First let me recap. There are permanent straightening services via chemical treatments like “Japanese Straightening and “Relaxers”. Completely different from that are a temporary smoothing service that started out as Brazilian Keratin Treatments (BKT) and over the years has morphed into Keratin Straightening Services that temporary relax (straighten) curls. Keratin smoothing services are for all types of hair and can revitalize all hair in almost any condition.

For several years now “Brazilian Keratin Treatments” (BKT) have dominated and have been hot new salon service. Traditionally BKT formulations had low amounts of formaldehyde in them. Stylists were urged to follow the manufactures instructions when applying these BKT’s to avoid any potential health hazards. From my experience with them these traditional formulations did have a mild straitening effect on curly hair.

Due to a demand to by professionals and the public to move away from BKT’s with formaldehyde, the many different companies that manufacture BKT’s have developed formulations that are formaldehyde free and these formulations are generally referred to as “Keratin Smoothing Treatments” (KST). KST’s are a wonderful service that smoothes, and de-frizz hair, rather than straightens. Results of a KST

Smoother and Silkier
100% Frizz Free and Shinier
Easier and Faster to blow-dry
Close to being “maintenance-free”
KST encases the hair follicle with a keratinous bond to:
Promote Healing
Block the effects of humidity
Prevent environmental toxins from entering the hair.

Keratin Smoothing Treatments are the number one salon service. Many companies wanting to capitalize on this fact are continually developing new formulations always improving it there by giving this service added benefits. The newest hybrids of BKT’s are Pravana’s Perfection Smoothing and Thermafuse’s F450 Amino Smoothing. These two formulations have all the benefits of BKT’s and KST’s. They infuse the hair with amino acids, the structural backbone of hair, providing lasting smoothness and control of unwanted frizz and volume. Both are still formaldehyde free and with NO THIO, or SODIUM HYDROXCIDE, they both temporarily straighten curly hair! Here is a break down of the results I seen using both of these products:

Pravana Perfection and F450 Amino Fusion RESULTS
HAIR TYPE / TEXTURE
Fine, slightly wavy ~~~ 100% straightening
Medium, prominent waves ~~~ 100% straightening
Medium-Course, slight curl ~~~ 100% volume reduction, and 70-80% curl reduction
Curly ~~~ 70% volume reduction, and 60-70% curl reduction
Dry, very curly ~~~ 50% volume reduction, and 50-60% curl reduction

Depending on the needs and desired results of my clients I offer several different formulations of BKT’s and KST’s to include Pravana’s Perfection Smoothing and Thermafuse’s F450 Amino Smoothing. If you are unsure which smoothing treatment is for you book (online) a free consultation with Natanya.

Because you read my whole post, as a special treat CLICK HERE, to get $50 off when you buy a gift certificate for Perfection Smoothing or F450 Amino Smoothing.

The Sleek Out transforms frizzy wavy or curly hair into a healthy smooth, shiny hair. The Sleek out is perfect for chemically treated hair (relaxed, and color/bleach) because it protects, repairs and seals moisture into the hair. Heat activated smoothing creams protect (hair from damaging effects if heat) and smoothes hair without harsh and potentially harmful chemicals. Speeds-up styling time and reduces mechanical friction from irons and brushes. Heat activated smoothing creams have a moisture barrier that will resist reversion while protecting and repairing the hair.

The straightening results are temporary and last until your next wash but the protection and conditioning effects improve the condition of your hair with each and every use. There is more good news! You can have the in salon Sleek Out service which includes a wash, condition, sleek out and flat iron services and then you can purchase a recommended heat activated smoothing cream for home use. The sleek Out is available with Natanya at Fresh Mane.

Below are  videos of Thermafuse F450 One Pass and Pravana Keratin Glazing. Remember you can purchase a Pravana Keratin Glazing Kit and Thermafuse F450 One Pass at Fresh Mane.

