Keratin Coppola Smoothing Treatment
Ladies, the time has finally come. After dozens and dozens of emails with questions regarding Brazilian Blowouts and/or Keratin Coppola Smoothing Treatments, Tera (my fantastic stylist) documented a a step-by-step Keratin Coppola Smoothing Treatment in hopes to help explain the concept and show the amazing results from the treatment.
If you have questions for Tera, please leave a comment and she’ll do her best to answer you!
Now, let’s get to it!
This is Cindy. She has very curly, unruly hair. It is sometimes cooperative, and this is a pretty good day. Our goal was to eliminate all of her frizz and make her curls more manageable. She also hopes that with the smoothing treatment , she will be able to blow her hair out straight, something she hasn’t yet been able to master.
Here is Cindy pre-treatment.
After retouching Cindy’s color, we shampooed her hair with the Keratin Complex Clarifying Shampoo to remove any color residue or oils that could prevent the treatment from adhering to her hair. I then quickly dried her hair so I could begin to apply the treatment. Immediately following color is the best time for a treatment as it seals the hair so color stays vibrant, shiny and lasts longer.
I sectioned Cindy’s hair into sections and begin applying the Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment. It is applied to the entire head.
The entire head is covered with the treatment. Next it is covered with a plastic cap and she will sit for 30 minutes. In this time the treatment is finding it’s way into the open spaces in the cuticle.
When thirty minutes has passed, the hair is again quickly blown dry with the treatment in it.
The hair is then flat ironed with a 450 degree iron in very fine sections. This is when the magic happens! An activator in the treatment reacts with the heat of the iron sealing the treatment into the hair. The hair becomes extremely smooth, shiny and soft.
The finished product! Cindy will not shampoo her hair or get it wet at all for 3 days. When she shampoos it, her hair will be 100% frizz free and slightly less curly. Her own hair but only better!!!
Gorgeous.
What about three days later, after washing and air-drying?
Still great curls without any of the frizz!
And three weeks later…
Remember how Cindy couldn’t blow dry her hair straight before the treatment? This photo was taken after she dried it straight with her fingers. (She didn’t even use a brush!!) Pretty damn impressive…
And here’s a more specific comparison of her curls before and after the treatment.
Absolutely lovely. I have had several personal friends do the Coppola treatment and they can’t stop raving about it. (Literally. I GET IT, PEOPLE.)
If this process is something that would be perfect for your hair type and you live in Southern California, Tera is offering the process for 20% off! ($280 instead of $350.) Additionally, if you add another service (cut or color), she will give you 25% off. You can book your appointments with Tera at her website.
Thanks for taking the time to do this, Tera! Don’t forget to leave your questions for Tera in the comments.
103 Comments to "Keratin Coppola Smoothing Treatment"
Kirsten
#1 on 2-23-2010 11:51 am
I had this done too and I have SUPER curly hair! Curlier than Cindy’s…and I love it! It still has body and is really healthy. It doesn’t have the curl that it used to (which I do miss) but it’s so easy to straighten and the frizz is gone!
I highly recommend this treatment.
Rebekah
#2 on 2-23-2010 1:24 pm
This is awesome! I have wanted to do this for a long time, and this post totally convinced me on it.
Jackie
#3 on 2-23-2010 1:55 pm
This looks amazing! I wish I lived in Southern Ca! Must do this.
NEWMOM
#4 on 2-23-2010 1:58 pm
I actually had this done a few months ago! I couldn’t believe the results. I have (had!) much coarser, curlier hair than Cindy. Now I wear my hair straight probably 80% of the time (it takes 1/3 of the time to flat iron it). The rest of the time i have a much softer curl. Question-do you know what product Cindy is using to keep her wave so nice? I can’t figure out how to manage my new manageable curl!!
Tera Stephens
#5 on 2-23-2010 2:03 pm
Cindy, like all of you curly girls, has tried just about every curl product out there. Since her treatment, she has had the best results with Kerastase Oleo Curl Creme.
Heidi
#6 on 2-23-2010 2:06 pm
How long does this treatment typically last?
Tera Stephens
#7 on 2-23-2010 3:05 pm
The treatment lasts 3-5 months depending on how often you wash and the products you use. It also has a cumulative effect so as you repeat the treatments it begins to layer on the hair making it even smoother, shinier and healthier!
cindy
#8 on 2-23-2010 6:17 pm
Hey, it’s me, Cindy, the one in the photos. Just another note to add: another great product to use to maintain some curl (the one used in the ‘after’ – wavy/curly photos on the website), is Bumble & bumble Holding Foam. It doesn’t take much. Just a little and it helps maintain some wave and curl too. Kerastase Oleo Curl Creme gives a smoother, more relaxed curl. I absolutely LOVE this process. Worth every penny!!
NEWMOM
#9 on 2-23-2010 7:00 pm
Great! thanks Cindy! And just so that you know, I decided to be careful about how often I wash my hair. Also, I use a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner. I did the treatment in JULY and my hair is still (!!) way more manageable. I haven’t had to do it since. Definitely worth every penny
Amy
#10 on 2-23-2010 7:31 pm
Well, it’s very pretty now, but I love love LOVE her before curls.
Jenibee
#11 on 2-24-2010 8:59 am
Oh, I agree with Amy! Her hair IS pretty now, but those “before” curls are to DIE for!
Anh
#12 on 2-24-2010 8:59 am
Wow that was amazing! Cindy’s hair looks great!!
court
#13 on 2-24-2010 9:37 am
So would this last kind of a like a permanent treatment? Would new growth be more unruly that the bottom portion of her hair?
I love her either way, but as a crazy haired lady, have to say I love the before pics
Suzanne
#14 on 2-24-2010 11:56 am
Has anyone tried to do this at home? I came across the Keratin Coppola Smoothing Treatment online for $160 for 1 bottle and was considering trying it (with help from a friend to get to those hard to reach places).
kat
#15 on 2-24-2010 12:38 pm
this looks amazing! i have crazy straight hair but am so going to reco this for my curly haired friends!
Berlin Hair Baby
#16 on 2-24-2010 1:09 pm
what a well researched and written post! fantastic, I love it!
Tera Stephens
#17 on 2-24-2010 2:52 pm
@Court the treatment washes out very gradually so you won’t even be able to tell where it begins and ends. Also, by the time you have noticible regrowth you would be due for your next treatment.
@Suzanne I’m a stylist with 10 years of experience and had to take a certification class to use this product. The iron has to be 450• and you can very easily burn and permanently damage your hair if you don’t know what you’re doing. I would recommend having this one done professionally.
@Berlin hair baby thank you so much!
Jackie W.
#18 on 2-24-2010 3:19 pm
Loves the before curls too !
Curlystraight
#19 on 2-24-2010 4:50 pm
Hmmm.
The professional blowout looks amazing but I like the curly before pics better too.
But it is intriguing that she can straighten it like that with her fingers.
It’s rough for curly headed girls, rough for straighted-haired girls, too. Everyone always wants what they do not have.
