The most common question before a keratin appointment isn’t about the process — it’s “how long will this actually last?” Here’s the honest answer, without the optimistic range the internet likes to quote.
The realistic number
A well-applied Lasio Keratin Treatment, cared for correctly, typically holds for three to five months. The first month is the smoothest and straightest; from there it relaxes gradually rather than all at once. You don’t wake up one morning to find it gone — you notice the frizz creeping back at the hairline and the ends first, and by month four or five most guests are ready for another round.
Shorter hair, frequent washing, or very coarse texture all tend to pull that number toward three months. Fine hair washed sparingly can stretch past five.
What shortens it
Three habits cut the lifespan of a keratin faster than anything else:
- Sulfate shampoos. Sulfates strip the coating the treatment seals in. A sulfate-free shampoo is the single biggest factor in longevity.
- Washing too often. Every wash rinses a little of the treatment away. Two to three washes a week is the sweet spot.
- Heat styling with no protection. Direct ironing at high heat degrades the coating over time. Lower heat plus a protectant preserves it.
NYC hard water quietly works against you too — mineral build-up dulls the smooth finish. A Malibu C treatment ($56) lifts those minerals so the smoothing effect reads true again.
The first 72 hours matter most
Most keratin formulas need a window of about 72 hours after the appointment where the hair isn’t washed, pinned, or creased, so the treatment can fully set. Respect that window and you earn the longest result; kink or wash it early and you shorten the whole thing.
Aftercare, simply
Sulfate-free shampoo, 2–3 washes a week, cool water when you can, a heat protectant always, and skip the tight ponytail holder for the first few days. That routine is what turns a four-month treatment into a five-month one.
At Red Market, the Lasio Keratin Treatment is $450, and every treatment begins with a complimentary consultation so you know exactly what to expect before you commit.
Ready to smooth it out? Book online or read more about our keratin treatments in NYC.
Learn more about Keratin Treatment NYC at Red Market Salon, New York.