Do you dream of smooth, silky, disciplined hair like you’ve just left the salon?
The smoothing keratin treatment is the ideal solution to reduce frizz and achieve long-lasting styling.
Although a professional service is irreplaceable, you can achieve excellent results at home if you use high-quality professional products.
Among the most effective is Keratin Therapy Lisse Design by Alfaparf Milano Professional: a complete system that makes hair soft, shiny and visibly healthy.
Discover how to perform the treatment step by step and achieve perfect smooth hair right at home!
About Us: Hairdressers since 1914, Keratin Experts and Official Alfaparf Partners
For over a century we have put our passion at the service of your hair: four generations of hairdressers combining Italian artisanal craft with the most advanced cosmetic technologies. As official partners of Alfaparf Milano Professional we test every line — especially keratin treatments — directly in our salon before offering it online. Our mission is to eliminate misinformation about haircare by offering only safe, high-performing, certified formulas, with fast shipping and dedicated professional consultations.
Why choose a smoothing keratin treatment?
Keratin is a natural protein present in hair, essential for its structure and strength. However, chemical services, heat and environmental factors can weaken it, leaving hair dull, frizzy and fragile.
A keratin treatment not only straightens hair, but restructures it, reduces volume and tames frizz, making styling easier and longer-lasting.
That’s why it’s essential to choose a professional treatment like Alfaparf Keratin Therapy, which deeply nourishes and protects hair without weighing it down.
How to perform a smoothing keratin treatment at home
To achieve a perfect smoothing effect at home, follow these 4 essential steps with the right products.
1. Preparatory shampoo
The first step is to wash hair with a specific shampoo that removes impurities and styling residues, opening the cuticle to favour keratin absorption. Do not use conditioner or masks at this stage.
🛍 Recommended product: Preparatory Keratin Shampoo
2. Application of the smoothing keratin fluid
After blotting hair with a towel, divide into sections and apply the keratin fluid along the lengths, avoiding the roots. Use a fine-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly.
Leave on for 30–40 minutes (follow the product instructions).
🛍 Recommended product: Alfaparf Smoothing Fluid
3. Drying, flat iron and rinse
- Blow-dry hair to 80–90% dry, keeping the airflow warm.
- Pass the flat iron over each section 5–7 times at a temperature of 220–230°C to seal the keratin into the hair fibre.
- Pro-Tip: if hair is coloured or sensitive, reduce the iron temperature to 180°C.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
🛍 Recommended tools: Professional hair dryer Upgrade by Labor Pro + Ceramic or titanium flat iron Upgrade by Labor Pro
4. Apply mask and final styling
Apply a post-treatment nourishing mask to hydrate and seal the treatment. Leave on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse. Proceed with blow-drying and the desired styling.
🛍 Recommended product: Alfaparf Rehydrating Mask
If you want to learn more about Keratin Therapy by Alfaparf click here to read the complete guide
Tips to maintain straight hair longer
✔ Use sulphate-free shampoos to avoid compromising the treatment.
✔ Avoid frequent washing (2–3 times a week is sufficient).
✔ Always dry hair with a hair dryer and brush to preserve the smooth finish.
✔ Use oils and serums without heavy silicones to nourish hair without weighing it down.
To achieve perfect smooth hair at home, always choose professional products. Alfaparf Keratin Therapy is the ideal kit for those who want an effective, long-lasting treatment.
👉 Find the complete kit here: COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL KERATIN TREATMENT
Investing in the right products is the key to achieving healthy, disciplined and luminous hair without needing to visit the salon every week! 💆♀️✨
Scientific benefits of smoothing keratin
The treatment not only “seals” the cuticle: micro-peptides of hydrolyzed keratin penetrate the cortex and form new hydrogen bonds that strengthen the shaft. This double anchoring reduces moisture loss by up to 58% and creates a natural filter against UV rays and pollution.
Myths to debunk about keratin smoothing
Many associate “Brazilian Blowout” and formaldehyde with straightening, but new-generation formulas — like Keratin Therapy by Alfaparf — use plant-based cross-linkers at acidic pH, without irritating fumes.
First 7 days post-treatment routine
• Days 1–2 – avoid hair ties or caps: help the smoothing keratin set.
• Day 3 – first shampoo SLS free at pH 5 to avoid opening the cuticle.
• Days 4–5 – a few drops of Alfaparf “The Oil” nourish without greasiness.
• Day 6 – warm blow-dry: heat reactivates keratin bonds.
• Day 7 – 10-minute hydrating mask to definitively seal the keratin treatment.
Key ingredients to know
– Wheat amino acids fill micro-cracks.
– Plant collagen provides elasticity, avoiding a stiff effect.
– Babassu oil replicates natural lipids, increasing shine by 30%.
