Worth it? An honest answer from a stockist.
Keratin treatment pros and cons
For frizzy, puffy or hard-to-manage hair, a keratin treatment is one of the few things that genuinely changes daily life. But it is not for everyone — it costs money, takes a few hours, and needs the right aftercare. Here is the honest version.
By Yasmin, founder of Nero Hair · Updated 22 September 2026
The short answer
Worth it if frizz is your daily battle.
If you spend time every day fighting frizz, humidity or a long blow-dry, a keratin treatment usually pays for itself in time saved. Results last months, not days.
If your hair is already manageable, very fine and flat, or you love maximum volume, the downsides may outweigh the benefits.
Results last
Up to 5 months
Time to apply
2–3 hours
Salon cost
£150–£400
At home
From £129
Pros
The advantages.
Frizz-free for months
A good treatment keeps frizz down through rain, humidity and washing — QIQI Hair Controller lasts up to 5 months.
Much faster styling
Hair dries smoother and quicker, so daily styling takes a fraction of the time — and less heat.
Shinier, softer hair
A smoother cuticle reflects more light, so hair looks glossier and feels softer.
You choose how straight
Modern formulas can keep your natural movement with less frizz, or go fully sleek with a flat iron.
Formaldehyde-free options
Professional formulas like QIQI Hair Controller and Nanokeratin System are formaldehyde-free, with no harmful fumes.
Cons
The disadvantages.
Cost
Salons typically charge £150–£400 a session. At home it is much cheaper, but it is still an investment.
It takes a few hours
Expect 2–3 hours for an at-home application, including cleansing, heat processing and finishing.
Regrowth
Treatments that change the hair, like QIQI, grow out — new growth comes in at your natural texture, so you retouch the roots every few months.
Less volume
Smoother hair usually sits flatter. Great for puffy hair; not ideal if your hair is already very fine and flat.
Aftercare matters
Sulphate shampoos shorten results. You will need sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner to get the full months.
Care with blonde and grey hair
Very porous blonde and grey hair can discolour at high flat-iron heat — always strand test and lower the temperature.
Who it suits
Good fit — and not a good fit.
| Good fit | Think twice | |
|---|---|---|
| Hair type | Frizzy, thick, coarse, wavy, curly or humidity-prone | Already smooth, or very fine and flat |
| Lifestyle | Blow-dries most days, wants less styling time | Rarely styles, loves maximum volume |
| Timing | Can set aside 2–3 hours | Pregnant or breastfeeding — see our pregnancy guide |
| Budget | Happy to use sulphate-free aftercare | Not willing to change shampoo |
What we recommend
Try it at home.
QIQI Hair Controller in the formula for your hair, or the DIY Treatment Kit with the heated cap, brush, bowl and gloves included.
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 £169 · Full kit — up to 3 treatments
DIY Treatment Kit
Professional keratin treatment at home — up to 3 applications per kit. Choose your QIQI Hair Controller formula and follow the step-by-step guide. Formaldehyde-free. Includes heated cap, applicator brush, bowl, and gloves. Results last up to 5 months.
Shop now →Common questions
Keratin pros & cons — FAQ
Is a keratin treatment worth it?
If frizz, humidity or long blow-drying are daily problems, usually yes — results last months and cut styling time. If your hair is already manageable or very fine and flat, the cost and upkeep may not be worth it.
What are the disadvantages of keratin treatment?
Cost (£150–£400 in a salon), 2–3 hours to apply, regrowth that needs retouching with long-lasting treatments, flatter hair, and the need for sulphate-free aftercare. Very porous blonde and grey hair also needs care with flat-iron heat.
Does keratin treatment damage hair?
A formaldehyde-free professional treatment applied correctly does not need to damage hair. Damage usually comes from formaldehyde-based products, excessive flat-iron heat on fragile hair, or skipping the strand test on bleached hair.
Is it cheaper to do keratin at home?
Yes. Salons charge £150–£400 per session. QIQI Hair Controller is £129 at Nero Hair, and the DIY Treatment Kit — with the heated cap, brush, bowl and gloves — is £169.
How long does a keratin treatment last?
QIQI Hair Controller lasts up to 5 months. Nanokeratin System lasts 12–16 weeks. Sulphate-free aftercare makes the biggest difference to how long results last.
Free UK delivery over £80
Less frizz. Less styling. For months.
Formaldehyde-free professional treatments and sulphate-free aftercare. Dispatched next working day. UK delivery 1–3 working days.