For unprocessed textured hair
Keratin treatment for natural hair.
Professional keratin treatments formulated for natural hair — unprocessed, unrelaxed, textured hair across type 3 and type 4 curl patterns. Formaldehyde-free. Results from smoothed texture to fully straight. Ships from USA, free shipping over $175.
Understanding natural hair
What “natural hair” means — and why it matters for keratin.
“Natural hair” refers to hair that has not been chemically altered by relaxers, perms, or texturizers. It is the dominant community term in the US for unprocessed textured hair — typically type 3 (curly) and type 4 (coily and kinky) on the Andre Walker hair typing system. Natural hair has its own bond structure, porosity profile, and curl pattern that generic keratin treatments are not designed for.
Most keratin treatments on the market use a single formula designed around European hair textures. When applied to natural hair, these formulas either fail to penetrate the tighter curl pattern effectively or over-process the hair because the chemistry is wrong for the bond structure. Natural hair has more disulfide bonds, higher porosity, and a flatter cross-section than straight or wavy hair — it requires a formula engineered for that specific architecture.
That is why we carry treatments specifically formulated for thick, coarse, and textured hair. QIQI Hair Controller Thick & Coarse uses a higher concentration formula for resistant hair types. Nanokeratin Refortify was engineered from scratch for afro and tightly textured hair. Both are formaldehyde-free.
For hair types
3A–4C
Formaldehyde
Free
Results last
3–5 months
Safe at home
Yes
Option 1 — Permanent smoothing
QIQI Hair Controller — Thick & Coarse.
The QIQI Hair Controller Thick & Coarse formula delivers permanent smoothing specifically formulated for thick, coarse, and natural textured hair. You control the result — from loosened, defined curls to fully straight — with your flat iron technique. Results last up to 5 months.
Formaldehyde-free. Designed for home use. One 150g bottle contains 3+ treatments — approximately $56 per treatment versus $300–$500 at a salon for natural hair. This is the treatment we recommend for most natural hair clients looking for lasting frizz control or straightening.
Option 2 — Specialist afro/textured formula
Nanokeratin Refortify Smoother.
The only Nanokeratin formula built specifically for afro and tightly textured natural hair. Smooths, strengthens, and locks in moisture without compromising your natural texture integrity. Results last 12–16 weeks and wash out gradually — your natural curl pattern returns fully.
Formaldehyde-free, and the manufacturer states aldehyde-free. Available in 320ml and 1 litre professional sizes. Use with the matched Refortify Shampoo and Mask to extend results. Ideal if you want frizz reduction and manageability while keeping your natural texture.
Common concern
Will keratin treatment damage my natural hair?
No — not when you use the right formula. Both QIQI Hair Controller and Nanokeratin Refortify are completely formaldehyde-free. This is not a marketing claim — QIQI uses glyoxylic acid as its active ingredient, which smooths hair under heat without the toxic fumes or bond damage associated with formaldehyde-based treatments. Nanokeratin states their formulas are 0% formaldehyde and 0% aldehyde.
The concern is understandable. Many people in the natural hair community have worked hard to grow and maintain their unprocessed hair, and the idea of applying a chemical treatment feels risky. But keratin treatments and chemical relaxers are fundamentally different processes. A relaxer permanently breaks disulfide bonds using sodium hydroxide — this irreversibly changes your hair structure. A keratin treatment smooths the cuticle and restructures bonds under heat without destroying them.
With QIQI, the treated hair stays smooth until it grows out — there is no harsh line of demarcation, no breakage risk at the point where treated meets untreated hair. With Nanokeratin Refortify, the effect washes out gradually over 12–16 weeks and your natural texture returns completely. Neither treatment damages healthy natural hair when used as directed.
Common concern
Will I lose my curl pattern?
That depends entirely on which treatment you choose and how you apply it. QIQI Hair Controller gives you control over the result. Fewer flat iron passes at lower heat preserve more of your natural wave and curl pattern while reducing frizz. More passes at higher heat deliver progressively straighter results. You decide the finish — it is not an all-or-nothing treatment.
Nanokeratin Refortify is designed to smooth and reduce frizz while preserving more of your natural texture by default. It is the better choice if maintaining your curl pattern is a priority and you primarily want manageability and frizz control.
Crucially, neither treatment permanently destroys your curl pattern the way a chemical relaxer does. QIQI grows out naturally over 3–5 months. Nanokeratin washes out over 12–16 weeks. Your natural texture returns in both cases.
Quick comparison
QIQI Thick & Coarse vs Nanokeratin Refortify.
QIQI Thick & Coarse
Type: Permanent smoothing / straightening
Lasts: Up to 5 months
Result: From defined curls to fully straight
Reversible: Grows out over time
Price: From $129 (3+ treatments per bottle)
Best for: If you want lasting frizz control or straightening and prefer to treat at home
Nanokeratin Refortify
Type: Temporary smoothing
Lasts: 12–16 weeks
Result: Smoothed, manageable texture
Reversible: Yes — washes out gradually
Price: From $279
Best for: If you want to smooth frizz and improve manageability while keeping your natural texture
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Price context
Salon keratin for natural hair costs $300–$500 in the US.
Salon keratin treatments for natural hair are more expensive than for straight or wavy hair because they take longer, use more product, and require a stylist experienced with textured hair. In cities like New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, and Washington DC, expect to pay $300 to $500 per session — and you will need to return every 3–5 months for a retouch.
Buying a professional treatment for home use changes the math completely. QIQI Hair Controller Thick & Coarse costs from $129 for a 150g bottle, which provides 3 or more treatments depending on hair length and density — roughly $56 per treatment. That is up to 90% less than a single salon visit, using the same professional-grade formula.
