HIGHLIGHTS

One of the things I don’t have much of is patience. I haven’t given my hair a real chance to grow long since 2003 because it is instantly gratifying for me to cut it into a cute style. Full disclosure: I tried growing my hair long in 2008 but it looked fried due to highlights.

This time I’m still highlighting but investigating ways in which to minimize damage so my hair will look great long. The answer seems to be Keratin. Most people have heard of Brazilian Keratin treatments (here is an article on the subject in Newsweek), the natural new straightening technique that uses the main protein found in hair.

I am a fan of trying new things to make the growing out process more fun so I decided to ask a lead salon in San Francisco for advice on their Keratin treatments. This is what Marisa from Orchids Brazilian Beauty Salon had to say:

-Keratin actually only “straightens” hair if you have slight waves to start. It is great for frizzy, curly and unmanagable hair because it takes volume down by almost 90%.

-Having highlights actually helps the process and keratin treatment restores hair to almost virgin health.

-It adds shine and reduces damage by hot tools while growing hair long. (editor note: yes, please!!)

-The treatments last 3 months. (or 3-6 inches of hair growth)

Sold! Keratin seems to take care of all my hair growing needs: I feel like I’m being productive in the hair growing process, and the treatment adds shine while reducing hot tool use.