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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Has anyone had a “smell” that lingered after receiving the Coppola treatment. The palms of my hands smell strange. I guess I am a little nervous about the “aldehyde”. Is your hair supposed to feel soft prior to washing, cause mine is stiff and feels a little like straw. Panicking that I should go wash it out! Just got it done today.
Hi!
I just had the coppola treatment done and i’m still on te 72h non wash period but it turns out i have to attend a meeting tomorrow (so 40h after te treatment being done) and i can’t go there with my hair like that… anyone knows what would happen if i wash it before? or are there any other solutions?
thanks a lot!!!
I got the Coppola treatment two weeks ago and I love it.
My scalp reacts to many hair products due to the perfumes. I get a breakout and/or dandruff. I tried the Coppola shampoo and conditioner as recommended by my stylist, but I got a reaction. Can you recommend a different shampoo and conditioner that will help protect my treatment?
If you were to test these products out in a lab (before and after* applying heat), very few of them will pass the FDA’s “0.2″ % requirement. Some companies have even been banned from other countries for this misrepresentation. Also, many companies will claim to be “formaldehyde free” but instead package another -hyde (such as aldehyde). Tricky tricky. This is actually worse because once you apply heat, it becomes fresh formaldehyde and will often give us worse side effects. You need to find true formaldehyde free products. A month ago I used True Keratin’s Mandarin treatment in a salon out of Miami a month ago to repair my damaged hair that was died 10 times in the last year and it is phenomenal. I even kept my hairs natural body and waves. What’s best is that I didn’t have ANY side effects whatsoever! They have won me for life.
Which Keratin treatment works best on course hair?
@Janine It does depend on your curl and desired result, but I have had good results with Keratin Complex and Global Keratin on coarse hair
Yes I do recommend another shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate free and sodium chloride free that might not give you a reaction instead of using coppola. Try
Ag.
I work in a high end salon in Aptos. We recently started offering this keratin Complex blow outs to our clients and what an amazing differnce. I two have had it done to my stuborn and un- ruley hair. But unfortunately have found out the under-lying ingredients in this product, not only are harmful to the opperator but as well as the client. As well as damaging to the hair.
I am disappointed, bummed out and concerned about the safety of this product and what harm it has on a person exposed to it…..
@Tiffany I’m sorry to hear you are disappointed, or surprised, to learn of the ingredients in Keratin Complex by Coppola. But they are not underlying; they are listed on the bottle, and at least in my experience, the trainers are very open and honest when asked questions about the topic in class.
If you wish to continue offering the service, but want to make sure it is safe, I recommend you contact the company with your concerns, and/or ask that a rep come see your salon and evaluate if your ventilation is sufficient. If you are interested in learning more about an air filtration system designed specifically for keratin treatments, email me and I will put you in touch with the company which makes the one we use in my salon. Just click on my name above to go tomy site, where there is a link to send me a message.
Best of luck!
The fact that you have to have special ventilation should be a clue on how toxic these chemicals are.
Many look the other way because it’s income,but in the long run you have to worry about your health.
I just had a woman tell me that she had the Brazillian Blow out and felt that her lungs were compromised for six months afterwards!
Dr.Jessica Wu a Dermatologist in Hollywood just stated as of May 2010 that she feels these chemicls weaken the hair in the long run and you are not sure what you are being exposed to since the FDA doesn’t test hair products and manufactures don’t list full ingredients.
very crazy stuff you are dealing with.
For everyone who has np problem their are a growing number of people who are having problems especially with repeated exposure and repetead applications
many people have said their hair becomes weaker and straighter with each treatment.
@Jordana – I have straight, fine, frizzy mid length hair which is also highlighted blonde. Which keratin treatment would you recommend? My hair dresser offers KeraStraight (which they call the “permanent blow wave) – not sure which keratin that is? but a salon nearby offers the Keratin Complex by Coppola. I usually iron my hair straight but I don’t want to lose the body in it which makes me think I should stay away from Coppola, however, I like the idea of it lasting longer. Which would you suggest?
