DIY vs Salon Keratin Treatment: Benefits & Downsides

Keratin treatment at home or salon?

That’s the question many people are asking as of 2025. With humid weather, frizz, and time constraints being part of everyday’s busy life, keratin treatments continue to be a go-to for smoother, shinier hair.

But is the DIY version really worth the savings?

Let’s break down the pros and cons of both so you can decide what actually works for your hair, and your time before your next hair salon JB booking.

Table of Contents

What Is a Keratin Treatment?

Keratin treatment is a smoothing process that reduces frizz and boosts shine by infusing keratin protein into the hair. It doesn’t permanently straighten hair, but it can dramatically soften waves and tame curls, making everyday styling easier.

There are two main types:

Professional salon keratin treatments (Brazilian, soft keratin.)
At-home DIY keratin kits

Each has its place, but the results vary widely depending on application, product, and aftercare.

“A proper keratin treatment, done with high heat and the right formula, can last up to 3–6 months with minimal frizz,” says a JB-based stylist.

What Are the Benefits of DIY Keratin Treatment?

DIY keratin kits are affordable and convenient for basic smoothing at home. If you’re comfortable with heat tools and have mildly frizzy hair, a DIY keratin product might be enough.

Low cost: RM60–RM150 vs RM400+ for salon options
Flexible timing: No need to block out half a day
Control: You can work in sections and pause when needed
No commute: Perfect for busy schedules

Some products are now formaldehyde-free and marketed as “express smoothing,” though their longevity is limited. Remember while home kits are great for touch-ups, they rarely match the longevity or finesse of salon work.

What Are the Downsides of DIY Keratin Treatment?

DIY keratin can lead to uneven results, overprocessing, or wasted effort if applied incorrectly. Without the right tools and know-how, your hair might not absorb the keratin properly. Worse, you may damage it.

Common issues include:

Heat tools not hot enough (below 230°C)
Improper sectioning = patchy results
Overuse = dry, brittle ends
Inhaling product fumes in a closed space
Not sealing with the right technique

DIY also tends to wear off in 2–4 weeks, especially in humid conditions or with frequent washing.

How to Maintain Keratin-Treated Hair at Home

Proper aftercare extends your keratin results and protects hair health. So if you do decide to go for the DIY route, you have keep in mind of these basic care tips:

Use sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner
Avoid swimming in salt or chlorinated water
Minimise frequent washing (2–3 times /week max)
Limit heat styling; always apply a heat protectant
Sleep with a silk pillowcase or hair wrap

Following these can extend your treatment by several weeks. Your post-care routine makes or breaks the result as Keratin needs gentle handling to last.

What Are the Benefits of Professional Keratin Treatment?

Salon treatments offer long-lasting, customised smoothing with proper application and safety. Professionals tailor the formula and heat technique to your hair’s thickness, porosity, and needs.

Key advantages:

Longer results: Often lasts 3–6 months
Safer application: Stylists avoid scalp contact and ventilate properly
Consistent outcome: No missed patches or uneven smoothing
Custom options: Choose between soft smoothing or straighter finish

“Professional keratin is worth it if you want sleek hair that survives sweat, rain, or long workdays.”

What Are the Downsides of Salon Keratin Treatments?

Professional keratin is more expensive and time-consuming. While results are often better, you’ll pay more and spend longer in the chair.

Things to consider:

Price: RM350–RM800 in JB for premium formulas
Time: 2–3 hours depending on hair length/thickness
Some formulas still contain low levels of formaldehyde
May limit colouring options immediately after

Make sure to ask your stylist about the hair product ingredients and aftercare requirements before booking.

DIY vs Salon Keratin: Which Should You Choose?

We recommend choosing based on your hair goals, budget, and how much time you can commit. That being said, it can be difficult to compare with words alone, so here’s a table to make it easier.

Aspect	DIY Keratin Treatment	Salon Keratin Treatment
Best For	Mild frizz, manageable waves, touch-ups	Thick, curly, frizzy, or processed hair needing expert care
Longevity	2–4 weeks	3–6 months
Average Cost	RM60–RM150	RM350–RM800
Application Time	1–1.5 hours	2–3.5 hours
Tools Required	Flat iron (230°C+), gloves, comb, clips	Professional salon-grade heat tools and products
Skill Level Needed	Moderate – requires understanding of heat & timing	None – applied by trained stylist
Customisation	One-size-fits-most kits	Fully tailored to hair texture, condition, and desired result
Frizz Control Strength	Moderate	High – especially in humid environments
Risk of Damage	Higher if heat/tool usage is incorrect	Lower due to professional technique and product precision
Scalp Safety	May cause irritation if not applied properly	Stylists avoid scalp contact and use proper ventilation
Aftercare Guidance	Self-research (may be limited)	Full instructions and product recommendations provided
Hair Colour Compatibility	Some formulas may dull colour, no guarantees	Stylist will adjust formula to preserve colour vibrancy
Maintenance Level	Higher. Needs frequent touch-ups	Lower. Touch-ups every 4–6 months
Formaldehyde-Free Options	Available but effectiveness varies	Usually available, ask salon about specific formula

If it’s your first time, go professional. A salon treatment gives you a baseline for what your hair responds to best. After that, use DIY kits for light touch-ups only, not full replacements.

Is Keratin Treatment Safe for All Hair Types?

Yes, keratin treatment is generally safe for most hair types when applied correctly.

However, results and safety depend on the product formula and hair condition. Fine, coloured, or chemically processed hair may require gentler, formaldehyde-free formulations.

Thick and frizzy hair benefits most from salon-grade smoothing
Chemically treated hair may need consultation before application
Curly hair can be softened but not straightened unless requested

Always consult a professional for tailored advice as everyone’s hair is different and unique.

What to Ask Before Any Keratin Treatment

Okay, if you decide to go with a professional keratin treatment with your local KSL hair salon, it’s important to not book blindly. Ask your stylist or read your product label.

Checklist before treatment:

Is the formula formaldehyde-free or low formaldehyde?
What heat tool will be used (and at what temperature)?
How long will the result last?
What’s the aftercare routine? (sulphate-free shampoo?)

What REDS Hair Salon Recommends

At REDS Hair Salon, we understand the balance between results and safety. Our keratin treatments are:

Custom-blended for Asian hair textures
Formaldehyde-free or low-tox formulas
Applied using high-grade irons and professional techniques
Followed by full aftercare advice tailored to your routine

Whether you’re coming in for a major transformation or a post-Singapore weekend refresh, we’re here to help you tame the frizz and love your hair again.

Still have questions and enquiries about keratin treatment? Book an appointment with us and we will sort it out. We would answer any question you have about keratin treatment, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!