Updated for 2026
Best keratin treatment UK.
The definitive guide to the best keratin treatments available in the UK in 2026. Two professional brands — QIQI Hair Controller and Nanokeratin System. Both formaldehyde-free. Compared on price, longevity, formulas, and which one suits your hair.
Before you buy
What to look for in a keratin treatment.
The UK keratin treatment market is flooded with products making big claims. Most are either diluted salon leftovers or contain formaldehyde disguised under alternative chemical names. Choosing the right one means knowing what actually matters.
A genuinely good keratin treatment should be formaldehyde-free — not just labelled as such, but verified free of all aldehyde derivatives that release formaldehyde at high temperatures. It should be matched to your specific hair type, because a formula designed for thick Afro hair will not work the same on fine, bleached hair. It should be suitable for home use if that is how you plan to apply it. And it should have a matched aftercare range, because the wrong shampoo will strip your results within weeks.
Both brands we stock — QIQI Hair Controller and Nanokeratin System — meet every one of these criteria. They are the only two keratin treatment ranges we carry, and we carry them because they are the best available in the UK.
Formaldehyde-free
Essential
Matched to hair type
Essential
Suitable for home use
Ideal
Aftercare range available
Important
Best for — Permanent smoothing, home use, value
QIQI Hair Controller.
Australian brand. Cysteine-based permanent smoothing that restructures disulfide bonds under heat. Three formulas — one for thick and coarse hair, one for wavy and curly, one for thin and delicate. Results last up to 5 months. Each 150g bottle provides 3 or more treatments depending on hair length and density.
QIQI was designed from the ground up for both salon and home use. Because it is completely formaldehyde-free, there are no toxic fumes during application — you can safely treat your hair at home in a normal bathroom. At £119 per bottle, it works out to roughly £40 per treatment, compared to £150–£350 for a salon session. This is the treatment we recommend for most people looking for the best keratin treatment in the UK.
From £119 · 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 →
From £119 · 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.
Shop now →
From £119 · 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 for — Specialist hair types, temporary smoothing
Nanokeratin System.
UK-based brand. Seven specialist formulas — each engineered for a specific hair type and chemical history. Results last 12–16 weeks. All formulas are formaldehyde-free and aldehyde-free.
Nanokeratin stands out for its specialisation. Where QIQI offers three formulas by hair texture, Nanokeratin offers seven — including 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.
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 →
Head to head
QIQI vs Nanokeratin — the full comparison.
QIQI Hair Controller
Origin: Australian brand
Type: Permanent smoothing / straightening
How long it lasts: Up to 5 months
Number of formulas: 3 (by hair texture)
Hair types covered: Thick & coarse, wavy & curly, thin & delicate
Formaldehyde-free: Yes — zero formaldehyde or aldehydes
Home use: Yes — designed for it, no ventilation needed
Price: £119 per 150g bottle (3+ treatments)
Cost per treatment: Approximately £40
Aftercare range: Yes — shampoo, conditioner, masque, oil, heat spray
Best for: Most people. Lasting frizz control, home use, best value per treatment
Nanokeratin System
Origin: UK-based brand
Type: Temporary smoothing
How long it lasts: 12–16 weeks
Number of formulas: 7 (by hair type and chemical history)
Hair types covered: Afro, natural, colour-treated, blonde/bleached, extensions, all types
Formaldehyde-free: Yes — zero formaldehyde or aldehydes
Home use: Yes
Price: From £129 (Resmooth/Retexture) to £279 (specialist range)
Cost per treatment: Varies by formula and hair length
Aftercare range: Yes — matched shampoos, masks, and heat insulator per formula
Best for: Complex hair histories. Afro, bleached, colour-treated, or extension hair
Not sure which one? Take the 60-second quiz for a personalised recommendation →
Our position
Why we only stock two brands.
We tested dozens of keratin treatment brands before selecting our range. Most contain hidden aldehydes, lack proper hair-type matching, or deliver inconsistent results. Some are repackaged bulk formulas with inflated marketing.
QIQI Hair Controller and Nanokeratin System are the two brands that consistently deliver on their claims. Both are genuinely formaldehyde-free — verified, not just labelled. Both offer formulas matched to specific hair types rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Both have complete aftercare ranges designed to extend treatment results. And both are suitable for home use, meaning you are not locked into salon appointments.
Between them, they cover every hair type, texture, and chemical history. QIQI gives you permanent results at the best price point. Nanokeratin gives you specialist precision for complex hair needs. Together, they represent the best keratin treatments you can buy in the UK in 2026.
Common questions
Best keratin treatment UK — FAQ
What is the best keratin treatment in the UK?
The two standout professional keratin treatments available in the UK are QIQI Hair Controller and Nanokeratin System. Both are formaldehyde-free and deliver genuine smoothing results. QIQI is the better choice for permanent smoothing that lasts up to 5 months. Nanokeratin is ideal if you want temporary smoothing with a specialist formula matched to your exact hair type or chemical history.
Is QIQI or Nanokeratin better?
It depends on what you need. QIQI Hair Controller gives permanent results lasting up to 5 months at £119 per bottle (3+ treatments per bottle), making it significantly more affordable per treatment. It comes in 3 formulas by hair texture. Nanokeratin System offers 7 specialist formulas tailored to specific hair types and chemical histories, with temporary results lasting 12–16 weeks. Choose QIQI for lasting value and simplicity. Choose Nanokeratin for highly specialised formulas — particularly for afro, bleached, colour-treated, or extension hair.
Can you buy professional keratin treatments in the UK?
Yes. Both QIQI Hair Controller and Nanokeratin System are professional-grade keratin treatments available to buy online in the UK through Nero Hair. QIQI is an Australian brand and Nanokeratin is a UK-based brand. Both ship from the UK with free delivery over £80.
What's the difference between permanent and temporary keratin treatment?
Permanent keratin treatments like QIQI Hair Controller use cysteine-based formulas that restructure the disulfide bonds in your hair. The treated hair stays smooth until it grows out — typically up to 5 months. Temporary keratin treatments like Nanokeratin System coat and smooth the hair cuticle, with results gradually washing out over 12–16 weeks. Both types reduce frizz and improve manageability, but permanent treatments require less frequent reapplication.
How much does keratin treatment cost in the UK?
Salon keratin treatments in the UK typically cost £150–£350 per session. Buying a professional treatment to use at home is significantly cheaper. QIQI Hair Controller costs £119 for a 150g bottle, which provides 3 or more treatments depending on hair length and thickness. Nanokeratin System treatments start from £129 for smaller formulas and £279 for the specialist range. A DIY Treatment Kit with tools and aftercare costs £169.
Are salon keratin treatments better than home ones?
Not necessarily. The products used in salons are the same professional formulas available for home use. QIQI Hair Controller was specifically designed to be safe and effective for home application — no commercial ventilation is needed because it is completely formaldehyde-free. The main advantage of a salon is having a trained stylist do the work for you. If you are comfortable following step-by-step instructions and using a flat iron, home treatment delivers the same results at a fraction of the cost.
Free UK delivery over £80
The best keratin treatments. Delivered.
Formaldehyde-free. Professional-grade. Matched to your hair type. Dispatched within 1–2 working days.