Want to Skip the Keratin Treatment This Year? Here Are 7 At-Home Alternatives to Try

Professional keratin treatments may have been the go-to solution five years ago if you wanted smooth, silky, frizz-free hair, but it’s no longer 2017. These days, as the popularity of at-home smoothing treatments rises — and as technology improves to meet the demand — there are plenty of options to achieve professional results without the hassle of a salon trip. Not only will these at-home alternatives save you time and money ($300 every three to six months on average!), but they may be better for you in the long run.

A professional keratin treatment is a semi-permanent chemical process used to smooth and relax the hair. The treatment can provide long-lasting, shiny results, but it also comes with its own set of problems, like formaldehyde exposure (it’s not used in all treatments, but many), and the potential damage to natural curl patterns. But there are plenty of alternatives, including shampoos, conditioners and styling creams that combine keratin amino acids with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides or castor oil to deliver the healthy, smooth results you’re looking for. Bonus: Many of these safer — not to mention affordable — alternatives also help fix damaged hair or protect your hair, too.

Best Overall Smoothing Treatment

Garnier Sleek & Shine Glass Hair Water

The glass skin trend has now expanded into the glass hair trend, and this rinse-out treatment will help you achieve the effect in just 10 seconds — seriously. Apply it to wet hair and then rinse for shiny, smooth results without the heavy residue.