How Much Does a Keratin Treatment Cost?

Last Updated on April 25, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Keratin hair treatments have exploded in popularity as an effective way to smooth, straighten, and eliminate frustrating frizz. But what exactly is the typical cost for this professional salon service that promises to tame unruly locks?

In this guide, we’ll examine the pricing landscape for keratin treatments. We’ll look at cost ranges based on your location, hair length and thickness, the brand of products used, and stylist experience. We’ll compare keratin costs to alternatives like Brazilian Blowouts. And provide tips on maximizing value.

If you’re considering keratin for manageable, frizz-free hair, understanding the investment involved is key. Let’s dive in to all the pricing, cost factors, and value considerations around these smoothing treatments.

How Much Does a Keratin Treatment Cost?

Keratin treatments involve applying a specialized keratin-infused formula to the hair to improve texture, add shine, reduce styling time, and make hair more manageable overall. The treatment works by “gluing” down the cuticles to smooth the hair strands. The results can last anywhere from 2-5 months before fading.

The average cost for a keratin hair treatment ranges widely – anywhere from $150 on the low end to $450 or more at high-end salons. But many factors influence the pricing:

• Location – Major cities are more expensive
• Salon prestige and branding
• Your hair length and thickness
• Which brand of keratin product is used
• Experience level and reputation of your stylist

StyleSeat provides a comprehensive guide on the cost of Keratin treatments, stating that the average cost ranges from $82 to $400. The price variation is due to the different types of Keratin treatments available, such as the Brazilian blowout and Cezanne Keratin treatments.

The cost can be influenced by factors like the salon location, treatment type, and hair length. The average appointment cost in New Hampshire is the highest at $400, while Utah has the lowest average cost at $82. The website also provides a breakdown of the average Keratin treatment costs for different states in the U.S.

According to Cosmopolitan, the cost of Keratin treatments typically ranges from $250 to $500, varying from salon to salon and location. The effects of a Keratin treatment can last for around four months, depending on how well the treatment is maintained.

Proper care, including using sulfate-free shampoo and avoiding saltwater and chlorine, can help prolong the results of the treatment. The convenience and benefits of a Keratin treatment are highlighted, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking smoother and more manageable hair.

Imagio Salon and Spa provides information on Brazilian Keratin treatments, stating that on average, Keratin treatments at salons around the country retail at $300 to $800.

The salon offers Keratin treatments at a cost of $100 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours required. The website emphasizes the benefits of Keratin treatments, highlighting that they can be used on various hair types and provide healthy, shiny, frizz-free, and manageable hair. The treatment is not permanent and requires redoing approximately every 3 to 4 months.

Let’s break down how each of these key factors impacts the cost of keratin treatments.

Factors That Influence the Price

While the average price of a keratin treatment may be $150-$450, prices can skew higher or lower depending on:

Salon Location

Location is one of the biggest factors affecting keratin treatment pricing. Getting it done at an upscale salon in a major metropolitan area like New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami is going to be far more expensive, with prices ranging from $350 and up.

For example, a keratin treatment at top New York salons like Salon Ziba or Pierre Michel often costs $400+. The same service at a salon in a small town or suburb could be $200 or less.

Why such a large price difference? In major cities, overhead costs like rent and staff salaries are much higher. These expenses get built into service pricing. And urbanites expect more luxurious salon experiences, justifying the higher prices.

So a keratin treatment at a high-end Manhattan salon could cost $450. The same service in a salon in suburban Philadelphia may only be $275. If budget is a concern, looking to less urban areas can yield significant savings.

Hair Length and Thickness

The amount of hair being treated is another key pricing factor for keratin services. Pricing is generally based on the time and product required:

• Short hair – Usually takes 1-2 hours. Costs around $150 to $300.
• Medium length hair – Takes 2-3 hours. Runs $200 to $350 normally.
• Long, thick hair – Requires 3+ hours. Costs $300 to $450+.

The more hair being smoothed, the more hands-on time is needed, and more keratin product is required. All this adds to the bottom line cost.

When requesting price quotes from salons, always specify your hair length and thickness so they can provide accurate estimates. The difference between shoulder length fine hair versus extra long thick hair can mean a $150+ price difference.

Premium Keratin Brands Add to the Cost

Salons use professional keratin treatment brands like Brazilian Blowout, GK Hair, Keratin Complex, Lasio, Peter Coppola, and others. The specific products used impact the service cost. Why? Each brand offers different concentrations of keratin and proprietary formulas.

Premium brands like Brazilian Blowout, Peter Coppola, and Keratin Complex contain very high levels of keratin, which improves results but also increases the product cost to salons. These add $50+ onto the service price compared with mainstream brands.

Affordable brands like Lasio, GK Hair, and Thermo Hair provide sufficient keratin to smooth hair effectively at a lower product cost. Choosing these can keep prices in an affordable range while still getting a quality service. Discuss options with your stylist.