I would like to introduce you to Pravana Perfection SmoothOut, Curl Inturpted and Thermafuse F450 Smoothing Treatment services. These are brand new hybrid smoothing and texturizing services. They do everything a BKT does but they also loosen the wave/curl pattern without harsh chemicals. In fact they improve the health of your hair with each and every service.

The amount of straightness your hair achieves with these services depends on how tight your curl pattern is. Very curly hair can achieve up to 60% curl reduction and 50% volume reduction.

HAIR TYPE / TEXTURE RESULTS

Fine, slightly wavy / 100% straightening

Medium, prominent waves  / 100% straightening

Medium-Course, slight curl / 100% volume reduction; 70-80% curl reduction

Curly / 70% volume reduction; 60-70% curl reduction

Dry, very curly / 50% volume reduction; 50-60% curl reduction

Typical results lasts 8-12 weeks with proper home care products. This service is great for all hair types and conditions however for my clients that are looking for permanent straightness I offer Thermal (Japanese) Straightening and Relaxer services. These services are available with Natanya at Fresh Mane.

 Aloha I wanted to share with you some information on the causes of hair damage and the professinal and home care services and products you can use to protect and repair your hair. 

Hair is composed primarily of proteins. It is made of three layers which include the cuticle. Damaged hair is caused by many factors such as excessive heat styling. Damaged hair is characterized internally by open cuticles and broken protein bonds. Physically, damaged hair is rough, brittle to the touch, and prone to split ends. 

Heat Styling is a leading cause in damaged hair. Heat cracks unprotected hair’s cuticle and withdraws moisture– leaving hair dry and brittle. Many chemicals such as bleaches, perms, and relaxers damage hair greatly. In order for them to work they must swell hair’s cuticle. This process roughens cuticle, making it prone to chipping and breaking off. These chemicals also wear down protein bonds in hair, the very thing that keeps our hair strong and lustrous. The end result is weakened damaged hair. 

Environmental conditions affect hair year round. During the summer, the sun’s UV rays break protein in hair. Winter is most drying to hair. This is because there is less moisture in the air. The cold winds tangle hair and roughen hair’s cuticle. Protecting your hair year round is essential. 

Hair’s composition is 88% protein. The sun is especially rough on chemically processed hair, often being responsible for color going brassy. Combining heat styling and chemical services like flatironing relaxed hair caused some serious damage. Protein protects hair and when it breaks down, hair becomes dry and damaged. 

We try to repair damaged hair with deep conditioning with reconstructions (high in protein conditioners) and protein treatments but it’s not enough. Most of these conditioners just don’t have what it takes to do anything yet alone repair the hair shaft. 

Now there are new products that can replenish hair protein and actually repair the hair. The best thing is they are FLATIRONED into the hair. I’ve talked a lot about my experience with Brazilian Keratin Treatments, and the Coppola Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatments and how wonderful they are for the hair. Not only because they condition, they also infuse protein into the hair, repairing it. Although Keratin Treatments are sutible for all hair not every head of hair needs them. What every head of hair needs is protection form becoming damaged or repair and reconstruction from chemical, sun and heat damage.  

Coppola has two awesome products that you can ad to your home care regimen, Intense RX and Infusion. Both of these are blow dried and flatironed into the hair. I have seen a dramatic reduction in breakage in my clients since I added this flatiron service. Now I am introducing my clients to Pravana’s Keratin Glazing Service. Here is a little of what Pravana has to say: 

The quick & easy blowout service, with uncompromised results 

Why just blow hair out when now you can resurface the hair, eliminate frizz and provide 

unparalleled shine in the same amount of time? Pravana’s Keratin Glazing takes hair 

revival to an entirely new level. Glass-like shine and silky smooth hair is now just a few 

painless steps away. 

 Not only does the Keratin Glazing service provide an outwardly healthy shine and sleek look, but it actually resurfaces the hair by coupling pure keratin proteinwith special silicones providing long-lasting shine, smoothness and protection. After the service, clients are strongly recommended to take the unparalleled Keratin Fusion Restructurizer and Thermal Insulator home to maintain their beautiful new shine and finish.  

