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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@Natale Keratin Complex is gel-based, so moisturizing is not one of its features. If your hair is naturally dry (or dry because of chemical treatments,) you may want to consider Brazilian Blowout or Global Keratin, both of which are moisturizing, cream based-solutions. As far the results and fade-out you can expect, this will depend on your hair’s texture and condition, so I would recommend you see a few stylists for consultations before making your decision. Good luck!
Jordana, one last question. I have hairlocs hair extensions. Is it safe to do a keratin treatment over my hair with the extensions on? They’re not the ones that are glued to the hair, but inside the mini-clips (hairlocs). Thank you again!
@Maria The treatment can be performed around the extension tubes, but it is tough to separate the natural hair from the extension hair. If the extension hair could use a treatment, go ahead and get it all over. If not, the ideal plan may be to treat only the hair around the top and face, which does not have extensions attached to it, and then have a full treatment when you are ready to change out your extensions. I hope that helps!
I am going to get the Keratin Coppola treatment on Saturday at a reputable Philly Salon I was able to get a groupon for $150 they usually charge $300 I have long dark brown curly (its only curly when I put product in it)/wavy hair my regular hairstylist suggested it for me but after reading all the comments I am a little nervous. My hair is dry now from the winter and has been frizzy do you think this is the right product?
Wow – what a great find this website was – chocked full of information! Thank you!
i have scheduled my Coppola treatment for next week. I am hoping that it will calm down my curly, frizzy unmanageable hair. I do have a couple of concerns – Will I be able to air dry my hair as I do now (and have it look somewhat ok) – or will I need to dry/flat iron it every time? Also regarding products to be used afterwards – I understand there is shampoo and conditioner that needs to be used – but what about other styling products such as gels/hairspray etc?
thanks in advance for you time and advice!
I just got my Keratin Complex done yesterday. I know I can’t wet my hair for 72 hours, but can I put hairspray in my hair during this time period?
I had mine done two months ago at least and I’ve loved it. You can let it dry out and it will look great! Whatever your hair is naturally (wavy or curly) it will keep that form more defined and sans frizz
which is great. As far as the styling products, I’m actually using the coppola shampoo and the vanilla bean treatment (it just smells great!) But for styling you can use whatever product you want, just make sure to have a heat protector put on before using any flat iron or dryer. You’ll love it, guaranteed. Specially with summer months ahead
@Kimberly It looks like I’ve missed your appointment, please report back how it is. If your hair feels dry or brittle (the Coppola treatment is less moisturizing than some others,) ask your stylist for the Vanilla Bean Deep Conditioner by Coppola.
@CSSM I’m glad you’ve found this post helpful! It is difficult to estimate the results you can expect, as they depend on your hair type, texture, condition, etc. Just as with naturally straight hair, it will always look better if you put a little effort into styling it, but this will require much less time, effort and heat than it does currently. Please report back after!
@Norma Thank you for your feedback, I am glad to hear that you love your treatment!
But I must clarify that it works differently on different hair types, so it is not fair for you to “guarantee” that others will have the same result as you. My hair is fine, quite curly (3b-c,) and was colored and bleached when I had the Keratin Complex treatment. It made it close to straight, even when air-dried, and some wave came back after a few months but it was a bit jagged/stiff. Your statement, “Whatever your hair is naturally (wavy or curly) it will keep that form,” is not true in my experience on myself or on most clients, nor is it consistent with what the company advertises.
Again I am glad that you are enjoying your results, I just don’t want readers to get the wrong idea that your results will be theirs. Texture, curl, condition and chemical history all affect the outcome of the treatment.
@Natalie It would be best if you could avoid any products, as the moisture in them can interfere with the curing of the treatment.
i will be doing the keratin complex treatment this Friday and will be going the week after to a vacation where there is a beach and very sunny….is it true that this could damage the hair and make the treatment fail? is there anything i can do to protect my hair with the keratin treatment over there? i really wanna do it so i don’t have to worry about my hair on the vacation as it is very frizzy and hard to manage.