Stylist’s Reputation and Experience

A keratin treatment performed by an in-demand, highly seasoned stylist with years of specialization will always cost more than a newer stylist still building expertise.

Master stylists who have honed their technique and built a strong reputation and portfolio command the highest prices – often $400+ in high-end salons. But their expertise ensures flawless results.

On the other hand, newer stylists may charge just $200 to $300 as they gain experience. Be sure to review before/after photos, consultations, and client reviews rather than just basing decisions on lower hourly rates when choosing where to have keratin treatments done. Paying for mastery can be worthwhile.

The best approach? Seek out experienced stylists charging around $300 to $400. Their expertise commands a moderate premium while avoiding the ultra-high costs of industry celebrities. This can provide a great blend of value and exceptional results.

Keratin Treatment Cost Vs Similar Services

How does the cost of keratin treatments compare to other popular smoothing and frizz-eliminating salon services? Let’s see how it stacks up against alternatives.

Keratin Treatment

• Costs $150 to $450 on average
• Lasts 2-5 months
• Most effective at eliminating frizz long-term

Brazilian Blowout

• Costs $250 to $500 typically
• Smoothing lasts 8-10 weeks
• Less permanent than keratin

Japanese Straightening

• Very high cost, $500+ on average
• Lasts the longest, up to 6 months
• Must grow out completely to change hair texture

While keratin and Brazilian Blowout treatments have comparable costs, keratin is most effective for long-lasting frizz control – up to 16 weeks compared to 8-10 weeks for a Brazilian Blowout.

The major downside is keratin requires reapplication more frequently – every 2-3 months. Japanese straightening can go 6 months between touch-ups but permanently alters curl patterns.

Based on the longevity of results alone, keratin and Japanese straightening offer the best value and frizz control over the long term.

The Best Pricing on Keratin Hair Treatments

To find the best salon and stylist for your budget and hair needs, consider these tips:

Review Portfolios and Testimonials Extensively – See real-life before and after photos and read testimonials to gauge results. Instagram is great for this.

Ask About the Specific Products and Brands Used – Salons have different offerings and formulations. Get details to match the right one to your hair type.

Consult on Your Hair Goals and Lifestyle – Be transparent with your stylist so they can tailor the service and recommendations.

Compare Packages Rather Than Hourly Rates – Packages can offer bundled pricing on services versus paying hourly.

Look for Volume Discounts – If you will need regular touch-ups every 2-3 months, ask about volume discounts. Many salons offer lower rates for repeat customers.

You might also like our articles on the cost of hair bonding, Fraxel laser treatments, or DreamCatcher hair extensions.

Seek Referrals from Friends – Referrals are great for finding hidden gem stylists who deliver amazing treatment results without the premium pricing.

Doing your homework to find the right stylist and service package for your specific hair texture and treatment goals is key to maximizing satisfaction and minimizing treatment costs.

Final Words

While not inexpensive, professional keratin smoothing treatments are an affordable, long-lasting solution for controlling frizz and improving hair texture compared with alternatives like Brazilian Blowouts. With an average cost of $150-$450 per treatment, pricing is heavily influenced by your location, hair length and thickness, product brand used, and your stylist’s experience and salon reputation.

But up to 16 weeks of smooth, glossy, frizz-free hair may be priceless if you struggle with unmanageable texture. Take time to do your research, get consultations, review stylist portfolios, and ask for pricing packages.

Finding the right pro for your hair goals and budget is very important to getting the most out of the service investment. Taming frizz doesn’t have to be a fortune. With the right stylist, keratin treatments can be a reasonable path to your dream hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting a keratin treatment?

Keratin can be 100% worth it for people struggling with extremely frizzy, curly, or unmanageable hair. If you want smoother, straighter locks for 2-5 months without daily styling hassles, keratin offers a long-term solution.

Frizz and curl reduction can save hours of time. If you can afford the salon visits every 2-3 months, keratin provides lasting results between appointments.

How long does a keratin treatment last?

With proper at-home maintenance like gentle washing, minimal heat styling, and using sulfate-free products, a keratin treatment can last anywhere from 10-16 weeks. Results fade slowly as new growth comes in.

Avoid over-washing and over-styling to help the smoothing effects persist as long as possible. Maintenance visits every 2-3 months are required for extended frizz control.

Will my hair grow back curly after a keratin treatment?

Yes, your natural texture will eventually grow back in at the roots after a keratin treatment. New growth comes in frizzy and curly first since the previously treated hair stays straighter much longer.

This is why maintenance visits for touch-ups every 10-12 weeks can be helpful for maintaining smoother results long-term. Proper at-home care is also key. But the hair that is already treated will need to grow out completely before the original texture returns all over. So keratin’s effects last months before totally fading.