Keratin Glazing Q & A 

How is it different from the Brazilian Blowout? 

Virtually all Brazilian straighteners and relaxers contain some form of formaldehyde, aldehyde or formalin. These are recognized carcinogens and pose a significant health risk to stylists and their clients, particularly when used with heat. The Keratin Glazing Service employs pure Keratin protein and other natural ingredients known to be safe and effective to resurface the hair for a lasting smooth finish. 

Is it okay to use on all hair types? 

The Keratin Glazing Service is suitable for all hair types and conditions. It will instantly resuscitate dry, damaged, or brittle hair and resurface hair that is rough or abraded. While Keratin Glazing provides added body and textural control, it is suitable to both fine and coarse hair types. Of course, to maximize the effectiveness this should include the entire Keratin Fusion regimen – Keratin Fusion Restructurizing Serum, Keratin Fusion Thermal Insulator, and Keratin Fusion Revitalizing Cleanse and Conditioner. 

How long does it last on the hair? 

Keratin Glazing instantly resurfaces the hair to a smooth and lustrous finish while special micro silicones seal pure keratin protein to the interior of the hair fiber to strengthen and add body. This effect will last up to 6 shampoos. Clients can purchase the Keratin Glazing products to maintain their look at home or continue to get the Keratin Glazing Blowout as an in-salon service. 

You can now purchase from my website (and in the Salon), Intense RX, Infusion, and  Pravana Keratin Glazing Kits Includes: Keratin Fusion Thermal, Insulator, Keratin Fusion Restructurizing Serum – 6 Vials, and Step-by-Step Instructions.

 —————————————————————————

Grow your Hair Faster, Longer, and Stronger, Nurturing Your Body From The Inside Out.

  Nutri-Balance is a daily supplement that supports your body through a complete dose of folic acid, zinc, biotin and other vital nutrients. This essential blend of vitamins and minerals is designed to:*

Promote the healthy growth of hair, skin and nails

Enhance and support a healthy immune system

Boost energy levels

Endorse a healthy cardiovascular system for optimal wellness

Features Benefits

Niacin An essential vitamin that increases the blood flow

to the scalp for optimal scalp condition.

Folic Acid Improves DNA Synthesis, helps your hair and nails

to be longer and stronger

Vitamin C Antioxidant that helps maintain skin & hair health

by aiding in improving scalp circulation.

Vitamin D Helps the body absorb and distribute calcium and

magnesium, which are vital minerals for maintenance

of normal, healthy hair, skin & nails.

Biotin Provides support for healthy-looking hair, skin & nails.

Zinc Helps scalp to be well nourished and prevents scalp

from becoming dry and flaky.

 * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration

The difference I offer is top shelf professional services and products for all hair types in a cute full service salon. Sometimes professional hair services are not a luxury but a necessity. That’s why I offer my clients “Affordable Luxury” I keep my prices affordable so that you can afford to let me take care of your hair.

I am proud to offer services and products from the following professional skin & hair care lines: Dermalogica, Moroccan Oil, Kenra, Pravana, Nairobi, Afirm, and Design Essentials. I use Moroccan Oil thru ought all my conditioning, styling and chemical services.For example I put MO in my Relaxers, my color formulations ect. It conditions the hair and give the hair unbelievable shine.

We get so boxed into thinking that only certain companies make products for our hair and nothing could be further from the truth. As a professional I have access to many products when I come across products that work I love introducing them to my clients.

The product I am introducing this month is Pravana Fresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo. This product is perfect for my Flatiron clients. Pravana Fresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo is a fortified formula with powerful anti-bacterial ingredients to attack and eliminate odor-causing germs, while natural absorbents trap excess oils and restore and enhance hair. Pravana Dry Shampoo instantly revives hair from a limp oily state, to clean lightweight, and voluminous. Don’t be late for work with Pravana Fresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo.

$25 Haircuts complimentary bang & neck trims between cuts.

$45 Traditional Relaxer Touch ups. Complimentary deep conditioning, trim and style.

