Can I Still Curl My Hair After a Keratin Treatment?

Short answer?

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Of course.

We get this question all the time at SMOOTHED, and we love it—because it gives us a chance to remind you that keratin treatments aren’t here to change your hair, they’re here to enhance it.

Let’s break it down.

Keratin = Makeup for Your Hair

Think of keratin like a really good makeup day. It doesn’t give you a different face—it just brings out your best features. Same thing with your hair.

Keratin doesn’t permanently change the structure of your strands. It doesn’t straighten your hair. It doesn’t reshape it. It just fills in the gaps in the hair shaft, smooths down the cuticle, and gives you a healthier, shinier, more manageable version of the hair you already have.

So when it comes to styling—especially curling—it’s going to work with what your hair could already do.

So, Can You Curl Keratin-Treated Hair?

Absolutely.

If your hair could hold a curl well before, it’s going to hold it even better after keratin. Your hair will be smoother, more uniform, and less frizzy—which often helps styles like curls last longer and look more polished.

But if your hair never held a curl to begin with—like, not even on its best day—then keratin won’t suddenly give you curl-holding powers. It’s not rewriting your hair’s DNA. It’s just enhancing what’s already there.

Keratin & Heat Tools: A Great Combo

Keratin-treated hair actually loves heat styling. Because the treatment is heat-activated, flat irons and curling irons help seal and shape your look beautifully. The bonus? You’ll likely find you need way less heat and way less time to get your desired style.

So yes—curl it, wave it, smooth it, pin it. Whatever you want to do, you can do it better with keratin.

Bottom Line: It’s Still Your Hair—Just Better

Keratin doesn’t take away your styling options. It gives you more control, more shine, and more consistency—so whatever style you choose, it looks smoother, sleeker, and lasts longer.

Want to know if keratin is right for your hair goals?

Call or text us at 619-674-4061 or book online at smoothedsalon.com. We’ll help you get the smooth, manageable hair of your dreams—and yes, you can still curl it.