Keratin Treatment Support Thread

[sheba1]

That's interesting that so many use more protein rich products after BKT. I cowash daily and my conditioners are mostly moisture. Either moisturizing or clarifying cowash, coconut oil and Aussie conditioner as my leave-in. Really the only proteins in my reggie are the Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor that I do a couple times a week after clarifying cowash and coconut oil has been said to be protein-y. Other than that I'm moisture, moisture, moisture. I experience little to no breakage (actually none that I can detect). I just recently added dominican products to my reggie and the whale sperm conditioner (definitely protein rich) was one of my purchases. I've only used it twice, now, so I'll keep watch as to how the additioinal protein affects my hair. So far so good, but I always mix it with Silicon Mix conditioner.

 

[naturalmanenyc]

I've tried Lasio One Day BKT (once) and Rejuvenol BKT with collagen 3 times with no problems. I sealed in the last 2 treatments with my Maxiglide on setting 10 (430 degrees) with 4 - 5 passes.

The only thing that I did notice with my most recent BKT is that, with the treatment on during the curing period, that my shed hairs snap easily with no stretching. However, I attribute that to my hair being coated with a layer of protein. Otherwise, I think that my moisture/protein balance is okay. I have not noticed any excess shedding and I was careful to not get the treatment on my scalp.

For my 3rd BKT I did notice some tingling on my scalp which I attribute to getting the treatment on my scalp in the front section of my head (which I did myself). Could that be why some ladies experienced increased shedding?

I use the Rejuvenol poo & conditioner (after care poo not clarifying) as well as Aussie Moist, WEN Fig and Garnier Strength & Repair Condish and Herbal Essences conditioners. I have stayed away from protein conditioners. I have been curly nearly all summer and using lots of HE LTR leave in, Aussie Moist as a leave in plus gel, coconut oil & olive oil (sometimes I mix the two). I also think that my hair is pretty healthy and was by the time my 2nd BKT was finished (significant trim of most of my relaxed hair).

http://public.fotki.com/RegsWife/4th-bkt-done-all-on/

I intend to dc this coming week (olive oil & Nourish Spa condish mix) as I had not been doing a weekly dc for most of the summer, although I know I should.

Well knock me down and call me shorty, I didn't know avocado was considered a protein!! I just know that my hair likes it!

Hair is an interesting thing, its so different for everyone.

I have very fine, fluffy cotton like strands. I felt like the BKT would help me because it would add re-enforcement to the outer layer of my strand and help my cuticles to lay closed. The BKT is having the exact effect I expected. That's another reason I use Cellophanes because it adds a coating and therefore weight to my strands.

I'm guessing my hair likes protein conditoners because it adheres to the cuticle and helps to re-enforce my hair as well.


I am going to carefully read through the posts with problems tomorrow and see if I can spot a pattern, and brainstorm on what could be causing these problems.

The other thing I don't see mentioned (just scanning) are we mentioning the type of flat iron they are using? The BKT is supposed to be used with a solid ceramic flat iron. That makes a huge difference in whether or not the product is baked onto the hair strands successfully.

Another thing I would like to check to see if there are specific brands that seems to be causing the problems.

I've only used OK Keratin Chocolate and Softliss Chocolate. I will be trying GLobal in a week or two. Pink Skates has used QOD Gold successfully. Naturaltobe has successfully tried a couple of other brands.

 

[MarieB]

I was so sorry to hear about the negative experiences people have had with the BKT. I have used the Marcia Texeira (however u spell it, it's what they use at Unsprung Salon, which I believe is linked on this thread) for my first BKT, then touchups I did myself with Softliss. My hair loves this stuff, and I have had no adverse effects. If I had a complaint, it would be that my roots aren't straight, but that's an easy fix (transitioning with BKT). Good luck to everyone, especially those who have had issues.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

This may be the culprit. Avocado is protein.

That totally makes sense. I haven't had a prob with avocado as it's a light protein, and like I said silk proteins don't bother me or did I mention that? But still I use them lightly. But maybe I need to lay off it completely this time. The avocado condish from shescentit has tons of moisture in it, but it does contain the protein in the form of avocado. I guess I meant HARDER proteins just don't work with my hair.

THanks for reminding me of something that was soooo obvious!

I have another conditioner (silicon mix) that I use sometimes. I don't think it has protein but I'll have to check. I'll also look into others and make sure it doesn't have any in it.

Because too much protein is a downer for me and the avocado combined with the keratin was probably a no no (one or the other as they are light protein would be okay with my other moisturizing products like coconut oil, but both together might've been the culprit).

