If you prefer your hair straight but you are tired of pressing, ironing or relaxing to get the glossy hair you want, you might want to consider a breakthrough new hair straightening treatment that uses keratin.

Also known as the Brazilian Keratin Treatment, or BKT for short, keratin is taking off as a hair straightening solution in salons all across the country. And here’s why:

• It’s All Natural — BKT doesn’t use the kind of potentially harmful chemicals, like sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, that are used in the typical hair relaxers. Nor does it use the ammonium thioglycolate that is used in curling perms. Instead, your hair is straightened with the naturally occurring ingredient keratin, which is a protein that is similar to those already found in your hair. Keratin straightens hair naturally, and because your hair already contains keratin, it can even give your hair more strength.
• Perfect for Previously Processed Hair — Anyone who relaxes her hair can tell you that some coloring processes are particularly hash on top of hair that already has been processed. In some cases, you can’t apply a relaxer without worrying about overprocessing your hair. But with keratin, you don’t have to worry. That’s because it works well on colored, highlighted or previously processed hair.
• Long Lasting — Unlike curly perms and relaxers, BKT can keep your hair straight anywhere from six weeks to a few months. You can prolong its effects by using shampoos that have a neutral pH.While keratin is effective at straightening hair, the process can take a few hours to complete. It’s also not inexpensive. Some salons charge anywhere from $150 to $350 for the process. The keratin is applied much the same way as hair color is put on. Your hair is blown dry then heat sealed with temperatures of up to 450 degrees.

  Still, when you get the beautiful, straight hair you want, you will see that it is all worth it.