I work at a salon and recently got the Keratin Complex trmt done and WOW what a difference it has made. Hair is healthier, more shine and more manageable. All I need to do is let it air dry and its perfect or blow dry w/o using a brush or flat iron. I feel i can go longer b/t washes also. The smell wasn’t terrible when it was applied it did burn the eyes some so i just made sure to keep them closed and just relax.
@Sarah Great question! It is difficult to analyze hair without seeing it, hut it sounds like you would be a great candidate for Coppola’s new Keratin Complex for Blondes. I would suggest you see the salon that offers Keratin Complex, for a consultation. I am not familiar with KeraSraight, but am not a fan of permanent treatments in general. B
est of luck!
I got the Keratin complex treatment done 3 weeks ago and I am disappointed. I have long hair that has a loose natural curl to it and i’m caucasion. I was looking forward to not having to use the flat iron and to be able to wash it and go, but when my hair is air dryed it has a funky wave to it. Then when i blowdry it it gets frizzy. Do you think this sounds like the right results??
@Jenn I’m sorry to her of your disappointment. Your results do not sound typical!
While not everyone will get wash+go straight hair from Keratin Complex, the frizziness when drying it the strangest part of your description.
I would encourage you to discuss this with the stylist and salon manager.
Had a Keratin Complex yesterday and my stylist told me to wash it this morning….maybe because I’m not looking for stick-straight hair, just to end the major frizz problem I have with my naturally curly hair. So she didn’t reccomnend 72 hours but did say to not use any clips or bands or hats, etc.
Any result from straight to still curly with less frizz is worth the price to me.
All you people who r getting this treatment should know that us hairdressers are having issues with the smell the eye burning AND our lungs feel like they were on fire . SO , I can’t imagine what you are breathing in , especially if you cannot wash it for a few days .. Good luck in the future , nice hair bad lungs!.
@Drew If understand your comment correctly, you want clients to feel bad for stylists? No one is forcing you to do it, please don’t play the martyr as if your pain is the price of the clients’ beauty. If any product makes you feel this way, you should stop using it immediately.
Having received these whiney emails about the “toxic” fumes and dangers of “keratin” treatments, I simply had to write and say “FOOEY!” I didn’t smell anything, certainly nothing as disgusting or invasive as say a permanent or straightening procedure would incur. The place I went to had NORMAL ventillation, nothing special. THis to do is much about nothing. Some people are not happy unless they make other people feel about about feeling good. I thought it was restricted to religion, but apparently, some people feel the need to extend their moralizing, holier than thou criticism to hair products. Drew and Company: Get a life. If you don’t like a procedure, if the fumes bother you, don’t get it, but don’t try to play Chicken Little in an attemp to scare the rest of us off.
@Laurie This is a dangerous point of view to take. I have offered the treatment many times (and even had it done on myself) with no problem, but it would be unfair to discount the problems others have had. I am glad it is working for you, but wanted to respond on behalf of the blog post that we understand this product is not right for everyone.
I have preformed several Keratin Smoothing Treatment and have also had it done myself. I have experienced burning eyes while applying it & during the blow out & flatiron… At first I was totally turned off by the product… Then, I spoke to a rep from Coppola and have found some tricks that helped me…. Prior to your 1st blow out, pour your Keratin in to the bowl allowing it to oxidize a bit (no more than15mins.) Also, DO NOT OVER SATURATED with the product. If you do you will experience more ” fumes” when Blowdrying & Flatironing. As hair stylists we love to saturate hair with everything… perm solution, color, etc…. with this you don’t need to do that. Since following the tips given to me… I feel better about the product. : )
the ingrediants are NOT listed on the bottles!!!!!