Mistakes to avoid with the keratin treatment
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Flat ironing above 230 °C: the smoothing keratin degrades.
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Using a clarifying shampoo immediately after: it washes away the protein.
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Alkaline colouring within 72 h: shortens the duration of the smooth effect.
Trend 2025: Micro-Keratin Express
Ideal for those who want instant discipline before a shooting, without a multi-month commitment.
Sustainability and safety
Top smoothing keratin lines now feature 100% recyclable packaging, vegan certifications and cruelty-free processes.
FAQ'S Frequently Asked Questions about Smoothing Keratin
What is a smoothing keratin treatment and how does it work?
It is a thermal reconditioning service that infuses hydrolyzed keratin and amino acids into the cortex; the flat iron polymerizes the actives, forming an elastic film that smooths the cuticle, eliminates frizz and leaves hair shiny and silky.
How long does keratin smoothing last and what does it depend on?
The anti-frizz effect can remain visible for 12–18 weeks; duration varies according to porosity, number of washes and use of sulphate- and salt-free shampoo. A gentle haircare routine prolongs the “glass” finish.
Does keratin smoothing damage hair?
If protocols and temperatures (≤ 230 °C) are respected the treatment fills micro-fissures and reduces breakage by up to 40%. Damage results from poor formulas or excessively hot flat irons.
Does it contain formaldehyde?
Modern products are formaldehyde-free or contain traces < 0.2 ppm (EU limit). Choose certified lines, like Alfaparf Keratin Therapy, which employ plant-based cross-linkers instead of aldehydes.
Is it safe during pregnancy or for children?
During pregnancy it is indicated from the second trimester with aldehyde-free formulas; for children it is recommended after age 7–8, using lower heat and shorter processing times, and only after medical advice.
How much does a keratin treatment cost in salon and the DIY kit?
In salon the average is €150–300 (medium lengths); a professional home-use kit starts at approx. €55 for 100 ml, enough for 1–2 applications.
When can I wash my hair or use the flat iron after keratin?
With “no-wait” systems you can rinse the same day; with traditional formulas wait 48 h. For touch-ups use the flat iron under 200 °C to avoid volatilizing the keratin.
Which shampoos should I use to maintain keratin smoothing?
Opt for SLS/SLES-free cleansers at pH 5–5.5, enriched with proteins and light oils; avoid sodium chloride, parabens and heavy silicones that open the cuticle and shorten the treatment's duration.
Difference between traditional chemical straightening and keratin smoothing?
Chemical straightening permanently breaks disulfide bonds; keratin smoothing temporarily recombines them, delivering a silky, reversible and less aggressive straightening.
Can I do keratin on coloured, bleached or curly hair?
Yes! Reduce the flat iron to 160–180 °C on coloured hair and, if needed, apply a toner afterwards. On curly hair you’ll get softer coils and zero frizz, not a “spaghetti” effect.
Does the keratin treatment completely remove curls or just soften them?
Keratin smoothing relaxes disulfide bonds temporarily: on tight curls it can soften them by up to 70–80%, on wavy hair it can achieve an almost complete straightening.
Can I go to the pool or sea after a keratin smoothing?
Yes, but wait at least 72 hours; chlorine and salt open the cuticle: always apply a protective oil before swimming and rinse immediately with fresh water.
How long should I wait before tying hair with elastics or clips?
Avoid tight styles and ponytails for the first 48 hours: the keratin is still setting and you could create permanent waves.
Does keratin smoothing work on baby hair and short bangs?
Yes, but you need to work with very thin sections and pass the iron at a reduced temperature (180 °C) to avoid stressing finer hair.
Does keratin smoothing also reduce volume on coarse hair?
Yes: it fills porosity, compacts the fibre and can reduce overall volume by up to 60%, while still maintaining natural movement.
Difference between “Keratin Express” and a full keratin treatment?
Express acts in about 1 hour, lasts 4–6 weeks and tames frizz; the full treatment requires more steps, lasts 3–5 months and offers longer-lasting straightness.
Is the treatment suitable for afro-textured or very curly hair?
Yes, provided the temperature does not exceed 210 °C and 8–10 slow passes are performed: the result will be a soft, defined curl without frizz.
How much regrowth is needed before repeating keratin smoothing?
On average 5–6 cm; if root frizz is evident you can treat again after 10–12 weeks without overloading the lengths.
Can I do keratin if I have sensitive scalp or seborrheic dermatitis?
It is possible, but choose formaldehyde-free formulas and avoid applying product directly to the scalp; consult a dermatologist before treatment.
Ingredients to avoid in post-keratin treatment products?
Avoid sulphates (SLS, SLES), sodium chloride, denatured alcohol and non-volatile silicones: they can open the cuticle, dry the fibre and reduce the duration of the keratin treatment.