Thanks again naturaltobe. I'm glad I posted because I was kinda bummed out that this wasn't working out and trying to find out what to do to off set it.

 

[naturalmanenyc]

Yeah, my roots are not as straight as my salon BKT....but once I get my Babyliss root straightening tool, I will fix that.

I was so sorry to hear about the negative experiences people have had with the BKT. I have used the Marcia Texeira (however u spell it, it's what they use at Unsprung Salon, which I believe is linked on this thread) for my first BKT, then touchups I did myself with Softliss. My hair loves this stuff, and I have had no adverse effects. If I had a complaint, it would be that my roots aren't straight, but that's an easy fix (transitioning with BKT). Good luck to everyone, especially those who have had issues.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

Well knock me down and call me shorty, I didn't know avocado was considered a protein!! I just know that my hair likes it!

Hair is an interesting thing, its so different for everyone.

I have very fine, fluffy cotton like strands. I felt like the BKT would help me because it would add re-enforcement to the outer layer of my strand and help my cuticles to lay closed. The BKT is having the exact effect I expected. That's another reason I use Cellophanes because it adds a coating and therefore weight to my strands.

I'm guessing my hair likes protein conditoners because it adheres to the cuticle and helps to re-enforce my hair as well.


I am going to carefully read through the posts with problems tomorrow and see if I can spot a pattern, and brainstorm on what could be causing these problems.

The other thing I don't see mentioned (just scanning) are we mentioning the type of flat iron they are using? The BKT is supposed to be used with a solid ceramic flat iron.I have a solid ceramic flat iron, however I'm thinking I need to cut out the avocado which I LOVE. But you know, if I have to adjust it and my hair is still okay I'm all for it. That makes a huge difference in whether or not the product is baked onto the hair strands successfully.

Another thing I would like to check to see if there are specific brands that seems to be causing the problems.

I've only used OK Keratin Chocolate and Softliss Chocolate. I will be trying GLobal in a week or two. Pink Skates has used QOD Gold successfully. Naturaltobe has successfully tried a couple of other brands.

 

[naturalmanenyc]

Glad to help. I know that you are looking for something to make dealing with your hair less of a chore and I don't want you (or anyone else) to give up on BKT for reasons that may be unrelated to the BKT itself.

Good luck.

That totally makes sense. I haven't had a prob with avocado as it's a light protein, and like I said silk proteins don't bother me. But maybe I need to lay off it completely this time. The avocado condish from shescentit has tons of moisture in it, but it does contain the protein in the form of avocado. I guess I meant HARDER proteins just don't work with my hair.

THanks for reminding me of something that was soooo obvious!

I have another conditioner (silicon mix) that I use sometimes. I don't think it has protein but I'll have to check. I'll also look into others and make sure it doesn't have any in it.

Because too much protein is a downer for me and the avocado combined with the keratin was probably a no no (one or the other as they are light protein would be okay with my other moisturizing products like coconut oil, but both together might've been the culprit).

Thanks again naturaltobe. I'm glad I posted because I was kinda bummed out that this wasn't working out and trying to find out what to do to off set it.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I've tried Lasio One Day BKT (once) and Rejuvenol BKT with collagen 3 times with no problems. I sealed in the last 2 treatments with my Maxiglide on setting 10 (430 degrees) with 4 - 5 passes.

The only thing that I did notice with my most recent BKT is that, with the treatment on during the curing period, that my shed hairs snap easily with no stretching. However, I attribute that to my hair being coated with a layer of protein. Otherwise, I think that my moisture/protein balance is okay. I have not noticed any excess shedding and I was careful to not get the treatment on my scalp.

For my 3rd BKT I did notice some tingling on my scalp which I attribute to getting the treatment on my scalp in the front section of my head (which I did myself). Could that be why some ladies experienced increased shedding?

I use the Rejuvenol poo & conditioner (after care poo not clarifying) as well as Aussie Moist, WEN Fig and Garnier Strength & Repair Condish and Herbal Essences conditioners. I have stayed away from protein conditioners. I have been curly nearly all summer and using lots of HE LTR leave in, Aussie Moist as a leave in plus gel, coconut oil & olive oil (sometimes I mix the two). I also think that my hair is pretty healthy and was by the time my 2nd BKT was finished (significant trim of most of my relaxed hair).

http://public.fotki.com/RegsWife/4th-bkt-done-all-on/

I intend to dc this coming week (olive oil & Nourish Spa condish mix) as I had not been doing a weekly dc for most of the summer, although I know I should.

