How Much Does a Keratin Treatment Cost?

The average keratin treatment cost ranges from $82 to $400. The term “keratin treatment” is an umbrella for many services, ranging from the popular Brazilian blowout to the newer line of Cezanne keratin treatments.

The main differences are between traditional treatments that both smooth and straighten your hair, typically including formaldehyde, and treatments that focus only on smoothing your hair, typically formaldehyde-free. 

Keratin treatments overall are touted as a safer alternative to more abrasive treatments like relaxers that permanently alter your hair’s texture. It can also be more affordable compared to other methods. 

When you start shopping around for keratin treatments, you’ll notice right away that there are lots of treatments with varying prices. It can get tough to figure out what to pick! To help, we put together this guide so you can understand the costs before you book your first keratin treatment.

What are the average keratin treatment costs in the U.S.?

According to our internal appointment data, New Hampshire has the highest average appointment cost at $400. Utah comes in with the lowest average cost at $82. You can see the average keratin treatment cost for all available states below.

State	Average appointment cost
AL	$200
AZ	$181
CA	$243
CO	$226
CT	$235
FL	$177
GA	$192
IA	$250
IL	$235
LA	$196
MA	$208
MD	$226
MI	$183
MO	$254
NC	$83
NH	$400
NJ	$275
NV	$134
NY	$242
OH	$193
PA	$85
SC	$290
TN	$298
TX	$216
UT	$82
VA	$226
WA	$391
WI	$154

What affects the cost of a keratin treatment?

Your salon, treatment type, and hair length can all impact the final keratin treatment cost. Here’s how these factors make a difference:

• Salon location, including demand and cost of living, can influence your price.
• Stylist’s experience and level of expertise can also impact the cost. Generally, the more experience a stylist has, the more they’re able to charge.
• Type of treatment and products used (think Keratin Complex vs. Trissola) can vary since each system has its own proprietary formulas and processes. Some salons also have their own proprietary treatments.
• Hair length can increase the product and time needed to get to your desired look.

Keep in mind that everyone’s hair also reacts differently to each treatment. There’s no way to know for sure what your hair will look like in the end. However, you and your stylist can make an educated guess based on the goals of the treatment and based on the end results of people with similar hair textures.

How long does a keratin treatment last?

Keratin treatments can last between one and six months depending on how well you care for your hair. These treatments aren’t meant to last a long time and you’ll eventually see your natural hair texture come back.

Since the treatment sits on top of your hair, it gradually washes out over time. You won’t see any regrowth between your roots and your treated hair like you would with other treatments.

Depending on the formulation, you should wait about four to six months before you get another treatment. Your hair can get weak over time with back-to-back treatments. Inhaling too much formaldehyde can also harm your health.

How can I make my keratin treatment last longer?

You can make your treatment last longer by minimizing exposure to sweat and humidity, limiting styling, and refraining from washing your hair during the first few days after your appointment. After that, you’ll need to keep your hair nourished and away from harmful chemicals.

Following the first few days of your appointment, you should specifically avoid:

• Washing your hair or getting it wet
• Applying hair products
• Styling your hair

Styling includes using hair clips or even tucking your hair behind your ears. Doing any of these things can leave your hair with a dent or shorten the treatment’s effects on your hair.

After the first few days after your appointment have passed, you can follow these tips to make the most of what you spent on your keratin treatment:

• Use sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free hair products
• Wash your hair less
• Incorporate moisturizing hair products to keep your hair nourished
• Use silk or satin pillowcases or scarves to retain moisture while you sleep
• Avoid saltwater and chlorine, since absorbing these chemicals can strip your hair of keratin
• Brush your hair to help distribute natural oils throughout your hair

Why should I get a keratin treatment?

You should get a keratin treatment if you want to save some time styling or if you’re looking for a way to minimize frizz and flyaways. Many people like to get keratin treatments during the summer when frizz is at the forefront. 

Here are the benefits you can look forward to when considering the cost of a keratin treatment:

• Shinier and smoother hair
• Easier to detangle and straighten, if not already straightened
• Lock in color with some treatments
• No long-term commitment since it eventually washes out
• Works with most hair textures and types
• Not as damaging compared to other methods
• Quicker drying time with your hair compared to before treatment

However, keratin treatments also come with their disadvantages. Here are some drawbacks you may also need to consider with this service:

• Some treatments may lighten color-treated hair.
• “Formaldehyde-free” treatment may not be completely formaldehyde-free. They can either contain traces of formaldehyde or use ingredients that create it during the process.
• Formaldehyde-free formulas (like ones using glyoxylic acid) don’t typically last as long.
• Hair can feel more oily than before.
• Really curly hair may not get as straight as you want.

Keratin treatments are great, but they aren’t for everyone. For example, pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should avoid keratin treatments because of the chemicals used. If this is the case, you can look at alternatives like silk presses or Dominican blowouts.

What’s the cost difference between keratin treatments and other straightening treatments?

Most keratin treatments create a layer on top of the hair while other popular straightening treatments break down the bonds of the hair.

 Permanent straightening treatments can cost as low as $65 and as high as $425, depending on the type of treatment you get. These last longer than keratin treatments since they break down the bonds in your hair. 

Non-chemical treatments can also vary in price, but are generally more affordable than keratin treatments. For example, silk presses can cost between $50 and $300, depending on where you go and the state of your hair. Most non-chemical treatments last a few weeks and are much gentler on hair.

What’s the benefit of going to a salon?

You can benefit from your stylist’s expertise, professional-grade products, and the peace of mind that your hair is being safely handled by a professional.

Your stylist will know how much heat to use, what products to use, and how to adjust their procedure based on your hair goals and its current state.

For example, they’ll treat color-treated hair differently since some treatments can lighten your color. You also benefit from professional-grade products that give longer-lasting and better results than at-home kits.

At home, you’re relying on your own ability to research products and ingredients. You also need to take your time to follow instructions, do the treatment in a well-ventilated area, and understand that you risk damaging your hair if you’re doing it for the first time. 

How can I find a good stylist?

You can find a good stylist by researching their background and the keratin treatments they offer. Seeing before-and-after photos from their portfolio and reading reviews can give you a good idea of their expertise and if they’re a fit for you.

Familiarizing yourself with the different types of treatments, even if it’s just getting to know a couple of brands, can help you understand what you might get. It’ll also help you communicate with your stylist when you’re trying to describe what you want. Get a few quotes from potential hairstylists and compare the claims between each one to make your best choice.

You know you’ve found a great stylist if they:

• Answer and ask lots of questions during your consultation to see if you’re a fit for the treatment they use
• Take their time during the treatment to keep your hair safe
• Use quality products and the correct treatment to get your end results
• Keep their work station well ventilated if they’re working with formaldehyde
• Can answer questions about ingredients used in their products and reassure you of the safety precautions they take

Look through our community of hairstylists so you can find someone to help you decide what keratin treatment is best for you.