THE ART OF SMOOTH: An Introduction to Keratin

In the world of professional hair care, few services have transformed the daily lives of clients as significantly as Keratin Treatments. Often referred to as a "permanent blow-dry," this service is the bridge between unruly, high-maintenance hair and that effortless, "woke up like this" salon finish.

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a structural protein naturally found in your hair, skin, and nails. Over time, factors like heat styling, chemical coloring, and environmental pollutants deplete this protein, leaving "gaps" in the hair cuticle. This results in hair that looks porous, feels frizzy, and lacks shine.

How the Treatment Works

Unlike a traditional chemical relaxer—which breaks the internal bonds of the hair to change its shape—a Keratin treatment works by infusing and sealing the hair with a protective protein layer.

Preparation: The hair is deep-cleansed to open the cuticles.
Application: The keratin formula is meticulously applied to every strand.
Sealing: Using controlled heat (flat ironing), the protein is "locked" into the hair shaft.

This process effectively "plumps" the hair, smoothing down the overlapping scales of the cuticle. The result is a significant reduction in volume, a complete elimination of frizz, and a mirror-like shine that can last anywhere from 3 to 5 months.

Smoothing vs. Straightening: Choosing Your Result

While the terms are often used interchangeably, the result depends on the specific formula and technique used:

Smoothing: Designed for the client who loves their natural curls or waves but hates the frizz. It retains the hair's "bounce" while making it incredibly soft and manageable.
Straightening: For the client seeking a sleek, pin-straight look. This involves a more intensive heat process to relax the natural curl pattern more significantly.

Whether you are looking to cut your morning styling time in half or simply want to protect your hair from the London humidity, Keratin is the gold standard for achieving a polished, healthy look.

BAYKAR LONDON KERATIN TREATMENTS

Keratin Treatments (Formaldehyde Free)

THE SIGNATURE EDIT

What Exactly is a Keratin Treatment?

Think of Keratin as a "topcoat" for your hair. It’s a protein naturally found in your hair, but heat styling and environmental factors can deplete it, leading to porous, frizzy strands. Our professional treatment infuses the hair with a boost of keratin, sealing the cuticle and creating a protective shield that locks out moisture (and frizz)

Why You'll Love It

Our Signature Edit Treatment is great for ALL hair types, but unlike our Classic Treatment, this has been specially formulated with Blonde, Highlighted and Coloured hair in mind. Designed to deliver fibre-safe realignment with long-lasting smoothness. Powered by Collagen and Bio Tannin, it rebuilds strength from within while reducing frizz and volume. The result is hair that feels soft, flexible, and brilliantly shiny. This is a great choice for those of you who like to be able to blow dry your hair straight but also embrace your natural textured look.

Quick Tip: Click on the beside the service to book.

Finally, a formaldehyde free Keratin Treatment that ACTUALLY works!! It has taken us 11 years to find the right product (and believe me we've tried many) and this has blown us away! This is our new SIGNATURE Keratin Treatment and trust us when we say you won't be disappointed. Click on the ABOUT tab for more details.

Signature - Short Hair

Signature - Mid-Length Hair

Signature - Long Hair

from £150

from £175

from £190

Q. Is it bad for my hair?

A. Keratin is naturally occurring substance and this formula contains other naturally occurring substances such as collagen and bio-tannin which hair naturally loses over time because of pollution build ups, ageing etc.

Q. Will It Make My Hair Flat?

A. Not necessarily. We can tailor the process to your preferred outcome, but the focus is on eliminating frizz and making blow drying easier, we can tame any unwanted volume rather than completely straightening the hair.

Q. How Long Does It Last?

A. This depends on a few factors, not least, how often you wash your hair and the products you use. ALWAYS use a sulphate free shampoo, sulphates will strip the keratin quickly. We find most clients see the benefits for around 5 months

Q. Will I Have Straight Lengths and Curly Roots as It Grows Out?

A. Your Keratin Treatment will fade over time as opposed to growing out in the way something like Japanese Straightening will so you will see a natural return to your hair's natural form rather than a clear demarcation line.

Q. Can I Colour My Hair with A Keratin Treatments?

A. This is something we get asked a lot. The good news is, this treatment is specially formulated with blonde, highlighted and coloured hair in mind so YES you can colour your hair HOWEVER, we do not recommend that you do both colour and keratin on the same day as you should give your hair time to rest between chemical treatments to avoid overprocessing.

We recommend that you discuss your requirements fully with your stylist before doing your Keratin Treatment to ensure you get the best outcome for your particular requirements and aftercare/maintenance.

You shouldn't do the treatment more than 3 times in any 12 months period, however can, if absolutely necessary, touch up your regrowth (NOT LENGTHS) up to 8 weeks after your previous visit.