Just as a side note, I think the HE LTR leave in has Sodium Chloride if I'm not mistaken. I looked at my PJ stash and I could swear I read that but don't hold me to it until I can check...

 

[sheba1]

Hey there, LuckiestDestiny. I use Silicon Mix and it's got keratin and ceramides in it. Pretty low on the list but wanted to mention it in case it could prove a problem.

Silicon Mix Ingredients: Ingredients: Water, Mineral Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerine, Citric Acid, Cetrimoniun Chloride, Dimethycone Copolyol, Cyclomethicone, Keratin, Ceramide, Diazolidinyl Urea (and) lodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance.

 

[Desarae]

I have fine heat sensitive strands. My hair is NOT protien sensitive.

 

[MissMeWithThatIsh]

I just washed the BKT with Kinky Curly Come Clean and Aphogee Keratin 2-step.

After I tried blow-drying, I decided that wasn't in my best interest... lol and I put Knot Today and KCCC in my hair. It's so much softer, looser and silkier feeling. My hair feels sooooo good and it was VERY easy to style into a slick ponytail. I put more KCCC on the ends or my ponypuff and I'm about to venture into the world.

Now would be a good time to find a deeply moisturizing regimen for when this wears off so I don't screw my progress.

I think I'll stick with this QOD Gold.

 

[girlyprincess23]

I have a question. Is it absoloutely necessary to use that shampoo that comes with the softliss? If so I can't do it. It tangles my hair sooooo bad. I lost clumps and clumps and strands and strands of hair this saturday! If I didn't have so much hair in the first place I would be bald right now. It might also be because the strands themselves are very fine but I just can't do it with that shampoo......the tangling is too too much. I was thinking next time I would just use Suave daily clarifying shampoo and then continue on with the process. If I don't get super straight results that is okay and can be fixed by a rollerset and a wrap. I'd rather have wavy roots than bald spots. Is anyone else using a different shampoo? Aw geez you should've seen those clumps that came out!

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I have a question. Is it absolutely necessary to use that shampoo that comes with the softliss? If so I can't do it. It tangles my hair sooooo bad. I lost clumps and clumps and strands and strands of hair this Saturday! If I didn't have so much hair in the first place I would be bald right now. It might also be because the strands themselves are very fine but I just can't do it with that shampoo......the tangling is too too much. I was thinking next time I would just use Suave daily clarifying shampoo and then continue on with the process. If I don't get super straight results that is okay and can be fixed by a rollerset and a wrap. I'd rather have wavy roots than bald spots. Is anyone else using a different shampoo? Aw geez you should've seen those clumps that came out!

I don't have an answer for your question but your question makes me scratch my head because I've used the softliss shampoo twice and mentioned both times that it didn't feel like a clairifying shampoo to me, it didn't leave my hair feeling rough or stripped.

I always wash under the shower with running water and comb out with my shower comb before I get out. But I was viturally tangle free both washes...after 4 lathers. It's perplexing how we are all getting such different results while using the same products.

 

[girlyprincess23]

I don't have an answer for your question but your question makes me scratch my head because I've used the softliss shampoo twice and mentioned both times that it didn't feel like a clairifying shampoo to me, it didn't leave my hair feeling rough or stripped.

I always wash under the shower with running water and comb out with my shower comb before I get out. But I was viturally tangle free both washes...after 4 lathers. It's perplexing how we are all getting such different results while using the same products.

Perplexing indeederplexed
The global keratin poo did the same thing! It feels very stripped like super clean plastic, rough, tangly, like it just all balled up and sat there! It was awful!!! And I only did 2!! I am never touching it again I was thinking of mixing it with suave but I am just gonna throw it out. It was a nightmare, an absolute nightmare. I was under the shower i was using my jilbere..still clumps. I almost fainted when the first clump came out. I have never had a clump of my hair fall out on me like that! Then during the subsequent steps so much more hair came out!! If all it is supposed to do is clarify the hair (which I think is a lie...because I read somewhere it is supposed to raise the cuticle so the strand is more receptive to the treatment) then suave daily clarifying or an ACV rinse should work just fine. Also I do not know if I want my cuticle raised like that That is how hair becomes porous...through degradation of the cuticle by repeatedly raising its scales or layers or whatever those are that are supposed to be relatively closed. SO I will just use Suave and see how that turns out next time. Also my natural hair is still wavy anyways soooo what is the point besides hair loss?