Thank you
I am getting the treatment done tomorrow… Very excited…
I have long curly dark brown hair which resembles the ringlet of a telephone cord… I have not done much with my hair over the years in regards to chemicals, just DIY hair colour from the supermarket probably 4 times over a period of 6 years. I am a fitter & turner and I live in Tropical Far North Queensland, Australia which is very hot and humid almost all year round… I am hoping that I get the results I want and hoping it will last a while. I have never used a comb in my hair as it is pretty much impossible to use and I have to brush the knots out whilst showering as it is too wild and time consuming when it is dry.
Thank you so much for taking time to provide the public with great information. I found your website to be the best in terms of help. I have highligted light blonde, fine,but frizzy hair. It looks like straw much of the time. Some of it is curly, some straight and some wavy. ALL Frizzy. It is also thick. I have had different keratin products used. All, the one day ( or tow days at most) types. I have had the Rejuvenol, the Coppola and also Silkening Technologies. Although they all helped, they dried my hair out very much and made it exptremely flat. I found the most drying to be the Rejuvenol. I now need another treatement. I last had the Silkening Techonology in January. I was thinking about not doing any of them and just dealing with my awful hair, however I am going on a cruise in July and I dread having to deal with my hair. So, I am so confused as to what to do. In the meantime, one stylist told me that the best thing for my type of hair would be the Brazilian Blowout, yet I am scared because that has the most formaldehyde in it. I know you spoke about the Brazilian ZERO, but the salon I was in does not have that. A stylist in another salon told me about the Coppola Blow Out which she says lasts four weeks. That has to be left in for 24 hours, but it’s different from the regular Coppola that lasts about four months. Please tell me your thoughts. I need to make a decision quickly as the cruise will be here before I know it.
Thanks again for taking the time to help people with problem hair.
Paula
@Paula Thank you for the compliments, I am glad to hear that this site has helped you! I would agree that Brazilian Blowout might the one for you, because it is the most moisturizing, doesn’t make the hair too flat, and you don’t have to wait AT ALL before washing/styling your hair or pulling it back. I understand your concern about the ingredients, and while I don’t know where you are I would suggest you look for a salon that has taken extra steps to provide air filtration and ventilation (see an example at http://www.SaferBrazilian.com.) If you cannot, and you are OK with maintaining some wave, BB Zero might be a good way to go (it smoothes and defrizzes, but in some cases it does not remove as much curl as the original. See a side-by-side comparison here: http://amominredhighheels.com/brazilian-blowout-compare-original-solution/
I do not know much about the Coppola Express BlowOut; I have chosen not to use it because it requires nearly the same amount of time and work, but doesn’t last as long, so I don’t think I could sell the service at the price I would need to charge, considering the time and work involved.
I hope this helps!
My salon has finally joined the bandwagon and my stylist is recommending that I do the Onix Natural Care. Have you heard of this brand? I’ve looked at the website and my stylist is saying it’s 3rd generation keratin treatment – hence, more safe. But the thing that’s really tempting is that it’s the same day rinse. I’ve been so interested in doing the Coppola but have refused to go 3 days without washing my hair.
Great Post! Our customers say the Keratin Complex treatment has been a lifesaver for their clients! Salon Service Group offers Keratin Complex certification classes for stylists in our distribution area. You can see our class schedule and locations here: http://bit.ly/imedCp
I hear that keratin treatment is mostly for curly dry hair. I used to have straight, shiny, and smooth hair. Unfortunately its texture has changed with age. Now I have thin, dry, fuzzy hair. It’s not curly but it’s not straight anymore either. Can I do keratin treatment on my hair and will it help? Btw, I have brown hair if it matters. Thank you.
Irina,
Keratin Complex is for curly hair AND straight hair. It rejuvenates tired, dry hair.
Talk to your stylist.
I am planning on doing a brizillian blowout but after reading this I don’t know what to do or what blowout to do . I have a lot of hair, curly, and frizzy. Which treatment is good for me?
Thank you Angela
Unfortunately going to hair stylist is quite costly nowadays. I am a person who prefer to do things on my own if it is possible like I always color my own hair by using natural products only. I did a little bit of a research and a few sites say that I can do keratin treatment by myself especially if I don’t need to straighten my hair. I would like to know which Coppola products or any others will be the right ones to use for that reason.