Hi,
I was following the Brazilian Blowout threads as that was what i was interested in. But now, given recent events where it has been discontinued in canada and there are serious concerns over the formaldehyde levels, i’ve been searching for other options to reduce frizz and ironing time on my wavy-curly hair. Jordanna, Tammy or other stylists on this forum – what do you recommend? Do you still offer the Brazilian blowout based on its excellent results? would you recommend any of the other keratin treatments instead?
I really want to do something to help my hair and make it easy for me to travel and still look good!
Also, would you recommend this to a person suffering from hair loss and dermatitis(stress related)?
@Kim Mine does….I’m looking at it right now. Tried to take a pic but the flash flooded it out and without a flash it’s not legible.
@rita You have good questions and concerns. I am still offering Brazilian Blowout, Keratin Complex and Global Keratin, using a special air filtration system with all of the above. If you are specifically concerned about formaldehyde content, I would recommend waiting as this story unfolds and making your decision based in the flow of information; when you feel you have enough, you decide which treatment (if any) you wish to receive. It is likely each of these products ill come under more scrutiny as a result of the Brazilian Blowout controversy.
As far as your hair loss and dermatitis, this poses a different concern. I would recommend consulting a dermatologist about it, as well as asking the manufacturers of any treatment you are considering. I’m sorry I don’t have a more clear answer for you; I have not come across that question from a client but that is what I would advise someone to do if they asked.
Best of luck!
Jordana
I received the Coppola Keratin Treatment about 3 months ago. I was amazed. It worked so well I hardly had to flat iron my hair and blow drying was so quick. BUT THEN less than a month in I began to lose hair. I mean A LOT of hair. I am still losing it. I have no vitamin deficiency according to blood tests done. It is the product. I always had frizzy but healthy hair. Now it ends up in the sink. I am scared and wonder when this will stop. I have been using all the Coppola products such as the shampoo, conditioner and even the keratin cream. The treatment has lasted but I wonder how long my hair will. I will never do this again.
Hi all! I recently had the Karatin complex treatment last week (by Coppola) and was thrilled with the results. I did experience eye irritation during the treatment, and once this past week after the treatment so I am wondering if it could have been the shampoo/ conditioner? Also, the salon told me there was no formaldehyde in this treatment but I’m wondering if they were misinformed, as I’ve been reading that there is a small amount in this treatment. I live in Canada by the way, if that changes anything (I’m not sure how different our restrictions are from the states but I know the Brazilian blowout has just been banned).
I have just read about Christine’s experience and I am feeling quite hysterical at the moment as I have been experiencing the very same level of hair loss. I had a ’12 week blow-dry’ late July 2010 and have been losing a lot of hair over the months of September/October. I started taking lots of vitamins and wondered if the hair loss was due to stress (I am getting married in December). I really had a beautiful head of hair before the treatment and now have A LOT less hair – it still looks OK as I had so much hair to begin with but I can really notice the difference. I don’t know the details of my treatment yet but I know it was a Keratin based product and the shampoo/conditioner I am using are by Coppola. My hair seems to be very weak and fine – it does not seem to be breaking but falling out from the root. A friend heard that ’12 week blow-drys’ were recently banned in Ireland, which prompted me to do some research on the internet. I had the treatment done in a trusted, high-end salon. I am very worried.
I am thinking about getting the Express Keratin Treatment which is supposed to last 6-8 weeks. With this treatment I can wash my hair after a 24 hour period. I think this would work better for me since I have a very oily scalp. But, if I do go with the treatment that does not allow you to wash your hair for 72 hours, can I use baby powder on my roots to absorb some of the oil. I do not have curly hair. It is an ugly wave and it’s not curly or wavy at the roots, however, I do have bangs that I would like to make straighter than they currently are. Will the powder prevent the treatment from doing its job?
Fyi….I have fine hair, but lots of it.
Thanks,
Lynn
@Lynn good question! Powder will not hurt your hair at all, and ilk definitely help you get through the greasy part
Hi,
I have been flat ironing my hair for a year now, not daily but often. I am tired of doing it but I am scared to use the Japanese straightening because it seems that although it has the best results for a perfect straight hair, it also appears to be the strongest (chemical wise) in the market.