 

[sheba1]

I have a question. Is it absoloutely necessary to use that shampoo that comes with the softliss? If so I can't do it. It tangles my hair sooooo bad. I lost clumps and clumps and strands and strands of hair this saturday! If I didn't have so much hair in the first place I would be bald right now. It might also be because the strands themselves are very fine but I just can't do it with that shampoo......the tangling is too too much. I was thinking next time I would just use Suave daily clarifying shampoo and then continue on with the process. If I don't get super straight results that is okay and can be fixed by a rollerset and a wrap. I'd rather have wavy roots than bald spots. Is anyone else using a different shampoo? Aw geez you should've seen those clumps that came out!

Girlyprincess, was that your first treatment? I had trouble doing all that clarifying with my first treatment but haven't had any trouble since.

That being said, I don't think it would be problem to use a different clarifying shampoo. I ordered the Global clarifying when I ordered my treatment thinking it would be different/special in some way to go along with the BKT. But after looking at the ingredients, I could see it was just regular ole clarifying poo. I don't think I'll buy specific brand clarifying poos going forward. In fact, since Fabulosity mentioned the Rusk Smoothing Keratin Treatment, I don't think I'll use the Softliss mask either after I finish this bottle. I'll only purchase the treatment from Softliss if I decide to stick with it as my chosen BKT brand going forward.

ITA: I could see that you had the same trouble with the Global also. I say go with the clarifying. I don't think it'll be any trouble, at all.

 

[Tafa01]

Girlyprincess, was that your first treatment? I had trouble doing all that clarifying with my first treatment but haven't had any trouble since.

That being said, I don't think it would be problem to use a different clarifying shampoo. I ordered the Global clarifying when I ordered my treatment thinking it would be different/special in some way to go along with the BKT. But after looking at the ingredients, I could see it was just regular ole clarifying poo. I don't think I'll buy specific brand clarifying poos going forward. In fact, since Fabulosity mentioned the Rusk Smoothing Keratin Treatment, I don't think I'll use the Softliss mask either after I finish this bottle. I'll only purchase the treatment from Softliss if I decide to stick with it as my chosen BKT brand going forward.

ITA: I could see that you had the same trouble with the Global also. I say go with the clarifying. I don't think it'll be any trouble, at all.

She graciously sent me some to try, and it is the BEST treatment I have ever tried. It did wonders to my hair, plus it smells so good!! If I was rich I would throw away all the products I have and just buy this!!! it is better that ors pack, YTC and Joico (these are what I have). And FAR better than the softliss mask. Thanks again Fab!!

 

[girlyprincess23]

Girlyprincess, was that your first treatment? I had trouble doing all that clarifying with my first treatment but haven't had any trouble since.

That being said, I don't think it would be problem to use a different clarifying shampoo. I ordered the Global clarifying when I ordered my treatment thinking it would be different/special in some way to go along with the BKT. But after looking at the ingredients, I could see it was just regular ole clarifying poo. I don't think I'll buy specific brand clarifying poos going forward. In fact, since Fabulosity mentioned the Rusk Smoothing Keratin Treatment, I don't think I'll use the Softliss mask either after I finish this bottle. I'll only purchase the treatment from Softliss if I decide to stick with it as my chosen BKT brand going forward.

ITA: I could see that you had the same trouble with the Global also. I say go with the clarifying. I don't think it'll be any trouble, at all.

That is def what I am going to do. It is waaaaayyyy to damaging to have to rip through my hair like that!!. It might be because my relaxed hair was damaged from the outset but still...ripping through it like that can not be good!! I'll just use suave daily clarifying I use it on my daughter and i've used it on my braids before so I should be ok!

 

[ChocoKitty]

Has anyone thought about using baby shampoo for clarifying? Zene Escova suggests using Johnson's...

"
[FONT=Arial, Geneva, sans-serif]We stock a range of clarifying shampoos which you can find here, but if you want to save money, we suggest a shampoo for infants, such as Johnson's baby shampoo - which is especially gentle."[/FONT]

http://escovaprogress.com/treatment.aspx

 

[MissRissa]

I think i'll have to agree with another poster who stated that bkt may not be for those who have hair that is very sensitive to heat. The entire purpose of me getting the bkt was because it was purported to be a coating heat protectant and i thought finally that i could straighten my hair regularly and not get the constant 1/8th to 1 inch breakage. well i was incorrect. my hair is VERY fine and SERIOUSLY heat sensitive. which is weird cause as a kid i got my hair pressed regularly with no real issue, but that was back in the day when my hair was greased up. anywho, during and after my bkt i still got the breakage and i did a dc with joico kpak reconstructor prior to the process. Now my breakage wasn't horrible. I did my bkt in early june and as of now my hair has completely reverted (im natural) and is pretty much the same length. Because of the breakage, i haven't seen any growth but i didn't have a horrible setback.