Thank you again.
@Irina it is difficult to tell from your description, if this will be a good move for you. Keratin treatments do smooth out frizz, and some (though not really Coppola) can moisturize dry locks as well. one risk for fine/thin hair is that many do leave the hair more flat afterwards.
This really isn’t something you should try yourself. Meet with some stylists to see which salon, stylist and product might be best for you, then treat yourself. At-home versions don’t make nearly the impact that the full-strength ones do; professional products can be dangerous if used improperly, and it is virtually impossible to do it right on yourself. I am a professional and have done hundreds of smoothing treatments, and I wouldn’t try to do it on my own hair, so hopefully that will tell you something :/
Hello!
I’m reading this with a lot of interest, but there is one thing I’d really like to know about this treatment – can it be used for curls?
What I mean to say is that my hair is mixed-race (white/black/younameit), It is curly in parts and straight in other parts. I personally think bone-straight is boring and looks very unnatural, especially on someone with ‘ethnic’ features, such as myself. In the same way, I have a stupid curly fringe (think you call them bangs in the US), with straight spaniel’s ears growing out of my temples; with old scar tissue on my scalp from injuries as a child, so my hair grows EXTRA curly in places and not in others! Basically, it’s a mess! I have to straighten it all the time, but try to just do this once a week, as my mixed-Caribbean hair is very fragile and prone to breaking. The ends always look dead when I straighten, but look lovely when I curl them with an iron instead.
So, after my long-winded background-message, I wondered if you could use this treatment to also form ‘curls’ with a curling iron (in replace of the flat iron)?
My intention would be to have a straight fringe/bangs, with straight from the roots, going wavy towards the ends of my hair, using a combination of curling tongs and flat irons?
Is this possible, do you know?
My hair is frizzy, with curly bits and straight bits and looks good when I do the above hairstyle – is it possible to do this with the Coppola treatment – a mixture of both wavy and straight?
Many thanks for your answer!
Kindest regards from the UK!x
Thank you very much for your suggestions.
)
Hello, I did the Coppola treatment on a client yesterday and over 24 hours past and the smell is still bothering her. Is there any information on an allergic reaction? Her scalp is fine, it is the smell that is a bother.
hi, i have naturally curly hair and i was thinking about getting a keratin complex. i was wondering if when I take a shower and wash my hair if it will dry straight or will I have to blow dry it and flat iron it?
I’m afraid that some questions just cannot be answered on a blog.
@Kathy I recommend contacting your rep and/or Coppola for advice
@Dag It would be best for you to visit a stylist or two for consultations, so they can analyze your hair and advise what results you can personally expect, as it is different for everyone’ results vary. The factors are your hair’s texture, strength, chemical history and condition, as well as stylist skill and technique. For tips on finding a stylist, see this post: http://amominredhighheels.com/keratin-treatment-choose-stylist/
Have there been any reports of hair loss after receiving the Coppola treatment? I have read a few blogs and the only thing stopping me from getting it is this fear of hair loss…Thanks!
Hello!
I’m reading this with a lot of interest, but there is one thing I’d really like to know about this treatment – can it be used for curls?
What I mean to say is that my hair is mixed-race (white/black/younameit), It is curly in parts and straight in other parts. I personally think bone-straight is boring and looks very unnatural, especially on someone with ‘ethnic’ features, such as myself. In the same way, I have a stupid curly fringe (think you call them bangs in the US), with straight spaniel’s ears growing out of my temples; with old scar tissue on my scalp from injuries as a child, so my hair grows EXTRA curly in places and not in others! Basically, it’s a mess! I have to straighten it all the time, but try to just do this once a week, as my mixed-Caribbean hair is very fragile and prone to breaking. The ends always look dead when I straighten, but look lovely when I curl them with an iron instead.
So, after my long-winded background-message, I wondered if you could use this treatment to also form ‘curls’ with a curling iron (in replace of the flat iron)?
My intention would be to have a straight fringe/bangs, with straight from the roots, going wavy towards the ends of my hair, using a combination of curling tongs and flat irons?
