Keratin Treatment Support Thread

[*fabulosity*]

Cellophane and BKT are a match made in heaven in my opinion. I was all upset about giving up my henna but I haven't skipped a beat since I started my BKT / Cellophane combo.

I just ordered the 1/2 Babyliss flat iron so I can get at them roots the way I need to when I do my BKT!

GIRL!!! I am all over that... I have my Sedu Shortie and now I'm thinking about getting a ProCo or Metropolis wireless 1/2 inch one so it won't be cords all over the place.. lol. I think this will yield great more concentrated results. I need it as I'm planning to use BKT to transition.

 

[*fabulosity*]

Ok I did it...I have tons of pics but I am leaving for vacations tomorrow morning. I don't have time to upload and post the pics. I will do so next weekend.

I am texlaxed, 3 weeks post relaxer. I used sofliss. The clarifying shampoo was pleasantly tingly on my scalp and smell like mint. I washed and rinced 3 times. My hair felt stripped and super tangled after and I was affraid to comb it lol.
I let it air dry a little, then blow dried to 90%. I then combed gently and there was a few hairs on the comb. But I ALWAYS have hairs on the com when I detangle anyway. So it was not surprising.
Then I separated my hair in 4 parts and applied about 2oz. It felt like I was applying conditioner. Then I combed each section and made sure I had product everywhere. The hair was easy to comb at that point.
Then I waited 20mn, and blow dried with the comb attachment. My hair felt coated at that point, but it had movement.
After that I flat Ironed with my sedu at 410, with 8 passes (yes lol). I tried a few strands with less passes but they did not feel sliky at all with less passes. So 8 it was.
After I was done my hair was super soft, silky but dull. Lots of "swang", and really nice.
I waited an hour, applied the mask for 5 mn and rinced with cold water. It felt a little hard so I applied my favorite Joico Kpack intense moisture for 5mn and rinsed.
Then it was magical!!!!
It took almost nothing to detangle. I did not see any hair on the comb at all. I applied my leave in, heat protection and blow dried with the comb attachment.
It took less than 5 mn to dry super straight. I don't even need to used the flat iron!!
My hair is soft, shiny and straight right now. I love it love it!! I can't stop touching my hair, and my husband says that I should throw my wig away because my hair look so much nicer

Next time I will use heat protective gloves because the hair gets really really hot!
I have not been bothered by the fumes at all, except when I started to apply the product. I forgot to turn the fan on an my eyes started burning a little. It stopped as soon as I had the fan.
Also I will probably leave the mask longer next time. I just wanted to follow the directions to the T this time.

Thanks so much to all the ladies who tried it first and encouraged the rest of us. You are the best

YAY!!!!!!!!

This was similar to my and my mom's experience.. and it looks like you followed the directions.. GASP!!! Just kidding!

I think when you use enough heat initially it lessens the amount you'll have to use later.

Congrats and welcome!!

 

[girlyprincess23]

I'm looking for a touch-up / BKT buddy in Atlanta. I think this can be even better if we can pair up and do each other's hair!! I have all the right supplies, I would like help doing the back of my head.

PM me if you are in Atlanta and want to talk about this, I like the DIY w/ a friend potential. I'm good at doing the BKTs myself, I'm not so confident with self relaxing the back of my head.

I think this is a great idea!! I can not help you as I am not in Atlanta but any NYC ladies that would like to pair up..PM ME!! I know I can do it myself but getting at the back and with all my hair it is not going to be fun and I don't think my fiance is up for helping me!!! LOL

 

[Tafa01]

YAY!!!!!!!!

This was similar to my and my mom's experience.. and it looks like you followed the directions.. GASP!!! Just kidding!

I think when you use enough heat initially it lessens the amount you'll have to use later.

Congrats and welcome!!

Thanks so much!!!
I missed my plane and what am I doing while waiting for the next one? checking the hair board haha.

