Don’t confuse cysteine treatments with your regular hair spa, this technique can be seriously game-changing for someone who has dry, damaged, and frizzy strands. This in-salon treatment includes using amino acid proteins to strengthen your locks, reducing hair breakage and frizz. The result? Smoother hair that looks blow-dried with little to no frizz and commercial-like shine.
Process of cysteine hair treatment
The first thing about cysteine you need to know is that it takes time. Don’t go into the salon thinking you’re going to be done in an hour or so. No, this treatment takes a good three to four hours. Another thing to know is that this is a semi-permanent treatment and based on how you take care of your mane, the effects will last for about two to four months.
· The process begins with a hair examination and then the expert gives you some information about your hair type, texture, and the duration of the treatment.
· Then there is a shampoo session so that your strands and scalp are free of any dirt, grime, sweat, and impurities.
· Now, the cysteine complex formula will be applied to damp hair as this helps the product to penetrate better in the strands. The solution is allowed to sit on the hair for about an hour or so.
· Next, your locks will be flat-ironed so that the smoothening effect of the protein is sealed into your strands.
· Then you can leave but you’re not done! Post-treatment, you have to leave the solution on for a few hours and wash your mane with a specific sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
Cost and effectiveness of cysteine hair treatment
You can get cysteine hair treatment done on a specific portion of your hair like your bangs or your whole head. It is entirely up to you. The treatment is quite costly and will put you back about Rs 5000 to Rs 12,000, depending on the salon you go to as well as the condition and length of your mane.
When it comes to effectiveness, the treatment does last for about two to four months, subject to how often you wash your hair, how you take care of it, and the products you use.
Precautions to take before cysteine hair treatment
If you have gotten any hair treatments as colouring done, it is best to take a break and wait for two months and then get cysteine done. It doesn’t have any immediate side effects but long-term, some hair textures don’t react well to the treatment which may lead to hairfall, thinning, and split ends.
Before getting the treatment, talk to your hairstylist about your hair goals. If your hair is fine and tends to fall flat, this might not be the right route for you to take.
Aftercare tips for cysteine hair treatment
Post-treatment you have to take immense care of your hair so that the effect doesn’t fade away too quickly. Here are four things you need to be wary of:
1. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners only. Sulfates are detergents in hair care products that make them foam up and these can be very harsh and stripping.
2. Don’t wash your hair more than twice a week. The more you wash it, the faster the effect will wear off.
3. Don’t go swimming as chlorine and seawater can wash away the treatment.
4. Avoid oiling your hair as to remove the oil you need to shampoo your mane multiple times. This will also reduce the duration that the effect will last.
Pros and cons of cysteine hair treatment
Pros
· Unlike keratin hair treatments, this one doesn’t contain harsh allergy-causing chemicals like formaldehyde.
· It improves the overall look and feel of your mane.
· The effect wears off with each wash so you won’t have to suddenly deal with frizzy hair. There won’t be an obvious difference like there normally is when your new hair grows from the roots as you see with straightened hair.
Cons
· You need to alter your haircare routine if you are getting a cysteine hair treatment done and will have to switch to a sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free shampoo and conditioner.
· The treatment itself is expensive and isn’t a permanent solution to frizzy, damaged hair.
Is cysteine hair treatment for you?
If you don’t mind the fact that it is a semi-permanent haircare treatment and are willing to spend big bucks for it, definitely go for this. It is way less damaging than a keratin hair treatment and when it wears off, it will leave you with gentle waves and flyaways till you decide to refresh it. If you have thick hair that is unmanageable, try it and if you have fine hair that falls limp at the roots, this treatment isn’t for you.
Conclusion
Talk to your hairstylist and figure out if this hair treatment is meant for your mane texture and type. You have to be committed to the cause and ready to overhaul your haircare routine based on what experts recommend.
FAQs
Can I use henna on my hair after getting a cysteine hair treatment done?
No, it is recommended you steer clear of it as it can strip away the cysteine complex from your strands.
Can I do the treatment by myself at home?
You can but it isn’t recommended as if, by chance, the cysteine complex comes in contact with your scalp, it will lead to hairfall.
Which shampoos can I use after a cysteine hair treatment?
You can opt for sulfate-free formulas like:
Plum Soft Cleanse Sulphate-free Shampoo
OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner
Kama Ayurveda Bringadi Hair Cleanser