Now also scared of the Brazilian blowout and Keratin treatments with harmful ingridients, specially after reading about the hair loss because I already have oily scalp and hair loss due to stress and genes too.
I was about to forget about my possible options to cut the time and effort I put into my hair when I heard of this treatment.
Has anyone heard of something called CHI….suposse to be more natural, no harmful ingridients but what about the results….does any one knows about this one. A hair salon by my house is offering it with promissing results (according to them)…..please help on this one…IT SEEM LIKE MY LAST OPTION according to what I have described above!
Celi.
@Celi I believe CHI is a permanent straightening system, a brand of the Japanese method, but it is hard to find information on it as a Google search turns up many articles but no official website.
Since you are experiencing hair loss already, I would recommend you first focus on making your hair healthy before trying to change it. Fish oil, biotin and folic acid are some supplements that can help stimulate hair growth, health and shine.
Best of luck to you!!
I just washed my hair 72 hours after having the treatment and so far I am very pleased with the results. 95% of the frizz and curl is gone (as promised at the salon) and my hair feels super soft. I did worry about the treatment during the procedure…my right eye watered a fair bit. I naturally have wavy hair in the front and tight curls in the back; my most problem spot in the back is now wavy and will be easier to straighten. It’s not earth shattering, but I think it will make my life easier for the next few months
I had the kerstin complex about six weeks ago. I previously had fine, course, very curly and frizzy (without a lot of products) hair that gets blonde highlights every six weeks. So I would spend hours to straighten and smoothe my hair. So far I love this treatment. I blow dry my hair in 20 min. which previously took at least one hr, then I would have to follow up with my straightener. I had absolutely no irritation (respiratory, eyes, skin, etc) during or after the treatment. Also my hair is so shiny and smoothe. I do have to use dry shampoo products in between washing but I have oily hair and skin so no change there. I def recommend this treatment, especially if ur hair needs pampering like mine. I love this product and use the copolla shamoo n conditioner.
How soon before or after can you dye your hair with the Coppola treatment??
AHHHH I HAD THE KERRITAN COPPALA DON ALMOST 6 WEEKS AGO AND MY HAIR IS FALLING OUT TOO. NOT BREAKING OFF LIKE DAMAGED HAIR JUST FALLINF OUT. NO VITAMIN DEF EITHER. WHATS IN THIS STUFF? I HOPE I DONT LOOSE ALL MY HAIR. HOW CAN I STOP THE HAIR FROM FALLING OUT I TOO USE THE COPPALA SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER AND WASH MY HAIR ONLY 2-3 X A WEEK TOPS!!! IS IT THE PRODUCT BECAUSE I SEE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUES. ARE THEY STILL LOSING HAIR OR DID IT SUBSIDE?????
I am still in the 72 hour period and love the results thus far. I have read a number of responses and would like to add my experience. During the application there was no smell until the blow drying started. It was not over powering and no more smell than some of the products used to highlight or dye hair.
I am very pleased with the results thus far. So more to follow.
@Cynthia As long as you color first, there is no waiting period, you can even color and then have the treatment right after in the same appointment. Once you have the treatment, you should wait two weeks before doing any color.
@Tina Please see a Doctor about your hair loss. Contact Keratin Complex at 888-409-4445 and ask them to fax your Doctor an ingredient list, MSDS and application instructions to help him or her determine what could have caused it. I would also recommend you stop using their shampoo and conditioner, in case it is something in there that you are allergic to.
@LLS Glad to hear you like it! Please do report back after you’ve washed and styled it yourself.
my hairdresser loved giving these treatments until she developed a rash all over her body from breathing in the fumes. and she also just told me it was on the news that the FDA said it has been making people sick. i use the coppola keratin shampoo/conditioner and love them but now i’m very worried they might make my hair fall out (or worse)!!!!
