Girls with curly hair, we know you're looking to tame those curls although we totally think bouncy curls are a matter of pride. If you think otherwise and wish to straighten your curls, we're here to help. No, we're not telling you that the solution lies in a flat iron—straightening that lasts only until the next wash. To achieve longlasting straightening, you need to choose between a Cysteine hair treatment or a Keratin treatment. Wondering what we're talking about? Take your pick after reading about them...
01What is the Cysteine hair treatment?
The Cysteine treatment of straightening hair uses a non-essential amino acid that occurs in keratin to straighten as well as strengthen your hair. In this hair treatment, if you have tight curls, the ingredients relax your hair without using natural additives like formaldehyde.
What does it do?
Keratin hair treatment is affordable compared to Cysteine and leaves your hair smooth and shiny. So if you want to go a notch higher than hair rebonding , this could be the next step. However, it can cause health issues as Keratin straightening includes the use of formaldehyde, which when inhaled can be rather harmful.
02What is keratin hair treatment?
Unlike Cysteine, keratin treatment for hair works by infusing keratin deep into the hair shaft, making the strands smooth and manageable. In this treatment, your hairstylist will apply keratin by infusing it into your hair through creams and then going in with hot flat iron to absorb the keratin into your hair. It takes almost 90 minutes depending on the length of your hair.
What does it do?
Keratin hair treatment is affordable compared to Cysteine and leaves your hair smooth and shiny. So if you want to go a notch higher than hair rebonding , this could be the next step. However, it can cause health issues as Keratin straightening includes the use of formaldehyde, which when inhaled can be rather harmful.
How long does keratin treatment last?
This depends on your hair type and how well you maintain it post-treatment. On average, a keratin treatment can last anywhere between three to six months, provided you use sulfate-free shampoos and limit heat styling. Regular touch-ups can help extend its longevity, keeping your hair smooth and manageable for longer.
03Who can get cysteine treatment for hair?
While everyone craves smooth, silky, and nourished hair. But, while some can get it with ease and minimal treatment, some have to dish out more effort and money. In this case, a cysteine treatment is a boon for those who have curly and frizzy hair. Further, if you are someone with dull and damaged hair , this treatment can give your hair a boost of health. Cysteine treatment is known to reduce curls by almost 60 percent. So be ready to lock your curls straight when you go for this. A word of caution, though. If you have recently got your hair coloured, it is strongly advised that you wait at least two months before going for the cysteine treatment. Further, if you have thin hair, then cysteine hair treatment is a strict no go as it will further flatten the hair and reduce its volume.
04Cysteine treatment for hair: Pros and Cons
While cysteine treatment for hair looks attractive and has many benefits, there are certain disadvantages as well. Let's take a look at them.
Here are the pros of Cysteine treatment:
1. Safer than keratin : Cysteine treatment is known to be quite safe as compared to keratin. In fact, this can even be used when you are pregnant. Of course, consult your doctor before you go that route. 2. Better than keratin : This treatment is also better than keratin and most other hair treatments. 3. Has longer effects : Cysteine treatment has long-term effects in the sense that the new hair that will grow will not be curly. Thus, the new hair will look exactly like the treated hair, giving you more longevity.
Here are the cons of Cysteine treatment:
1. More expensive : Obviously, with all the pros that come with it, the cysteine treatment is by far one of the most expensive hair treatments. This, of course, can be a con for many. 2. Does not last long: Despite the promising stunning effects and longevity in the form of new hair growing like the treated hair, this hair treatment does not last beyond 4 months. For the price you pay, this really is a short period.
05FAQ on Cysteine & Keratin treatment for hair
Q. Can you oil your hair after cysteine?
A. Avoid oiling too much after the treatment. The reason is that too much oiling can lead to a build-up, which counters the effects. Also, this will further cut down the longevity of the treatment.
Q. Can we do cysteine treatment at home?
A. There are quite a few cysteine treatments, shampoos, conditioners, and masks available. You can use those to achieve salon-like results at home. Also, in case you do not get cysteine shampoos and conditioners, pick any sulfate-free ones and get the cysteine treatment at home. Use as per the instructions.
Q. What about keratin treatment at home?
A. Yes, you can do a keratin treatment at home using keratin-rich masks, serums, and sulfate-free shampoos. While professional treatments last longer, at-home kits provide temporary smoothness and frizz control. However, ensure you pick formaldehyde-free products to avoid any potential hair or scalp damage.
Q. Keratin treatment vs cysteine treatment: What is better?
A. When choosing between Cysteine hair treatment vs Keratin, it's important to consider the ingredients, effects, and longevity. Cysteine is a better treatment because it not only lasts long but also does not have any chemicals such as formaldehyde or its substitutes. On the other hand, the only argument in favour of keratin is that it is cheaper.