I'll try to upload the pics before I get back home. I can't wait to show the results lol

 

[ksk_xs]

I did my 2nd BKT with softliss last week. I chose this brand because it was the cheapest and because the office is close to my house so I can go pick it up and/or have the ppl show me how to do it. After the 1st treatment my hair was just so-so. I used too much product and the rusults were decent but not worth the money or time IMO. I also relaxed my hair w/in a week of the treatment because I wasn't happy with it's effects-big mistake for my hair. Major shedding ladies, even with vaseline all ove my hair.

This 2nd treatment(done 2 months apart) has been a dream though. My hair was underprocessed after the relaxer so it was like I gave myself a bad texturizer. I do notice that I have more newgrowth than usual but I'm not sure how much is new and how much is underprocessed. I am finally able to get my hair straight and smooth with just a rollerset at home(I've never been able to accomplish this even at a salon). I use Paul Mitchell color preserve products bcuz I got them for the low.

The first pic is after the 1st treatment-flat ironed and the 2nd pic is with the product still on the hair after the 2nd treatment.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I did my 2nd BKT with softliss last week. I chose this brand because it was the cheapest and because the office is close to my house so I can go pick it up and/or have the ppl show me how to do it. After the 1st treatment my hair was just so-so. I used too much product and the rusults were decent but not worth the money or time IMO. I also relaxed my hair w/in a week of the treatment because I wasn't happy with it's effects-big mistake for my hair. Major shedding ladies, even with vaseline all ove my hair.

This 2nd treatment(done 2 months apart) has been a dream though. My hair was underprocessed after the relaxer so it was like I gave myself a bad texturizer. I do notice that I have more newgrowth than usual but I'm not sure how much is new and how much is underprocessed. I am finally able to get my hair straight and smooth with just a rollerset at home(I've never been able to accomplish this even at a salon). I use Paul Mitchell color preserve products bcuz I got them for the low.

The first pic is after the 1st treatment-flat ironed and the 2nd pic is with the product still on the hair after the 2nd treatment.

The BKT is the perfect answer to an under processed relax job.

I under process my hair on purpose to just enough to get the chemical to penetrate the cuticle of my hair. I dilute the heck out of my relaxer with conditioner, oil and keratin protein. This cuts most of the processing out. I just penetrate the hair cuticle enough to get the BKT to take and make my hair straight. If were to try and wear my hair the way I under process, it would be a frizzy mess. But the BKT makes it so straight and smooth! This has been very beneficial to the health of my hair.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Do yo do the cellophane before the BKT or after?

AtlantaJJ hasn't been getting to the boards as much these days, so I'll jump in, ok? It'll be great if she can get back to elaborate, but she does the cellophane before the BKT as it has salt in it. She then does the BKT and says it's like it seals the cellophane in for long lasting color.

I'm loving the results I've seen with the cellophanes. Aside from the color and shine, I had no idea it also helps to make the hair appear fuller, too. I'm all over that. Fullness, shine and a variety of colors to choose from? I'm all over that.

Miss Sheba is 110% correct! You know how Cellophanes tend to run with every shampoo.. it does not run at all when I use my Keratin based conditioners.

I learned something recently. I used a heavy moisture conditioner with oils and guess what....my Cellophane ran! Which tells me that the conditioner combo I used (which did not have salts or sulfates) must have caused some of my BKT to lift as well. I used AO White Camillia with some oil with heat. In the future I'm sticking with the keratin based conditioners because my protein / moisture balance is fine when I use them with out the heavy mositurizers. I ususally follow up with a cream rinse for slip and I'm good to go.

My hair likes cones now! BTW I think light cones help protect the BKT.

It's probably been posted already, but I'm wondering how many people have waited more than one hour to rinse out the Softliss...I just did my 3rd Softliss application yesterday morning and let it sit all day and overnight (I had some social commitments), finally rinsing about 26 hour after I finished flat-ironing. Then I let the mask sit for a couple of hours with a plastic cap. Afterwards I air-dried for about 20 minutes, then blow-dried for about 5. My hair feels like butter with no product. Sooo loving the BKT!

Also, I ordered OK Keratin to try on my next go-round. Any suggestions?

Ok I did it...I have tons of pics but I am leaving for vacations tomorrow morning. I don't have time to upload and post the pics. I will do so next weekend.