I have the best (ahem – cough cough) of both worlds – curly AND straight! (I even named my blog in honor of my hair.)
cindy
#20 on 2-24-2010 6:26 pm
Cindy here again. It is so funny how so many people like the ‘before’ curls. Please understand that I certainly don’t necessarily ‘hate’ the hair I have/had. When you have hair as curly and thick as mine, there are so few options as to how to style it, unless you want to spend hours blow drying and then flat ironing your hair, just so you can have a different look every now and then. I refuse to do this. Not only did it never come out very well, but it would be so damaging to my hair to do it on any sort of regular basis. The only time I had hair that I could actually run my fingers through, was right after I had it done by my awesome stylist, Tera. Now, I can do it straight myself (it takes a total of about 20 minutes from wet head to dry and straight – no joke!) or I can diffuse it to have the wavy curls, which I like just as well. That takes about 10 minutes total. What the process has done is given me options, which is sooooo nice. I am not a high maintenance girl and refuse to spend too much time primping! The best way to describe this is to say that it is still my hair, only BETTER. And, if for some reason I decide that I like the tight curls better, they will come back in about 6 months. For now, I am LOVING this
@curlystraight – you are right, everyone always wants what they don’t have, but now I really feel like I have it all. I can even run my fingers through my wavy hair and not turn into a fur ball! NEVER can do that with the tight curls.
Frannie
#21 on 2-24-2010 10:48 pm
Cindy, I am so glad that you feel you can have the best of both worlds and still keep your hair so healthy. My problem is that I have really straight hair (attributed to being half Asian), and if I use a curling iron, despite protection products, it still damages my hair. Can anyone recommend a treatment for straight hair?
Sam
#22 on 2-25-2010 6:15 am
I had this treatment done in November. A common problem for curly haired girls is that to have nice curl you need to air dry and because its so coarse and thick that can take a long time, 3+hours. I live in the Boston area and this time of year its just cold for that. One of the biggest benefits of my treatment has been that it can air dry in well under an hour and still look great. My curl is slowly coming back but the texture is still softer and the dry time still low. I think I should get at least another month or two out of it.
Tera Stephens
#23 on 2-25-2010 9:29 am
@Frannie The first benefit we always talk about with this treatment is smoothing frizz but it can also be done on ALL hair types. At a recent hair show I was speaking with a Keratin educator who pointed out that everyone loves shiney, healthy hair. Because the keratin is sealed into the hair, all types would benefit. He says it is also great for people trying to grow out their hair because the hair is more protected and is less prone to breakage and splitting. My own hair is mostly straight but extremely overprocessed from being very blonde for years, it has given my limp, dull locks new life!
erika
#24 on 2-25-2010 10:03 am
This treatment sounds wonderful and I love the results. I wish I could get those waves with a flat iron or curling iron.
I have a question for you Tera even though it doesn’t have to do with this topic.
I have a ceramic flat iron by Hai and I am ready for an upgrade. What flat iron would you recommend?
Tara
#25 on 2-25-2010 10:17 am
Anyone have experience with the Keratin process & colored hair? I’m also almost totally grey, and I dye – and I get roots showing in about three weeks. I worry that putting dye over this process would ruin it. (I’m just not ready to go gently into that good night of grey!) I have curly/frizzy hair (more like Andi McDowell/Kim Delaney type of curl) so it’s curly (dry) and colored (dry). Currently I’m wearing it just above shoulder length, and I have never been able to do a decent blow dry/straighten at home. (Most of the time I just get a sort of pouf helmet.) Has anyone done this process on colored hair? Also, I’ve tried just about every curly hair product out there, and I’m always looking for “the one.” I will give the Kerastase Oleo Curl Creme a try!
Emily
#26 on 2-25-2010 8:07 pm
Ooo, my hair is so annoyingly wavy (and not in a cute way) – I might do this when my hair grows out. Is it good for hair that is fine? My hair is on the finer side but I have a lot of it.
Zoe
#27 on 2-26-2010 7:38 am
Tera – can this be done on seriously over-processed hair?
I’ve been bottle blond, and flat-ironing for over 10 years, and have very damaged, FRIZZY hair. I’ve been looking into this for a while as it sounds like the perfect solution to my 5 hour weekly ritual of air drying and flat-ironing, but I have read some nightmares about lots of breakage near the root, and over-processing resulting in burned hair.
Is this common, or due to a bad stylist? Or are there different types of treatment for super-processed hair?
tera Stephens
#28 on 2-26-2010 3:05 pm
@erika- I always tell my clients to buy an iron that has a thermostat so the iron can be controlled. Healthy hair can be ironed at about 300 degrees and more damaged around 275. The damage from ironing comes from going over and over the hair, usually with an iron that isn’t hot enough. Also, I highly recommend using a thermal protectant.
@Tara- Cindy is also going grey and we tint her base. You sound like a great candidate for this treatment. I would recommend doing it the same day as color as you wouldn’t be able to color for at least 2 weeks after your treatment. You should also make sure your colorist uses a shampoo and conditioner that don’t contain sodium chloride as that is the one ingredient that will pull the treatment right out of your hair.
@Emily- I just did a treatment yesterday on a client with very fine hair, I honestly can say that EVERY hair type would benefit from this treatment.
@Zoe- Drum roll please!!! Keratin Complex recently released a new formula for your exact situation. It does exactly the same thing as the original formula but is formulated to activate at a lower temperature to prevent more damage to the hair. I think you would see a huge improvement in the condition of your hair, especially after a couple of treatments as it has a cumulative effect. I have also heard of some nightmares… it would be caused by improper ironing of the hair. We work with an extremely hot iron and moving it too slowly or going over the hair too many times could absolutely burn the hair. Make sure to see a stylist that is very experienced in this process!!!
Steph
#29 on 2-27-2010 8:38 pm
I am seriously scared now that I’ve read that some women are losing their hair at rapid rates after using this treatment. I’m also reading that it contains formaldehyde. I was so excited to try this but now I’m scared to.
http://www.oprah.com/community/thread/113583?start=15&tstart=0
Tera Stephens
#30 on 2-28-2010 11:57 am
@Steph I read the message board you linked as I hadn’t heard of this before and also contacted my Keratin educator. She is doing some research on her end and I will post what she comes up with. Two points I would like to make… Both women had issues with hair loss to begin with. One says she was doing hair counts even before her treatment and the other had already suffered alopecia (spots of hair loss). The other point is that any treatment, procedure, surgery, medication, etc. COULD have an adverse reaction in a FEW people. I have had excellent results with EVERY treatment I have done. This is something we are looking deeper into.
BB
#31 on 2-28-2010 3:42 pm
Couple of questions
1. Does this treatment leave a chemical type of smell in your hair afterwards? If so does this go away?
2.Any recommendations for a salon in nyc for getting the keratin treatment done.
You look great!
Tera Stephens
#32 on 3-1-2010 1:00 pm
@BB- there is a fragrance to the Keratin but most clients comment that it smells really good. The fragrance goes away after the first washing.
