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When in-salon keratin treatments exploded onto the scene over a decade ago, they were one of the most innovative new services the beauty industry had seen in quite some time. Finally, a semi-permanent solution for people looking to lock out frizz and smooth out curls, no hot tools are required. The star of the show? Keratin, a fibrous protein naturally found in the hair that’s responsible for keeping it both strong and smooth and acts as a barrier to lock out humidity.1 Less keratin makes the hair porous, and in turn more susceptible to frizzing and poofiness; keratin treatments work by delivering a hefty dose of the protein to fill in these “holes.” There are a variety of different types out there, explains celebrity stylist Fuat Celik, of the Cédric Salon. Apart from smoothing hair, some formulas can chemically alter the structure of the hair, resulting in an even greater straightening effect.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment for Damaged Hair, a protein-packed treatment replete with keratin, collagen, elastin, and black rice extract to repair damage for a sleek, smoothed out look. To reap instant benefits for under $5, consider Hask’s Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner Packette, which leaves hair cuticles with a glossy shine.
The bottom line: The salon versions are ideal for those who want to smooth out kink and curl, and who crave long-lasting results. There are some drawbacks, though. Not all, but many pro-strength treatments do contain formaldehyde, an ingredient that can have some scary side effects.2 There’s also the time and money factor. Enter the beauty of at-home DIY keratin treatments to deliver smoothing results in as little as one application.
We conducted hours of research on the best keratin treatments to use at home, evaluating each formula on type, ease of application, and results. Make no mistake, these aren’t a one-to-one swap for the salon version, but rather a slightly less intense, much more convenient alternative. Rather than penetrating deep into the hair, they sit on the surface, acting more akin to a reparative conditioning treatment. Still, the DIY keratin can have similar effects—making your hair stronger, smoother, and sleeker—they just won’t last as long.3 But if you need a quick fix, have damaged hair that could use some TLC, or just need the occasional smoothing hit, these at-home DIY options are the way to go.
Ahead, find our picks for the best keratin treatments you can do at home.
Rene Furterer Absolue Keratine Repairing Serum at Renefurtererusa.com
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment at Amazon
Best Overall
Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment for Damaged Hair
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- Protein rich
- Easy to use where needed
- Works on all hair types
- Best paired with Nexxus shampoo and conditioner
What do buyers say? 81% of 1,000+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
The at-home version of a more intense in-salon treatment (and a favorite among Byrdie editors), this protein-packed treatment uses not only keratin, but also collagen, elastin, and black rice extract. The result? A power dose of protein for your hair that helps repair damage almost instantly, all while leaving it silky and shiny, too. Also nice: You can easily apply it just where it’s needed (think beat-up ends or frizzy roots), and it works equally well on all hair types.
Price at time of publish: $8
Type: Gel | Size: 0.67 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner Packette
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Courtesy of Target
- Affordable
- Great for beginners
- Also works as a deep conditioner
- Single-use packaging isn’t sustainable
This portable, single-use pack rings in for just a few dollars, a major boon for anyone on a budget or who isn’t sure if a keratin treatment is right for them. The keratin protein in the formula quickly restores softness and bounce and leaves hair with a glass-like sheen. It pulls double duty as a deep conditioner, too. We suggest taking it with you on any beach vacay (when your hair inevitably will take a beating) for an instant pick-me-up.
Price at time of publish: $3
Type: Deep Conditioner | Size: 1.75 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Hair Shine Anti-Frizz Serum
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Ulta Beauty
- Affordable
- Delivers multiple benefits
- Can use on dry or damp hair
- Does contain silicones
Keratin works synergistically with marula oil in this drugstore find, offering serious frizz-fighting (that lasts for up to 48 hours, we should add). Non-greasy and fast-absorbing, it also leaves hair gorgeously glossy—basically like you just walked out of a blowout.
Price at time of publish: $9
Type: Serum | Size: 3.3 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Hydrating
CHI Keratin Silk Infusion
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Courtesy of Amazon
- Very moisturizing
- Works on all hair types
- Pricey
True to its name, this will leave your hair silky soft, and smooth, quenching even the most parched hair. Keratin rebuilds the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair), but it also contains silk, which helps the hair retain moisture and packs a heavy hit of hydration.4 If you have ultra-dry or ultra-damaged hair, this is a must.
Price at time of publish: $13
Type: Liquid | Size: 6 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Conditioner
Kérastase Resistance Ciment Anti-Usure Conditioner
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Courtesy of Sephora
- Can be used daily
- Works on all hair types
- Pricey
If you want to reap the benefits of keratin on the reg, choose this daily conditioner. Not only does it strengthen the hair fibers and help fend off breakage and split ends (yes, please), it also ups the shine and softness factors. Plus, it works great on all hair types, from super straight to super kinky.
