What keratin does to curls
A keratin treatment relaxes roughly 50–90% of the curl, depending on your natural texture. It doesn't change the inner structure of the hair. Instead it seals a protective keratin layer over the cuticle, which smooths frizz and adds shine.
Results by hair type
- Wavy hair
- Usually dries straight or very nearly straight.
- Curly hair
- Frizz disappears and your natural curl looks more defined. Hair is much easier to blow out straight.
- Very curly or coarse hair
- Softer and far more manageable, but it won't come out fully straight. If straight is the goal, Japanese hair straightening may suit you better.
Keep your curls, or blow them out
Because keratin softens rather than removes curl, you keep the choice. Wear it curly with less frizz, or blow it out straight in about a third of the usual time. Curls and volume still hold when you style them.
Keratin or Japanese straightening for curly hair?
If you want smoother, more manageable curls with flexibility, keratin is the better fit. If you want very curly hair permanently straight, Japanese hair straightening is designed for that. Compare the two treatments →
Quick answers
Will a keratin treatment make curly hair straight?
It relaxes about 50–90% of curl. Wavy hair usually dries straight; curly hair becomes smoother and more defined; very curly hair softens but won't be fully straight.
Can I still wear my hair curly after keratin?
Yes. Keratin softens curl and removes frizz, so you can wear it curly or blow it out straight much faster.