Less frizz. Less product. Less time in the mirror.
Keratin treatment for men
Keratin works the same on any head of hair. For men, the pay-off is usually less frizz, hair that sits the way you want it with less product, and styling that survives rain and humidity. Here is what to expect — including on short hair.
By Yasmin, founder of Nero Hair · Updated 22 September 2026
The short answer
Yes — and it works on short hair too.
A keratin treatment smooths the hair and removes frizz for months. For men, that typically means hair that dries neater, needs less product to hold a style, and stops puffing up in wet weather.
It is not only for long hair. On short hair, the treatment makes the texture more controllable, so cuts sit flatter and look sharper for longer. Short hair also needs less product, so a treatment goes further.
Lasts
Up to 5 months
Time at home
2–3 hours
Formaldehyde
None
Works on
Short & long hair
What changes
What you’ll notice after a treatment.
Frizz disappears
Especially noticeable in rain, humidity and after the gym.
Less product needed
Hair holds its shape better on its own, so you use less wax, clay or gel.
Faster styling
Hair dries smoother and quicker, so a five-minute routine becomes two.
Curls can stay
The Wavy & Curly formula reduces frizz while keeping definition — you do not have to go straight.
Which formula
Pick the formula for your hair, not your gender.
QIQI Hair Controller comes in three formulas matched to hair type. Thick & Coarse suits dense, wiry or afro-textured hair. Wavy & Curly suits natural waves and curls you want to keep but tame. Thin & Delicate suits fine or colour-treated hair.
If you are not sure, the hair quiz takes about a minute and recommends a formula based on your texture, thickness and what you want the result to look like.
Good to know
Before you start.
Keep it off the scalp
Apply to the hair, not the skin — this matters more on short cuts where the scalp is closer.
Timing with haircuts
Get your cut first, then treat. Cutting straight after a treatment is fine too, but a fresh cut gives the treatment clean ends to work with.
Beards
Hair Controller is made for the hair on your head. We don’t recommend using it on beards or facial hair.
Aftercare still counts
Sulphate-free shampoo makes the treatment last much longer — especially if you wash daily after the gym.
What we recommend
Smooth hair, sorted.
QIQI Hair Controller for months of frizz-free hair, and a sulphate-free shampoo to make it last.
From £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 →
From £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.
Shop now →
From £18 · 75ml / 300ml / 1000ml
Smooth Service Shampoo
Sulfate-free keratin aftercare shampoo formulated to extend QIQI Hair Controller results. Deeply moisturising with 19 precision-selected ingredients. Prolongs smoothing treatment longevity by weeks. 95% felt nourished and smoother after one wash.
Shop now →Common questions
Keratin for men — FAQ
Can men get keratin treatments?
Yes. Keratin treatment works on any hair. Men typically use it to remove frizz, cut styling time and make hair hold its shape with less product, especially in humid or wet weather.
Does keratin work on short hair?
Yes. On short hair it makes the texture easier to control, so cuts sit flatter and look neater for longer. Short hair also uses less product than long hair, so a treatment goes further.
Will keratin make my hair completely straight?
Not necessarily. How straight your hair ends up depends on the formula and your natural texture. QIQI Wavy & Curly reduces frizz while keeping definition, if you want to keep some movement.
How long does a keratin treatment last for men?
The same as for anyone: QIQI Hair Controller lasts up to 5 months. Frequent washing shortens it, so use a sulphate-free shampoo — especially if you wash daily.
Can I use keratin on my beard?
We don’t recommend it. Hair Controller is formulated for the hair on your head, and facial skin is more sensitive than the scalp.
Free UK delivery over £80
Less frizz. Less effort.
Formaldehyde-free professional treatments and sulphate-free aftercare. Dispatched next working day. UK delivery 1–3 working days.