Price at time of publish: $40
Type: Conditioner | Size: 6.8 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Curly Hair
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin
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Courtesy of Amazon
- Delivers multiple benefits
- Uses two kinds of keratin
- Works on all hair types
- Contains parabens
Stylist and founder of the eponymous New York City salon Cédric says smoothing products that contain keratin are one of his favorite (and safest) ways to reap the benefits of keratin at home; this is one of his top picks. While this pick is effective on all hair types, it’s especially choice for curly girls, using a blend of both hydrolyzed keratin and keratin amino acids, as well as panthenol, a lightweight conditioning ingredient. It may not leave you with super straight hair, but what it can do is help smooth and de-frizz your spirals, for a more defined, polished look.
Price at time of publish: $23
Type: Liquid | Size: 4 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best In-Between Treatments
Keratin Complex Infusion Keratin Replenisher
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Courtesy of Amazon
- Contains a hefty amount of keratin
- Can use on dry or damp hair
- Pricey
The Keratin Complex in-salon treatment is one of the more popular ones out there, ideal for reducing frizz, increasing strength, and still allowing for styling versatility (i.e. not leaving your hair stick straight). If you got it done at the salon, make sure to pick up this guy to use daily in between treatments. Hydrolyzed keratin is the second ingredient on the list, helping to keep your hair smooth and straight.5
Price at time of publish: $18
Type: Cream | Size: 2.5 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Damaged Hair
Rene Furterer Absolue Keratine Repairing Serum
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Rene Furterer
- Can be used daily
- Silicone-free
- Imparts heat protection
- Pricey
Cédric also likes this product, an especially good choice for those with damaged hair. It’s meant to be used on ends specifically, helping to strengthen the most fragile parts of the hair and ward off split ends. Credit a combo of things such as plant-based keratin and camelina oil.
Price at time of publish: $35
Type: Serum | Size: 1 ounce | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Frizzy Hair
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment
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Sephora
- Long-lasting
- Works on all hair types
- Must use a blow-dryer with it
“This acts as a mini keratin treatment and lasts for three to four washes,” says Cédric. It creates a shield-like coating on the hair, helping to ward off humidity-inducing frizz and locking in moisture and shine (and strength, too). Just FYI, the formula is heat-activated, so you will need to bust out the blow-dryer.
Price at time of publish: $28
Type: Liquid | Size: 6.7 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Hair Color
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Intensive Caring Color
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Courtesy of Amazon
- Affordable
- Delivers multiple benefits
- Permanent color; best for well-versed DIYers
Like heat styling, coloring your hair also contributes to the breakdown of your natural keratin. That’s why we think it’s so brilliant that this permanent DIY color is infused with hydrolyzed keratin to help combat those effects from the outset. And with a special anti-breaking, bond-protecting technology.
Price at time of publish: $9
Type: Permanent color | Size: 1 application | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Serum
Vitamins Keratin Protein Hair Serum
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Amazon
- Affordable
- Can be used daily
- Lightweight
- Contains fragrance
A fan favorite on Amazon, reviewers (with all different hair types) rave about the effects of this serum, which combines hydrolyzed keratin along with biotin and collagen for a serious strengthening boost. Castor and coconut oils make it very moisturizing, though it’s still lightweight and won’t leave your hair feeling greasy or heavy.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Serum | Size: 4.25 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
The Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment for Damaged Hair earns the top spot on our list, a protein-rich reparative treatment that can easily be used all-over hair or just on targeted areas that need a little strengthening boost, like brittle ends. An instant and cheap smoothing solution is Hask’s Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner Packette, which delivers concentrated results.
MEET THE EXPERT
Stylist Fuat Celik, AKA Cédric, is the founder of the Cédric Salon in New York City. He’s worked in cities across the globe for more than 25 years and has numerous high-profile and celebrity clients.
What to Look for in a Keratin Treatment
No Formaldehyde
According to Cédric, some of the more potent at-home keratin treatments which mimic in-salon versions may contain formaldehyde; it’s one of the reasons he doesn’t recommend them and advises sticking with smoothing or strengthening keratin serums and the like.
Built-In Heat Protection
Since likely, you will probably also be blow-drying your hair, keratin treatments that also act as a heat protectant are always a win. We love the Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair, a stylist-recommended top coat you can use before heat styling. We also like the Kérastase Resistance Ciment Anti-Usure Conditioner to help protect against heat damage.