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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@Renu it’s a shame you aren’t happy with your results, and I hope that you come to like it better with time and fading. Keratin Complex is not called a straightener because it will not make all hair straight, and it does not permanently change the structure of the hair. However, as explained in this post, it is among the strongest of the keratin treatments. It works differently on all hair types; this is why consultation is very important, to make sure the stylist knows what you do or don’t want from your treatment.
For more on choosing a keratin treatment stylist, see this recent post: http://amominredhighheels.com/keratin-treatment-choose-stylist/
As far as how to speed up the fading of your treatment, you could try doing the opposite of the instructions; wash your hair more often, and use a clarifying shampoo containing sulfates and sodium chloride. You may also want to use a treatment to remove “build-up,” such as Malibu Crystals (available at beauty supplies.) Of course all of this will dry your hair out, so you’ll want to deep condition, but not with the Keratin Complex product as it contains certain ingredients intended to extend your results.
If you wish to try a keratin treatment in the future, consider Brazilian Blowout, which gives a softer result and maintains more body. Use the tips in the post I linked above, to find a stylist and be clear with them about your desired result.
Best of luck!
Hi, I am a hairstylist that has been doing the Keratin by Coppola for the past year. I recently switched to the Global Keratin because each time I would do the service on a client, I would go home feeling sick for 3 days or so. I loved the results but needed to find another option that didn’t make me feel awful. I LOVE Global Keratin! results are the same or even better, smells great, and doesn’t make me feel sick at all!!!
you can see before and after photos on my website hairbyemi.com I am now offering half off hair extensions 
please email me if you have any questions.
So, I took your advice and had a professional stylist that agreed to take my product and charge me only half price do the process.
It is SHOCKINGLY straight and flat, but I’m not surprised. I think that’s the biggest thing is that people need to be prepared with just how different their hair will look. I”m happy because I know that the drying time and frizz will compensate for whatever discomfort I feel initially about the flatness of my hair. ANyway, I’m very happy, and I know that when it comes time to dry it and go out on a humid day, it will be totally worth it.
@Laurie I’m so glad you got it done and are enjoying it! It’s true that the Coppola treatment is among the straightest of the keratin treatments, but I agree that once you get used to the change you will LOVE how shiny and non-frizzy your “new” hair is. Enjoy!
I am considering this treatment. My hair is very fine, thin and has a natural curl/ frizz. What are the chances that some of my hair will fall out after doing this process? Should I first use the Keratin shampoo’s before making my decision? Will the shampoo help to lock out humidity and hold a straight iron if I don’t do the salon treatment? Thanks Susan
@Susan Sager Good questions! The shampoos and conditioners made by keratin treatment companies will help fight frizz whether you have the treatment or not (but not nearly to the degree of having the actual treatment.)
However, I will say that based on the brief description of your hair I think I would recommend Brazilian Blowout over the Keratin Complex treatment. BB is cream-based and therefor moisturizes and leaves hair soft; KC is gel-based and can leave hair stiff–this is helpful on coarse, stubborn hair, but may leave fine hair on the brittle side.
If you are in Southern CA, I would be happy to see you for a consultation to determine the best treatment for you. http://www.jordanalorraine.com
If not, I would suggest you research both and have consultations with local stylists. The ideal situation would be to find one stylist who offers both, because they will have the most experience to advise on the decision. Best of luck!
About a year ago, I had Rusk Anti-curl done, which turned out nicely. This year, as summer started to kick in, my hair was curly at the root, but straight throughout the length (shoulder length hair). After researching, I decided to get a japanese “digital perm”, to bring the curl back and have my hair be one texture. They over-processed my hair and now it feels almost like steel wool! I’ve been using great conditioners and babying my hair for the past week and I’m considering cutting it all off, even though I feel I look horrible in short hair
Could this help the look of my hair and possibly delay chopping it all off? I’m looking for anything to help, because it’s looking pretty hopeless right now!
@Robin I am sorry to hear of your troubles. You may benefit from a keratin treatment, but based on all your hair has been through I think you may want to consider a more moisturizing one such as Brazilian Blowout. Keratin Complex gives a stiffer result, which in the case of already-delicate hair could lead to brittle ends or even breakage.
