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July 9, 2025

17 Comments

Keratin treatments can sound like the dream fix to people with problem hair, but it turns out, they’re not all created equal. We spoke to an expert to get to the root of this beauty buzzword and help you know what to look for and what to leave.

Renee Vallender expert banner.

Renee Vallender is the founder of The Straightening Salon, created from her own search for a fuss-free hair solution. As a first-time mum with little time to spare and a head of frizzy “Hagrid hair,” she discovered the power of permanent straightening – and never looked back. Thirteen years on, what started as a personal fix has grown into a business dedicated to helping other women feel confident, save time and enjoy smooth, easy-to-manage hair every day.

Woman running her hand through her healthy hair.
Hair that looks healthy isn’t always treated kindly. Image: Canva

Keratin treatments have been a hot topic in haircare for over a decade. But like many beauty buzzwords, there are many generalisations (and misinformation) about what keratin is, what these “treatments” do, whether they really work and if they’re safe for your hair in the long run. 

Not all treatments labelled as “keratin” deliver the same results, and unfortunately, some popular options carry hidden risks. 

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a naturally occurring fibrous protein found in your hair, skin, and nails. It’s what gives your hair strength, elasticity and structure. Heat styling, colouring, or environmental stress damages your hair, depleting its keratin levels and making strands weaker, drier, and more prone to breakage.

Traditional “Keratin Treatments” 

Many traditional “keratin treatments” around the world still contain extremely volatile ingredients such as formaldehyde. Fortunately, Australian regulations require that salon-use products be formaldehyde-free. Any reputable salon sourcing from authorised distributors should be using formulas that meet these national safety standards. 

That said, formaldehyde-free doesn’t always mean gentle. Some treatments rely on highly alkaline, chemical-based formulations that can still compromise the hair’s internal structure. While they may deliver temporary smoothness or straightness, they can often leave the hair brittle, dry and overly processed over time. 

Woman with dry hair.
Dry hair can be the result of a chemical-laden treatment. Image: Canva

Adding to the complexity, salons use the term “keratin treatment” so broadly that results can vary dramatically. Chemical-based treatments can create a permanent change to the hair’s structure, delivering a straighter finish. Other keratin treatments smooth and soften the hair without altering its natural texture. 

As a result, one “keratin treatment” may leave hair nearly straight, while another may simply reduce frizz and boost manageability. We often hear clients say they’ve “had a keratin treatment before and it did nothing” for their hair, but in reality, there are so many variables at play. These include the formula used, the application process, the stylist’s technique and the starting condition of the hair, all of which influence the outcome. 

What we do differently

At The Straightening Salon, we take a completely non-toxic, tailored approach to hair smoothing and straightening. Our treatments are custom-blended to suit your hair type and desired results, using a combination of relaxing proteins, amino acids, tannins, plex systems and omega oils, all designed to work with your hair, not against it.

Stylists drying a client's hair at a salon.
The Straightening Salon takes a gentle approach to keratin treatments. Image: supplied

Some of our formulas include the keratin protein to help replenish compromised strands, especially if your hair has been damaged by heat or colour. But keratin alone isn’t what smooths or straightens the hair. It’s the supporting ingredients, how they’re applied and the technique that truly makes the difference. 

Our treatments don’t just mask damage with artificial shine. They help rebuild the hair’s strength and health, leaving it shinier, healthier and easier to manage – all without the harsh chemicals found in many traditional smoothing formulas. 

Are keratin treatments right for everyone? 

If you want to save time and achieve healthy, manageable hair, then yes, a treatment is a great idea. We work with all hair types with a personalised approach.

Whether you’re looking for a semi-permanent smoothing solution to tame frizz or a permanent straightening treatment for a sleeker look, we’ll guide you toward the best option for your hair type, goals and lifestyle. 

Stylist holding client's healthy red hair.
The right treatment can be a gamechanger not just for your hair, but your life. Image: Canva

Our clients often tell us how much time they save getting ready in the morning. They need less heat tools, fewer styling products, and their hair simply behaves better day to day, boosting confidence and reducing stress.

But beyond convenience, our focus is on building lasting hair health, and we know our treatments deliver exactly that. 

