African American hair - Keratin Treatment

by Lmoore
(columbus, ohio)

I just want to let everyone know that the keratin complex by Coppolla works on natural (no relaxer) African American hair. My daughter (10 years old) has what most would call nappy hair, that is, it is very course and when its wet it shrivels up and and drys hard. She had the keratin complex applied and I couldn't believe the results.

Dont get me wrong, Im not claiming that it straightened her hair like a relaxer, but what it did do is loosen her natural texture to where I was able to comb straight through her hair, while it was wet, without hitting any kinks. It blow dried completely straight and when it was pressed (flat-ironed) it looked like she had a relaxer. Her hair is soft, has no frizz and looks like a relaxer.

My original problem with just having her hair pressed was that she is very active in sports and her pressed hair would only last one week before she would sweat it back out. She is an Allstar cheerleader with practice Mon-Thursday and she has gymnastics every Saturday and Sunday. Since she has had the keratin complex applied she has gone 3 weeks in between each press. Again, im not claiming that its a miracle product and her hair is bone straight but I am saying that it made her hair more manageable. =)

Answers and Comments for African American hair - Keratin Treatment

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Jun 18, 2016
 it is a conditioning treatment for african-americans
by: Anonymous

This seems to be for all races but African-Americans.I'm African-American and my hair comes down to my butt and I always use relaxers.I wanted to switch over but this seems to give great results to all but African-Americans or only African-Americans with virgin hair.the Puerto-rican lady who asked about it who said perms no longer work in her hair this might help her but it seems this products will work for all but African-Americans.of you are African-American you should think of it more as a conditioning treatment+of you get straightening results then u r 1 of the lucky 1s
Apr 10, 2016
 Loving it
by: Anonymous

I have nappy hair...which is dry n can be hard to comb at times. I've used keratin r5 n it has helped alot. Only washed my hair after 4 days of having it on... It depends on the type of keratin u using n how much you put in your hair.... everyone is not the same unfortunately. I would recommend it but it's up to you. To be honest Natural hair is not easy to look after. It's alot of work.
Feb 08, 2013
 : )
by: Anonymous

Well,I am very glad for you and your daughter that it worked. And I am also glad that it did not make her hair straight I love to see a beautiful African American woman/child with her hair curly. I use Keratin, and it has helped my hair to grow out longer, and become healthy once again. (I too am African American, with more coarsely textured hair). But I recommend keratin for anyone, especially African American or curly hair!! However if possible try to get formaldehyde free keratin!!
Oct 18, 2012
 Keratin
by: Anonymous

I had the Keratin and lost a lot of beautiful long hair and will never encourage anyone else too get it or put it in their daughters hair. I am very disappointed!
Aug 24, 2012
 After The First Time Using A Keratin Treatment
by: Anonymous

I have had the Keratin since April, It look really great right after I get it flat Iron, but it does not last but a day it is back very nappy at the roots, so much growth. It also get very dry. I also have a problem with the heat that seems too hot. I really don't know what to do any more, because I no longer wants to go back to perms. I also have problems with colors taking to my hair with the Keratin.
Mar 09, 2012
 Didn't work for me
by: Anonymous

I have really nappy hair. I heard a lot of good stories about it. It did not really work for me. My hair is still pretty nappy. When I flat iron it it's not bone straight. Wondering what went wrong :( I'm trying to go natural but I don't think I can at this
Nov 29, 2011
 RE: Curious yet extremely nervous - Relaxed to natural
by: Anonymous

In my opinion going from relaxer to keratin will not solve your current situation. You just replacing one treatment with another and you have to keep up with re-touch on keratin. Perhaps that could be a choice. But If I were in your shoes I would do all I can to see if I can go back to my natural curl without using any straightening treatments!

Here some tips on how to go from relaxed to natural curly
Nov 28, 2011
 Curious yet extremely nervous....
by: Anonymous

I am wanting to try the Keratin treatment and have been doing my research for the past few weeks and am still considering it yet I am very nervous. I am Hispanic and Afro-American with fairly decent hair. I have had a relaxer since I was a little girl. When its time for a relaxer my new growth is wavy (not silky wavy but not nappy) and very dry so it feels coarse when it naturally isn't and I think its the relaxers that drying out my hair.

