair after the treatment.
The company are looking into this with urgency and hoping to provide me with a treatment that will take it away. In the meantime, my hair dresser is kindly treating my hair for free once a week. Which does seem to be helping (although it wears off after 2-3 days).
So, I’m not happy with my keratin treatment, but its due to a lack of testing… And I also discovered it wasn’t the Coppola treatment, but something called ‘Hair Go Straight’ keratin treatment. So please don’t take my experience as a result of the Coppola range of products.
And so you were spot on with your gut feel of the hair getting burnt… You do know hair!
Thank you, Suzy, though I wold prefer in this case that I was wrong! Thank you also for clarifying that the experience you described was NOT with the topic of this post, Keratin Complex by Coppola. Did the salon originally tell you it was?
I’m glad to hear the salon is helping you with treatments. I have not previously heard of ‘Hair Go Straight.’ Did you speak to the company yourself, or was this the salon’s explanation? It seems a little odd that a company would advise to do something with their product, that they haven’t tested accurately. In any case, I am sorry to hear that you had this problem and I hope the salon’s treatments continue to help.
Have been having Coppola done for 3 years and will never go back. Prior did alot of research and yes it contains aldehyde which is a sister to formaldahyde. I LOVE LOVE it. My hair is very long now and it looks like Jennifer Aniston and prior to Coppola Diana Ross. I know there are a boat load of keratin txs. out there and I truly believe that Coppola is the best. I have seen results from other companies and they do not compare. My hair is silky,straight, gorg if I do say so. Goodluck ladies you pay for what you get.
Hello!
I just want to say that I tried the Coppola Keratin treatment on my hair today, and I have NEVER had such smooth, straight, shiny hair before in my life! I’m caucasian and I have the curliest hair ever, along with the frizz. So, I have to say that it’s an absolute miracle that the stylist was able to flat iron it this straight without any frizz nor trouble. I know it’s just day one, and that my curls may come back once I wash it on day 3, but I am so satified with the results so far.
Also, as far as the smell of the product on my hair, well, there isn’t any. I had several people smell my hair, and they couldn’t smell a thing.
I wish I could summit before and after pictures on here to provide proof of how well this product really works!
I finally had the keratin complex a month ago after backing out last December upon reading various blogs regarding hair loss. I reaize now that was probably all black propaganda by competition. My stylist did tell me that some people has dandruff issues or oily hair.
My take on this product: my hair is not frizzy but it’s also not wash and wear stick straight. I have to dry my hair, either by fan or by a blow dryer, to get the permanent blow dry effect. My hair is “thinned” at the bottom so it tends to curl up at the bottom but not in a bad way.
In August last year, I had the brazilian blowdry and my hair was wash and wear straight after. I guess now that this is because I had my hair rebonded seven months earlier. The stylist then was recommending to another client to have her hair straightened first if she wanted a straighter effect. After a month, I had my hair coloured and cut and the frizz and waviness returned much to my dismay. Some stylists said that the full hair colour washed away the keratin while some said that the cut opened the shaft/cuticle. Jordana, can you please help me solve this mystery so I don’t make the same mistake this time around as I need a hair colour badly but I’m terrified of wasting that much money again.
@zizz I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for you. I routinely color and cut my clients’ hair between Brazilian Blowout and keratin treatment visits, and some who come to me only for treatments have regular color and cuts with other stylists in between. There is no merit to the theory that a cut could “open” anything that would…allow the keratin to fall out(?) and color should not affect the treatment results, unless it was something very harsh like an all-over bleach (this should be times so that it is done before a new treatment.)
As for the Keratin Complex, it is not and has never claimed to be a straightener. I am truly sorry if you were misinformed, but only hair that is slightly wavy will be completely straight without any styling, after a Keratin Complex treatment. The same is true for Brazilian Blowout, and any other smoothing system in this category, unless as you mentioned it was chemically straightened prior. Repeating the treatment after a few weeks can build up a stronger result; let’s say someone did two of them, a month apart, and then maintained it every two months. This would give a straighter look. Consult your stylist to be sure this is a good plan for you.
That said, there have not been (to my knowledge) any documented hair loss that has been Doctor-diagnosed as being due to Keratin Complex or any smoothing treatment. I hope this helps!
I hav done keratine tratment twice but this time I had been to Mumbai(India) for the same I had been to three to four vry reputed salon and they told me now this treatment is band everywhere bcoz due to this treatment it affect our respiratory system and
Ms. Darekar, I am not aware of the cosmetics regulations in India, but the product reviewed here, Keratin Complex by Coppola, is absolutely NOT banned, nor are any other keratin smoothing treatments.