Hi. I’ve been doing rebonding for 9 years. Unfortunately, my hair in the last 2 years became so damaged due to a bad rebonding turn at a salon. I thought the keratin treatment was the answer to my problems. It did give me straight hair – although it had a wave at the front. I went to a salon which offered brazilian blowout which I could wash after two days. The guy though didn’t really iron every part like I’ve seen in most videos. Anyways, I got it coloured 1.5months later with INOA and not only did the waves go back but my ends are now all frizzy and the stylist has overlayered my hair – making me very uncomfortable.
I still want to do this though and is in the process of choosing a salon – which one would give me the closest thing to straight hair without a blowdry – Kerastraight, Brazilian Blowout or Keratin Complex. Although I must admit all these comments about hair fallout after the Coppola treatment is quite alarming!
I had the Coppola 6 months ago (loved it)! It’s time to do it again, am concerned for fomaldehyde debate, sensitivity to eyes and obviously not knowing the true extent of health risks won’t be resolved by anyone in the near future. Anyway, I’m wondering since keratin protein is the healthy part of the treatment is there a keratin protein product that would be sufficient in the taming, frizz control that works most effectively as shampoo/conditioners/style products are? Thanks much
@Krissy Don’t get psyched out; if you aren’t having any symptoms, don’t worry about it. You’d know already if the shampoo and conditioner were going to cause you a problem.
Your stylist will presumably discontinue use of this product. Where do you live? Try to find a salon that makes special accommodations to protect their staff and clients, such as the Chemical Source Capture System by Aerovex. I have been using this for over a year and I love it! You can see it in my salon setting at http://www.SaferBrazilian.com
@Zizz Stories like yours make me so sad. I’m sorry to say you have been misled; a Brazilian Blowout does not make you wit 2 days (or even 2 hours) to wash your hair. You can hit the gym right after and then take a shower if you want. But it also is far from the straightest smoothing treatment on the market, so it may not be right for you anyway. Look into Global Keratin’s Resistant formula, but be advised it contains 4% formaldehyde. Look for a salon that makes special accommodations to protect you and the staff during this treatment. Good luck!
Hi Jordana,
I have thick, medium to long hair with an abundance of frizz and frizzy waves in my hair. I have an appointment for the Keratin Complex tomorrow with my stylist. I just want to make sure I am choosing the right option. Does it sound like I am a good candidate for this Keratin treatment? Also, I have slight dandruff because of my dry scalp, how should I go about maintaining my treatment without making my scalp worse?
Thanks,
Taylor
@Taylor It sounds as though you are a great candidate for the Keratin Complex treatment! As long as you are not pregnant or nursing…
Please report back!
I’m on week six! At first I loved it! It used to take me over half hour to flatten my hair! After the treatment … 10 min max!…. But as time went by using revomended product I now HATE it and wish I never did it! It ALWAYS feels like I have massive buildup and feels soooo greasy! ( I have very thick hair) and when I flat iron I have to fight against waves even more stubborn than my chi iron! Bottom line don’t do it… Its not worth having nice hair for 3 weeks then worse than when you started! … Ps I have lots of breakage too
@Liz I am sorry to hear about your experience. Have you been back to your stylist to ask about it? It might be a good idea to stop using the Keratin Complex Aftercare and switch to something you knew and loved before. Also, with conditioner, focus on moisture as your hair sound delicate post-treatment. If you decide to have another smoothing treatment, look into cream-based ones such as Brazilian Blowout or Global Keratin for a softer texture to prevent breakage.
Good luck!
hey!
i have crazy curly african hair you can see it in my site if you click my name, in one of the posts.
just wondering then would it be wise of me to dry this and would it do much,
i dont want too much volume!
my friend tried a home made chemical treatment and started losing lots of hair.
so im a little weary of these things?
thanks in advance
will this treatment stop breakage , I have long hair but it is fine and breaks will this treatment help with that
will this treatment stop breakage