$25 Flat Irons, wash & sets. Discount for returning clients

$45 Flatiron w Keratin Complex Intense RX $35 Keratin Complex Infusion (discounts for regular/repeat clients) Don’t “Transition” with out this service! The Intense Rx uses keratin protein to rebuild hair’s tensile strength, return elasticity and reduce breakage in just one treatment. It bonds with existing keratin proteins, restructuring and extending the life of extremely damaged and chemically compromised hair.

$28 Natural hair styles, twistouts, braidouts, coils. Discount for returning clients

Deep Conditioning Treatments. I offer cutting edge professional treatments that can rescue your hair. Reconstructors, Hydration Therapy, Protein Treatments, Hot Oil Treatments. Complimentary scalp massage. Please view my menu of services to see my other services. Thank you.

Kit includes:

Biojen 9 System Kit

Pravana

Check out this video from Pravana:

About 5 years ago I switched to Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfate (SLS) free shampoos. SLS is a surfactant that also gives us suds when we shampoo. Bubbles harmless right? Read on.

I am going to link to some other blogs so you can conduct an up to date search but basically for me it comes down to this: At best SLS is a completely harmless strong surfactant that strips the hair & scalp of much needed oils, (for shine) and moisture (to prevent split ends and breakage). Strong surfactants like SLS strips artificial color from your hair. Nothing like paying hard earned money for your color service only to have it wash down the bathtub drain in two weeks! At worst it instigates hair loss, is an allergen for most people, which irritates the scalp/skin and may be carcinogenic. Who needs that!

I’ve done some research, which included trying my new SLS free shampoo vs my old shampoo. I do not know if SLS is a carcinogenic, there is just as much info out there that says it is as there is that says it’s not. But why take the risk? SLS free shampoos use milder surfactants. Plus I had a serious Aaha moment when I used a SLS free shampoo. My hair did so well on SLS shampoos. It was soft and supple, no frizz, and plenty of shine especially when I flat ironed. Also I’ve has several clients that had really bad scalp flaking and it disappeared once I put them on SLS shampoos.

I am a curly girl. I am Afro-American and I am “natural” meaning, I do not chemically relax my natural curls. Curly hair naturally is prone to dryness. The curlier the hair the dryer it is. Chemical services on any hair type (straight or curly) dries out the hair. Dryness leads to split-ends, split-ends lead to breakage. I know tons of people who think their hair doesn’t grow when what they are really dealing with is Severe Breakage. Basically the hair breaks off before you realize (notice) any length. That is why I am always ALL about putting and keeping Moisture in the hair! (Protein too, but that’s another post.) Switching to a Sodium Lauryl Sulfate free shampoo is a great start to moisture rich hair.

Another thing to be mindful of when purchasing a shampoo is the PH or Potential Hydrogen. A lot of store bought products won’t list the PH or molecular weight of their shampoos and conditioners. And believe me you want to know! Shampoos with a high PH like a 9 to 11 can cause the cuticle cells of hair to swell up and get rougher which can leave your hair looking dull and lifeless. Yikes! I recommend a shampoo and conditioner that have a PH of about 4.5 to 5.5. 

Pravana Shampoos and Conditioners are two out of my three ROCK BOTTOM YOU MUST HAVE PRUDUCTS! All of Provana’s shampoos are sulfate-free. I use Pravana’s Hydrating  line for maximum moisture. Pravana is ONLY available in salons, like (shameless plug aleart!) Ahead of Style, Inc located at 9410 NE Hazel Dell Ave, Vancouver WA 98665 Phone 360-573-9922. (ask for me Natanya)

OK Here are the links:

Skin Deep: My favorite place to look up product ingredients.

The Beauty Brains: Says SLS is safe

Mane & Chic: The post to read is Shampoo is the Devil. LOL. Wonderful site!

Jason Cosmetics

Killer Strands: Love this site!

Nappy Me:

Snopes: Says SLS is safe

Long Hair Care Forum: Search results of posts. Great NON-Professional site.