I would recommend you visit reputable stylists who work with each product (or ideally, both products) to determine which would be better for your hair. If you are in the Southern California area, I would be happy to see you for a free consultation. Best of luck!
http://www.jordanalorraine.com
Hi Lorraine. Have been researching the keratin treatment by coppola which is the only one available in the city that i live in. Although very tempted, am now confused. The good reviews are very good & the bad reviews are very bad. Am a doctor so worried about the side effects that formaldehyde may cause. Have a cousins wedding coming up in June end and want tension free hair, when the weather is gonna be super humid and my hair frizzy as can be. I have wavy hair, that are medium thick but otherwise of good quality. I routinely wash twice a week and use a conditioner and then hair serum to control the frizz…..Plz plz plz help……
Okay, I just got the Keratin Complex done with my hair a few days ago. It’s amazing… My hair is healthier, shinnier, not frizzy, and easy doing. I blowed dried for a min and let it air dry the remaining and I have no frizz and static electricity. The key thing is getting the right product for your needs and having a stylist who is an educated on how to do this service. Not every stylist knows how to do hair just because they are license. I reviewed everyone’s concerns with Keratin Complex by Coppola, just an FYI, they are international in 49 countries and is OSHA approved. They also provide the MSDS sheet for you health concerns. Is it for all hair types yes and no, again it depends on your life style and needs of the consumers hair. The future of Keratin Complex will be expanding. It will be more than a smoothing system, it will expand for curly hair clients who like curls and not frizz. The other service will be for those who can not wait the 72hr “no wet” period. This will accomodate those who can’t afford the down time and cost will vary on the stylist. Their is a product for everyone’s needs in this millenium.
@Rahkee. I had the same concerns. I did mine last Tuesday. The crazy flatness and straightness can still be had with a flat iron and blow drying, which takes half the time, but if you want body, but no frizz, just finger dry. I’m in a wedding this weekend in the deep, deep humid south, and I”m totally confident about my hair. I read elsewhere and spoke to some people that the people who had real problems with the coppola treatment experienced them about a year ago and tended to be processed blondes (pace all blondes), so if you’re hair is relatively healthy, and you go to a reputable salon, you should be fine. One thing My stylist told me that surprised me is that the application of the product should not be a saturation, so just keep an eye on that. Over-saturation seems to cause the product not to take as well. And for the record, I have had absolutely NO negative side effects.
@Rahkee, Keratin Complex is a great product. Just know that it will; make most hair pretty straight, wihtout the option to wear wavy, and will linger in the hair longer than many other treatments. it does not contain formaldehyde, but does contain “an organic aldehyde.” Try calling the company to ask questions and/or request an MSDS. Their number is 888-409-4445. Best of luck!
I just had the Keratin Treatment done yesterday. So far, I love it. On the instructions my stylist gave me, it says that sweating can remove the keratin and the results may not last as long. If I work out regularly, is this going to be a problem?
Hi,
I just had the Keratin Treatment by Coppola today and I’m trying to have a baby. Anyone has some information inf there is any problem? I’m concern now.
Thanks
@Jessica Sweating is only an issue during the 3-day wait before you can wet or wash your hair. As I’m sure your stylist told you, you should also avoid clipping or ponytailing your hair, but only during the initial waiting period. After that, your workouts should pose no problem at all.
@Dea Coppola, the manufacturers of Keratin Complex, do not advise having the service while pregnant or nursing. I believe the concern is about the fumes put off during the process, so don’t worry about having it on your hair now, but I wouldn’t have it done again until after you are finished nursing.
Best of luck in growing your family!
Hello! I have been looking into Keratin hair straightening but am un sure of the difference between Global Keratin and Keratin Complex. I have middle Eastern hair, it is very wavy, but not curly. However due to how much I straighten it, it has become very frizzy if I let it air dry. I normally blow dry, then flat iron it.
I want a product that will relax the waves and help with the frizz. I have never coloured my hair and am really cautious of straightening products as I dont want to kill my hair. My hair is past my shoulders, pretty thick, and the strands themselves are normal to thick/coarse.
I have read some negatives on the internet of people who say their hair has become excessively oily, or dead, and lost shine…then I read many reviews where girls say their hair is shinier and silkier than ever! I dont want totally flat, bodyless straight hair. I would rather have a product relax, condition and smooth my hair. I want it straighter,…but not dead!
Please help me!