For some reason relaxers are not taking to my hair anymore so I want to do away with relaxers completely yet refuse to cut off my hair and do the short look. (does not look good on me) My Dominican hair dresser says my hair is very healthy (even though I know as I get older the thinner my hair gets). She says the Keratin would be great on my hair even tho I had a relaxer a couple of months ago.

With all that said, What should I do? I don't have nappy hair yet my hair is very dry and I want to go natural but refuse to cut off my relaxer just yet.

I take biotin vitamins to help in hair growth because my hair is thinning because I am getting older(38). so again, what should I do. I want it but I am scared. would I have to stop taking the vitamin? Will it pull my hair out being I dont have nappy or completely natural hair?

I know no one can tell me what to do but any knowledge of my hair type or suggestions?????
Nov 27, 2011
 RE: Glad I found this blog
by: Anonymous

It is a mystery product. It seems to work for many women without any sign of problems and yet many have reported hair loss and severe allergic reactions. It is like a Russian roulette. There are risk involve! Best you can do is to do some patch test on skin behind your ear and wait 4 weeks to rule-out allergic reaction. As for cancer, you better choose those without formaldehyde.
Nov 27, 2011
 Glad i found this blog
by: Anonymous

Just yesterday a friend of mine from Louisiana told me about this product, says it works miracle on her naturally curly hair. So because she's not African-American i thought maybe i should do some research on this before i went ahead and try it.

I have really coarse hair otherwise known as "nappy hair", i have been getting a perm every 6 weeks for the past seven years from my professional hair dresser, though my hair is thin and lacks volume, I've never had chunks of hair fallen out while combing it. I would love to try the keratin hair treatment because from what I've read it seems to last a bit longer than the perm, but is it worth it for me? will my hair grow? does it really causes cancer? I have researched a few sites about this and the cancer thing (of course) scares me.
27 November, 2011
Jul 05, 2011
 Finally!!
by: Sandra, Tampa

I had my keratin hair treatment done after much research on line. I was nervous having cut all my relaxer off and having 1 1/2 yr. of new growth, I wasn't ready to loose it all again. I have 4b hair that is curly but shrinks up (it seems by 75%). It seemed my hair was never going to be anything but short and curly. My Dominican hair dresser used a formaldehyde free formula and my hair had to stay straight for 4 days (it was tough). I was great! It loosened my curls and made my hair much softer. However I was washing my hair with a keratin shampoo and conditioner, my hair started to come out...i panicked and went back to my hairdresser. She gave me a deep conditioning treatment and advised me to use a natural moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Too much Keratin!! It has been 1 month and my hair is back on track. I will continue to do the Keratin Treatment probably in October.
Jul 02, 2011
 Keratin on Black Hair
by: Bella Blu

I'm lucky enough to live in Brazil, where Keratin on black hair is no new thing.
The newest products have been designed specifically for black hair and work really well as an alternative to traditional relaxers.

They're esepcially good if you want to grow your hair out, and are suffering from breakage, as the Keratin helps protect your hair.
Jun 26, 2011
 Keratin on Black Hair
by: Bella Blu

I live in Brazil and many of my black friends use a Keratin treatment to maintain the results of relaxing, as well as a straight out alternative.

It's become very popular here, where the Keratin treatment is known as Escova Progressiva, primarily because it helps prevent the kind of breakage relaxed hair often experiences.

As for using Keratin on Black Hair as an alternative to relaxing, I've seen great results, although a truly relaxed effect usually takes at least two treatments.

I've also noticed a new range of relaxer laced with Keratin, but haven't heard of anyone using it yet.

It advertises itself as a Keratin straightener cross relaxer. Much kinder than traditional treatments.

I'll do a little research and post back later...
May 11, 2011
 Try it with caution and extensive reasearch
by: Anonymous

Tamika, I think you should try it but since this is your first time, you should approach it with caution and investigate it from several angles.

