OK, so I have been fighting with my frizzy, curly, damaged hair for years! I have always had to blow dry it, then flat iron it every day or at least when I wanted to look halfway decent. I don’t know why I never looked into straightening before, but one day I decided to do some research on the internet. After days of research I came across a straightening process called the Coppola Keratin Treatment. Unlike the Brazilian and Japanese straightening systems, this one is semi-permanent. It lasts anywhere from 3-6 months.
There are good and bad things about this treatment that I will go over. In my opinion, this treatment has made my life easier (I know, sad that a hair treatment can change a life). First, let’s tell you more about the treatment and the differences between this treatment and other straightening processes. Coppola, unlike other straightening treatment, does not use formaldehyde, but instead uses Aldehydes, which are supposed to be safer. It is also not permanent and wears out gradually after three to six months depending on your hair type and what you do to it. I am naming this review “Part 1” because I am at the end of my third week after the treatment and will write another review once it starts to “wear off”.
Ok so before I go into how much I am in love with this treatment so far, I will go into exactly what the process is and my experience with it. First I made sure that the salon I went to was using the Coppola Keratin Treatment (Keratin Complex smoothing therapy by Coppola), this is very important because there are many different treatments that have similar names such as the Brazilian Keratin Treatment. To make sure you can call the local distributor and ask them what salons they distribute to in your area. You can visit http://www.keratincomplex.com/for the phone number and details on that.
After researching I found a local salon that performs the treatment, this salon charged $75 an hour for the treatment (I know yikes). I did not choose to but you can go in for a consultation where they can look at your hair and give you more information and a quote (should be a free service). When I arrived the day of my appointment I was shampooed and hair blown dry. Once my hair was completely dry my stylist took small sections of hair and brushed the treatment on similar to when you get your hair dyed. This process took a while because she wanted to make sure she got every piece of hair and had enough treatment on each section. I have mid back length hair so it was a process but very relaxing. Also I would like to mention that the treatment really did not have any strong smell or anything like I heard other treatments have. After she finished brushing on the solution I had to sit for 20 minutes to let it soak in. After the 20 minute wait the hair is blow dried again with the solution still in it until it was completely dry, then flat ironed section by section so that the keratin was bonded to the hair shaft. My hair looked great after the treatment and didn’t look like it had anything really in it.
Ok so that was the process which for me took 3 hours. Now the bad part (well wasn’t really too bad), you cannot wash your hair for 72 hours, use any clips or ties in your hair and can only use a cap when showering for a short period of time. I thought this would be the worse three days ever because I usually wash my hair everyday and tie it up when I sleep but it wasn’t too bad. My hair looked a bit greasy on the third day but was still presentable, I slept with it down and it was fine when I woke up. It is recommended that if you get any hair wet or it bends to blow dry and flat iron that section right away. The other bad thing was the cost I spent about $300 plus tip. I am a frugal person but this I still think was worth it because it saves me so much time everyday and my time is worth money!
Ok so here I am three weeks later loving the treatment. The first few days after washing it, it was really flat but now it has volume and is straight and frizz free! The best part is that I can go out with my hair wet and it dries perfectly! I have never been able to do that ever! I use the Coppola Shampoo and conditioner with my treatment hoping it will make it last longer because it contains keratin but you can use any Sulfate Free shampoo such as Bert’s Bee’s. I also use the Keratin Replenisher as a leave in but you do not have to. So the only bad things about the treatment is that it is expensive and that you have to wait three days to wash your hair but in my opinion so worth it! I am probably saving money not having to blow dry and flat iron my hair for hours anyway. Keep in mind everyone’s hair is different but I have read nothing but good things about this treatment and will update you with my progress as I get closer to my 3-6 months and will try to get my picture up so you can see my hair.
