Organix Keratin treatment

For some, it’s all about perfecting the casual, ‘I was born this way’ wave. Erin Wasson, eat your heart out. But for me there’s only one end game – glossy, satiny and straight. I’m a certified silk-aholic, the pursuit for straight hair almost pathological…

So hair-lelujah for at-home keratin treatments!

What is it? Organix Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Therapy Treatment ($29.99, 1800 052 844), a smoothing keratin treatment you self-apply for straight tresses for a month. The main difference between this and in-salon keratin treatments (besides the purse strain!) is that Organix, as the name suggests, uses natural ingredients and is completely formaldehyde-free. It doesn’t last as long, but 30 days is still amazing to me.

Who’s it for? Obsessive flat-ironers, mums-to-be and anyone breastfeeding or just generally over their uncontrollable hair. The treatment reconditions damaged tresses and cuts down styling time drastically, while giving really great straight. Plus it revives colour – the more coloured/highlighted the better. Winner!

How to…
1. Start with a pre-cleanse shampoo – you need to start with a perfectly clean canvas – don’t condition.
2. Dry hair to remove 80 per cent of water, pointing your dryer downward to keep each individual hair shaft smooth, minimising frizz.
3. Divide hair into a four-part “hot cross bun”, sectioning to apply product.
4. Using small amounts at a time, apply in 3cm sections, starting 1cm from roots. Massage through to ends. 5. Allow to process for 20 minutes.

Tip: Keep your leftovers – excess product can be used to touch up during the 30 days or in small areas like your fringe.

Now to blowdry & straighten
1. Divide hair again and blowdry in small sections. This pushes the keratin into the hair shaft and locks it down. Don’t freak out about the steam coming off – that’s just excess solution that hasn’t been absorbed.
2. When completely dry, re-divide into 3cm sections and get out your straightening iron (crank it to maximum 210 degrees if necessary – the more heat the better).
3. Iron each section 7-8 times, ensuring all the keratin is being pushed through and sealed into each section.
4. Leave hair to marinate for 48 hours – no washing, touching, pushing behind ears or bending.

Tip: Switch to “no sodium or sulphate” shampoos and conditioners to lengthen the life of the treatment.

By Julia Teen

Image: Glossy, satiny and straight: Versace A/W 11-12 behind-the-scenes.

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