Is this possible, do you know?
My hair is frizzy, with curly bits and straight bits and looks good when I do the above hairstyle – is it possible to do this with the Coppola treatment – a mixture of both wavy and straight?
Many thanks for your answer!
Kindest regards from the UK!x
Hello!
There is one thing I’d really like to know about this treatment – can it be used for curls?
I wondered if you could use this treatment to also form ‘curls’ with a curling iron (in replace of the flat iron)?
My intention would be to have a straight fringe/bangs, with straight from the roots, going wavy towards the ends of my hair, using a combination of curling tongs and flat irons?
Is this possible, do you know?
My hair is frizzy, with curly bits and straight bits and looks good when I do the above hairstyle – is it possible to do this with the Coppola treatment – a mixture of both wavy and straight?
Many thanks for your answer!
Kindest regards from the UK!x
@Angelique Some of your questions cannot be answered without seeing and analyzing your hair, so I would recommend you see a stylist to discuss what results you can expect from the treatment. To my knowledge, it cannot be used to create curls. Good luck!
@Susan I have seen ‘rumors’ of hair loss, but none that have been backed with photos or a Doctor’s diagnosis, and most have involved improper use of the product when the client describes the process that was done on her. It is most important to find a stylist who is experienced with both the product, and your hair type. For help finding one, see this post: http://amominredhighheels.com/keratin-treatment-choose-stylist/
I had the keratin treatment about a month ago and am slightly satisfied but am not sure I’ll do it again. It was expensive and I had to pay extra because my hair is thick and long. I can blow dry and flat iron in about half an hour compared to the usual hour so thats nice but my hair’s appearance hasnt changed that much and thats the most important part for me. I went to a very experienced stylist hence the big bucks, so I’m sure she applied it correctly. I just don’t think people with really curly/frizzy hair should be misled to think that their hair will be silky shiny and smooth…that’s what I thought and not what I got. A product that would have results like that would be wonderful and I hope one day it will be invented for us!
I have a Coppola treatment scheduled for this Thursday and found the information here very helpful. I have pretty straight, long, thick and a lot of hair…it is also color treated. This treatment was recommended to be by 2 stylists (the one who cuts my hair and the one who colors it). I’m a little nervous because of all the talk behind keratin treatments and also because I don’t want my hair to be damaged after the treatment grows out/fades (in the event I choose not to continue the treatments). I also have concerns about the time of year. I am in the pool every day the weather permits. Does the chlorine and other chemicals damage the treatment at all?
can i color my hair a couple of days before the Coppala Keratin straighing? JC
I have been getting the Coppola treatment for a year now (3 times). I’m ready to get it again and my stylist has changed products. She is now using pravanna perfection. Any comments on this new product. I’m really nervous about changing.
@BG a Keratin Complex treatment will help tame any bulk and frizz associated with having such thick hair, and make it straighter as well as easier and faster to dry. Swimming regularly can reduce the longevity of your results, but summer is also a great time to have the convenience of easier hair. The best way to protect your treatment is to wet your hair before you get in the water, pull it back in a long braid or two, and use the Keratin Complex Aftercare line (Shampoo, Conditioner, Deep Conditioning Mask and Keratin Infusion make a great regimen, and there are styling products as well, all treatment-friendly.) I hope this helps!
@Jackie Yes, you can color before the treatment, right up to and including the same day.
@Angela The Pravanna Perfection treatment is significantly milder than the Keratin Complex one. You can expect smoother, shinier, weather-resistant hair, but if your hair is curly, the Perfection will not remove nearly as much curl as the Keratin Complex did. If you are not doing the treatment for the straightening effects, you may be very pleased, but I also believe it has a shorter life span, so you may want to ask about that. If you decide to do it, please comeback and post about your results!
Thanks for your feedback … it is greatly appreciated
I might give it a try.. my hair was curly but hasn’t seem to get all of it back from the Keratin Complex. I would like to have at least a little so this might be what I need. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Thanks!
I’m just about 1 1/2 months out – and the treatment that I received was Simply Smooth Keratin treatment. My hair was pretty curly/frizzy and humidity was it’s arch enemy.