Also, there is a salon locator link on the site, http://www.keratincomplex.com
Lynne Lohse
#33 on 3-5-2010 3:02 pm
I have had the treatment done twice now and I love it. i will never use any other kind of straightner. My hair is extremely curly and nappy in some areas, but differnet curl all over. I color my hair right before I get the treatment and it is so shiny and healthy looking……
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#34 on 3-6-2010 9:12 pm
[...] Keratin Coppola Smoothing Treatment :Hair Thursday [...]
Dacia
#35 on 3-9-2010 11:36 am
I keep coming back and reading this and and I am so tempted to do it. I live near Costa Mesa, my birthday is coming soon and I could afford it at least once. ahhh! So tempted.
Having curly hair like mine – uneven curl that goes from wavy on top, to kinky underneath, along with some areas that are literally stick straight… I would love to try this but I’m worried about the 4th or 5th month afterward. I know I can afford it once, but can’t really afford to do this every 3 months if that’s what it takes.
But ohhh, to be able to try it just once. If it does come out gradually over time, it might be the coolest thing ever to have manageable hair for just a little while at least.
Stacy Miller
#36 on 3-10-2010 8:14 pm
I had this treatment done 2 1/2 months ago. I love it. I have looked for a product to straighten frizzy hair all my life. Even had chemical process done only to damage hair more. With the keratin treatment, immediately this makes it look, act and feel like REAL HAIR. It takes less than 1/2 the time to dry, straighten and style now. Just a little bit of curl at least I have a choice now. And it is so much healthier it grows faster.. No split ends. The keratin really seals the cuticle! Don’t hesitate. Go for it!
cindy
#37 on 3-11-2010 5:38 pm
Cindy here again. So it has now been 6 weeks since I had my treatment. I still LOVE it!! As it is washing out, it is VERY gradual. Just had my base tinted again yesterday (I am on a 6 week schedule to cover the grey)and it is just fabulous! I plan on keeping this up, maybe repeating after about 4-5 months. I am still able to dry my hair with just my fingers and get a smooth result. Still have the waves when I want them too. This is truely the best thing ever!!!
@ Dacia – DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!! You will not be disappointed!!
Dacia
#38 on 3-19-2010 9:44 am
All hesitating aside, I booked an appointment for next week! I’m looking forward to it.
Heather
#39 on 3-20-2010 7:36 am
I had this treatment done on February 10th and it truly has changed my life. I was my stylists hair model so I got it done for free. However, it will cost $450 from now on to have it done. I cannot afford that. I found the solution online as well as the flat iron. I studied and paid attention to the way my stylist did it and think I could have a friend do it and talk them through what to do. I don’t understand the special “training” you need to have done to do it. Please let me know!
Tara
#40 on 3-21-2010 6:08 pm
http://confessionshairstudio.com/keratin-complex-soothing-therapy-results/
We got similar but different results, the stuff is amazing!
Diane
#41 on 3-21-2010 7:13 pm
Everyone, I recently had this done 2 months ago, it is fading but that’s probably bc I wash it everyday. I am also using the Coppola Keratin shampoo and conditioner. Don’t get me wrong, my hair is definitely not frizzy, just not as silky as before. It definitely blow dries straight.
Here’s a tip, Ulta is currently offering a special for this treatment for $185, but if they have to use more than 2 ounces then it would be an additional $30.
Monica
#42 on 3-23-2010 10:16 am
I have some questions, I had the treatment done about 6 wks ago, I used the keratin shampoo/conditioner that my stylist told me to use for about 4 weeks when i had it done but it seemed to dry my scalp and caused it to break out. since then i switched to the Frederic Fekkai Au Naturel Gentle Shampoo and conditioner recommended by a stylist but honestly i hate it. do you recommend anything else that is safe and can actually give me some lather to where my hair actually feels clean? This new shampoo did stop the dryness but not the breaking out on my scalp. Also, can I box dye my hair? I’m hesitating thinking this will damage the treatment. Thanks for this website & postings!!! its giving me some great pointers and insights!!
esther
#43 on 3-27-2010 6:39 pm
I had this treatment done about two weeks ago. So far I LOVE it. I feel like i’ve been looking for this saving grace my whole life. I’ve been trying to tame, relax, blow dry and flat iron my crazy, thick, course curls into submission since i was 12. I’m now 32 and for the first time in my life my hair is soft, strait and managable from home. So I”m curious since this all seems to good to be true…is it?
I just came across the nightmare stories of balding and breakage and I now i’m wondering what to expect in the coming weeks? Can the coppola treatments be used over and over? Because if i thought I could i’d do this forever!!!! But I don’t want to become Bald!
How long has this system been around?
I heard mention that the product was mabey altered after some issues. Does that ring a bell?
Dacia
#44 on 3-29-2010 3:24 pm
I had this done last week, and I LOVE my new hair. The hair itself is very soft, smooth and extremely easy to style. That alone is reason enough for me BUT the possibilities that are available to me now for things I can do with my hair makes it even better.
I had grown to like my curls but only after accepting that there were just some things I would not be able to do with my hair. I accepted it, but I still gazed longingly at those other “non curl friendly” styles.
This changes all of that and I could not be happier. As I told Tera: Single BEST thing I have ever done with my hair.
tera Stephens
#45 on 3-29-2010 10:08 pm
@Heather- As I mentioned before, I am a licensed stylist who had to be certified by Coppola to even purchase the product. It scares me that anyone who hasn’t been certified or is at least a stylist used to working with an iron at extremely high temperatures would even attempt this treatment. The iron temperature is determined based on the type and condition of the hair and simply won’t bond to the hair if the iron isn’t hot enough. But… good luck!
@Monica- I don’t know where you live but I know the weather in So Cal is causing a lot of dry scalps right now. I’m not familiar with the Fekkai product you’re using now but just be sure it doesn’t contain sodium chloride as that will strip the treatment right out of your hair. I would recommend going back to the Coppola but adding a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to the shampoo. It is really great for all types of skin conditions and has helped my client’s dry scalp. As far as the box color, it shouldn’t cause any harm to your treatment.
@Esther- I was turned onto this product by a girlfriend who is also a stylist. She had coarse, frizzy hair and used to Yuko. She has been doing Keratin Complex for almost 2 years now. She loves it so much she is now a trainer for Coppola and does up to 7 treatments a day and has been for the last year and a half. She has researched all of the various products and found the Coppola to be the safest with the best result. Don’t be afraid!!!
@Dacia- It was so great to meet you and I’m so happy that you feel so good about having the treatment done! Happy Birthday!!!
erika
#46 on 3-30-2010 9:14 am
I have a question. To seal the treatment into the hair, can a round iron be used rather than a flat iron on some sections? I would like my hair to be smooth with some curl on the ends, not poker straight. Is this possible?
Tera Stephens
#47 on 3-30-2010 9:41 am
@Erika- I know Coppola is working with curling irons right now to tame and smooth crazy curls but not get such a straight look. If your stylist is experienced enough, I don’t see why not! The iron would just have to get hot enough, not all irons go as high as 450•.
barb
#48 on 3-31-2010 8:11 pm
I had the keratin simply smooth brazilian treatment done 5 months ago. I would like to try and compare the coppola product. Any comments as to useing differant product 2nd time around? My new salon uses coppola.