I am texlaxed, 3 weeks post relaxer. I used sofliss. The clarifying shampoo was pleasantly tingly on my scalp and smell like mint. I washed and rinced 3 times. My hair felt stripped and super tangled after and I was affraid to comb it lol.
I let it air dry a little, then blow dried to 90%. I then combed gently and there was a few hairs on the comb. But I ALWAYS have hairs on the com when I detangle anyway. So it was not surprising.
Then I separated my hair in 4 parts and applied about 2oz. It felt like I was applying conditioner. Then I combed each section and made sure I had product everywhere. The hair was easy to comb at that point.
Then I waited 20mn, and blow dried with the comb attachment. My hair felt coated at that point, but it had movement.
After that I flat Ironed with my sedu at 410, with 8 passes (yes lol). I tried a few strands with less passes but they did not feel sliky at all with less passes. So 8 it was.
After I was done my hair was super soft, silky but dull. Lots of "swang", and really nice.
I waited an hour, applied the mask for 5 mn and rinced with cold water. It felt a little hard so I applied my favorite Joico Kpack intense moisture for 5mn and rinsed.
Then it was magical!!!!
It took almost nothing to detangle. I did not see any hair on the comb at all. I applied my leave in, heat protection and blow dried with the comb attachment.
It took less than 5 mn to dry super straight. I don't even need to used the flat iron!!
My hair is soft, shiny and straight right now. I love it love it!! I can't stop touching my hair, and my husband says that I should throw my wig away because my hair look so much nicer

Next time I will use heat protective gloves because the hair gets really really hot!
I have not been bothered by the fumes at all, except when I started to apply the product. I forgot to turn the fan on an my eyes started burning a little. It stopped as soon as I had the fan.
Also I will probably leave the mask longer next time. I just wanted to follow the directions to the T this time.

Thanks so much to all the ladies who tried it first and encouraged the rest of us. You are the best

I'm glad both of you posted this because I plan on letting my Softliss stay on at least over night before I do the final rinse.

I would also like to follow up with something after the rinse softliss product. I felt like something was missing. The Joico Moisture sounds the perfect thing!! That's a brilliant idea!!

 

[kgard7777]

Does anyone have a comparison of OK KERATIN vs. SOFTLISS?

If so, which one did you like best?

 

[sheba1]

Ksk_xs, your hair is in both pics! Gorgeous!!!

I agree, BKT is definitely something that gets better and better with time.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

Ksk_xs, your hair is in both pics! Gorgeous!!!

I agree, BKT is definitely something that gets better and better with time.

I have to agree that both pics look great!

 

[Love Always]

Hey ladies, I'm really contemplating getting BKT done professionally. I wear my hair in it's natural state and the only reason why I'm contemplating the BKT is for manageability and to cut down on frizz. But, I have a question for you ladies regarding flat irons. Do you think it would be safe to use a marcel flat on BKT hair or do you think I should stick to the plug in flat iron? Once in a while I do like to wear my hair straight.

 

[Keen]

Hey ladies, I'm really contemplating getting BKT done professionally. I wear my hair in it's natural state and the only reason why I'm contemplating the BKT is for manageability and to cut down on frizz. But, I have a question for you ladies regarding flat irons. Do you think it would be safe to use a marcel flat on BKT hair or do you think I should stick to the plug in flat iron? Once in a while I do like to wear my hair straight.

The instructions specifically say ceramic. So I would suggest you first used the marcel iron but do three or four passes with an ceramic iron of 450 degrees.

 

[Keen]

Ladies, I washed my hair for the first time on Friday after my BKT. A whole week after the application. I chose to use the Keratin conditioner that came with the QOD max. I did not shampoo first. I didn't cared for how my hair felt after I washed out the conditioner (I kept it on my hair for about an hour and spent about 20 minutes under a heating cap). I used Chi silk infusion and Sarlem 21 for leave it.

Let me tell you.... My hair dried straight. Almost as straight as right after the BKT. It was so soft I couldn't stop touching my hair all day. My hair felt like I just got a perm.

