The Truth About “Keratin” Treatments Overseas vs. What We Do at SMOOTHED

We’ve been hearing this a lot lately:

“I got a keratin treatment while I was traveling — it lasted a year!”

Or… “Why didn’t my hair stay this straight when I got it done in the U.S.?”

Let’s talk about it.

At SMOOTHED, we specialize in safe, non-toxic, formaldehyde-free keratin treatments that restore your hair’s health from the inside out. But not all “keratin” treatments are created equal — and what you’re getting overseas may be very different from what we do here.

🚨 What’s Actually in Overseas Keratin Treatments?

Many keratin treatments performed in countries like Israel, Turkey, Dubai, or other parts of the Middle East contain high levels of formaldehyde or related chemicals that are banned in the United States.

Even if they’re labeled “keratin” or “formaldehyde-free,” they often include hidden ingredients like:

• Methylene glycol

• Glyoxylic acid

• Formalin

• Other aldehydes that release toxic fumes when heat is applied

These ingredients work aggressively — and that’s why the results appear to last longer. But at what cost?

🧪 Misleading Labels & Unsafe Exposure

Here in California, we follow Prop 65 regulations, which ban more than two dozen toxic chemicals in cosmetics — including high formaldehyde levels. Treatments that violate these standards simply aren’t allowed in U.S. salons like ours.

But internationally, there is often little to no regulation. That means stylists can apply treatments that are more like chemical relaxers — but still call them “keratin.” These services often:

• Chemically straighten the hair instead of smoothing it

• Permanently break the hair’s natural bonds

• Leave the hair brittle over time, despite looking smooth at first

So yes, the result might last 9–12 months… but it’s not keratin. And it’s definitely not healthy.

🌿 What We Do at SMOOTHED

We use only formaldehyde-free, non-toxic, Prop 65–approved brands like:

• Keratin Revolution

• Peter Coppola

• Keratin Complex

• Lasio

Our treatments are designed to:

• Improve hair health and manageability over time

• Last up to 3 months with proper aftercare

• Build on themselves for better results every visit

• Be safe for the stylist and client — no toxic fumes, no long-term damage

We do not offer express keratin services or quick fixes, because we believe you deserve something that truly helps your hair — not something that coats or burns it into submission.

⚠️ If You’ve Had a Treatment Overseas…

If your hair feels too straight or won’t hold a curl for months, chances are you had a chemical straightener or restructuring treatment, not a keratin treatment.

When transitioning to SMOOTHED’s clean formulas, we may need to:

• Detox old buildup or residual chemicals

• Reset your hair’s pH balance

• Rebuild your hair’s internal structure over time

It’s a process — but it’s worth it. Because real results don’t come from cutting corners or hiding chemicals.

Ready to Treat Your Hair Right?

Book your appointment online at www.smoothedsalon.com, and let’s get your hair back on track — the healthy way.