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

July 29, 2022
By: Stephanie Nguyen | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

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.

Garnier Sleek & Shine Glass Hair Water

Best Luxury Styling Treatment

Kérastase Discipline Keratine Thermique Smoothing Taming Milk

This taming milk doesn’t just smooth frizzy hair and flyaways as the name suggests. It also protects against heat and humidity, and restores hair health thanks to ingredients like ceramides that help to reduce breakage.

Kérastase Discipline Keratine Thermique Smoothing Taming Milk

Best Affordable Styling Treatment

Mizani Press Agent Thermal Smoothing Raincoat Styling Cream

Similar to the Kérastase Taming Milk, this argan oil-infused styling cream preps and protects hair ahead of a blow-dry. Come for the smooth hydration, stay for the irresistible citrusy scent.

Mizani Press Agent Thermal Smoothing Raincoat Styling Cream

Best Affordable Leave-in Cream

Biolage SmoothProof Leave-in Cream for Frizzy Hair

If you want to achieve frizz-free smoothness without heat styling, turn to this leave-in cream. It’s formulated to encapsulate hair and align the cuticle, which will help control against static and humidity, as well as heal color damaged hair.

Matrix Biolage SmoothProof Leave-in Cream for Frizzy Hair

Best Treatment for Curly Hair

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls No Build-Up Curls Micellar Shampoo

Calling all curly-haired people: This shampoo is your new wash day BFF. The nourishing water-to-foam formula contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and castor oil to deeply hydrate curls and help lock in moisture without adding weight. Your curls will look bouncy and defined after just one wash.

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls No Build-Up Curls Micellar Shampoo

Best Long-Lasting Treatment

Gussi Hair At-Home Keratin Treatment Kit

Looking for a treatment that will last more than one wash? This at-home keratin treatment kit requires a bit of a time investment up front (about an hour to complete five steps), but the results will last you up to six weeks. In addition to smoothing frizz, the treatment will also help to rebuild dry, damaged strands and heal split ends.

Gussi Hair At-Home Keratin Treatment Kit

Best Luxury Leave-in Cream

K18Hair Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

If repairing damage (from bleach, color and heat) is your goal, this leave-in hair mask gets the job done. With powerful peptides, it’ll begin to reverse damage for stronger, softer, smoother and bouncier hair in just four minutes. If you color your hair regularly, this is a must-have.

K18Hair Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Visual Designer: Juliana Campisi
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