2026 buying guide
Best at-home keratin treatment.
Salon keratin treatments cost $250–$450 per session in the US. The same professional product costs ~$56 per treatment when you do it at home. Three brands compared — QIQI Hair Controller, Nanokeratin System, and Wella Smooth Filler. Which one to buy, what you need, and how to get salon results without the salon.
Before you buy
What to look for in an at-home keratin kit.
Most “at-home keratin treatments” on Amazon and drugstore shelves are diluted conditioning masks that wash out in a few days. A real keratin treatment restructures the bonds in your hair and lasts months. To get genuine results at home, the product matters more than anything else.
A good at-home keratin treatment should be: formaldehyde-free (verified, not just labelled), matched to your specific hair type, designed for home application without commercial ventilation, and backed by a matched aftercare range. Without sulfate-free shampoo, even the best treatment fades in weeks instead of months.
The three professional-grade treatments we carry — QIQI Hair Controller, Nanokeratin System, and Wella Smooth Filler — all meet these criteria. They are the same products used in professional salons, available for you to use at home.
Formaldehyde-free
Essential
Matched to hair type
Essential
Designed for home use
Essential
Aftercare range included
Important
Multiple treatments per bottle
Best value
Step-by-step guide
Important
#1 recommendation — Best overall for home use
QIQI Hair Controller.
Australian brand. Glyoxylic acid-based permanent smoothing that restructures disulfide bonds under heat. Three formulas — Thick & Coarse for afro and resistant hair, Wavy & Curly for natural curls, Thin & Delicate for fine or colour-treated hair. Results last up to 5 months. Each 150g bottle provides 3+ treatments depending on hair length and density.
QIQI was designed from the ground up for home use. It is completely formaldehyde-free — no commercial ventilation needed. You can treat your hair in a normal bathroom in 2–3 hours. At approximately $168 per bottle, it works out to roughly $56 per treatment, compared to $250–$450 for a single salon session in cities like New York, LA, or Miami.
This is the treatment we recommend for most people looking for the best at-home keratin treatment. It has the longest-lasting results, the best cost per treatment, and the most proven track record for home application.
£129 · 150g
Hair Controller — Thick & Coarse
Formaldehyde-free permanent smoothing treatment for thick, coarse, and afro-textured hair. Softens disulfide bonds under heat for lasting frizz control — from defined curls to fully straight. QIQI Hair Controller results last up to 5 months.
Shop now →
£129 · 150g
Hair Controller — Wavy & Curly
Permanently reduces frizz and enhances natural pattern definition — or delivers a smooth, controlled finish. Designed specifically for wavy and curly hair. Formaldehyde-free. Lasts up to 5 months.
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£129 · 150g
Hair Controller — Thin & Delicate
Formaldehyde-free permanent smoothing for fine, colour-treated, or delicate hair. Eliminates frizz and reduces volume without over-processing. QIQI Hair Controller safe for bleached and highlighted hair. Results last up to 5 months.
Shop now →Best starter option
DIY Treatment Kit — ~$220
Everything you need in one box: your chosen Hair Controller formula, heated cap, applicator brush, mixing bowl, and gloves. Choose your hair type at checkout. Up to 3 treatments per kit. The easiest way to start if you have never done a keratin treatment at home before.
Shop DIY Kit →Best for — Specialist hair types, temporary smoothing
Nanokeratin System.
UK-based brand with seven specialist formulas — each engineered for a specific hair type and chemical history. Results last 12–16 weeks. All formulas are 0% formaldehyde and aldehyde. Nanokeratin stands out for its specialisation: dedicated smoothers for afro and textured hair (Refortify), natural hair (Revive), colour-treated hair (Refine), blonde and bleached hair (Replenish), a versatile all-rounder (Resmooth), an advanced restructuring formula (Retexture), and a treatment specifically safe for hair extensions (Rexten).
If your hair has a complex chemical history or you need a formula built for a very specific condition, Nanokeratin is the better choice. It is a temporary treatment — results fade gradually rather than growing out — which some people prefer.
Refortify Smoother — Afro & Textured Hair
From £279
Revive Smoother — Natural Hair
From £279
Refine Smoother — Colour-Treated Hair
From £279
Replenish Smoother — Blonde & Bleached Hair
From £279
Resmooth Hair Smoother
From £129
Retexture Hair Smoother
From £129
Rexten Hair Safeguard — Extensions
From £139
See the full Nanokeratin range including aftercare bundles →
Best for — Gentle smoothing, keeping natural texture
Wella Smooth Filler.
Demi-permanent smoothing from Wella Professionals. Reduces frizz and makes hair easier to blow-dry smooth while keeping your natural texture intact. Develops in just 20 minutes, sealed with a flat iron. Results last up to 3 months and fade gradually — no regrowth line.