The best thing about it is my ends on the back of my head. I wrote about how my ends on the back of my ends looks like somebody put a flame to them and scorched it, even though it still feel nice and soft like the rest of my hair. This has been the reason why I can't progress with long hair. I hate how they look so I would cut the rest of my hair just to get rid of them. I cut them out and they still come back. So it's something that I'm doing wrong. Can't figured it out.

Well I think BKT solved that problem. The scorched looking ends look just like my other ends: silk, smooth, straight and healthy. I'm still baffled. I'm thinking it's a fluke that's why I didn't post about it Friday after my hair dried. I've worked out twice this weekend, and moisturized my hair with hawaiin 14in1 and it still straight like the rest of my hair.

I'm in cloud 9. I was going to cut it again. BSL here I come!

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Does anyone have a comparison of OK KERATIN vs. SOFTLISS?

If so, which one did you like best?

I liked the initial results of the OK Keratin right after the BKT. After the second wash they appear to be about the same with the Softliss lasting longer but I think because I used it for my second BKT.

I'm going to do a couple things different with the Softliss next time to see if that doesn't help with results right after the BKT.

Hey ladies, I'm really contemplating getting BKT done professionally. I wear my hair in it's natural state and the only reason why I'm contemplating the BKT is for manageability and to cut down on frizz. But, I have a question for you ladies regarding flat irons. Do you think it would be safe to use a marcel flat on BKT hair or do you think I should stick to the plug in flat iron? Once in a while I do like to wear my hair straight.

Please use a GOOD ceramic iron for the entire process. I had that stressed to me time and time again, a good ceramic iron is one of the keys to good results with a BKT.

 

[kgard7777]

Thanks for your response. I use a FHI platform on 450... is that a good one?

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Thanks for your response. I use a FHI platform on 450... is that a good one?

Yes, I think that's a good one

 

[lwilliams1922]

bkt and working out.

I thought I had a good groove going with the BKT. THEN I started working out. Can anyone working out with BKT shed some light on the routine?

I was co washing once per week and that was going great. Now I'm working out 3 times per week where my hair gets pretty wet with sweat. It takes a few hours before I get home and wash it with the global poo and condish.

Previously I could tell the BKT was wearing off very SLIGHTLY with each weekly co wash. Now I notice a larger change with each wash.
My roots are actually looking a lot tighter.

What is everyone else observing when sweating with the BKT? and how do you maintain your hair after and between workouts?

 

[*fabulosity*]

Re: bkt and working out.

I thought I had a good groove going with the BKT. THEN I started working out. Can anyone working out with BKT shed some light on the routine?

I was co washing once per week and that was going great. Now I'm working out 3 times per week where my hair gets pretty wet with sweat. It takes a few hours before I get home and wash it with the global poo and condish.

Previously I could tell the BKT was wearing off very SLIGHTLY with each weekly co wash. Now I notice a larger change with each wash.
My roots are actually looking a lot tighter.

What is everyone else observing when sweating with the BKT? and how do you maintain your hair after and between workouts?

I am using softliss and I sweat hard in the head. My roots were a bit wavy; but my hair was still straight. Before getting in the shower I combed my hair into a wrap; put a conditioning cap over and then tied my silk scarf and of course shower cap. I learned that from "alraines" on you tube. Works like a silk wrap. My hair was still bouncy and straight.. which it is usually curled up by that time.

I have only washed with poo 2x.. I am cowashing and I don't have build up and my hair feels soft. I really want to wash; but being able to workout and not having to do my hair completely over again has spoiled me.

 

[lwilliams1922]

Re: bkt and working out.

I am using softliss and I sweat hard in the head. My roots were a bit wavy; but my hair was still straight. Before getting in the shower I combed my hair into a wrap; put a conditioning cap over and then tied my silk scarf and of course shower cap. I learned that from "alraines" on you tube. Works like a silk wrap. My hair was still bouncy and straight.. which it is usually curled up by that time.

I have only washed with poo 2x.. I am cowashing and I don't have build up and my hair feels soft. I really want to wash; but being able to workout and not having to do my hair completely over again has spoiled me.

So you dont wash after sweating? I thought the salt from the sweat work wear out the BKT??

can you post the link to youtube video?

thanks!

