At kruLA a keratin treatment takes 2 h to 3 h 30 min, shortest for shoulder length and shorter hair and longest for butt length and longer, and thick hair takes more time. This guide covers what to ask, how to prepare and what happens in the chair.
kruLA does keratin treatment in Century City for $220 to $550, by hair length: call (949) 883-8301.
How long does a keratin treatment take?
At kruLA the visit takes 2 h to 3 h 30 min, and it is the length and thickness of your hair that put you at the shorter or the longer end.
Thickness is measured before the treatment starts. Plan the day for the longer end if your hair is long or thick.
What happens during the hair smoothing process?
At kruLA a smoothing appointment runs in this order, although the exact steps depend on the product system:
- Diagnosis: the specialist looks at the structure, density and porosity of your hair, what has been done to it and the result you want, and measures thickness.
- A deep-cleansing wash prepares the hair for the product.
- The treatment: the formula is chosen for your hair, applied section by section and left to work, then the hair is dried and sealed with heat.
- A care step where your hair needs it.
- A precision trim if you want it.
- Before and after photos, only with your consent, and home-care tips.
How long should keratin sit in the hair?
As long as the manufacturer's instructions for that product say, and the specialist watches the clock.
Leaving a product on longer than the instructions say does not give a stronger result; the timing is set per product to keep the hair and scalp safe.
Can a keratin treatment be left in the hair without rinsing?
It depends on the product system: some are applied, dried and sealed with a flat iron without rinsing, and others are rinsed after a set time.
Follow the instructions for the product used, and ask the specialist which applies to your visit.
Why do keratin treatments need a primer step?
Many systems start with a clarifying wash, because build-up from styling products and hard water can stop the smoothing product from taking evenly.
The prep step depends on the system, so you do not need to do it yourself; ask the specialist what the first step of your visit is.
Should my hair be clean or dirty before a keratin treatment?
Come as you normally do, without heavy oils, waxes or serums layered on the hair, because the hair is washed as part of the visit.
If you are unsure, ask when you book.
How do I prepare for a smoothing appointment?
Tell the specialist what has been done to your hair and plan the time, because the visit is a long one.
- Note any dye, bleach, perm, relaxer or smoothing treatment and the dates.
- Mention scalp sensitivity, allergies and any irritation or sores on the scalp.
- Come with hair detangled and without heavy product build-up.
- Plan for a visit of 2 h to 3 h 30 min and for aftercare in the days after.
What questions should I ask before a keratin treatment?
Ask what product is used, what is in it, how the hair will be prepared and what aftercare to follow.
- The product name and its safety data sheet.
- Whether your hair history changes the treatment.
- How thickness changes the price and the session length.
- The wash wait, and what shampoo to buy afterwards.
How do I choose a hair smoothing salon?
Choose a salon where a licensed specialist looks at your hair and scalp first, names the product and prices the treatment by length and thickness.
At kruLA the consultation, $0 for 20 min, is that first look, and the prices by length are on the prices page.
How long should I wait after a perm before a smoothing treatment?
There is no single answer: permed hair is chemically altered and often fragile, so the specialist looks at its condition before deciding.
Bring the date of the perm and anything done to the hair since.
What drives the price of a keratin treatment? Hair length and hair thickness set the price: at kruLA a keratin treatment runs from $220 for shoulder length and shorter to $550 for butt length and longer, and thick hair adds $30 to $50.
Thickness is measured before the treatment, and the session takes 2 h to 3 h 30 min depending on length. Every length step is on the prices page, and the keratin treatment page has the booking button.
Keratin prep FAQ
How long should keratin sit in hair?
As long as the manufacturer's instructions for that product say, and the specialist watches the clock. Leaving a product on longer does not give a stronger result.
Is keratin better on clean or dirty hair?
Come as you normally do, without heavy oils, waxes or serums layered on the hair, because the hair is washed as part of the visit. If you are unsure, ask when you book.
Can a keratin treatment be left in the hair without rinsing?
It depends on the product system: some are applied, dried and sealed with a flat iron without rinsing, and others are rinsed after a set time. Ask the specialist which applies to your visit.
Why do keratin treatments need a primer step?
Many systems start with a clarifying wash, because build-up from styling products and hard water can stop the smoothing product from taking evenly. You do not need to do it yourself.
What a keratin appointment looks like?
The specialist looks at the hair and scalp and measures its thickness, the hair is washed, the product is applied section by section, then the hair is dried, sealed with heat and finished. At kruLA the visit takes 2 h to 3 h 30 min.
How long does keratin treatment take for short hair?
At kruLA short hair, shoulder length and shorter, is the shortest visit: 2 h, at $220. Thickness is measured before the treatment.
How to prepare for a smoothing appointment?
Tell the specialist what has been done to your hair and plan the time, since the visit is 2 h to 3 h 30 min at kruLA. Come with detangled hair and no heavy product build-up.
How long to wait after a perm before smoothing treatment?
There is no single answer: permed hair is chemically altered and often fragile, so the specialist looks at its condition before deciding. Bring the date of the perm and anything done since.
How is a keratin treatment for thin hair done?
The specialist checks the hair first, because fine hair can look flatter once the frizz is gone. The steps are the same: prepare, apply section by section, dry and seal. BIO keratin ($220 to $550) keeps root volume.
What happens if I leave keratin in too long?
Leaving a product on longer than its instructions say does not give a stronger result; the timing is set per product to keep the hair and scalp safe. The specialist watches the clock.