Keratin Special Extended! :Hair Thursday
#49 on 4-1-2010 12:19 pm
[...] you have decided to pull the trigger on the amazing Coppola Keratin treatment AND you live in Southern California, Tera is has extended her Coppola promotion for 20% off until [...]
Kanishka
#50 on 4-7-2010 12:50 pm
I can’t believe how late I am to this party! I always thought this treatment would completely straighten my hair and I wouldn’t have any curl or body left. This sounds amazing. As it is, I get $100 Deva curl cuts, and spend 1.5 hours blow drying and flat ironing or air drying for hours for curly hair. I’m so intrigued by this option.
May
#51 on 4-14-2010 8:53 pm
Tera, have you tried using any other keratin products other than Coppola? My stylist uses QOD Gold, and I just don’t know if it’s going to give me as good of a result as this one.
Cher
#52 on 4-17-2010 5:30 pm
Hi all, I had the Coppola treatment done just a few days back……..absolutely fabulous and I wish I had done it earlier!!!! Question – I only ever wash my hair 2 x weekly as it is quite dry but still wet and condition it each day regardless. So I am wondering shouls I still wet and condition each time I shower or wear a cap and only wet/condish when I actually wash it twice a week?? Your thoughts?
Suzanne
#53 on 4-18-2010 1:44 pm
can you still use other hair products when you have this treatment done? (eg: hair spray, dream drops…how about heat protectors?)
Kirsten
#54 on 4-21-2010 1:57 pm
Hey everyone! Just wondering, does anyone know for sure what products you can’t use when you get the BKT? I got it about 3 weeks ago and I have the correct sodium free shampoo and conditioner so I’m good with that. But I have truly curly, puffy, frizzy hair the likes of which most people can’t imagine and the BKT just kind of tones it down but it still looks horrible if I don’t use products! I’m asking mostly because after my weekly wash last week I straightened my hair and a couple days later I curled it and used aerosol hair spray to make it hold. I checked the ingredients and there was nothing untoward in it… But 2 hours later my hair was verrrrry frizzy and the next day it actually began to curl up on its own (in the FL humidity) like the way it would if I tried to wear it straight before I got the BKT! So I did my weekly wash last night and my hair is back to being in such tight curls that it shrinks up to my shoulders even though it’s really long enough to touch my butt! Did I strip out the treatment with aerosol hairspray? I’ve never seen/heard anything saying not to use it…
Maria
#55 on 4-23-2010 12:46 pm
I am considering doing the Keratin Coppola treatment; but, what should I do if my hair gets wet (not from washing it) and/or get wavy (overnight sleep)during the first 72 hours? Thank you.
Suzanne
#56 on 4-26-2010 8:32 pm
Kirsten: my stylist used hairspray in my hair right after she did the treatment, so I think it’s okay to use as long as there’s no sodium chloride in it (I personally haven’t been using any product with potassium, or chloride)
I was just wondering if anyone knows how perspiration will affect the treatment since the main component in sweat is sodium chloride. If i work out regularly will the treatment break down sooner?
Jennie
#57 on 4-28-2010 3:40 pm
Tera, I’ve learned about the keratin treatment from my stylist. I then did some research on the web and found a ton of horrible stories about hair being fried (which I get being that a flat iron is used and some may not have had proper training) and many others had their hair fall out to the point that they were practically bald. I read somewhere that the product can cause some chemical imbalance in the scalp which causes hair to fall out. I of course have also read amazing success stories and wich I could do this treatment with the certanty that my hair will not be fryed, fall out, or completely damaged beyond repaid. I don’t live too far from you and would be willig to drive even a couple of hours to ensure that my hair will not be damaged but the truth is IM SCARED!!! Do you know why hair might fall out after this treatment? I still really would like to get it done and be one of the success stories but at this point I’m scared to take that chance.
tera Stephens
#58 on 4-29-2010 8:48 am
@Barb-Since these products are all temporary, I think it is perfectly fine to switch. I have a client who had a Brazilian Blowout at another salon before I did the treatment and we have since done the Coppola on her. She will be due for her next one soon!
@May-I only use the Keratin Complex. I’m actually not familiar with the QOD Gold.
@Cher-If you’re using shampoo and conditioner without sodium chloride, either would be fine whenever you get your hair wet! Another great product to try that works great with keratin treatments is Morrocan Oil. Try putting it in your hair before you blowdry. It is really moisturizing with out being oily and you may find that takes care of your dryness problem so you can throw a shower cap on the days you don’t shampoo!
@Suzanne-Most hair products that keep the hair dry when you apply them should be fine. Coppola makes several styling products that are great if you’re being super cautious! Again, I would try to avoid sodium chloride just to be on the safe side!
@Kirsten- I don’t use the BKT treatment so I can’t say for sure but hairspray really shouldn’t affect it… I’m kind of stumped on this one. I would talk to your stylist, she would want to know if you weren’t experiencing the result you both expected!
@Maria- I recommend my clients wear a shower cap for the few minutes it takes to wash your face or shower. If it gets wet, you should quickly blow it dry and if it is wavy or curly lightly flat iron it smooth again. Most people have been extremely cautious and it hasn’t been a problem!
@Suzanne- You’re right! Sweat is salt or sodium chloride. I have a client who was working out really hard on a daily basis and the treatment didn’t last nearly as long as it should have. I would say the best thing to do is rinse/wash your hair as soon as you finish working out. An even better solution, if possible, would be to wet your hair before you work out and even leave in a little conditioner in it to protect it. Another client is a surfer, she loves the result so much that she just does her treatments very frequently.
@Jennie- As we know the internet is a blessing and a curse, there is so much information available and sometimes it isn’t accurate! I have been doing several treatments a week for almost a year now and haven’t had any problems with hair loss. I called Coppola after an earlier post regarding this and they hadn’t either. They told me that products that contain formaldehyde have been known to cause hair loss. So my recommendation is to know what your stylist is using and see someone who has been properly trained and certified! Hope to see you soon!!!
Valerie
#59 on 5-4-2010 1:30 pm
I had the 6 week less permanent Keratin treatment.
Now I’m contemplating doing the Coppola Keratin Treatment before the summer. I’m happy with the results so far, but am still concerned if there is any formaldehyde or harsh chemicals in this product.
Has anyone had any side effects?
I have lots of hair,,,fine strands, but plenty of them…get’s frizzy in humidity, and curls when left to air dry.
keratin shampoo
#60 on 5-6-2010 8:58 am
i have yet to try this brand even though its so accessible to me. i saw from the ad their range are suitable for asian hair..
StephersBahamas
#61 on 5-10-2010 6:44 pm
This has been a great website to review. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Cindy’s before and after plus after/after photos. Most sites only show you when you are on the 72 hour holding pattern. I think her hair looks fantastic! I am scheduled to have mine done tomorrow morning and have immense reservations, and also huge excitement over the prospect of having a summer free of worrying about my hair, being able to let water from the pool splash on me instead of wearing a baseball hat in the pool with my 4 year old, and not battling the frizzies from 100 plus degree heat. I live in Arizona and it gets hot any my head sweats. My fears have all been mentioned in above threads…and it seems as if Tera has addressed most of them. My 3 big fears are 1. my hair will fall out, 2. it will leave my hair so stick straight that I will hate it (I have curly hair in the front and wavy/straight in the back but very thin and damaged), 3. my “regular hair” will never come back.