Again, Keratin Complex by Coppola IS still widely available is the USA.
I did global keratin beginning of june and i was satisfied with the result…….the only thing is that my her turned very smooth(i have wavy and frizzy hair)
a month after the treatment, i had a hair colour and i noticed that some frizziness came back.
the hair dresser told me that i can only repeat the treatment after three months and i can even do it myself at home,,,,,and if i don’t want my hair very straight, i can avoid using the iron. Does this apply for Keratin Complex as well……i am thinking of buying the product and doing it myself at home…..can u please advise me.
@Manal It is normal for the treatment to fade gradually, as it is not permanent. Depending on your hair, aftercare, and which GK treatment you had, it may be completely gone as soon as 6-8 weeks or could last as long as 4-6 months. However, it is generally safe (pending your hair’s condition) to repeat as soon as one month later, for a cumulative effect that is stronger and longer-lasting. Keratin Complex lasts an average of 3-4 months and can also be repeated sooner for a cumulative effect.
BUT: neither of these treatments is intended for home use, and misuse could be dangerous. I am surprised a stylist would suggest this. It would be nearly impossible to safely and accurately perform either treatment on yourself. I hope this helps!
thanks Jordana for the advice……so now i’ll switch to keratin complex. regarding the non-use of iron to avoid the very straight look, is that true. if i ask the hair dresser to only dry my hair and not use the iron, would i get the non-frizz and silky look without the straightness
@Manal I would not recommend skipping the ironing entirely, but she could do it at a lower temperature and/or run fewer iron strokes through the hair. Skipping the ironing step entirely will reduce frizz, but not last very long. I hope that helps!
I had the treatment done in Jan 2009. My hair is fine but wavy, and it falls a lot when combing and shampooing. The following month I went on vacation to the beach and bathed in the sea every day, weting my hair in the salt water. I would just rinse it with fresh water and air dried it. My hair was very manageable even by doing this. I only used the Coppola shampoo and conditioner and the first thing that happened was, my hair stopped falling. The treatment lasted six months. I was very satisfied with the product and have not hesitated to recommend it. It is important to follow the maintenance instructions if the treatment is to yield the required results.
hi all,
some friends of mine have tried it and really loved. i was too close myselft but my hairdresser suggested that i don’t because, according to him, it is suspect for cancer. He does not use it as a professional on his customers. Is aldehyde or any other of its ingredients hazardous for cancer?Is there any official statement by the company that it is 100% safe?
@Vasia I would recommend you contact the company directly with such questions. I use a specialized air filtration system when performing the treatment, which vacuums in fumes as they are produced. This system is available (you can recommend it to your salon) from Aerovex Systems.
I used the coppola keratin and my hairdresser recommends not washing my hair for 6 days. I heard you only need to keep it in for 3 days. Is there any benefit to keeping it in longer? BTW if I did it on Friday, would 3 days be Monday?
thanks
Hi Sally, the company recommends shampooing with Keratin Complex shampoo and conditioner after 72 hours, so yes that would be Monday, at approximately the same time as your appointment was, if possible. It is very important not to wet, clip, pull back, or other move hair from the straight position during this time, because the keratin is still settling into the hair and forming its new shape, which you of course do not want to include any crimps. For example, if you need to pull your hair back for work on Monday, it would be better to wash it before work than to wear it up/back with the treatment still in.
I did have a client once, who left her treatment in without washing, clipping, etc. for an extended period of time. Her results were not great; her curl was reduced, but she had a lot of frizz. When I called the company, they were baffled that she has left it in for so long (as was I) and said that there hadn’t been any testing for that situation. I finally spoke with an advanced educator, who theorized that since the client lived near the beach, it was possible that during her extended wait time, humidity had gotten in and caused the keratin to cure the hair into a frizzy shape. It was the best answer they could come up with, and they advised that instead of telling clients to “wait 72 hours,” I tell them to “wash it after 72 hours,” to be more specific. I would recommend you wash it sometime on Monday, but you could call and ask them directly if you like, at 888-409-4445.
Enjoy your treatment!
What’s the worst that can happen if I wash my hair before the 72 hour recommended time period after having the Coppola Keratin hair treatment. Feels dirty and I accustomed to washing my hair daily? Also what is the recommended flat iron temp after the treatment?
PB
@Pam, washing your hair sooner than recommended will decrease the intensity of the results, and the longevity of them as well. Try to stick it out if you can, but remember not to use any ponytails or clips in it. If you can wait to the full time, you may not even need a flat-iron after the treatment, depending on your natural hair type and how the treatment was performed. If you do, I would recommend setting it at 200-250 and using a thermal styling protectant, such as Melu Thermal Protector from Davines (available at some salons, and online.) Enjoy!