I think if I can get around the double blow dry, like applying the bkt to wet or damp hair instead of applying it to the blow dried hair, i think it may turn out better. i thought about air drying, my hair hair tangles horribly when i air dry and it would make it a 2 day ordeal. Still considering doing a second app in Sept. but this time using the softliss instead of QOD.

 

[sheba1]

I think if I can get around the double blow dry, like applying the bkt to wet or damp hair instead of applying it to the blow dried hair, i think it may turn out better. i thought about air drying, my hair hair tangles horribly when i air dry and it would make it a 2 day ordeal. Still considering doing a second app in Sept. but this time using the softliss instead of QOD.

I've applied my BKT this way since the beginning. Maybe this is one of the reasons I've never had any breakage and am retaining so well with BKT?

My hair is super fine, cottony and heat sensitive. I do not straighten in between BKTs and I focus on mostly moisture rich conditioners both before and during my BKT. During my BKT I do lots of cowashing and reconstruct with aphogee 2 minute twice a week. Just giving other details in case someone can spot what I may be doing differently erplexed

 

[yodie]

@tallnomad - Hi, BKT buddy. I wish BKT worked for my hair, but it's just best if I go without it for now.

@DesiRae - I'm so sorry you're not happy with your hair. I've tried alot of things that have been mentioned on this board and have regretted most. I still think BKT is a great product simply because it's working for many women. I know it doesn't help, but your hair will grow again.

I certainly do WISH I could use something to make my hair more manageable, but I may have to just deal with what I've already been dealt (tight, 4b hair).

On another note, I noticed the damage before I ever touched henna, but I'm DCing my hair back to health. I'm soo glad I only did a section of my hair. Thankfully my damage was minor.

I'll have to live vicariously through you ladies.

 

[girlyprincess23]

Has anyone thought about using baby shampoo for clarifying? Zene Escova suggests using Johnson's...

"
[FONT=Arial, Geneva, sans-serif]We stock a range of clarifying shampoos which you can find here, but if you want to save money, we suggest a shampoo for infants, such as Johnson's baby shampoo - which is especially gentle."[/FONT]

http://escovaprogress.com/treatment.aspx

I did not know baby shampoo was a clarifier. I may try it especially if it is more gentle.

 

[MissRissa]

I've applied my BKT this way since the beginning. Maybe this is one of the reasons I've never had any breakage and am retaining so well with BKT?

My hair is super fine, cottony and heat sensitive. I do not straighten in between BKTs and I focus on mostly moisture rich conditioners both before and during my BKT. During my BKT I do lots of cowashing and reconstruct with aphogee 2 minute twice a week. Just giving other details in case someone can spot what I may be doing differently erplexed

gotdang u sheba, ok so im thinking i may apply it to damp hair, possibly rollerset it dry, unless its too tacky, and then flat iron it into my hair. i wonder. but umm, im like an 2 inches from midback so imma be perrrrrrty effin mad if i do that and it jacks my hair all up.

 

[girlyprincess23]

ANother question I had was should a protein treatment be done right before the BKT. The thing that is making me wonder did I do something wrong is because I slept in a moisturizing DC the night before I did the BKT. I did that because I did a sort of protein treatment?? I used the pure strength DC from NTM. I may have may have overmoisturized it and not left the protein treatment on long enough.....hmmmm. I think I am going to step up my protein treatments as I know I have been avoiding them since I went into protein overload a little while ago. Perhaps that will make my second softliss treatment better??? I still will not use that shampoo though!

 

[sheba1]

gotdang u sheba, ok so im thinking i may apply it to damp hair, possibly rollerset it dry, unless its too tacky, and then flat iron it into my hair. i wonder. but umm, im like an 2 inches from midback so imma be perrrrrrty effin mad if i do that and it jacks my hair all up.

Man, that is tough, MissRissa. I would think maybe do a test patch? And if it works out ok, do the full head once you've hit MBL That would give you enough time to decide if it would work for you or not and hopefully not jack your hair all up. I don't wan any parts of that jacking hair business

ANother question I had was should a protein treatment be done right before the BKT. The thing that is making me wonder did I do something wrong is because I slept in a moisturizing DC the night before I did the BKT. I did that because I did a sort of protein treatment?? I used the pure strength DC from NTM. I may have may have overmoisturized it and not left the protein treatment on long enough.....hmmmm. I think I am going to step up my protein treatments as I know I have been avoiding them since I went into protein overload a little while ago. Perhaps that will make my second softliss treatment better??? I still will not use that shampoo though!