From my extensive research, it seems as if many of the negative comments (hair falls out, bad smell etc) have come from people who have used a keratin smoothing therary…not the Coppola one (Keratin Complex smoothing therapy by Coppola). Most before/after pictures I have viewed show the client to have such stick straight hair after the process it scares me. My hair is thin and trying to grow back in, but I don’t think the stick straight look will be great. However!!!! I think I will go ahead (be brave) and have the treatment done tmw morning (instead of chickening out and just doing a color) and hope for the best. What I HOPE to see as a result is 1. No more frizzies and fly-aways, 2. the ability to let it air dry, or just dry my bangs and let the rest go, 3. still maintain some curl (not like I ever let it go cury as it is reverse…curly curly in the front bangs and temples and wavy in the back) so I can have some body instead of stick straight hair, 4. a treatment that leaves my hair healthier (as it is coated with keratin) which in turn will allow it to grow and become healthy as I won’t be needing to use heated elements as much and finally and most importantly 5. NO HAIR LOSS!
If anyone has any comments to share I would be so appreciative!
Tera…does the 450 degree heat of the flat iron used during processing fry the hair if it is already damaged? My stylist told me I would see steam but it is part of the process to “lock in” the keratin.
Please…anyone write and help me so I am not up all night reading all the horror stories and I don’t go through with it. I PROMISE I will post my results and, hopefully, undying praise for the process. Am I right…it must be Coppola? Not the Brazilian or various other “keratin” treatments? Thanks…Stephanie
Sheree
#62 on 5-11-2010 7:29 am
Ok…….I have an appt for the treatment on Fri and I’m getting nervous. I have had my hair straightened every 4 months using the Chi system for several years now. In the beginning, it was soft and managable. It now is straight, but back to it’s original course nature, especially on the ends. I have it trimmed regularily. The last time I had it straightened was Jan. I now have enough regrowth to do again. I have an appt with an unknown stylist who does entire shop is certified in the Copolla keratin complex treatments and assured me that it would be ok. Has anyone else had a similar situation. Hurry, it’s Tues!
StephersBahamas
#63 on 5-11-2010 4:26 pm
Hi, it’s Stephanie. Well, I chickened out and only had a color done this morning. However, my stylist was ” ok” with that as he knows I have big fears. He has done 50 with not a single person losing any hair or having anything negative to say about the process. He told me that there are several “keratin smoothing treatments” out there and from the research I have done I see that the Brazilian blowout, Brazilian keratine treatment, keratin smoothing and coppola are all variations of the keratin smoothing therapy. He told me that if you google hair loss/damage and include Coppola you won’t find much negative feedback so I need to do that. Of course, as I sat in his chair I felt i should have gone through with it. My week for research and hopefully some feedback from people as to what the best and safest in terms of damahge to hair smoothing treatment is.
jackie
#64 on 5-13-2010 4:55 pm
Hi I have been a hairdresser for over 20 years and do several of the Keratin treatments as well as the brazilian blowout. I think that the short sticking up hairs just go unnoticed when your hair is in its naturally curly frizzy state. I do about one treatment a week and have not had any bad experiences. Some people do however seem to have more irritation than others, why I don’t know . And as for seeing more hair fall out well.. your hair is straight so it naturally falls off of the other hair with curly hair your hair falls out as well but it gets stuck in the curly hair and you don’t see it falling untill you wash your hair!! Try it if you are having a hard time with your natural texture…
Jacqui
#65 on 5-21-2010 9:57 am
I have an appt sched june 3rd for this treatment and I really need to color my hair asap. I want to use box color because 1) I have tons of hair and it is very costly to get it done at the salon. (since i am getting this treatment done I don’t want to do both) and 2) I just needs to cover my gray, nothing drastic. Is it ok to box color my hair before I get this done??
lamia
#66 on 5-25-2010 7:50 am
i’m thinking of getting the coppola treatment, my hair is very similar to cindy’s but longer, and is a little more frizzy. i too love my curls and would hate to loose them forever, i would like to have softer curls like hers for a while but i would like to see my natural tighter curls at some point. that’s the main concern i hacve. will the treatment permanentely affect the tightness of my curls or will it fade away?
Robin
#67 on 5-25-2010 8:39 am
I have naturally curly hair that was relaxed/defrizzed last year using Rusk Anti-Curl. It turned out great, but this summer as my curls were coming back, I had two textures going on…curly at the root, and straight everywhere else. I did my research and decided to go with a process called a digital perm that’s typically performed in Asian salons. I found a place through Yelp.com with great reviews, but when I had it done, my hair was seriously damaged. It is frizzy and feels almost like steel wool
I feel like I shouldn’t do a thing to it besides deep condition (and cut it all off). I would like to know if this treatment can be used to potentially save my hair length while I grow out the damaged stuff. Any more damage, I’d probably be bald 
I’d appreciate any feedback!
cindy
#68 on 5-27-2010 3:15 pm
@ Iamia:
You should go for it. You will not be disappointed!!
Cindy here, the one in the photos. It has now been almost 4 1/2 months since my Keratin treatment. I still LOVE my hair, and yes, much of my curl has returned, but not all of it. Most people who see me now (if they did not see me immediatly post Keratin treatment) think that my curls just look softer and looser and still NO FRIZZ!!But definitely curlier than the photos posted on this website. I have noticed that the treatment has worn off over time, but I have LOVED the way it diminishes slowly. I am getting ready to get my second treatment next week. If I were to choose to NOT get the treatment, I think that my hair would be back to it’s pre-treatment state in another month or so. One reason that I think my treatment has held up so well is that I only wash my hair, at most, 3 times a week, and always using the Coppola shampoo and conditioner. If you really wanted to get back to your ‘old’ hair after getting the treatment, I think you could just wash your hair often and it would wear off much sooner. I have been trying to make it last as long as possible. I REALY REALLY REALLY love what it has done for me and my hair
Michelle
#69 on 5-27-2010 7:14 pm
Tera did this treatment for me a month ago, and it is seriously the BEST money I’ve ever spent on myself (well, except for college). I have naturally curly hair that I’ve been blow-drying straight almost daily for a decade. On the rare occassions when I used to wear it curly, the curls were always frizzy and limp, probably because of how often I straightened it. It used to take me 45 minutes to dry, and was a huge ordeal with a round brush, a very hot dryer, a flat iron, and hot rollers to bring back the volume that the flat iron destroyed.
Since the treatment, my hair is a breeze to manage. If I let it air dry with a little product, I have shiny, frizz-free loose waves, and it’s dry in about half an hour. I can blow dry it straight in 10 minutes using a paddle brush. I’ve gotten tons of compliments on how shiny and healthy it looks, and I get an extra half an hour of sleep every night! If you’re thinking about it, DO IT! You are worth the investment!
