The 6 best at-home keratin treatments for full, silky hair

Sleek, healthy hair is the dream — but not always a reality. Sometimes, flat ironing just doesn’t cut it, or different treatments leave your hair more straw-like than supple. You also may not want to shell out the big bucks for a salon appointment.

In the quest for enviable tresses, we sought to discover the best at-home keratin treatment. These treatments help you achieve straighter, smoother and less frizzy hair on your own. Our list of editor recommendations includes smoothing systems, creams and sprays.

Read more: See the best sulfate-free shampoos for shiny, clean hair

Our top picks for home keratin treatments

The best treatment for healthy hair

GK Hair The Best Smoothing Keratin Hair Treatment

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$54 at Walmart

Our favorite travel-size product

Kerastase Discipline Keratin Thermique

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$19.85 at Walmart

Best keratin alternative for hair damage

Olapex No. 3 Hair Perfector

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$30 at LOOKFANTASTIC

Our favorite smoothing hair spray

TRESemme Pro Collection Keratin Repair Leave-In Treatment

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$7.39 at Target

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The best treatment for healthy hair

GK Hair The Best Smoothing Keratin Hair Treatment

$54

$54 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Strengthens hair for up to five months

• Leaves hair soft and healthy

• Reduces frizz while retaining volume

• The smell could be better

• Takes months for new hair growth

The best at-home hair-straightening treatment goes the extra mile and solves multiple problems.  GK Hair’s The Best Hair Treatment is an antidote for frizzy, damaged hair. And it naturally softens curls to give you a shiny, sleek finish. 

How does this product promote hair health? For starters, it’s infused with Juvexin, a keratin-based anti-aging protein blend, to prevent degradation and amplify smoothing. It also boasts natural seed ingredients to hydrate, condition and nourish hair. Additionally, this GK Hair product is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates and gluten.

For the best results, be sure to follow the directions closely when applying. It’s recommended that you start with GK Hair’s pH+ Clarifying Shampoo to prep the hair for the Juvexin treatment. After washing and towel-drying, section your hair into half-inch sections and apply GK Hair’s The Best Hair Treatment. Leave in for 40 to 60 minutes, rinse with warm water and use a deep conditioner.

Our favorite travel-size product

Kerastase Discipline Keratin Thermique

$19.85

$19.85 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Convenient travel size

• Lightweight formula and doesn’t weigh hair down

• High-end, reputable brand

• Pricey for the size

• Must be used when hair is wet

Keeping up with your beauty regimen while traveling can be a challenge. But thankfully, we found a travel-sized keratin treatment that’s packable — and delivers great results: Discipline Keratin Thermique by Kerastase. One of the best keratin formulas for when you’re on the go, this leave-in treatment is a pro at taming hair and beating humidity. For our frizzy and curly-haired guys and gals who’ve dealt with unruly hair while traveling in the heat, this product is for you. Founded by L’Oreal Advanced Research, Kerastase is a luxury hair care brand — and it’s part of the L’Oreal Professional Products division. Why is this important to know? The Thermique treatment is research-backed — and it boasts Morpho-Keratine Complex technology that’s scientifically designed to restore hair fibers and reduce frizz. So, it’s a proven product you can count on.

When using this product, consumers report that a small amount of product goes a long way, which is great for those traveling for longer periods of time. When applying it, simply run it through towel-dried hair and follow up with heat-styling tools if necessary.

Best keratin alternative for hair damage

Olapex No. 3 Hair Perfector

$30

$30 at LOOKFANTASTIC

Pros & Cons

• Reduces damage and leaves hair healthier

• Hair is softer, stronger and less prone to breakage

• Vegan, cruelty-free and an environmentally conscious brand

• Pricier than competing products

• Not formulated to relax curls

Between heat styling, color treatments and frequent washes, our hair is put through the wringer. The good news? The Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector can help you resuscitate damaged hair.  And it’s designed for all hair types, especially those with noticeable damage.

We must emphasize that the No.3 Hair Perfector is not a conditioner, hair mask or protein treatment. It’s a weekly pre-shampoo treatment to repair hair, prevent damage and reduce breakage and split ends. Use it once a week or up to three times a week. Apply it before you shampoo from roots to end, and leave it on for ten minutes before rinsing. 

One of Olaplex’s mottos is “Healthier Hair, Healthier Planet.” Like Olapex’s other products, the Hair Perfector is vegan, cruelty-free and without parabens and sulfates. The company limits the use of secondary packaging to reduce its carbon footprint. The No.3 Hair Perfector is a favorite of stylists — and anyone who wants healthy hair.

Our favorite smoothing hair spray

TRESemme Pro Collection Keratin Repair Leave-In Treatment

$7.39

$7.39 at Target

Pros & Cons

• A pleasant fragrance  

• Easy-to-use

• Effectively protects hair against heat

• If not used sparingly, can leave a greasy finish

• The spray is jet-stream style instead of mist or spray

Ever look at a photo and cringe at your flyaways? TRESemme’s Keratin Smooth Heat Repair spray is a hair spray to protect your hair from heat styling tools and to achieve silky strands. The spray protects up to 450° Fahrenheit, leaving your hair softer and easier to style. It also prevents breakage and split ends.

Use the spray on damp hair and comb through from length to end. Style your hair as usual and your style should stay in place while having natural movement. 