I focus on moisture before, during and after my BKT with occasional reconstructs. I actually do 2 reconstructs per week but that's because I cowash every day. If I were a once a week washer I would reconstruct once a week followed up by a moisturizing DC. I figure BKT will fill any protein deficiency but if it "seals the hair" I want it to lock my moisturized hair in and protect the outside with the additional keratin coating. Method seems to be working out ok so far.

 

[BlackGeisha]

Hi all,

I just BKT'd for the 1st time on Saturday after taking out my sew-in of three months. My results are great, my pic is in my siggy. My roots are still puffy because I did not relax, but they are really soft and easy to comb through. I used OK Keratin and flat ironed with the GVP iron from Sally's on 410. I may do another treatment on Saturday to see if I can get my roots to lay down.

Good Luck!

 

[naturalmanenyc]

I do this too - apply BKT to towel dried hair. I do not blow dry twice....too much manipulation.

I am sitting with Aussie Deeeep 3 minute miracle in my hair right now with a plastic cap to dc. I use mostly mositurizing conditioners while the BKT wears off. I rarely use protein.

I have not done a dc in a while but plan to dc at least once a week.

I think if I can get around the double blow dry, like applying the bkt to wet or damp hair instead of applying it to the blow dried hair, i think it may turn out better. i thought about air drying, my hair hair tangles horribly when i air dry and it would make it a 2 day ordeal. Still considering doing a second app in Sept. but this time using the softliss instead of QOD.

I've applied my BKT this way since the beginning. Maybe this is one of the reasons I've never had any breakage and am retaining so well with BKT?

My hair is super fine, cottony and heat sensitive. I do not straighten in between BKTs and I focus on mostly moisture rich conditioners both before and during my BKT. During my BKT I do lots of cowashing and reconstruct with aphogee 2 minute twice a week. Just giving other details in case someone can spot what I may be doing differently erplexed

 

[Titansgirl]

I'm so sorry to hear that some of you ladies are having some major problems with your treatments. It is so refreshing to see everyone helping each others with trying to find the culprit to the issues.

Stay encouraged, ladies......

 

[Titansgirl]

Hi all,

I just BKT'd for the 1st time on Saturday after taking out my sew-in of three months. My results are great, my pic is in my siggy. My roots are still puffy because I did not relax, but they are really soft and easy to comb through. I used OK Keratin and flat ironed with the GVP iron from Sally's on 410. I may do another treatment on Saturday to see if I can get my roots to lay down.

Good Luck!

Keep us updated with your results. I'm glad you're happy with your results thus far.

 

[Stella B.]

I did not know baby shampoo was a clarifier. I may try it especially if it is more gentle.

I had planned on using the Johnson's baby shampoo when I do the BKT thing in September with Zene escova progress. But now that I think about it, I remember using baby shampoo years ago, and how hard and stripped my hair felt. I'll pass on the baby shampoo, and use a sulfate free clarifying shampoo like Aubrey Organics swimmers shampoo, or Giovanni's golden wheat clarifying shampoo. The whole purpose of the clarifying shampoo is to rid the hair of product, and lift the cuticles to prepare them for the BKT treatment. Either one of these shampoos should be able to do that. You all got me scared now, and thinking I need to do a little BKT pre-test on a small section of my hair like a few of you have already done. I know my hair and body is sensitive to a lot of things, so I will definitely be trying Zene-there is no formaldehyde or aldehydes in it, and supposedly nothing in it to harm the hair.???? I e-mailed Enrico the main contact guy in Brazil with a few questions about this product. I contacted him through the Zene escova website as listed above. He's very friendly, and doesn't mind answering questions. When I asked about the straightening agent in the product, he said the active ingredient was keratin, as formaldehyde use in products has been banned in Brazil for about 2 years now. The first ingredient on the Zene ingredient list is citric acid, (from corn?) which is not an aldehyde, but I'm suspecting it could be damaging if not handled correctly. So, when and if I do it, I'll let you ladies know how it turns out. I will stay tuned to this thread, and thanks to all the brave ladies that have tried it already, you are true pioneers on the BKT trail!!!! Hugs to the ladies that are experiencing problems, you know you've got an expert support group here to help.