Not a relaxer
Keratin treatment for 4c hair.
4c is the tightest curl pattern — and most keratin treatments are not made for it. QIQI Thick & Coarse and Nanokeratin Refortify are formulated specifically for tightly coiled, resistant hair. Formaldehyde-free. Your natural texture grows back. Salons charge $350-500 — at home it costs roughly $56 per treatment.
Keratin vs relaxer
Keratin treatment is not a relaxer.
A relaxer permanently breaks the disulfide bonds in your hair using sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide. The damage is irreversible — your natural curl pattern is destroyed. Relaxers thin the hair over time and can cause breakage, scalp burns, and permanent texture loss.
Keratin treatment works completely differently. It infuses the hair shaft with protein and coats the cuticle to smooth frizz. The internal bond structure is not destroyed. Your natural 4c curl pattern grows back as the treatment wears off over 3-5 months. No permanent damage. No thinning.
Both QIQI Hair Controller and Nanokeratin Refortify are formaldehyde-free. They strengthen the hair while smoothing it — the opposite of what a relaxer does.
Hair types
4A / 4B / 4C
Formaldehyde
Free
Natural texture
Grows back
Salon cost
$350-500
Two formulas for 4c hair
Which treatment is right for your 4c hair?
QIQI Thick & Coarse
Type: Permanent smoothing
Lasts: Up to 5 months
Result: From defined curls to fully straight — you control it
At home: Yes — ~$56 per treatment
Salon cost: $350-500
Best for: Maximum frizz control or straightening on 4c hair
Nanokeratin Refortify
Type: Temporary smoothing
Lasts: 12-16 weeks
Result: Smoothed, manageable texture
At home: Salon application recommended
Specialist: Built specifically for afro-textured hair
Best for: Smoothing frizz while preserving more natural texture
$56 per treatment at home vs $350-500 at a salon
QIQI Hair Controller.
Three formulas including Thick & Coarse for 4c hair. Each bottle covers 3+ treatments. Formaldehyde-free. Not a relaxer — your natural texture grows back.
£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.
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£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.
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Keratin treatment for 4c hair — FAQ
What is the best keratin treatment for 4c hair?
QIQI Hair Controller Thick & Coarse is formulated specifically for thick, coarse, and resistant hair types including 4c. It delivers permanent smoothing that lasts up to 5 months. Nanokeratin Refortify is another strong option — a temporary smoother engineered from scratch for afro-textured hair that lasts 12-16 weeks.
Is keratin treatment safe for 4c hair?
Yes, when you use a formula designed for textured hair. Generic keratin treatments can over-process 4c hair because they are made for European hair types. QIQI Thick & Coarse and Nanokeratin Refortify are both formaldehyde-free and formulated for the specific bond structure of tightly coiled hair. They strengthen while smoothing.
Is keratin treatment the same as a relaxer?
No. A relaxer permanently breaks and restructures the disulfide bonds in your hair using sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide. The damage is irreversible. Keratin treatment works differently — it coats and infuses the hair shaft with protein, smoothing the cuticle without permanently destroying the bond structure. Your natural curl pattern grows back.
Will my natural curl pattern come back after keratin treatment?
Yes. Unlike a relaxer, keratin treatment does not permanently alter your hair structure. As treated hair grows out and is gradually trimmed, your natural 4c curl pattern returns completely. QIQI Hair Controller results grow out over 3-5 months. Nanokeratin Refortify washes out over 12-16 weeks.
How much does keratin treatment cost for 4c hair at a salon?
Salons typically charge $350-500 for keratin treatment on 4c hair — often more than for straight or wavy hair because it takes longer to apply and requires more product. Some salons add surcharges of $50-100 for tightly coiled or very dense hair. At home with QIQI, the cost drops to roughly $56 per treatment.
Can I do keratin treatment on 4c hair at home?
Yes. QIQI Hair Controller is designed for home use. You need a hair dryer, a flat iron that reaches 230 degrees Celsius, and about 2-3 hours. Section your hair thoroughly — 4c hair benefits from smaller sections to ensure even product distribution. A step-by-step guide is included with every order.
How long does keratin treatment last on 4c hair?
QIQI Hair Controller Thick & Coarse lasts up to 5 months on 4c hair. Nanokeratin Refortify lasts 12-16 weeks. Using sulfate-free shampoo is essential — sulfates strip the treatment and reduce longevity from months to weeks. Washing 2-3 times per week instead of daily also extends results.
Will keratin treatment make my 4c hair completely straight?
That depends on the product and your technique. QIQI Thick & Coarse can deliver results from loosened, defined curls to fully straight — you control the result with your flat iron passes. More passes = straighter result. Nanokeratin Refortify smooths and reduces frizz while preserving more of your natural texture.
Not a relaxer — your natural texture grows back
Formulated for 4c hair. $56 per treatment.
QIQI Hair Controller Thick & Coarse. Formaldehyde-free. 3+ treatments per bottle. Results last up to 5 months. Salons charge $350-500 for the same treatment.