Hi Jordana, I had my Coppola smoothing keratin treatment done to my har on Oct 15th 2011. After 2 weeks, the hair started falling out. The hair falls out from the folicle and have about a breakage in the hair about an inch size. I read lot of reviews that there are lots of women having hair fall and almost getting bald. I am really worried and need any solution to atleast stop it. And also Is it safe to get pregnant now since it’s been 2 months I had my treatment. Please advice and help.
Hi Neha, I am so sorry to hear about your troubles. While I have read reports of such experiences, I have not seen it myself. My guess is that it may have to do with application technique and/or an individual’s sensitivity to the ingredients. I would recommend seeing a dermatologist, who may be able to help stop the issue even if they do not know the exact cause. As far as pregnancy, you should be fine as I believe the concern is breathing in the fumes created during the process itself, though it might be a good idea to check with Coppola (www.keratincomplex.com) and/or your OB.
Hi -I got the Brazillian Blowout about a month ago and see a half price deal for a Coppala Keratin treatment. If I wait the 3 months for the Brazillian to wash out of my hair, can I do the Coppala with no problem? What is the difference between the two treatments?
I have very naturally curly hair, spiral type curls normally and this was my first treatment. I love the effects that it has given me. I made a mistake of not waiting until after the treatment to get my haircut and the girl that cut my hair before the treatment butchered it! So am going to have to have another treatment done so my hair can grow out and not look totally stupid curly..
Will I get my curls back? Will my hair be “ruined” after the treatment? Can you eventually get all of the treatment cut out of your hair and your hair return to normal again? Sorry for all the questions!
Thanks!
I just wanted to post regarding people who’s hair has fallen out after a keratin treatment. I have trouble with my bangs being very curly/unruley and the rest of my hair is fabulous and thick and shiny and wavy which I love so I decided to get only my bangs done with the coppola treatment. I had poor results, I’m not sure if it was done correctly, it was great at first but only lasted about a week and half which sucked because it still cost close to $200. Anyways, that is beside the point. I did as instructed and washed with the recommenced SLS free shampoo. After about 3 weeks my treatment results were gone but I had to finish the shampoo so I kept using it and it made horrible amounts of my hair fall out. It totally fried my hair and turned it to straw. I knew that this was from the shampoo because I had only had the treatment done on my bangs. My suggestion if you are worried about thinning hair/hair falling out test the shampoo/conditioner for at least 2 weeks. See what it does to your hair and if it works good for you then don’t worry about the treatment making your hair fall out. I finally had to throw away the stuff and switched to a “cleansing conditioner” my hair stopped falling out, grew back and returned to life. I should mention as well that I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week and it’s very course/long/wavy. Hope this helps!
I just looked through comments regarding pros and cons of the Keratin Complex treatment. I’ve been doing it approximately every 4-5 months for several years. My hair is fine, but very thick and extremely curly/frizzy. My daughter, whose hair is very curly and long, has been doing the Brazilian Blowout as she does not want the more permanent effect and she does not want to wait 3 days to shampoo her hair after having the Keratin Complex treatment.
I blow dry my hair with a round, ceramic brush and never need to use a flat iron until the regrowth along the part line becomes excessively visible. I use Pureology Nano-works shampoo and conditioner and have never had my hair break off. Because I’ve tried so many ways to deal with my hair over the years: straighteners and restructuring perms plus, I color my hair, I always had breakage on the ends. Since my first Keratin Complex treatment in the fall of 2009 my hair has grown at least 5 inches. I now have silky straight hair that moves and shines. I LOVE it. In the summer, after being in the water, rinsing it and letting it dry naturally I only need to run a wide tooth comb through it to fluff it out. I end up with a very natural wave and never need to spend time messing with it. It is difficult to go through the 72 hrs without washing it, but it is worth it for the results. Yes, the loss of body is a bit of a shock, but it is temporary. Many times all you need is a cut AFTER you’ve had this done in order to match your haircut with your new straight hair. Anyway, I feel like a pro regarding dealing with ultra curly and, now straight hair. I was horrified after having this done the first time. Now, it is as necessary as having my roots touched up!!
So are people loosing their hair/balding with the formaldahide free treatment? Or with the chemical in it? Can you dye your hair behore hand..wait 48hrs then have the treatment on it?
Thanks!
I have curly hair and would like to have it straight for weeks to months but want to make sure my natural curl returns…what treatment would you recommend between pravana keratin fusion and keratin complex?
