4507 Algonquin Drive Ste B
Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Relaxer or Keratin: What’s the difference?

Keratin Complex


Relaxer or Keratin: What’s the difference?

Taming ones mane 🦁​ can take hours! And let’s face it, who has that kind of time on a daily basis?! NOT ME! So what if I told you there are a couple options that can save you time and stress!  😱​ There are two things that help to reduce frizz and smooth the hair that may interest you and those are a relaxer or a keratin. Relaxer or keratin: what’s the difference?


A relaxer is a chemical service for those guests looking for a more permanent straightener. Relaxers reduce the curl by breaking down the hair strand and chemically altering the texture of your hair therefore leaving a permanent effect on the hair.  They last up to 6-8 weeks before needing to retouch the new growth as this grows with your natural texture. Some over the counter straighteners can not be used on color treated hair while Mizani, which is a salon-exclusive hair care system can be used either two weeks prior to coloring or two weeks after. Time to allow for in salon is approximately 2 hours, depending on thickness of hair.



A keratin treatment is a non chemical smoothing system that smoothes hair and aids in frizz control. So how does this work? 🤔​ If it’s not a chemical then how does it straighten the hair? The science behind Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatments is pretty interesting! Keratin-associated proteins are what the hair is mainly comprised of and these proteins act as an external protector in the cuticle and an internal structural protein in the cortex. So when the hair is damaged physically, chemically, or from environmental factors the keratin is depleted thus leaving the cortex exposed making it susceptible to more damage and leaving porous spots in the hair, much like pot holes in the road!

So by replenishing the keratin in your hair with a Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment you help to correct the porosity and smooth out your hair’s surface.  Restoring strength and elasticity will give your hair a more youthful, healthy appearance. This allows the  effects to gradually wear off as it does not permanently alter the hair texture. They can last up to 5 months and can be used immediately after a color service.

Now that you know the difference between the two, the next step is to set up a consultation with your stylist to see which is right for your lifestyle and your budget!

Here at Mod Hair Color Salon & Beauty Store our go to girl for relaxers and keratin treatments is Katrina Williams. She is certified by Keratin Complex and passionate about about smoothing!


📲​ FOLLOW Katrina on #Instagram at @kolorbykatrina.

☎​ CALL 319-553-1080 to schedule your FREE smoothing consultation!


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@modhaircolorsalon #colorbymod