Desiree X
@Desiree Good questions! Keratin Complex by Coppola gives amongst the straightest results of all keratin treatments. Global Keratin’s Light formula is quite mild, and the medium formula is as straight as or straighter than Keratin Complex, but softer and shinier–but it has 2% formaldehyde in it. Based on your description of your hair and desired results, I think Brazilian Blowout would actually b best for you. You can read more abut it here: http://amominredhighheels.com/stop-battling-frizz-brazilian-blowout/
Best of luck!
After thinking about it a long time, doing research into the different options including the Japanese treatment and Brazilian Blowout (and saving up!) I decided to go with having my stylist give me the Keratin Complex treatment by Coppola.
My extremely thick, long coarse not curly not straight natural red hair was always a hassle to get into a style easily… took tons of time, product and as soon as it was humid, all the work was undone. My stylist told me I would absolutely love it… but I was still a bit doubtful, but went for it.
The three days keeping it pin straight was a challenge, and I was skeptical if it would be literally wash and wear, and wanted to see the results after air drying or rough drying. Wow! I have had it for a month now, and my hair for the first time in my life is literally wash and wear. I can let my hair air dry, and with just a touch of product, it looks like I have had a blowout but with some extra body.
I absolutely love it, and will definitely do it every three months or so as required. I am interested to see how long it lasts… but whenever it looks like I am due to get it again, I will book my appointment right away! I cannot believe how awesome my hair is… every day is a good hair day now, so glad I did it!
@Janice I’m so happy to hear of your great experience with Kertain Complex by Coppola. Thank you for sharing!
Hi my hair is very long and has colour in it..My ends are brittle and unhealthy..I blowout my hair once a week because its frizzy, it use to be curly but as I have been blow drying every week for about 10years now it just wont curl anymore..So my issue is that im so sick of washing my hair only once a week when i go to my hair stylist for a blowout, as i am getting older it seems to last only a few days then starts to become oily on the roots..I really just want wash and wear hair..I want to get the Coppola treatment done and wondering what your proffesional opion would be..
Any information would help me make my mind up..the reason i hesitate is because i heard somewhere that my hair will fall out…OMG very scary
From down under
Rita x
I’m really glad to have found all this advice, since I just had a stylist recommend the keratin treatment to me. I’m confused now about her advice, since every website I read seems to be about curly hair. I have very straight, fine, and somewhat damaged, long hair, and the stylist led me to believe this would spare me some of the split ends and general ickiness and frizz on the damaged parts. But I don’t see any stories that are about straight haired girls, and my hair is already pretty flat without any body, so I’m starting to think reading these comments that she gave me very bad advice. Does anyone know or have any experience with keratin for straight hair?
@ Rita Since you’ve described your hair as dry and brittle, I would recommend you look for Global Keratin instead of Keratin Complex by Coppola. The former is in a more moisturizing base and will soften your hair, where as the Coppola product can leave it a bit stiff.
I am pretty sure Global is available in Australia–contact them via their website at http://www.globalkeratin.com for a referral. Best of luck!
@hannah Good questions! Your stylist is correct, a keratin treatment will help prevent split ends from breaking and cut out frizz. BUT it will also make it straighter, possibly stiffer in the case of Keratin Complex. It can be applied in custom ways to prevent it from making it too flat on top, but if you’re already lacking body it may be too straight with a Coppola treatment. Have you considered another keratin treatment? Brazilian Blowout, for example, is in a cream base so it is more moisturizing and doesn’t give a stiff look. It also leaves more body in the hair than Coppola, and is more style-able. Additionally, it contains no aldehyde and does not have the 3-day waiting period before you can wash your hair or pull it back. For your hair type, I think Brazilian Blowout is a better choice. If you are in Southern California I would be happy to see you for a consultation to discuss the pros and cons of each.
http://www.jordanalorraine.com
@ hannah You can read here about a client’s comparison between Keratin Complex by Coppola, and Brazilian Blowout: http://www.dahlight.com/the-brilliant-brazilian-blowout/
Hannah,
I have very straight, fine, and what use to be damaged long hair until I did the Keratin Complex treatment 6 weeks ago. It’s awesome! It has completely changed the texture of my hair, it’s shiny, soft, and extremely healthy looking now. The 3 day wait was really tough and the first week it was very straight and flat, but very easy to maintain (5 min) blowdry or let it air dry and I was ready to go. Within a couple of weeks it began looking fuller, I can wear it straight or I can use a curling iron and wear curls that hold. The best part of all is that I also have highlights and low lights done regularly because my hair would not hold the color, the low lights would always fade completely out in about 4 weeks, I had the highlights and low lights done the same day as the Keratin Complex treatment 6 weeks ago and the color looks as good as the day I had it put in. Note: I also swim several times a week, and still my color and my texture has remained. This is the best thing I have ever done! I highly recommend it – so hope this helps.
