Keratin Treatment (Express)

An express keratin treatment is a shorter, lighter version of a full keratin service. It smooths the surface of the hair and takes the edge off frizz and flyaways, without the time or cost of the full treatment.

Because it's a milder process, the effect is softer and doesn't last as long — but it's an easy way to see whether keratin smoothing suits your hair before committing to a full treatment.

• Assessment of your hair and frizz level
• Clarifying shampoo to prepare the hair
• Express keratin smoothing product applied through the hair
• Blow-dry and sealing with heat
• Aftercare guidance

Allow about 45 minutes. Your hair is shampooed with a clarifying shampoo, then the express smoothing product is applied.

Your stylist blow-dries and seals the product with heat, and your hair is finished smooth. Your stylist will tell you whether to keep it dry for a period afterwards.

Anyone with mild to moderate frizz who wants smoother, easier hair, and anyone curious about keratin who'd rather start small. If your hair is very coarse or strongly curly, a full keratin treatment will give a much more noticeable result.

Follow your stylist's instructions on when you can next wash your hair. Afterwards, use a sulphate-free shampoo — sulphates strip the treatment quickly — and avoid heavy salt or chlorine exposure.

An express treatment typically lasts around four to six weeks.

• Use sulphate-free shampoo, or the treatment will disappear faster than it should
• Try express first if you're unsure whether keratin smoothing suits you
• Ask your stylist how long to keep your hair dry afterwards and stick to it
• Salt water and chlorine both shorten the result