Keratine Story

TweetTHE KERATINE TEXTURIZING STORY, FROM THE FIRST STYLIST TO USE IN TORONTO

When the Brazilian Keratin treatment came out a few years ago, it was heralded as the magic

solution. Better than harsh, chemical straighteners, better than the Japanese method. More

effective and less time-consuming than constant blow drying. It re-texturized the hair and sealed

in colour and shine. For some, blow drying was unnecessary. For the first time, they had wash

and wear hair that was in better condition than ever. Others could take advantage of their natural

curls without the puffiness or frizz. Even grey hair became more manageable.

But wait a minute,warned articles in magazines like Allure: the solution was toxic. The culprit:

formaldehyde, famously used in embalming, as well as in nail polish and as a preservative in

vaccines.

“Although the results were astounding – lustrous, well-conditioned hair – I was reluctant to

do it’, says Yamen, artistic director of Yada Salon. The Paris-trained stylist first discovered

Brazilian Keratin in Beirut.

“In the Middle East lots of women have thick, curly hair, and Keratin seemed like the answer,”

he says.

Keratin, along with collagen is the answer – the treatment puts back keratin into hair that has lost

it due to heat styling and aging. The problem is formaldehyde.

New Product

From Paris, Yamen has imported a new Keratin product that contains no formaldehyde. “It is

effective without the danger,” he says, adding that he is one of the few stylists in Canada to have

this product. Also from Paris, he has imported a flat iron that is hotter than others. The iron seals

in the product.

Using the flat iron is key. “You have to know how many times to use the iron and how much heat

to use for different hair types and different sections,” he says, explaining that the front section is

harder to do because the hair is fine there. If the hair is straight but frizzy, or thick but curly, the

stylist must adjust the technique.

The same goes for the Keratin solution.

Yamen advises stylists to use as little as possible of the product. “If you drench the hair, the

product will wash out instead of being absorbed”, he explains, adding that most stylists think

more product means better results.

“Ask your stylist how many times he has done the treatment. If he’s inexperienced, it may not

damage your hair but it’s a waste of money because it won’t work.”

Yamen continues to work with a Paris chemist on new products that will enhance the Keratin

process. Soon to come out is a shampoo, and a keratin serum with collagen and a vitamin B

complex. (It’s best to avoid all shampoo with sodium chloride, sulfates, as well chlorine). He is

also working on a new technique using rollers to achieve shiny curls.

“People want to look like themselves,” explains Yamen. “Each woman is different. Bone straight

blond hair just doesn’t suit everyone. And constant blow drying can damage hair.”

With the new, safer Keratin treatments and the products to support it, he hopes, women will at

long last get the best possible version of their own hair.

For appointments, call Salon yada  416 922-9888, or email info@salonyada.com