How to Prep for Your Keratin Treatment Appointment

One of the most common questions we get at SMOOTHED is:

“How should I show up to my appointment?”

And we love that you ask—because the way you arrive can make a huge difference in the quality of your treatment.

Here’s exactly how to prep your hair for the best keratin results possible:

Come With Clean, Air-Dried, Natural Hair

The best way to show up is with hair that is:

  • Freshly washed

  • Air-dried

  • Free of product

  • Not heat-styled

We know that can feel vulnerable (hello, frizz!), but this is key to getting a customized treatment. When you come in with straightened or blow-dried hair, we can’t accurately see your natural curl, wave, frizz pattern, or texture. And we need to see your hair in its raw state to choose the right keratin product and technique for you.

Why This Matters:

  • Product Selection: The way your hair looks and feels naturally helps us choose which formula is best for you.

  • Application Technique: We customize how we apply the treatment based on your real hair pattern—not how it looks when styled.

  • Treatment Depth: The cleaner the surface of your hair, the deeper the keratin can penetrate. Dirty or heavily product-coated hair creates a barrier, and that means you may not get the best possible results.

We always say: keratin works best when it’s working on the inside of the outside of your hair. Clean, product-free hair allows it to do just that.

What If You Don’t Feel Comfortable Wearing It Down?

Totally fine.

If you’re not comfortable walking in with your hair down, a simple ponytail or loose bun is okay—just skip the styling tools and the product. We can still see your natural texture once it’s out.

Summary: How to Arrive for Your Appointment

  • Do:

    • Wash your hair the day or night before

    • Let it air-dry naturally

    • Avoid using any product

    • Skip the heat tools

  • Don’t:

    • Come in with blow-dried or flat-ironed hair

    • Load up on leave-ins, oils, or stylers

    • Show up with dirty or days-old hair (clean is key!)

We know this might be different from how you normally show up to the salon, but trust us—it makes all the difference. Let us see your hair in all its natural glory, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Have questions about prepping your hair?

Call or text us at 619-674-4061, or book online at smoothedsalon.com. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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How Do I Know When It’s Time for My Next Keratin Treatment?

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Can I Still Curl My Hair After a Keratin Treatment?