Tera Stephens
#70 on 5-30-2010 9:30 pm
@Jacqui- Doing your own color isn’t a problem before a Keratin. I would do it right before since the Keratin helps seal the color into your hair so it lasts longer. You just can’t color for 2 weeks AFTER a Keratin treatment.
@Robin- BUMMER ;( Sorry your hair is sad right now… Keratin Complex is awesome for restoring the health of hair. It smooths down the cuticle and makes hair shiny and soft. What’s great is that it doesn’t change the chemical bonds in the hair like a perm or straightener so you won’t see different textures as your hair grows out. It washes out gradually and slowly your hair returns to it original texture. Try this treatment, it should help a lot!
@CIndy and @Michelle- Thank you so much for leaving your feedback. It’s hard to imagine a treatment could make such a huge difference until it is in your own hair! I always tell clients,”It’s still your own hair, only much better!!!”
Manda
#71 on 5-31-2010 2:10 pm
I was all excited to schedule my treatment with Tera today and when I chatted with her she told me that the treatment is not safe for pregnant or nursing women! BOO! I am so bummed! My baby is due in October and the minute he’s weaned I’m getting this done. My post-pregnancy hair is just strange (curly and frizzy in odd places after being stick straight my entire life!) and needs HELP! On a personal note, Tera is a miracle worker. She is the best hairdresser I’ve ever had! I drive 45 minutes to visit her and it’s worth every mile!
cindy
#72 on 6-5-2010 8:41 pm
Cindy here again-
OK ladies! Had to post after I had my second treatment on Wednesday. If it is possible, I love it EVEN MORE!! I even have a new do – full front bangs!! I have never been able to have these before in my life! Not only is it a fun change of style, it also helps to hide some of my 45-yr old forehead wrinkles. Yes, I know that there is botox for that, but I am not quite ready to go there yet.
Another great find: Morrocan oil that I bought from Tera. It really is a great styling/conditioning tool.
I am one very happy lady
Suzi
#73 on 6-6-2010 6:40 pm
I was not one of the lucky ones here, my first wash with the keratin shampoo and I see fried strands of hair super dried out ends all where I have highlighted hair. Before treatment I was assured this was great to get on the same day if you color or highlight your hair. I was also told it was formaldehyde-free. Aldehyde is in the same family. Now I’m hearing horror stories about the formaldehyde levels and it’s not regulated by FDA, and horror stories of hair loss and fried hair. I call the company and there intelligent answer was “get a hair cut”….
I did that day, then again 1 week later.
My hair is damaged and I’m in tears. I wish I had a happy post here but just wanted to share. Any info would be helpful since I didn’t get any support from the company.
Tabitha
#74 on 6-7-2010 4:32 pm
So just had the Coppola treatment done on June 1st. So far I love, love, love it, but I am getting nervous because I exercise every day. I did not do any exercise for the first 72 hrs as instructed. Now, I am begining to notice tighter curls around my face and neck, I wonder if sweating will affect the Keratin. Would love some feedback if anyone has any….
tera Stephens
#75 on 6-9-2010 9:04 am
@Suzi- Where do you live? I would love to help you with your crispy ends… Coppola actually has some great products that will repair that hair. I’m bummed that you got such an unhelpful person on the phone. Also, this product does contain aldehyde. Coppola has a patent pending formulation that encapsulates the molecules so that it isn’t released into the air when it is heated with the flat iron. That is when it becomes dangerous, when you breathe it. I continue to have amazing results and hope that I can either see you personally or talk you through what you need to do to make your hair healthy again. Feel free to email me directly at teraraestephens@mac.com.
@Tabitha- The only thing that shortens the length of the treatment is sodium chloride or salt. Sweat is salty! I tell clients that work out that they shouldn’t expect it to last the full 3-5 months. However, June 1st wasn’t that long ago and you really shouldn’t see it yet… How curly was your hair to begin with? Is your frizz still totally gone? Remember this is not a straightening treatment but a smoothing treatment!!!
Tabitha
#76 on 6-10-2010 2:58 pm
Tera,
The frizz is probably 95% better than before the treatment, my hair was VERY curly to start. Thanks for the info, I still love it, so much eaiser to manage.
GreenInOC
#77 on 6-11-2010 5:00 pm
I am curious about the ingredients of the treatment products (not the at home shampoo and conditioners)?
Why are they not listed on the website or the bottles?
I love the idea of smooth, shiny hair but the lack of information the the “secrecy” make me suspect.
Brittney
#78 on 6-30-2010 8:09 pm
Tera,
I have curly, unruly hair that I have been flat ironing and coloring myself since middle school (10 years). I have a flat iron that heats to 450*. I have also read the instructions for the keratin complex procedure and they seem pretty straight-forward. I saw that you said the thought of anyone doing this as home scares you, but with my past hair experience, would it be out of the question for me to try this at home? what kind of risk is there in doing so?
Thanks!
Brittney
Althea
#79 on 7-7-2010 8:52 pm
Tera, can you explain why someone’s hair would “break off, or split” after the keratin treatment. I have read soooo many horror stories on line, some saying they had the coppola keratin treatment, stating their hair started falling out or splitting. There are too many to attribute it to one bad person’s horror story; it looks like it happens all the time. Any insight into why this happens? Thanks!
Althea
#80 on 7-7-2010 9:11 pm
Are you able to recomend a reputable salon on the east coast that does the keratin treatment. I live in Maine but would be willing to drive to Boston, MA if necessary. I want to get the treatment done but am scared because of all the horror stories I have read online. My hair is color treated all over and is straight on top and curly/wavy at the bottom and is prone to frizz and serious breakage. I don’t want to make it worse. Thanks for your input.
Janet
#81 on 7-8-2010 9:42 am
I had the Coppola treatment done on June 30th. I have wavy hair that tends to frizz a lot. Also, it was down to the top of my butt and I hadn’t had it cut in over 2 years.
Had it cut and the procedure done. I can’t tell you how happy I am with the results. My hair is smooth and straight, and I love the way it moves now (it never did before). I’m using a shampoo and conditioner from my salon and since I only wash every 4-5 days, I’m hoping for long lasting results.
The only downside…I had asked the salon the price and they quoted me $300. Well, when I went to pay at the end (and it was very late in the evening) it was $450. I don’t know what the difference was (maybe different products) but at that point, I didn’t have the strength to argue (had been in the chair from 5:30 until 9 PM).
I’m hoping to find another salon around my area that charges a bit less, and then use my stylist for the cut. But really, it’s such a wonderful product and I’m thrilled.
Tera, I have family out on the West Coast (I’m in NJ) and when I next come out to see them, I might have to look you up and have you take a look at my hair. Where is your salon located?
Jenifer
#82 on 7-12-2010 2:06 pm
Hi. I just had my treatment done today and am beginning my 72 hour waiting period. I love my ringlet curls and do not want to loose the option of going back to the that type of curl. Did Cindy’s hair eventually go back to its original state??? My stylist said it would but I am a bit of a worrywart!!!
Thanks, Jenifer
Ladeeda
#83 on 7-19-2010 1:51 pm
I am 2 days into my 3 day wait to wash after my first treatment. I have kept my hair dry with the exception of some fairly aggressive sweating (EG at night)! I’ve blown my hair dry when possible, but worried about the impact on the process. Any information about this?
