Professional Keratin Treatment Vs. At-home Alternatives: Which Actually Saves Your Curls And Your Wallet?

By Author: Bradly Franklin
Total Articles: 37
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If you have curly hair, chances are you’ve battled frizz, dryness, or unmanageable strands at some point. Among the many solutions on the market, keratin treatments have become a buzzword for smoother, glossier curls. But do you really need a salon visit to achieve this, or can at-home keratin alternatives deliver the same results—without burning a hole in your wallet?
Let’s break down the pros and cons of both professional and DIY keratin treatments, and which option is best for your curls, your lifestyle, and your budget.

What Is a Keratin Treatment?
Keratin is a protein naturally found in hair, skin, and nails. Over time, with exposure to heat styling, colouring, or environmental stressors, hair can lose its natural keratin—leading to frizz, split ends, and dullness.
Keratin treatments involve applying a formula that adds keratin back into the hair and sealing it with heat. The result is smoother, shinier, and more manageable strands that last anywhere from 2 to 5 months.

Professional Keratin Treatments: Are They Worth the Cost?
A professional salon keratin treatment can range ...
... from £120 to £250 or more, depending on hair length and thickness. The biggest advantage of going to a salon is precision: trained professionals can apply the product evenly, control the heat, and use high-quality ingredients designed for long-lasting results.
Pros:
• Immediate and visible results
• Lasts longer (up to 5 months)
• Great for thick, coarse, or extremely frizzy hair
• Safely applied by a professional
Cons:
• Expensive
• Involves formaldehyde in some formulas (can cause irritation)
• Requires strict aftercare (sulfate-free shampoos, no washing for 48-72 hours)
• Might loosen your curls over time
If you love the sleek look and don’t mind the cost, this option may be ideal. However, it’s not the best route for those who want to keep their natural curl pattern intact.

At-Home Keratin Alternatives: Budget-Friendly and Curl-Safe?
At-home keratin kits are becoming more popular thanks to their affordability and convenience. You can find a variety of treatments online or in beauty stores, usually priced between £20 and £50.
These alternatives often use milder ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals. They focus more on smoothing rather than straightening, which is a huge plus if you want to maintain volume and curl definition.
Pros:
• Much more affordable
• Can be customised to your hair type
• Ideal for maintenance between salon visits
• Generally safer and less harsh on curls
Cons:
• Shorter-lasting results (2–6 weeks)
• May not be strong enough for very coarse or damaged hair
• Requires careful application at home
For curl-conscious individuals looking to manage frizz without sacrificing texture, at-home treatments are a solid option—especially when combined with natural products for curly hair that hydrate and define curls naturally.

Don’t Forget Overall Hair Health
Regardless of the keratin method you choose, your overall hair care routine matters. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos, deep condition regularly, and minimise heat styling when possible. Think of keratin as a boost—not a miracle fix.
Also, if you’re someone who embraces a minimalist grooming routine, a similar approach applies to skincare and beard care. Just like with curly hair, using a lightweight beard moisturiser can help you avoid dryness and maintain healthy hair without fuss or heavy residue.

Final Verdict: Which Option Saves Your Curls and Your Wallet?
If you’re looking for long-term, dramatic results and are willing to pay for them, a professional keratin treatment is still the gold standard. But if you’re after a more budget-friendly way to tame frizz while preserving your curls, at-home alternatives paired with the right supporting products offer excellent value.
Ultimately, it comes down to your hair goals. Want to smooth without straightening? Stick with natural, curl-friendly options and DIY treatments. Prefer sleek strands and don’t mind investing? Book that salon session.
Either way, you don’t have to sacrifice your curls—or your wallet—if you choose wisely.