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I thought I had a good groove going with the BKT. THEN I started working out. Can anyone working out with BKT shed some light on the routine?

I was co washing once per week and that was going great. Now I'm working out 3 times per week where my hair gets pretty wet with sweat. It takes a few hours before I get home and wash it with the global poo and condish.

Previously I could tell the BKT was wearing off very SLIGHTLY with each weekly co wash. Now I notice a larger change with each wash.
My roots are actually looking a lot tighter.

What is everyone else observing when sweating with the BKT? and how do you maintain your hair after and between workouts?

I co-wash and condition 2Xs per week, shampoo and DC on the weekends. I think shampooing wears on the BKT more than sweat. That's what appears to be happening for me.

 

[lwilliams1922]

I co-wash and condition 2Xs per week, shampoo and DC on the weekends. I think shampooing wears on the BKT more than sweat. That's what appears to be happening for me.

are you cowashing after each work out?

I pooed last night and man my roots feel a hot mess. The new growth that got the treatment a few weeks ago feels like I never touched them.

 

[*fabulosity*]

Re: bkt and working out.

So you dont wash after sweating? I thought the salt from the sweat work wear out the BKT??

can you post the link to youtube video?

thanks!

Hmm.. hasn't been wearing mine out.. least I don't think. Perhaps.
Here is the youtube I was speaking of...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xmsxE80hrw

But I did see these products and I'm trying to see if they will be better than the Keratin Complex... hmmmm..

http://www.rusk1.com/files/factsheets/Pro Elements Keratin Shampoo Fact Sheet.pdf

 

[AtlantaJJ]

are you cowashing after each work out?

I pooed last night and man my roots feel a hot mess. The new growth that got the treatment a few weeks ago feels like I never touched them.

I'm co-washing after every 2-3 workouts - My roots were crazy too. I just lightly textlaxed them and will do a BKT next weekend.

 

[lwilliams1922]

I'm co-washing after every 2-3 workouts - My roots were crazy too. I just lightly textlaxed them and will do a BKT next weekend.

So what do you do with your hair after working out?

I MIGHT be able to get away with waiting but I was just so scared of the sweat wearing out the product.

Are you wearing it straight or w&g when you work out?

 

[sheba1]

are you cowashing after each work out?

I pooed last night and man my roots feel a hot mess. The new growth that got the treatment a few weeks ago feels like I never touched them.

Since my 2nd BKT I cowash daily, whether I work out or not. I either rock a wash n go after, like so:



Or I wet bun:



I like to bounce around for my cowash products. My faves are V05 clarifying conditioner and Tressemme moisture rich conditioner. I reconstruct (while in the shower) 2 or 3 times a week with aphogee 2 minute (always after the clarifying condtioner or after I shampoo once every couple weeks).

After my cowash, I rub coconut oil throughout followed by a generous amount of aussie smooth conditioner. From here I loosely wet bun or I follow that with black n sassy cream set to wash n go.

I work out 4 to 5 days per week. At first I worried that all the cowashing would wear my BKT but there was a 2 month window between my 3rd and 4th BKT; cowashing daily all the while. As long as I'm wet bunning and wash n going I see no reason not to continue... and I plan on mostly wet bunning to BSL.

 

[girlyprincess23]

I will answer your questions in the order they were asked(per my opinion and experience):

I used a hand held lowdryer. It is a BabyLiss Ceramic. I di have a diffuser on the end. The "HOT SOX". I think any handheld will do. Do not use the comb attachment. Its not necessary.

No pertreating needed. You are going to clarify wash anyway.

It doesn't matter what condition your hair is in, BKT can handle it. From my research(and I did A LOT of it), the more damage the hair the better.

BKT should help with hair growth in the fact that your hair will not require much manipulation when wet. WHich means you can wash and deep condition more often. I wash /DC 3x a week. Wash n gos are a staple for many BKT'ers here. Make sure that you watch the ingredients in the products you use post BKT. NO sodium chloride(salt), and SLS, because they can strip your BKT. And remember your protein/moisture balance.