I had my Keratin Complex done 3 months ago at Ya Ya’s Salon in Destin, Fl. I can not even begin to express how this has changed my life! I have always had the frizziest, curliest hair and have never been able to wear it straight. No matter how much time and product I put into my hair as soon as I walk out the door the hummidity takes over and my hair balloons out! I have always hated my hair! But now after having the keratin complex dont on my hair I feel like a new woman. My hair looks so beautiful. I can wear my hair straight on a rainy day and it doesn’t even frizz! I LOVE it! I will definitely be getting another one in about 3 more months!
Ya Ya’s Salon
Destin, FL
850-424-6151
I have been using the Phyto Phytospecific relaxer (level 2) for the past year and a half (3 times). My hair is thick, but the individual hairs are pretty fine. My hair is between wavy and curly. I find that during the winter, my hair looks great. I blow it dry and it holds for 3-4 days using a straightening iron just a little bit. However, in the summer, my hair is out of control. I know there is a little bit less frizz, but I give up on blowing it dry straight, as it just doesn’t hold. Would the Coppola product be a better option for me? Since part of my hair is already relaxed (it has little damage), can I use the Coppola product without damaging my hair? I’m not looking for my hair to be stick-straight, but straight with some body to it. Thanks for your recommendations!
Ok. So, it’s been not quite six weeks since I got my treatment, and it’s already considerably falling out, although it’s still hanging in there a bit. The fact is that I do Hot power yoga nearly daily, so that mean 6 or 7 days a week, my hair gets soaked with sweat. I sweat A LOT. When I leave yoga, it looks as if I’ve been swimming. So, I wash it primarily because I use the Keratin products to put the product back in as much as possible, but the bottom line is still that my hair gets saturated nearly daily. I’m thinking I should do the process again at 8 weeks. My thinking is that another dose of the treatment will have greater and longer effect than the first? Is this correct? I’m using the shampoo, conditioner, and a leave in intense conditioner, all by Copolla. My question is: Should I try something else? My hair is very curly, very frizzy, and I live in the south. On the other hand, I didn’t like my hair STICK straight. I like the waves without the frizz and some body, so the Japanese Straightening doesn’t appeal to me as much. I know. I know. I’m probably asking for the impossible. If I get the Coppolla treatment a couple of times, will my hair have enough Keratin in it to eventually last longer between sessions? I hope my question isn’t too rambling and that I’ve adequately expressed my preferences and concerns.
@Sarah I am not familiar with the Phyto product, but Keratin Complex is definitely more frizz-reducing than most relaxers, though it may not straighten your hair as much as you are used to. It’s definitely worth a try! I would recommend having a consultation with a local stylist so they can advise after seeing and feeling your hair. You can contact Coppola at 888-409-4445 and they can help you find a local stylist. Best of luck, please report back!
@Laurie The problem is likely the frequent perspiration. Salt is an exfoliant, and can strip the treatment out faster, which is why frequent swimming is not recommended. Perspiration, as you probably know, contains high levels of salt…so yes, the treatment is cumulative, but your active lifestyle is definitely a factor in lasting power.
A tip I give swimmers is to saturate their hair with tap water in advance, so ti doesn’t absorb as much of the salty water (or in your case, sweat.) I would suggest you get your hair wet before yoga, put in some leave-in conditioner, and clip it up. I hope this helps!
i have natuaul afro hair and i dont no which product to use global or copp? can you recomend 1
if i copp blow out will i be able to use all my old products?
I just used Coppola. How long can i wait before I color it? Also, i have relaxed hair with a lot of gray. Any suggestions on hair color? Semi, demi or permanent? i read that chemically treated hair should not use permanent color, but I am having problems covering the gray with the semi.
