14 Best At-Home Keratin Treatments For Smoother Hair, According to Stylists
No frizz, no problem.

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SALON KERATIN TREATMENTS are unrivaled in their ability to smooth and straighten hair, but they can cost upward of $300. The good news: There are plenty of at-home versions that'll save you time, money, and (bonus!) may also be better for your hair.
Meet Our Experts: Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist; Adam Reed, founder of ARKIVE Headcare; Brittney Shockey, salon lead at Stonedrift Spa in Galena, Illinois
That said, the ones you do in your bathroom might not be quite as strong as those professional, salon-quality versions. “At-home [keratin] treatments are not as powerful, as they coat the hair rather than altering the structure of the hair, so they generally only last a week at most,” says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons.
But if you're more interested in making things easier on your wallet, these are the best at-home keratin treatments for smoother, softer hair.
How do at-home keratin treatments work?
At-home keratin treatments work wonders by harnessing the power of keratin, an important protein for hair health. "This transformative protein rebuilds and repairs lackluster hair, replenishing each strand with intense moisture and radiant shine," says Brittney Shockey, salon lead at Stonedrift Spa in Galena, Illinois. "The treatment works its magic by coating each individual strand, effectively smoothing down the hair cuticles and delivering a glossy, frizz-free finish."
What should I look for in an at-home keratin treatment?
When purchasing an at-home keratin treatment, Fitzsimons suggests looking for formulas that are formaldehyde-free. “Formaldehyde is a harmful gas that is considered to be a carcinogen,” he warns. “If you have thicker strands, you should also look for a formula that adds moisture and shine, while damaged hair could use more softening and smoothing ingredients."
How to give yourself an at-home keratin treatment?
Before performing an at-home keratin treatment, hairdresser, and founder of ARKIVE Headcare, Adam Reed emphasizes the importance of knowing that the process can easily damage hair if done incorrectly.
“It’s a long and complicated process that I would always recommend having a professional do to minimize any risk,” he says. But, if you still prefer to perform the treatment yourself, just remember that it’s vital to properly prepare your hair. Before you do anything, you should shampoo your hair thoroughly. After applying the treatment, you should leave it on for up to 30 minutes, but if you experience any burning, rinse it out immediately.
After rinsing the hair, add a deep conditioner. “Then look after it at home with a treatment like K18 and Arkive The Prologue Hair Primer,” Reed notes.
What are the potential side effects of keratin treatments?
Like any other hair process, keratin treatments also have risks when not done correctly. Some treatments can be too harsh for specific hair types and can leave hair completely damaged and brittle, which leads to more frizz and dullness. "Individuals with fine, thin hair, or heavily damaged, bleached hair are advised to avoid keratin treatments," says Shockey.

Daley Quinn is a beauty and wellness journalist, blogger, and content strategist living in New York City. She is a former beauty editor at a national magazine, and her work has appeared in over 50 digital publications, including Allure, Goop, Elle, The Cut, WWD, InStyle, and many more. You can see more of her work on her website, daleyquinn.com, and her blog, TheDaleyDose.com.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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