Thank you!
MICHELE
#84 on 7-20-2010 11:57 am
HI CINDY,
THE REASON IM WRITING TO YOU IS B/C I HAD DONE THE KERATIN TREAMENT ON 7/3/10. ON 7/7/10 I WASHED IT OUT WITH THE KERATIN SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER. THE ONLY PROBLEM WAS MY I WOULD BLOW MY HAIR OUT AND IT WOULD BE COMPLETLEY STRAIGHT, BUT ONCE I WENT OUTSIDE INTO THE HUMIDITY IT WOULD CURL UP.. FINE SO I WENT BACK TO THE SALON ON 7/12/10 AND TOLD THE GIRL MY PROBLEM SHE DID THE PROCESS AGAIN… SO I WASHED IT AND AGAIN FRIZZ, THIS WKEND I WENT OUT AND STARTED SWEATING AND IT CURLED RIGHT UP… WHAT SHOULD I DO, IS THIS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN.. PLEASE HELP ME
Heather
#85 on 7-21-2010 1:08 pm
I had the Keratin done June 11th and I am still loving it!! I can tell it has faded slightly but it still only takes 5-6 minutes to dry straight with just a brush and it looks like I used a flat iron and the best part is NO FRIZZ!!! even in the nasty humid weather here in MD. My question has to do with color, I do my own at home just to cover gray all over. I did it a couple weeks before I had the Keratin done but the grays are peeking out again…I’m nervous to to color it now and force the Keratin to fade out completely or quicker than if I didn’t color it. I love my “new” Keratin hair and for the money I spent on the treatment I’d hate to see it vanish early so I would live with the gray if I have to. Any experience or advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Lori
#86 on 7-27-2010 12:39 pm
I had the treatment done on Friday July 23rd. I’m not actually sure which company it was, but I was allowed to wash it after 24 hrs. So far I am thrilled. I have a lot of very fine curly hair that sometimes would look good with the right products. I only wash my hair once of twice a week, but condition every day. I am using the shampoo and condtioner that I bought from the salon and also a leave in keratin product. I too have read the horror stories and I’m still nervous that somehow it will fall out and just hasn’t happened yet. Just a worry wort I guess, but as far as my hair it still has a nice wave, but no frizz. So far so good…
cindy
#87 on 7-29-2010 2:19 pm
@Jenifer- Yes, my hair would return to its pre-treatment state, if I let it. I had a 2nd treatment done before the first one wore off completely (after 18 weeks), but I think it would be back to its original state at about 20 – 24 weeks. Have no fear, your curls will return if you want them to!
@ Michele – I am not the professional here, only a satisfied client, but it sounds to me like your treatments are not being done properly. When I go out into humidity or moisture, my hair starts to behave only SLIGHTLY differently, but it certainly does not curl up or frizz. I may get a little bit of wave, but nothing like what you are getting. You especially should not be having those problems so soon after having the treatment done. I could understand if it had been 3 or 4 months, but not right after treatment. I hope you can find an answer!!
tera Stephens
#88 on 7-30-2010 12:32 am
@Tabitha- It sounds like your result was what I would have expected! Remember it builds on the hair so your next one will be even better!
@GreenInOC- It has likely been difficult to find the ingredient list as it is a professional product and the info isn’t widely advertised. As a certified stylist I was provided with an MSDS sheet that lists all of the ingredients and the OSCHA rating. This contained the info I needed to make the decision that this product was safe enough for my use! Contact me directly if you want more info!
@Brittney- The biggest risk would be burning your hair. There is a reason this is a professional and not at home product. I have been doing this treatment for nearly a year and there is no way I would attempt it on my own head. It would be impossible to iron your own hair the way it needs to be ironed for the product to work properly.
@Althea- I have not had any complaints about breakage or hair falling out with the Coppola product. Keratin Complex actually strengthens hair and I have seen an improvement in the conditions of every single client I have done the treatment on. I would question if the people who have horror stories are positive that Keratin Complex was in fact used on their hair… As for a referral, I would recommend checking out the salon locator feature of the keratincomplex.com website. I don’t know any stylists in your area.
@Janet- I charge $300 and would only charge more if the client had so much hair that I used a lot more product, which is very expensive. You can find all of my contact info on my website at http://www.teraraestephens.com. I would love to meet you!
tera Stephens
#89 on 7-30-2010 12:44 am
@Jenifer- Yes! Like Cindy said, you’re ringlets will return! This is not a permanent treatment.
@Ladeeda- It is recommended that the hair stay dry. It was good that you dried it as soon as you could. I can’t say what the affect will be since I didn’t see how wet it was but I’m sure you will still see a huge improvement regardless! Let us know how it turns out!
@Michele- The treatment can be done as often as every 4 weeks. I would have had you wait to re do it if you weren’t happy with the results. I wonder what temperature it was ironed at as it won’t bond to the hair at low temps.
@Heather- You can absolutely color your hair. I recommend that color is done right before the treatment and then no sooner than 2 weeks after the treatment. This is only because the hair is so coated initially that the color may not turn out as expected.
@Lori- I can’t really advise since I don’t know what was used. I know it was not Coppola’s product as it must stay in the hair for 72 hours. I would tell you that if you’re happy with the result just enjoy it rather than worrying about what you fear could happen!!!
Belinda Johnston
#90 on 8-8-2010 10:50 am
If you have normal hair not real thick you will start shedding and become noticeably thin. Comes out at the root eventually. You will see it in the shower, tricking down your arm. Please do your homework.
Belinda Johnston
#91 on 8-8-2010 10:54 am
Tera Stephens,
You need do stop giving false information!
Go to oprah.com hundreds of people are going bald and losing hair by the strands using Keratin complex Coppola products.
Here is your first complaint personally!
Kristen S
#92 on 8-8-2010 1:09 pm
This is my 3rd time having the treatment done (over 2 year period). What will happen if I wash my hair after only 48 hours? I big event has come up for tomorrow and I can not bare going out with my hair greasy and pin straight. (My stylist used the Coppola product). Thanks for the advice!
My Newest Anti Frizz Regimen – Avon Lotus Shield :Hair Thursday
#93 on 8-9-2010 6:02 am
[...] written about keratin treatments here, and ultimately that would be a great choice for reducing frizz and decreasing drying time, but [...]
tera Stephens
#94 on 8-12-2010 10:27 pm
@Belinda- I have read Oprah.com and there is a woman there who speaks of hair loss after a Keratin treatment. She doesn’t however speak about her possible health issues, medications, or stress which can also cause hair loss. It is possible that the treatment is not to blame. I wrote this post based on the experience and knowledge I have about this product and service. I have performed countless treatments in the time I have been doing them. I have not had one client complain about hair loss or anything else for that matter. Every single client has been extremely happy with her results.
tera Stephens
#95 on 8-12-2010 10:28 pm
@Kristen- You should check with your stylist but I would not guarantee the results of the treatment if my client washed her hair sooner than 72 hours after it was completed.
