Micro Keratin: What you need to know

I’ve always been adventurous with my hair – for better or worse. While I’ve stopped experimenting with dye and bleach at home, much to the relief of my hairdresser, the adventurous spirit hasn’t left me.

And, I think, that’s why I love working withĀ Spoilt HairĀ so much. They’re constantly on the cutting edge of whatever’s new – whether it’s technology or products – they always want to be able to offer their clients the absolute best, and I’m very happy to be a guinea pig for them. And, side note – if your hairdresser doesn’t give you wine and MCC on a Friday afternoon, then you’re going to the wrong place.

After trying aĀ Brazilian blowdry in July, I was counting down the months until I had to go for a top-up. They’re said to last for around three months, so I was right on time for a refresher, when the team atĀ Micro KeratinĀ got in touch and asked if I wanted to try their treatment. Of course I said yes.

I was glad that I’d done aĀ Brazilian (or keratin) treatment a few months ago, as it allowed me to compare processes and results. Effectively, as you could likely guess from its name,Ā Micro KeratinĀ usesĀ nanotechnology to allow millions of Ā microscopic natural keratin molecules to penetrate deep into the hair shaft. The treatment claims to last for up to six months if used with their range ofĀ aftercare products. I was given a set of these so I could see for myself – keep an eye out for my update in six months.

When looking at pricing, the standard Brazilian treatment is charged at R30/ml, with an average of 70 – 80mls being used. The Micro Keratin treatment is slightly more expensive, at R35/ml, but less is used – generally 20ml less per treatment. (If you don’t feel like doing the math, just know that the Micro Keratin treatment works out a few hundred Rand cheaper).

I’ve decided to work through some of the claims and promises held myĀ Micro KeratinĀ on their website, and give you my thoughts:

No harmful chemicals

While I believe there are still undetectable amounts of formaldehyde, I didn’t experience any of the fumes (and associated burning of eyes, nose and throat) that I did with my previous treatment. Definitely a plus when it comes to rating the experience.

90 minute treatment

Yes – absolutely true. My hair was washed with a clarifying shampoo, twice, and left on for 7 minutes each time. The treatment was applied, left on for 30 minutes, then blow-dryed, flat-ironed and I was out of there – just in time to beat the Friday afternoon traffic. The treatment is gel-based, not cream-based, so can be left on without making your hair oily. With other treatments, hair is washed again after flat-ironed (hair needs to be flat-ironed as the product is activated at 230 degrees C).

Strong, soft, beautiful, healthy and shiny hair

My hair was soft and very smooth after the treatment, but still with movement and some volume – as the previous treatment removedĀ allĀ traces of volume from my hair (which is neither good nor bad, simply an observation). Even my blonde, highlighted sections of hair were very shiny – even after I’d washed it on hair – which can be tough to accomplish.

It’s still early days, so I’m keen to see how my hair behaves over the next few months – but, so far, there are no negatives to the treatment. There is one point, whichĀ is worth noting for those with highlights or colour-treated hair – this treatment can, and likely will, affect your colour. I would recommend doing it before your next colour appointment, as my blonde has turned quite brassy. As my next hair appointment is only next month, I plan on trying to rectify it withĀ thisĀ in the meantime. Will report back.

Note: I enjoyed my treatment compliments of Micro Keratin and Spoilt Hair. All views and images are my own.

What do you think?

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14 Comments
  • Mandy Louw
    September 12, 2017

    Hi, please can you give me a follow up of your MK treatment. Would you do it again? How long did it last? Was your hair smooth and frizz free every time you washed it?

  • adriaan
    October 17, 2017

    I must say I am not impressed by what was promised….Im a hairdresser, out of all 4 my clients, all of them complained and were not happy…would they do the system again. No…just taking my lead from my clients

  • Babera Heystek
    October 27, 2017

    Hi There,

    I have done the Micro Keratin in September 2017. I’m staying in Mozambique and we do have a lot of Iron in our water. I did explain this to the hairdresser and I was given the MK Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner, the affect that i got when i washed my hair with the shampoo back home was not the same and not that smooth after my first wash with the same product in SA.

    I then bought the Moroccan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner after explaining our water situation to another hairdresser, but the result is still the same. With both treatments now my hair tends to have a not so smooth touch and feeling. Its as if the silkiness lack after washing with a bit of frizz after drying.

    Can you please advise what shampoo will be the best to use in my situation. I really loved the treatment and I never felt so good about be hair in years.

  • Candice Bresler
    October 27, 2017

    Hi Barbera – I love this new one I’ve found from L’Oreal – it’s sulphate free, and I find it at Clicks locally. It lathers fantastically and leaves my hair feeling great: https://clicks.co.za/loreal_pure-riche-nourishing-and-taming-shampoo-250ml/p/249084

  • Candice Bresler
    October 27, 2017

    I suppose not everyone is going to love it – but all feedback I’ve had from those who have had it done has been positive. There’s no one-for-all hair solution, it seems.

  • Babera Heystek
    November 10, 2017

    Dear Candice,

    Thank you so much for your reply and great assistance. I will surely get the shampoo with my next visit to SA. Please note that my mail was sent in good heart and not to complain about the product, but just to get a solution to have the beautiful affect that I had when visiting SA. The product is absolutely stunning and I will definitely recommend it to others.

    have a great day!

  • Vuyokazi Vuba - Mbata
    November 11, 2017

    Hi Candice,

    I did the Micro Keratin 3 weeks ago, I love it but my regrowth is growing fast and I find it difficult to brush or comb my hair.

    Do you have any advice for me.

  • Candice Bresler
    November 21, 2017

    Hi Vuyokazi, I’m not a haircare expert, so can only suggest that you make sure you are using appropriate sulphate-free haircare products, as this helps prolong the effect fo the treatment. If you’re still struggling, maybe chat to the stylist who did the treatment for you for their advice?

  • Candice Bresler
    November 21, 2017

    Hi Barbera – Only a pleasure! And, I don’t have any vested commercial interest in Micro Keratin – I only wrote about my experience, so you are more than welcome to be honest with your experience here. No need to apologise at all.

  • tracey
    July 18, 2018

    Hi Candice

    I am planning to do the MK Brazilian on Saturday can i color my roots hair a day before the treatment

  • Jane Govender
    June 24, 2019

    Please i need prices. I have been recommended this product by a friend. Thanks

  • Alrita philander
    July 23, 2020

    Hi I’m a stylist from south Africa capetown and I really love this product. I just love the way it makes the hair feel and look. I would like to sell this product at my salon if possible cause I’m very interested in what I see.

  • Karen
    September 22, 2020

    How did it last?

  • Candice Bresler
    September 25, 2020

    Really well! I liked it, it was effective, but as my hair is quite coarse and unruly, I’d rather do the Inoar GHair Brazilian treatment, as it was stronger and lasted longer. I’d suggest Micro Keratin for those who need a less intensive treatment.

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