Wella Smooth Filler is the best choice if you want subtle frizz reduction without changing your hair's natural movement. It is faster to apply than a full keratin treatment (20-minute processing vs 30–90 minutes) and ideal for anyone who wants manageability rather than full straightening. At £209 for 500ml, it provides multiple treatments.
£209 · 500ml
Wella Smooth Filler Treatment
Shop now →Head to head
QIQI vs Nanokeratin vs Wella — full comparison.
#1 Pick
QIQI Hair Controller
Type: Permanent smoothing
How long it lasts: Up to 5 months
Formulas: 3 (by hair texture)
Formaldehyde-free: Yes
Home use: Designed for it
Processing time: 30–90 minutes
Price: From ~$168 (3+ treatments)
Cost per treatment: ~$56
Kit available: Yes — DIY Kit ~$220
Aftercare range: Yes
Best for: Most people. Lasting results, best value
Specialist choice
Nanokeratin System
Type: Temporary smoothing
How long it lasts: 12–16 weeks
Formulas: 7 (by hair type + history)
Formaldehyde-free: Yes
Home use: Yes
Processing time: Varies by formula
Price: From ~$168–$365
Cost per treatment: Varies
Kit available: Aftercare bundles
Aftercare range: Yes — matched per formula
Best for: Complex hair histories, afro, extensions
Gentle option
Wella Smooth Filler
Type: Demi-permanent smoothing
How long it lasts: Up to 3 months
Formulas: 1 (all hair types)
Formaldehyde-free: Yes
Home use: Yes
Processing time: 20 minutes
Price: ~$272 (500ml)
Cost per treatment: Varies by hair length
Kit available: No — standalone
Aftercare range: Wella aftercare available
Best for: Subtle frizz control, natural texture
Not sure which one? Take the 60-second quiz for a personalised recommendation →
How it works
At-home keratin treatment — step by step.
Clarifying wash
Wash your hair twice with a clarifying or sulfate shampoo to strip product buildup and open the cuticle. Towel-dry until damp — not dripping.
Section and apply
Divide hair into 4–6 sections. Apply the treatment root to tip using an applicator brush, working in thin sub-sections. Comb through each section to ensure even coverage.
Process under heat
Cover with a heated cap or use a dryer. Processing time depends on your hair type and formula: 30 minutes for thin/delicate hair, up to 90 minutes for thick/coarse. This is when the active ingredients restructure your hair bonds.
Rinse lightly
Rinse with water only — no shampoo. A light rinse removes excess product while keeping the treatment locked in. Your hair should still feel slightly coated.
Blow-dry smooth
Blow-dry your hair completely smooth using a round brush or paddle brush. Work section by section from roots to ends. Your hair must be 100% dry before the next step.
Flat-iron to seal
Pass a flat iron (450°F / 230°C) through each section 5–8 times. This step seals the treatment permanently into the hair shaft. Work in thin sections for the best results.
What you need
- QIQI Hair Controller (your formula)
- Clarifying shampoo (for pre-wash only)
- Hair dryer
- Flat iron (450°F / 230°C)
- Sectioning clips (4–6)
- Applicator brush and mixing bowl
- Gloves
- Heated cap (optional but recommended)
- Timer
Total time
2–3 hours
No downtime afterwards. You can style your hair normally from day one. Wait 48 hours before washing.
Full guide
Read the complete application guide →
Detailed instructions with timing for each hair type
The math
Salon vs at-home — cost comparison.
A single salon keratin treatment in the US costs $250–$450. You need it every 3–5 months. That is $750–$1,800 a year on keratin treatments alone — before aftercare products. The same professional product costs approximately $168 a bottle and gives you 3+ treatments at home.
| US salon | At home (QIQI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per treatment | $250–$450 | ~$56 |
| Annual cost (3 treatments) | $750–$1,350 | ~$168 |
| Aftercare products | $40–$100 extra | In kits from ~$232 |
| Product used | Varies — ask the salon | QIQI Hair Controller |
| Formaldehyde-free | Check with salon | Yes — always |
| Time per session | 2–3 hours + travel | 2–3 hours at home |
| Results duration | 3–5 months | Up to 5 months |
| Annual savings | — | $580–$1,180+ |
Salon prices based on US averages in 2026. QIQI costs based on a single 150g bottle yielding 3+ treatments on shoulder-length hair. USD prices are approximate conversions from GBP — exact amounts shown at checkout.
Our recommendation
Why QIQI is the best at-home keratin treatment.
All three treatments we stock deliver genuine results. But for at-home use specifically, QIQI Hair Controller is the clear winner for most people. Here is why.
Longest-lasting results. QIQI gives permanent smoothing that lasts up to 5 months — longer than Nanokeratin (12–16 weeks) and Wella Smooth Filler (up to 3 months). Fewer treatments per year means less time, less product, and less cost.