I will say that for the 3 days after the process I was a little freaked out because yes, my hair was straight and smooth – but also very flat. After washing it I found that blowdrying it took about 1/2 the time AND looked good. Washing it and letting it air dry with a little product on it for definition didn’t give me the curls I was used to – but I coaxed a few waves into it. Who knew that I would ever actually be LOOKING to get more curl!
Now that I’m 1 1/2 months out more of my curl has returned – I can still blowdry it in 1/2 the time and the best thing is that humidity no longer turns me into a fuzz head.
I had my first Coppola Keratin treatment in March and was very pleased with the results. I have long thick ethnic hair and the treatment made my hair much more manageable. I will be having my next treatment tomorrow. My only concern is when I had my first treatment my eyes did sting a little during the application.
@Jaquar Glad to hear you liked it! You may want to refer your stylist and/or the salon owner to my page on air filtration at http://www.SaferBrazilian.com
Hi,
A salon near me offers both the keratin complex coppola treatment and a nanokeratin treatment. Is one of these better than the other if I had the choice?
Thanks!
can you please tell me what happens to your hair after the 6 or 8 months pass, like do you face hair loss problems or any of these sorts of problems?
@Annie That’s great! My suggestion would be to schedule a consultation and ask which treatment they recommend for your particular hair type, lifestyle, and desired result. Let us know what happens!
@Haidy I have never seen problems like you mentioned. In my experience, the results slowly fade away if the process is not repeated, or stay consistent if it is repeated (appx every 4-6 months.)
Hi- I am looking to get this treatment and wanted to see if we had to purchase Keratin Complex Aftercare or if we could use other products that are sulfate free and if so what are the best products and what should i look for or make sure the product has and doesn’t have to use after the treatment.
thanks!
@Meena The aftercare system is designed specifically to protect and prolong the results of the treatment. It is not about sulfates, but about enhancing results with each shampoo, kind of like a color toning shampoo. The shampoo, conditioner, mask and keratin infusion are part of the system to guarantee the best and longest-lasting results. There is also a line of styling products now.I believe it would be doing your clients a disservice to offer them a pricey in-salon treatment, without also offering the products which enhance performance and longevity. I’ll never understand why some salons do that; maybe to get tthe client back in for another service, quicker? I definitely think you should at least carry the shampoo, conditioner, and mask.
Hi there
I had the Coppola Brazilian blow-dry done 2 weeks ago in a hair salon. After the 72 HR period I had it washed and dried by same salon. It looked great that day. The next day when I washed it, I noticed a small section of really frizzy hair (similar to the fuzz the a little girl’s barbie gets after she’s played with it for years and brushed/washed it often). I wasn’t initially concerned. Just thought I didn’t blow-dry properly.
Well, that was just the start of it. Every time I washed it more hair turned into frizzy, dry straw that stuck out like sticks on my head. I thought it looked like the ends had been singed or something. Went back to hair salon a week later rather distraught. They were mortified as had never seen this happen. They called their supplier who denied the product was to blame. Hairdresser suggested a series of conditioning moisture treatments, but it doesn’t appear to be helping. I’m beside myself. The hair is in such a dreadful shape I feel I need to shave it off! Its not just the ends that are frizzy but right up to the roots.
I have very fine hair which is a little wavy naturally. I have the crown area highlighted so wonder if that didn’t help. I was worried my hair would be very flat after the Coppola treatment but was reassured otherwise. I should have trusted my gut. It is flat and lifeless. And this on top of the frizzy straw toupee I’m sporting on top of my head… Which is just getting worse with every wash (and I bought the salon shampoo & conditioner that is supposed to come with the Brazilian blow dry treatment…
Can anyone advise a solution? And should I contact Coppola to address this with them??
Thanks
Hi Suzy,
Are you certain that both your treatment and shampoo/conditioner are Keratin Complex by Coppola? Do you know if they used the formula for blondes, or the original? I have also never heard of such a situation, though it does sound similar to heat damage, as in maybe your hair couldn’t take the heat of the ironing needed for the treatment.
You might try contacting Coppola directly, and maybe a local specialist or educator can take a look. Good luck!!