Always use a sulphate free shampoo as sulphates will strip the keratin from you hair and your treatment will not last. We have shampoo in the salon and we recommend that you purchase some at the time of your appointment as we cannot guarantee the treatment if you are buying shampoo externally. You can use any other product i.e. conditioner, styling products etc without worrying that it will affect your treatment.

Keratin Treatments (with Formaldehyde)

CLASSIC KERATIN TREATMENT (BRAZILIAN BLOW DRY)

BEFORE

AFTER

What Exactly is a Keratin Tretament?

Think of Keratin as a "topcoat" for your hair. It’s a protein naturally found in your hair, but heat styling and environmental factors can deplete it, leading to porous, frizzy strands. Our professional treatment infuses the hair with a boost of keratin, sealing the cuticle and creating a protective shield that locks out moisture (and frizz)

Why Our Clients Love It

Cut Your Blow-Dry Time in Half: Imagine waking up and being "ready to go" with minimal effort.
The Ultimate Humidity Guard: Whether you’re heading to a workout or a rainy walk down West End Lane, your hair stays sleek.
Repairs and Protects: Unlike some harsh chemical straighteners, a Keratin treatment is designed to leave the hair feeling healthier and more manageable.
Versatility: You don't have to lose your volume. We can customize the treatment to keep your natural body while simply removing the "fuzz."

Quick Tip: Click on the beside the service to book.

A keratin treatment is a semi-permanent chemical process that smooths and shines frizzy hair. Think of it as a "top coat" for your hair that fills in the porous gaps of your strands with protein.

Classic Keratin Treatments aren't recommended for people with Blonde or highlighted hair as it tends to be more fragile than dark hair, so this treatment isn't for everyone but we will do a full consultation with you prior to your service to ensure you make the right choice.

Classic - Hairline (up to 8 weeks)

Classic - Short Hair

Classic - Mid-Length Hair

Classic - Long Hair

from £100

from £126

from £151

from £166

Q. Is it bad for my hair?

A. Keratin is naturally occurring substance and providing you don't abuse the treatment as it does contain other chemicals to activate the goodness and only go to salons who use professional products it should not damage the hair. This particular product does contain formaldehyde which, although not harmful in small amounts can be harsher on hair and should e taken into consideration.

Q. Isn't Formaldehyde Illegal?

A. No. High levels of formaldehyde are potentially unsafe, however products containing up to 0.2% are legal in the UK and proven to be safe. If you are nervous, ask your stylist to show you the ingredient list on the product, or consider one of our FORMALDEHYDE FREE options.

Q. Will It Make My Hair Flat?

A. Not necessarily. The products we use smooth rather than simply make the hair poker straight. We can use differing techniques depending on your desired goal and will discuss this fully with you prior to application.

Q. How Long Does It Last?

A. This depends on a few factors, not least, how often you wash your hair and the products you use. ALWAYS use a sulphate free shampoo, sulphates will strip the keratin quickly. We find most clients see the benefits for between from 4 - 6 months

Q. Will I Have Straight Lengths and Curly Roots as It Grows Out?

A. Your Keratin Treatment will fade over time as opposed to growing out in the way something like Japanese Straightening will. If your hair is extremely curly you may see a more noticeable regrowth but we offer a HAIRLINE service up to 8 weeks after your full service which will certainly help you manage the regrowth.

Q. Can I Colour My Hair with A Keratin Treatments?

A. This is something we get asked a lot. Yes you can colour your hair HOWEVER, we generally do not recommend this particular treatment for blonde or highlighted hair as it tends to be structurally weaker. You should NEVER do colour and keratin treatments on the same day as this results in your hair becoming overprocessed and more fragile

We recommend that you discuss your requirements fully with your stylist before doing your Keratin Treatment to ensure you get the best outcome for your particular requirements and aftercare/maintenance.

You shouldn't do the treatment more than 3 times in any 12 months period, however can, if absolutely necessary, touch up your regrowth (NOT LENGTHS) up to 8 weeks after your previous visit.

Always use a sulphate free shampoo as sulphates will strip the keratin from you hair and your treatment will not last. We have shampoo in the salon and we recommend that you purchase some at the time of your appointment as we cannot guarantee the treatment if you are buying shampoo externally. You can use any other product i.e. conditioner, styling products etc without worrying that it will affect your treatment.

Looking for hydration instead of straightening?

See our HAIR BOTOX page

Ana

"I have been coming to Baykar for over a year now, but also my husband and our two children. They’re all wonderful professionals, I always come out so happy with my hair. But what I love is the kindness and warmth from Baykar and the team. I feel looked after every time we go. Today I met Connie and my level of loyalty has grown bigger. I can’t go anywhere else. Thank you so much! Look no further ❤️"