Best cost per treatment. At roughly $56 per treatment from a $168 bottle, QIQI offers the most affordable professional keratin treatment available. Over a year, the savings compared to salon visits are $580–$1,180+.
Designed for home application. QIQI was built from the ground up for both salon and home use. The formula is formaldehyde-free, so no commercial ventilation is needed. The application process is straightforward and well-documented. The DIY Treatment Kit includes every tool you need.
Three formulas matched to your hair. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, QIQI offers Thick & Coarse, Wavy & Curly, and Thin & Delicate. The right formula for your hair type means better results and less risk of over-processing.
Complete aftercare range. Matched sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, masque, oil, and heat spray — specifically formulated to extend treatment results. Without proper aftercare, any keratin treatment fades in weeks instead of months.
Common questions
At-home keratin treatment — FAQ
What is the best at-home keratin treatment?
QIQI Hair Controller is the best at-home keratin treatment available in 2026. It is a professional-grade, formaldehyde-free formula that delivers permanent smoothing lasting up to 5 months. It comes in three formulas matched to your hair type (thick & coarse, wavy & curly, thin & delicate) and was specifically designed for safe home application. At roughly $56 per treatment, it delivers salon-identical results at a fraction of the cost.
Can you really do keratin treatment at home?
Yes. QIQI Hair Controller is the same professional product used in salons worldwide, packaged and formulated for safe home use. The process takes 2-3 hours and requires a hair dryer, a flat iron (450°F), sectioning clips, and the treatment itself. No commercial ventilation is needed because the formula is completely formaldehyde-free. Most first-time users get results identical to a $250-$450 salon session.
How much does at-home keratin treatment cost?
A QIQI Hair Controller costs approximately $168 for a 150g bottle, which provides 3 or more treatments on shoulder-length hair — roughly $56 per treatment. The DIY Treatment Kit is approximately $220 and includes the treatment plus a heated cap, applicator brush, bowl, and gloves. Compare that to $250-$450 per salon session in the US. Over a year (2-3 treatments), you save $500-$1,200+ by treating at home.
Is at-home keratin as good as salon?
Yes. The product is identical — QIQI Hair Controller is the same formula whether applied in a salon or at home. The chemical process works the same way regardless of who applies it. The main advantage of a salon is convenience (someone else does the work). If you can follow step-by-step instructions and operate a flat iron, your results will be the same. Many professional stylists do their own treatments at home using the same method.
What do I need for an at-home keratin treatment?
You need: a keratin treatment (QIQI Hair Controller), a hair dryer, a flat iron capable of reaching 450°F (230°C), sectioning clips, an applicator brush, a mixing bowl, gloves, and a timer. The DIY Treatment Kit includes the treatment, heated cap, brush, bowl, and gloves. You supply the dryer and flat iron. The full process takes 2-3 hours.
How long does at-home keratin treatment last?
QIQI Hair Controller results last up to 5 months. The treated hair stays smooth until it grows out. The single biggest factor in longevity is your shampoo — switching to a sulfate-free formula from day one extends results from 4-6 weeks to the full 4-5 months. QIQI makes matched sulfate-free aftercare (Smooth Service Shampoo, Hydration Fixation Conditioner) specifically for this purpose.
Is it safe to do keratin treatment at home?
QIQI Hair Controller is formaldehyde-free and designed for home use. It uses glyoxylic acid as its active ingredient, which restructures hair bonds without releasing harmful levels of formaldehyde. No commercial ventilation is needed. Always perform a strand test first, follow the application guide, and do not apply within 4 weeks of bleaching. Read the full safety notice on each product page before use.
What’s the difference between QIQI and salon keratin?
There is no difference in the product itself. QIQI Hair Controller is a professional-grade keratin treatment used in salons worldwide. When you buy it from Nero Hair and apply it at home, you are using the exact same formula a stylist would use. The only difference is labor — you are applying it yourself instead of paying $250-$450 for a stylist to do it. The chemical process, the results, and the longevity are identical.
Which at-home keratin treatment kit should I buy?
If you already have a flat iron and dryer, the standalone Hair Controller ($168) gives you the treatment itself — 3+ applications. If you want everything in one box (treatment + heated cap + brush + bowl + gloves), the DIY Treatment Kit ($220) is the easiest way to start. If you want treatment plus matched aftercare, the Starter Kit ($232) or Full System ($245) bundles the treatment with sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, and masque.
Ships from USA · Free US shipping over $175
Salon results. Your bathroom. $56.
QIQI Hair Controller. The same professional keratin treatment your salon charges $250–$450 to apply. Formaldehyde-free. Three formulas. Up to 5 months per treatment. Ships from the USA.