HTH

ETA: This is what I use 3x week:
Wash with HairOne Olive Oil
DC with Yes TO Carrots adn Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor (protein/moisture)
Leave ins are GVP Potion #9 and Nexxus Headress (protein/moisture) on hair ONLY
JBCO/MT mixture on scalp only
I also use the Aphogee ProVitamin and Green Tea Reconstructor spray

So you also are using the MT on your scalp? How are you keeping it from getting on your hair?

 

[ksk_xs]

Ksk_xs, your hair is in both pics! Gorgeous!!!

I agree, BKT is definitely something that gets better and better with time.

I have to agree that both pics look great!

Thanks ladies. I'm sooo very happy with the results of the 2nd treatment. It's horrible that the Softliss office is so close to me because after I did my rollerset (pic attached for another member) I almost hopped in my car and went to buy another bottle. My newgrowth gets straight with a rollerset but I live in Miami so 10 seconds outside=sweating but it's still smoother than normal.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

So what do you do with your hair after working out?

I MIGHT be able to get away with waiting but I was just so scared of the sweat wearing out the product.

Are you wearing it straight or w&g when you work out?

I'm wet bunning for the most part, that requires the least amount of manipulation. I tie my hair down in a ponytail working out. When I'm done I tie a clean dry do rag on it while I'm taking my shower and getting ready. It helps to dry my hair and to keep it in my ponytail sleek shape. I sweat a lot too, so I wear a high pony tail and I tie a do rag around edges to catch the sweat while I'm working out.

 

[ksk_xs]

For the ladies that relax and BKT,do you do any special prep prior to your relaxer and how long do you need to wait before you can relax? I know the directions for Softliss say 2 weeks but I wanted to know if anyone had any experiences that demonstrated a need to wait longer.

 

[Scorpimini14720]

Yay!!!! I did my first BKT Tx. I ordered the OK Keratin Tx from Ebay on Friday afternoon and I received it Tuesday. I didn't expect to receive it until Wed or Thursday. My husband and I planned to go to a comedy show last night but I told him to forget it, I had to do my hair.

Sooooo... I received my BKT @ 6pm after work and went straight in the shower to clarify may hair. With the first wash it was squeaky clean, like washing dishes in Palmolive. I clarified 3 times and my hair was sooo dry. I let my hair air dry while I tried to detangle and section my hair. I gently detangled with my fingers and that took about 30-40 min. My hair was completely poofy except my 2-3 inches on my ends that were straight.
I sectioned in 6 sections because 4 sections was still to much hair.
I started with the back and applied the OK Tx on with a toothbrush and the small end of the comb to get the remainder out. I was so paranoid to use to much after reading everyones testimonies. I think with the toothbrush helped bc I was able to get my NG and not touch my scalp. It took me 1 hr to apply the BKT on.

The fumes started giving me a slight headache as I was doing the front of my head. (Do you remember on Harlem nights when the cop was taking little bitty breathes in the vault; that's how I was breathing ). I took a break and relaxed for about 30 min and then sat under the dryer for about 30 min. My hair was still dry but manageable to separate and comb. I made small sections and started flat ironing.

I used a GVP flat iron on 410 degrees with 7 passes. After 4-5 passes my hair felt silky and soft. I tried to focus the heat near my new growth because the rest of my hair was pretty straight after applying the BKT. I had to take a break while doing in my hair, it took me 1.5 hrs to finish flat ironing but I could see the difference. I didn't smell any fumes while I was flat ironing. My hair was smooth and silky but still kind of dull. I could run my fingers through my hair from root to ends and did not feel my new growth. My hair still looks thick but feels light and has swang. lol. (now I understand) I think next time I may need to add a little more to the ends, they don't feel as smooth as the rest of my hair.

This morning I rubbed a dime size amount of Lacio Lacio on the top of my hair because I had mad fly aways and put on a head band. When I get home this evening I am going to wash it out and style it afterwards. I will attempt to post pics of my before & afters once I wash out my hair.
I know I don't post much but I greatly appreciate the information and you ladies on this board. I hope this will mark the beginning of my transition from texlaxed to natural with the help of BKT. Thank you!