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Keratin Treatment for Curly Hair in San Francisco

A keratin treatment for curly hair reduces frizz and softens the curl while keeping your natural movement, because we match the formula and the application to your hair. Will L has applied keratin at iHairbook since 2009 and has completed over 3000 treatments. This page explains what the treatment does for each curl pattern, what to expect over the following months, and how our formaldehyde-free formula works.
Call or text (415) 290-5989
Book on Vagaro

At a glance

  • Appointment: 2 hours or less, depending on your hair
  • First wash: after 48 to 72 hours
  • Results last: 3 to 4 months, depending on hair texture
  • Formula: formaldehyde-free
  • Studio: 2019 Balboa Street, San Francisco (Richmond District)
  • Consultation: call or text (415) 290-5989 with 4 photos of your hair

What is keratin treatment for curly hair?

Keratin is the protein that makes up most of each hair strand. In a smoothing service, we apply a keratin solution to clean hair, blow-dry it, and seal it in with a flat iron. The solution coats the cuticle, the outer layer of the strand. Unlike a chemical relaxer, it is temporary, so your natural curl pattern returns gradually as the treatment washes out. Learn more about our organic keratin service.

What does keratin treatment do to curly hair?

  • Frizz: a smoother cuticle takes in less moisture from the air, so humidity and San Francisco fog have less effect on your curls.
  • Definition: curls separate less into frizz and sit together more evenly.
  • Shine: a flatter cuticle reflects more light.
  • Time: hair dries faster and detangles more easily, which shortens wash day.

Is keratin good for curly hair?

Yes. Keratin is a good choice for curls if your goal is less frizz and easier styling. It gives you a softer, smoother version of your natural curl. How much the curl softens depends on your curl pattern, the strength of the formula and how the heat is applied.
If keeping your curl pattern matters most, tell us before the appointment. A soft keratin treatment to keep curly hair closer to its natural pattern is available, and we choose the formula for your hair type.

Results by curl type

Curl typeWhat you can expect
Wavy (2A to 2C)Less frizz, a smoother surface and a softer wave
Curly (3A to 3C)Less frizz, softer and more even curls, with some loosening
Keratin gives its biggest visible change on wavy hair, because waves relax more easily than tight curls. For very tight curls, we review your photos before booking and choose the right formula.

Curly hair keratin treatment before and after

Before
Right after
Curly hair after keratin treatment changes in stages:
  • Day of treatment: the hair looks smooth and straighter than its final look.
  • After the first wash (48 to 72 hours): the curl returns in a softer, looser form.
  • Following weeks: the natural pattern comes back gradually with each wash, in a softer, smoother form.
  • Months 3 to 4: the smoothing softens gradually, and new growth at the roots comes in with your natural curl.
More results are in our Gallery.

Your appointment and aftercare

Send 4 clear photos

Send photos of your hair (front, back, left and right). We tell you what result to expect and whether the treatment suits you.

At the studio

We cleanse your hair, apply the formaldehyde-free keratin, blow-dry and seal it with a flat iron. The appointment takes 2 hours or less, depending on length and density.

First 48 to 72 hours

Keep your hair dry and loose. Wear it down so the smooth finish sets evenly.

After that

Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo, use a heat protectant before styling, add a moisture mask once a week, and limit chlorine and salt water.

Formaldehyde-free formula for your hair

Our formula is formaldehyde-free. The FDA advises clients to ask any salon about the ingredients in a hair smoothing solution, and OSHA publishes a hazard alert on reading smoothing-product labels.
On any label, the names to look for are formaldehyde, formalin and methylene glycol, and we are happy to show you our product label.

Your best time to book

A keratin treatment for curly hair suits most curl patterns, including color-treated hair, so tell us your color history. If you love your curl at its full pattern, ask us about a gentler option. Send photos first and we confirm the best date for your appointment.

What clients say on Google

Frequently asked questions

Your curl relaxes into a softer, smoother pattern. Hair looks straightest on the day of the treatment, then settles into a softer, looser curl after the first wash. The final result depends on your curl pattern, the formula and the application.

Yes. The treatment is temporary, and your natural curl returns as it washes out and new growth comes in. We review your photos first to choose the right formula for your hair.

About 3 to 4 months, depending on hair texture, how often you wash and the products you use. Sulfate-free shampoo and fewer washes help it last.

Yes, from your first wash after 48 to 72 hours. Use a heat protectant and moderate heat, or diffuse and scrunch with your usual styling product to bring the wave back.

We check your hair history from your photos and adjust the plan, including the formula and the heat, to suit your hair.

Book your keratin treatment for curly hair

Call or text Will at (415) 290-5989 with 4 clear photos of your hair, or book on Vagaro. iHairbook is at 2019 Balboa Street in San Francisco’s Richmond District, close to Golden Gate Park. Some clients travel an hour to see us.
Call or text (415) 290-5989
Book on Vagaro