QIQI was designed from the ground up for both salon and home use. There is no formaldehyde, so you do not need commercial ventilation — a bathroom with an open window is sufficient. 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.
Key difference
Keratin treatment vs relaxer for natural hair.
If you have natural hair and want to reduce frizz or achieve straighter styling, you have traditionally had two choices: chemical relaxer or heat styling. Keratin treatment is the third option — and the safest one.
A chemical relaxer uses sodium hydroxide (lye) or calcium hydroxide (no-lye) to permanently break the disulfide bonds in your hair. This irreversibly changes your hair structure. The damage is cumulative — each application weakens the hair further. Overlapping relaxer onto previously treated hair causes breakage. And there is a growing body of research linking frequent relaxer use to health concerns.
A keratin treatment like QIQI Hair Controller works through a completely different mechanism. Glyoxylic acid smooths the hair cuticle under heat. The treated section stays smooth until it grows out — no harsh chemical damage, no line of demarcation, no risk of breakage where treated meets untreated hair. Your natural curl pattern returns as the treatment grows out or washes out.
For anyone considering transitioning away from relaxers, or looking for a relaxer alternative that does not compromise hair health, keratin treatment is the professional standard.
Full QIQI range
QIQI Hair Controller — All formulas.
Three formulas matched to your hair texture. Thick & Coarse is the best choice for most natural hair types. Wavy & Curly suits looser type 3 curls. Thin & Delicate is for fine natural hair that needs gentler processing.
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.
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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.
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From $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 →Common questions
Keratin treatment for natural hair — FAQ
Does keratin treatment work on natural hair?
Yes. Keratin treatments work on natural (unprocessed, unrelaxed) hair across all texture types — including type 3 curly and type 4 coily hair. The key is choosing the right formula. QIQI Hair Controller Thick & Coarse is formulated specifically for thick, coarse, and resistant hair. Nanokeratin Refortify is engineered from the ground up for afro and tightly textured natural hair. Both are formaldehyde-free and deliver genuine smoothing results without chemical relaxers.
Will keratin treatment damage my natural hair?
Not when you use the right product. Generic keratin treatments can over-process natural hair because they are formulated for European textures. QIQI Hair Controller and Nanokeratin Refortify are both formaldehyde-free and designed for textured hair structures. They strengthen the hair fibre while smoothing — they do not weaken or break bonds the way chemical relaxers do. Your hair stays healthy and the treatment either washes out (Nanokeratin) or grows out naturally (QIQI).
Best keratin treatment for 4c hair?
For 4C hair specifically, two treatments stand out. Nanokeratin Refortify Smoother is the only keratin treatment in the Nanokeratin range designed from scratch for afro and tightly textured hair — it smooths and strengthens without compromising texture integrity. QIQI Hair Controller Thick & Coarse delivers permanent smoothing for resistant hair types including 4A, 4B, and 4C. Choose Refortify if you want to keep more of your natural texture. Choose QIQI if you want lasting straightening or significant frizz reduction.
How long does keratin last on natural hair?
QIQI Hair Controller Thick & Coarse results last up to 5 months — it is a permanent treatment that grows out gradually. Nanokeratin Refortify Smoother lasts 12 to 16 weeks and washes out over time. In both cases, using sulfate-free aftercare extends longevity significantly. Natural hair with tighter curl patterns may find that results feel shorter because new growth at the roots is more noticeable, but the treated length stays smooth.
Can I do keratin treatment on natural hair at home?
Yes. QIQI Hair Controller is designed for home use — the formula contains no formaldehyde, though you should still open a window while flat-ironing. You need a hair dryer, a flat iron that reaches 230 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit), and about 2 to 3 hours. A step-by-step guide is included with every order. For natural hair, section your hair into smaller sections than you would for looser textures — this ensures even coverage through the curl pattern.
Keratin treatment vs relaxer for natural hair?
A chemical relaxer permanently breaks the disulfide bonds in your hair using sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide. This irreversibly changes your hair structure and can cause damage, breakage, and scalp irritation. A keratin treatment like QIQI Hair Controller works differently — it uses glyoxylic acid to smooth the hair under heat without permanently destroying bonds. The result grows out naturally. There is no harsh chemical damage, no line of demarcation, and no risk of the breakage associated with relaxers. If you are looking for a relaxer alternative, keratin treatment is the safest professional option.
How much does keratin cost for natural hair?
Salon keratin treatments for natural hair in the US typically cost $300 to $500 per session, with prices in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Houston often at the higher end — especially for thick or long natural hair that requires more product and time. Buying a professional treatment for home use is significantly cheaper. QIQI Hair Controller Thick & Coarse costs from $168 for a 150g bottle, which provides 3 or more treatments — roughly $56 per treatment. That is up to 90% less than a single salon visit.
Will I lose my curl pattern after keratin treatment?
It depends on the treatment and technique you choose. QIQI Hair Controller can deliver results from loosened, defined curls to fully straight — you control the outcome with your flat iron technique. If you want to preserve waves while reducing frizz, use fewer passes. If you want it straight, use more passes at higher heat. Nanokeratin Refortify smooths and reduces frizz while preserving more of your natural texture by design. Neither treatment permanently destroys your curl pattern the way a chemical relaxer does.
Free US shipping over $175
Made for your hair. Not adapted from someone else's.
Formaldehyde-free keratin treatments formulated for natural, textured hair. Ships from USA. Free shipping on orders over $175.