Laura L
#96 on 8-13-2010 9:54 pm
I live in south AL on the Gulf Coast and unless you have been here no one can really understand what humidity really is. Last year I had the full blown Copala Ker. treatment done and I liked it but not the cost (350) and the investment in time so my stylist suggested the new Copola Ker. product that is much quicker to apply, washes out in 24 hours, costs $75 and lasts up to 6 wks. I am going on 4 weeks and I am very impressed. I use the Morrocan oil and recently tried the Avon Lotus Shield (which is great)and my hair is soft and smoothe with just blow drying w/ a paddle brush. It has been a good alternative for me. In addition my stylist touches up another client’s hair in between the full blown treatment with just doing the front (bangs), top and sides (along the face)with the Kerotin b/c her client pulls her hair back a lot in the summer and this helps from having all those annoying little hairs sticking out everywhere. Tera, have you tried anything in between treatments as an alternative? I am also looking for a curl tamer that will define my curls and keep them soft and not crispy and stiff (b/c they are naturally a curly, wavy, frizzy mess)? Thanks for all the helpful advice.
Tera Stephens
#97 on 8-15-2010 3:26 pm
@Laura- I’m assuming your stylist is using the Intense RX treatment on you. This is a more temporary version of the Keratin Complex treatment that lasts about 6-10 shampoos. It is applied to the hair and then the hair is blown dry and flat ironed at a lower temperature. It is made up of 25% Keratin and the Original treatment is 41% Keratin. This is a great option for anyone who is not ready to try the Original treatment as you can get a feel for what the results would be with a lower time and cost investment.
As for a curl creme, I love Bumble&Bumble Curl Conscious and Oribe Curl by Definition.
Daniela
#98 on 8-20-2010 3:18 pm
This is a really great post. Especially showing the three days later. I am still not quite convince though. My hair is naturally wavy with a bit of curl, without product it is frizzy and fine. I blow dry it all the time and because my hair holds a wave very well I have a tone of body. So I am afraid that my hair will be flat and without body if I do this treatment. I would love to see more posts like this so I can determine how it would look with someone whose hair is more like mine. Thanks.
maureen baumgartner
#99 on 8-24-2010 11:45 am
Tara: no one doubts you have had great COSMETIC results on all your clients. But you are not a scientist or a physician, and you simply are WRONG if you think it is “safe;” claims of “no formaldehyde” are false for ALL brands of keratin smoothers; they can say that, because formaldehyde is a gas, a vapor, and the product itself is a LIQUID, containing “aldehydes.” When the aldehyde is heated (iron, blow dry) it vaporizes and BECOMES formaldehyde, though many “aldehydes” are as bad or worse than formaldehyde. There is a stylist thread where MANY stylists, not clients, say they have SERIOUS respiratory problems from the Coppola complex applications. READ THEM, PEOPLE! Some have had to quit the business. NO, Tara, it is not a coincidence that their symptoms all started the DAY they used the Keratin Complex. Formaldehyde DOES straighten hair beautifully, people, it’s amazing, yes, but it’s a potent TOXIN, highly destructive in vapor form, which is the “steam” you are talking about. Tara has NOT read the Oprah thread fully, there are LOTS of women on it saying they’re going bald, and it started with their FIRST wash; it’s no coincidence. Their doctors back them up. A chemist tested the Coppola product, during usage (vaporing) and it DOES produce formaldehyde! Don’t believe the companies lies, they are being sued, not just by customers, but by stylists. This product is NOT regulated! Please, please people, do not listen to the “keratin educators” (Coppola employees), and the stylists that are making a ton of money off this, but can’t see beyond the beautiful hair results (that doesn’t mean you aren’t being poisoned; it’s a potent CARCINOGEN!), and READ the public (not company) threads, as I did; you will be SHOCKED! I hate my hair, and had an appt. for today, but I spent a weekend doing the research, reading both sides, and if you have any science background at all, the result is clear: it IS formaldehyde, and it is NOT safe, neither for the client or the stylists. I would LOVE to have had the beautiful straight hair it would have given me, but is it worth sacrificing your future health?? Stylists don’t even use the proper “source vapor extractors” and specialty masks for formaldehyde that they’re supposed to, and they sure aren’t giving them to YOU, the client. It’s criminal, but they have swallowed the Coppola companies wordplay and lies, all to make MONEY! Please do not listen to your stylists, who is not a chemist, without also listening to those stylists who have suffered serious health consequences, yes from Coppola. Look it up! There are LOTS of them, and they are all talking class action lawsuit. Everyone means well, and we all want beautiful hair, I know. But please do your own research first; the industry is biased! Listen to the chemists who have tested it for formaldehyde. (Try “Biolustre” instead, or at least research it; said to be much, much safer with beautiful, if not the straightest, results. There are safe alternatives!)Again, I don’t doubt your results Tara, but you don’t know the long-term health effects it is causing on you OR your clients. It hasn’t been around even 10 years! It’s irresponsible to declare it safe just because their hair looks pretty, or your “keratin educator” said so.
Laura
#100 on 8-26-2010 4:11 am
Maureen- I am glad that is your choice and u do have a choice of whether you get it done or not. But could u imagine what people would be saying if there was an internet when perms were introduced? They also contain chemicals that could be dangerous and very easily (if not done properly) could make the hair fall out. The same could be said for color or bleach. It is a personal choice and if you have been walking around with fuzzy hair your whole life, this adds so much time to your life, not having to do your hair everyday! Almost everything can cause cancer ..it is about your choices.
Laura
#101 on 8-26-2010 4:12 am
Tara- thank you for the site. I found it to be very educating.
Tried and Fried
#102 on 8-26-2010 7:40 pm
I had the Coppola six weeks ago at a high end NJ salon. First, my hair was fried so I had to cut it to just below my ears. I was sad but thought I was in the clear until last week when my hair started breaking. I called Coppola and in less than 24 hours they had sent me over $200 worth of products to repair the damage their product had done. There was no “wow, I never heard of this happening” because its happening to thousands of women across the country and this product will be off the market within two years guaranteed. I won’t even touch the.products they sent me if any of you.want them.
When someone gets a perm (not me, I’m curly) or a highlight or a color, you expect a certain degree of minor damage. But when you go for a treatment intended and marketed to improve your hair and it gives you the ugliest, unhealthiest hair you’ve ever had in 39 years of life, that’s fraudulent advertising and I am still deciding who to take action against.
Don’t do the Coppola unless you’re willing to risk losing a good deal of hair. Of course it doesn’t happen to everyone but its happening to thousands so just know the risk you’re taking with your hair. It’s like playing Russian roulette with your hair…unfortunately for me, I lost.
JoyAnna
#103 on 8-27-2010 11:17 pm
I’m a stylist who just ordered the keratin complex by coppola last week, tried it on a family member and already have 3 clients booked to do it!I’ve read these horror stories about it and I can admit that I’m truly scared! Right after I tried it on my sister in-law, I felt dizzy and sick to my stomach. Not sure if this is because of the new fumes I wasn’t used to or the so call farhmaladyhe used in it? Should I listen to the horrors and cancel these treatments I have scheduled, or go ahead with the treatments??