I just had copploa Kearatin complex feels great a little flat but I am sure this is only for the first few days, I was unsure as the products I use have human keratin and I can not see how anything could come close
oops as per above , I am impressed and only time will tell . I am pretty anal as far as the feel of hair, being a stylist for 20 years
Hi im a Black girl, with rather fine relaxed hair, Im from Trinidad, my hair stylist said that Keratin complex, Helps grow hair, gives it more body, and generally makes it more healthier, I would like to know how true that is and would your recommend me to do it? how many treatments should i see good results from?
@Sally You can color 2 weeks after your keratin treatment. As far as which type to use, it is difficult to advise without seeing your hair, but any color is safe with Keratin Complex including permanent color, if that’s what your stylist recommends for the best gray coverage.
@Bella Keratin Complex can definitely help recondition and bring flexibility and shine back to your relaxed locks, but the key is seeing someone who is experienced with your hair texture. If your regular stylist offers it, that is great because s/he obviously knows your hair well.
@Mela It is quite difficult to advise without seeing your hair; I would recommend you seek consultations with stylists who do both, and (also very importantly) are experienced with your hair texture. Please post again if you are in Southern California, and I would be happy to provide a referral to a colleague who works with African American hair and uses both Coppola and Global Keratin.
Thanks so much for replying so quickly. I’m so glad I found this website. I was told that you should not use permanent color on relaxed hair due to breakage. However, I do have a friend who uses permanent color and also relaxes her hair. She is also a fan of Coppola. I realize you haven’t seen my hair and I will get expert advise, but was wondering your thoughts of using permanent v. semi-permanent. One hairdresser told me I could use permanent but I was concerned about the breakage. As i said the dilemna is my hair is getting gray and is resisting the semi-perm color.
@Sally You make a good point about the relaxer. I have very little experience with traditional relaxers and so I must recommend you see someone who has more and ask their advice. The Keratin Complex has no bearing on the color choice, except for waiting 2 weeks afterwards to have color done. Best of luck!
Thank you so much. You are great!
You’re very welcome! And so sweet. I wish I could help more, but I find it’s always better to admit when you can’t, and point someone in the right direction
Enjoy!
Hi
We put Keratin complex on a client of mine who previously had a sodium hydroxide relaxer (mild) to soften her frizzy curls. 3 months later the keratin complex was put on as a class . The product reacted as though the hair had a very stiff finishing spray or super hard gel in it and the flat iron would stick to her hair the person giving the class stated she had never seen this happen before and of course it was a new procedure to me……so what did I know …….that was in april and the hair is still doing this…… what can we do? and how can we remove it? we have tried all of the products recommended by the company and still a problem I have been hairdressing for 27 years and this is the first thing i’ve come across that I am completely at a lost to repair or remedy. the client is ready to sue Keratin Complex. I have talked to numerous people at the office no real answer or help! HELP!!! Kevin Brown
@Kevin I am so sorry to hear of your client’s experience. I have also never seen anything like this! I admittedly have no experience with sodium hydroxide relaxers or how they modify the hair. It is difficult to guess what happened, especially without seeing her hair, but I wish her (and you) all of the best. Sincerely, Jordana Lorraine
Hi!
Can you use the BB aftercare products after getting a Coppola treatment? I bought the BB stuff because I preferred the ingredients, but now I’m thinking I should have just gotten the Copolla stuff since I got a Coppola treatment. Also, the Coppolla treatment is on sale at folica.com and anyone can buy it, do you think THIS version is somehow different from what the salons are using because I may be doing my own treatment at home. Its pretty easy, but time consuming.
@Lisa while each company does make products which ideally designed to compement their treatment, there shouldn’t be any problem using BB products after a Coppola treatment. I would, however, caution about buying online because it could be expired, outdated, even counterfeit. The company itself sells only to licensed and certified pros, to make sure you get the best possible results; if you are considering buying this, I would at least check with Coppola to see if this website is an authorized dealer.
Trying to do the treatment yourself could be risky; have you ever seen an at-home perm or major color change that looked good? it would almost certainly not work as well, and could leave creases or bumps in your hair that could last several months :/
I have done over 400 keratin treatments on clients and I still would not try to do it on myself! Some things are better left to the professionals; this is not a simple conditioning treatment, please proceed with caution.
I am african-american with very coarse/kinky hair and I have the Coppola treatment. I got the first one in July 2009 and loved it. I got it touched up in March, but the second time around I don’t like it as well…not as straight or something.
@Val I’m sorry to hear that. Did you go to the same stylist, have the same type of color on your hair (if any), all other conditions the same?