Hi! can keratin complex straighten my curly roots? thanks
Hi, I’ve been using the Coppola Keratin treatment for about 1 year and a half. I love the results. However, my hair is so shiny, but very straight. (My hair is fine, wavy and somewhat course without treatment. I used to chemically relax my hair but it was too strong for my hair texture.) I was surprised that my hair is as straight as it is. I am also over 50. Could it be that my hair texture is changing now that I am getting older? Is it possible to just do the roots? My hairdress says she can’t just do the roots because you have to pull it through the hair and use the flat iron. Thanks
I want to get this treatment done, but have a question. I live in a very dry & hot climate. I want to get this treatment done a week prior to me leaving for vacation to Florida, where it is very hot & humid. I will be in Florida for 3 weeks….Will this treatment still work for my hair even though I will be changing to a very drastically different climate in which my hair is not use to?
Hi- I am thinking of getting this treatment done, but my hair is only just below my chin and only wavy. It’s not very curley and course like everyone else is saying. Would this treatment damage my hair since its someone thin and limp??
Hi Jen! The treatment wouldn’t damage your hair, but it might be overkill; too straight or stiff. You might consider a gentler treatment, such as Brazilian Blowout. I hope that helps!
Hi Jordana. I hope you can help me. My hair is very fine. With gel and thickening products, it actually looks thick. I style my hair with a paddle brush to “fall”; I like a natural, shiny look. I’d love to have a thick-looking and feeling head of straight hair, but am afraid that if I got it straightened, it’d be limp & lifeless and my scalp would be seen!!
When I use the straight iron, sometimes it looks great, but it’s apparent that all the moisture gets sucked right out and then my hair is not shiny and nice.
The hair at the bottom is so thin and it gets bendy when I sleep and when I wear a scarf or high collar, I get full of knots.
I’d love if you could tell me the keratin would help my hair and that I’m a good candidate for it!!
Would I be able to go in the ocean & in chlorine pools and get highlights???
Thanks! =)
Considering keratin treatment in June. Can I use dry shampoo during the 72 hr post-treatment? My stylist says yes but some sites say no. Also, can I get a haircut same day of treatment? Thanks!
@BC Great questions! Keratin Complx is among the more stiff, flat keratin treatments. This is a ‘pro’ for many with difficult hair, but a ‘con’ for someone like you. I would encourage you to look into other options which could plump the hair up and/or leave more body in it, while still removing frizz. All keratin treatments are safe over highlighted hair (it is best to do them after fresh color,) and while chlorine is not great for the keratin, your color, or your hair itself, it will not reverse the treatment. You’ll want to discuss aftercare products and protective measures with your stylist. Check out the Cadiveu Acai therapy treatment at the following link, for a body-vuilding, de-frizzing-but-non-flattening treatment:
http://amominredhighheels.com/comprehensive-guide-formaldehydefree-brazilian-blowout-keratin-treatment-alternatives/
@Linda Your stylist is correct, you can use dry shampoo during the 72-hour phase, so long as it is one that sprays out as a dry powder and not a liquid with powder in it; the latter is not truly a ‘dry’ shampoo, but some of them are structured that way so check out a few before you buy. If your hair is anything other than pale blonde, be sure to get one that is either clear/colorless or a color that matches your hair.
I just had my third Coppola Keratin treatment today. My last one was in September, and although I really should have gone in for a treatment a month ago, it still lasted a long time!
My question: I am supposed to wait until Sunday evening to shampoo my hair, but if it’s not too risky, I would like to shampoo it around 10:00am Sunday, as I have somewhere to go that day – and the third day of downtime is the worst!
Do you think the difference is time would really be detrimental?
Thank you!
Please help – My hair is this strands, but a lot of them. It is fine, but curly, and I would like a “bob”, but not totally straight. I would like some volume and lift, not pin straight., but take the frizz out as I live in humid northeast – summer is brutal. Is this too strong for me? I do want some volume and umph but am afraid I will look too straight. Is this right for me?
sorry – I meant to say that my hair in fine, but I have a lot of hair. THIN strands.
thanks
@Cathy Sorry for the delayed reply. If you chose to wash your hair early, you have not caused any major debit in results. Worst case scenario, the life of your treatment may have been shortened slightly. I hope you love your hair!
Hi Phyllis–I believe this treatment would be too strong for you, making your hair straighter and flatter than you will like. Check out the new Brazilian Blowout Zero Plus, to smooth frizz without flattening: http://amominredhighheels.com/brazilian-blowout-frizzfree-formaldehydehyde-free-hour/
I much prefer using Cocoa Keratin System which is Brazilian treatment too and lasts for up to 5 months. It smooths my hair, moisturises it and repairs it. It contains argan oil so it’s super beneficial for all hair types!