The bottom line 

Not all keratin treatments are created equal. And not every treatment that uses the word “keratin” is necessarily good for your hair. Results can vary dramatically depending on the formula, technique and stylist behind it. 

That’s why it’s worth doing your research and choosing a salon that prioritises both visible results and long-term hair health. 

Renee Vallender at The Straightening Salon.
Renee Vallender at The Straightening Salon. Image: supplied

At The Straightening Salon, our mission is to help women feel confident and save time with healthy, manageable hair, so naturally, we’ve built our entire philosophy around delivering smooth, frizz-free results without compromising hair health.


Have you ever had a keratin treatment? What was your experience like? Leave us a comment!

  • It sounds like getting any of these types of treatments are risky. You could make frizzy hair even worse by making it dry and damaged. I think a lot of these things are a bit of a con and they do not actually really help your hair. I think a lot can be said for hydration and healthy eating.


  • Such an interesting read. I’ve always known keratin was needed for healthy skin, hair and nails. You learn something new every dsy


  • I’ve never had an issue with my hair until I started going to the local pool most days. I find the Cholrine makes it impossible to comb so I have to wash it every day to be able to comb it out without breakages. Maybe this is what I need.


  • Its valuable to know that the formulation, technique and stylist makes all the difference for keratin treatments. Problem is I am not sure how to find out where is good locally. Does anyone have recommendations on how to find this out? I am very keen to try it for the long term results.


  • Ive definitely heard of keratin treatments before but never really understood or knew too much about them. It has definitely been one of the reasons ive been put off trying it, as i dont want to ruin my hair! This article was definitely so helpful in helping me understand it better.


  • My hair is thick and curly and loves keratin treatments. I’ve tried other types of treatments and while oil-based ones tend to work well (coconut oil, macadamia oil, etc), keratin is definitely the holy grail. Can’t say enough good things about it. Highly recommended if your hair type is similar to mine.


  • I have long, straight, fine hair and have never had a keratin treatment. I don’t think my hair needs one. I try and use regular at home masks and treatments and use quality hair products. I think my hair looks quite healthy and am happy with how it looks most of the time.


  • I’ve had a keratin treatment and for me the cons outweighed the pros. My hair is fine and only slightly frizzy. After the treatment it was much smoother but also quite lank and slippery and sometimes looked a bit stringy. I would recommend it for those with thicker or coarser hair. It’s important to note that you must use sulfate free shampoo for the treatment to last.


  • I haven’t tried a keratin treatment but I’ve wanted to. I know a mother and daughter who do it and they always have lovely shining straight hair. I was surprised to read it can actually be bad for your hair because I thought keratin was a good thing for your hair! I’m sort of glad I haven’t done it now


  • I loved reading the article and the comments. There is so much to learn from both the experts and people’s own hair experiences.


  • This was really interesting – I didn’t realise there were/ are specific risks to keratin treatments, so that was particularly useful information. It was also useful to realise what a wide variety of treatments it could refer to. I’ve been pleased with the results of keratin treatments, but the effects only seemed to last a few days.


  • Although I have never had a keratin treatment on my hair before I do know some ladies who have and it has really helped them. My hair is fine and very thin so it is not something I would consider in the future but if it is something someone wants to do, then each to their own.


  • Great information thanks for sharing this article


  • The use of formaldehyde certainly sounds scary.
    One of my daughters is a hair stylist so I tend to be guided by hair in these matters.
    I dont venture to the salon very often and ten dto do my our haircare at home most of the time.
    Ive not tried one of these treatments as yet.


  • I’ve never tried a keratin treatment. I tend to use hair oils to help my hair look shiny and frizz-free.


  • Keratin is so vital for healthy hair, skin and nails. I’ve never had a keratin treatment though, to be honest I’ve never heard of a keratin treatment. I might talk to my hairdresser about it next time I have a trim


  • I have tried a fair few keratin treatments and I haven’t seem much success with them unfortunately. I have thin hair and find it weighs my hair down a bit too much and leaves my hair looking less frizzy and more smooth but very flat and almost greasy. I may just need to try some other brands or salons of Amy desired result.


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