Despite its French name, TRESemme is an American brand that originated in New York City. Its products were originally for salon use but are now available at supermarkets and drugstores. The brand is vocal about not testing on animals, so you can feel good about using its products.

Best for deep conditioning

Biolage Keratindose Pro-Keratin Renewal Spray

You save $2.60 (9.92%)

$23.60$26.20

$23.60 at LOOKFANTASTIC

Pros & Cons

• Works for wet and dry hair

• Fast results

• Smells great

• Must be used on wet hair

• The product can clump since it’s a cream, not a mist

Does your hair feel dry or brittle, and you want to fix it quickly? Biolage’s Keratindose Pro-Keratin Renewal Spray may be your best option. The leave-in lotion spray is for over-processed, weak or fragile hair. It works well for different types of tresses, including frizzy and aging.

Spray the product on wet hair after conditioning. You only need one or two pumps, especially if you have fine hair. You can also use it on dry hair for better styling. The spray adds shine and controls frizz and flyaways.

The product contains Pro-Keratin and silk ingredients but is paraben-free. Biolage promises it leaves hair 90 percent more conditioned after one use. Customers use the Renewal Spray as a detangler and rave about its inviting scent.

Best multi-part system

KERAZON Brazilian Keratin Treatment Complex

$39.99

$39.99 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Fast application and results

• Holistic keratin complex treatment with natural ingredients

• Safe for chemically-treated hair

• Only lasts for one or two applications

• Strong smell

Kerazon’s Brazilian Keratin Treatment Complex comes as a three-product system. The first step is the Pre-Treatment Shampoo, which removes buildup and prepares hair for smoothing. The second is the Brazilian Keratin Treatment to straighten the hair. The third is the Intensive Hair Mask for moisturizing.

Kerazon’s kit is one of the best at-home keratin treatments because it’s fast yet thorough. The process takes about 90 minutes, and you can get same-day results. It will leave you with smooth, strong and straight hair. Use the entire system for one or two applications.

Kerazon’s treatment contains burti oil and vegetable keratin made from shea butter and amino acids. Other natural ingredients include acai, cinnamon extract and olive oil. Kerazon manufactures the product in Brazil.

What to know about using keratin at home

Because keratin is often used in salons, it can seem intimidating to use at home. The good news? With the right products that are safe for at-home use, you can achieve professional-grade results. Here, we answer some commonly asked questions about keratin, how to use it — and how to choose the best formula.

Why is keratin good for your hair?

According to Byrdie, keratin is a protein that naturally exists in hair to protect against humidity. Hair loses keratin over time due to sun exposure, the environment and chemicals. Keratin treatments replenish keratin depletion areas, reduce frizz and restore hair health. Their purpose is to leave hair smoother, healthier and thicker.

How do you perform a professional keratin treatment at home?

Determine your intentions. Are you looking for a quick fix for your flyaways, or want longer-lasting straight hair? Factor in time, budget and space. Some treatments require ventilation.

Many at-home solutions require rinsing, so make sure you can easily access a shower or sink. Be ready with a fine tooth comb, hair straightener, blow dryer, gloves, bowls and towels. Also, do a sensitivity test before you apply the product.

Which ingredients should I look out for?

Keratin straightening treatment products sometimes include formaldehyde, which is a controversial ingredient for hair use. Why? According to Healthline, formaldehyde and related compounds can cause irritation, nausea and rashes. Formaldehyde is also a carcinogen which means it can contribute to cancer growth.

However, formaldehyde helps smooth and de-frizz your hair in a keratin treatment. It’s hard to find a product free of formaldehyde and related ingredients that’s also effective. Manufacturers may also disguise formaldehyde under other names. These include aldehyde, methanediol and methylene glycol. 

Take a look at the ingredient list when you’re looking for a keratin treatment. Check for low dosages of formaldehyde or a similar chemical. It’s advantageous if a product has naturally moisturizing ingredients like olive oil, shea butter or coconut oil. Another plus is if the product is free of parabens and sulfates, which experts say can cause harmful health side effects.

Which at-home hair treatments get our vote?

Ready to give a smoothing treatment a try and refresh your hair? We’ve got you covered. If you’re new to the world of keratin, we’d suggest trying out one of the following.

• GK Hair the Best Hair Treatment. Want to eliminate frizz and achieve strong, silky hair? The Best Hair Treatment by GK Hair can help you achieve just this result, so we voted it the best at-home keratin treatment. The Treatment delivers everything an at-home keratin treatment should. It loosens your natural curl pattern while providing hair with hydration and a frizz-free finish.

• Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector. Judging by customer reviews, the No. 3. Hair Perfector has rescued many heads of fried, damaged hair. One use can dramatically improve hair health. The brand also gets brownie points for being vegan and cruelty-free and demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.

• TreSemme’s Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray. TreSemme’s Keratin Heat Protection spray gets thumbs-up for its effectiveness and convenience. You can use it on damp or dry hair before styling, instantly reducing problems like frizz and flyaways, and it protects you hair from heat damage. And as an added bonus, it smells pleasant, so no chemical-heavy scents to deal with.

Whether you want to revive damaged hair or preserve straight locks, the best at-home keratin treatment will keep your hair healthy and stylish. Consult a stylist or dermatologist if you have concerns about application and skin sensitivity. 

Prices updated on 08/09/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.