Keratin treatment: what to expect, questions to ask and aftercare

Decide what you want from a smoothing service

You may want easier styling, a smoother finish or a different experience when drying your hair. Explain the problem in practical terms: the time your routine takes, the finish you like and which aspects of your natural texture you want to retain. The word 'keratin' alone does not define the result.

Bring one or two reference images, but discuss your own hair rather than expecting an exact copy. Ask what the proposed service is intended to do and what it will not do. It should not be presented as medical treatment for scalp disease, hair loss or permanent repair of every form of damage.

Share the history of your lengths and scalp

Tell the stylist about colour, bleach, relaxers, perms, previous smoothing treatments and extensions. Include approximate dates and any breakage or reaction. Different parts of the hair may have different histories, so explain whether the ends have been treated repeatedly even if the roots are natural.

Mention active scalp symptoms, allergies and relevant health circumstances before arranging a date. The stylist can explain what assessment or product checks are needed and whether the service should be deferred. Do not conceal a previous reaction because a new product has a different name.

Ask about the exact smoothing product

The FDA explains that some smoothing products can release formaldehyde during heating and that not all smoothing products contain it. Ask for the product name, ingredient and safety information, and how ventilation and practitioner training are addressed. A general 'keratin' label is not enough to answer those questions.

This is general safety guidance from a US regulator, rather than confirmation about Pharmacillin's chosen product. The website does not identify the smoothing formula used for an appointment. Ask the provider to supply that information before deciding and explain any breathing sensitivity or previous irritation.

Further reading: US Food and Drug Administration: Formaldehyde in hair smoothing products

Understand the appointment sequence without assuming a formula

Ask the stylist to describe the proposed process from assessment to finish. Depending on the product, this may involve preparation, sectioned application, a processing stage and a heat-based finish. Exact steps, heat settings and timings belong to the product instructions and the professional assessment, not a generic online recipe.

Ask how long to allow, whether a test is needed before the main appointment and what the finish will look like on the day. If the service changes your usual styling routine, ask the stylist to demonstrate the relevant technique. A clear explanation helps you plan transport, work and the next wash.

Confirm the £130 service and any combinations

The supplied Pharmacillin hair menu lists keratin treatment at £130. Confirm what the appointment includes, whether your hair length or condition affects the plan and whether other requested services are separate. Do not assume a cut, toner, colour service or blow-dry package is included unless the provider confirms it.

If you want colour and smoothing close together, discuss the order and spacing with the stylist using the exact products and hair history. Avoid arranging separate appointments independently and assuming they are compatible. Ask for a written plan you can use when comparing availability at the relevant location.

Make aftercare specific enough to follow

Ask when to wash, which products to use, what heat styling is appropriate and whether tying the hair up, swimming or another colour appointment needs special planning. Product instructions differ, so a universal 'wait three days' rule is not a reliable substitute for the instructions for your treatment.

Write down the advice and ask what to do if the finish differs from expectations after washing. The AAD's general hair-care advice supports a routine matched to your hair and scalp, with gentle handling. A smoothing service does not remove the need to care for the hair between appointments.

Further reading: American Academy of Dermatology: Tips for healthy hair

Treat scalp symptoms as a separate concern

Tell the provider promptly if you experience significant irritation during a service. Persistent scalp pain, rash or unexplained shedding deserves appropriate assessment, rather than a second smoothing appointment to correct it. Cosmetic finish and scalp health are related, but they are different questions.

Pharmacillin's keratin service guide sits within Hair Services, while contact dermatitis and other skin concerns have separate consultation guides. Confirm hair-service availability at the selected clinic before travelling. The photographs on the website are generated illustrations of salon activity, not proof of an individual result.