1- Ask what keratin treatment brand they want to use and whether it contains formaldehyde or not. Make extensive research on that brand.

2- Is your stylist certified to do this type of treatments and if they done that on African American hair with success.

3- Ask your stylist to do a skin patch test to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients from that type of keratin treatment brand. Most hair losses are caused by allergic reactions and scalp shock.

Good Luck
May 10, 2011
 Now I'm confused
by: tamika816

I am a African American with very thick course hair. I have always wanted to go natural but not the afro or loc look (just not me). My last perm was 1/5/11. Last week I found a stylist here in Kc who presses hair. She mention that i should get the Keratin. She state that I would love the results. So I have decided to look up this Keratin and now I'm confused. The good comments make me want to get it then the bad comments make me have 2nd thoughts. 1st i was seeing good comments only from Caucasion's so i wonder is this product for African American's cause I can't see if working for both. Then if it is for African American hair what hair types should and what hair types shouldn't? Am i safe to get it done cause i am so tired of putting relaxers on my hair is so course to where relaxers don't even last long on my hair.

I know i can't change my texture but i can change what i do to it and i really want to try the keratin but these blogs got me scared.
May 09, 2011
 Hair
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for this blog...I can tell you I have been searching for over a year on what to put on my 12 year old daughters hair , she too is very active in soccer and I just wanted something to smooth it out a little ...THANK YOU!!!!
May 03, 2011
 Coppola Keratin WORKS!!!
by: Anonymous

My 12 year old daughter has been getting the Coppola Keratin treatment for almost 2 years. She gets 1 every 5 months. She's never had a relaxer, is active in sports and her hair stays beautiful. I have referred several African Americans, all with different textures of hair, some even relaxed to her stylist for the Keratin. The results have been incredible. I got my first color and Keratin (on natural hair) on the same day, two days ago.....the results are incredible. We have never experienced shedding or hair loss. I too read all of the blogs but still chose to try Keratin over a relaxer for my daughter. Do your homework, research the brands! They are not all the same. I recommend Coppola Keratin...and use their products at home.
Feb 20, 2011
 Look at the ethnicity....
by: SilkyTransitioning

People, with regards to the hair loss and other negative effects of the Keratin treatment...please look at the ethnicity of those who are posting the remarks. Majority of African Americans have been getting relaxers for quite a while now...and nothing can be more harsh than an chemical that can "permanently" alter your hair texture. In many respects our hair can endure strong products...
I do believe that the Keratin treatment has harsh chemicals in it...all products that alter the chemical composition of your hair does. However, I just read the comments on the Oprah site and I have yet to read one by an African American. Just consider the source before you knock a product...especially if you've had a relaxer in your hair.
Feb 20, 2011
 It was worth it
by: Laura

I did the Keratin in Puerto Rico, and I love my hair. When I read about all those ladies bloging on Ophra about losing their hair I became very concerned. I immediately called home,and talked to everybody I know that have the treatment done. None of them has had any problem with the Keratin treatment, and they has done more than once. I also search in a Hispanic website, and everyone loves their hair, and no problem at all. Maybe here in the U.S. they don't know how to do it.
Dec 14, 2010
 Balding
by: Anonymous

Why is nobody addressing these balding issues that keep arising? You keep saying how nice and silky and bouncy the hair is; however, silky and bouncy doesn't matter if the product makes your hair come out in clumps! I just read the Oprah Winfrey sight and these women are desperate, they say they've been to professional salons for this and afterwards the salons take no responsibility for their balding hair. Does anyone have any explanations for why this is balding so many women?
Dec 06, 2010
 We use it at our healthy hair clinic!
by: Unique Creations Hair Studios - McDonough, GA

This product is very natural and formaldehyde free. We use it on all hair types at our healthy hair clinic. Our clients with ethnic and naturally curly hair both experience the dynamic achievement of the benefits of a Keratin treatment.
Oct 21, 2010
 Wearing your natural hair
by: nan

Even if you are wearing your own natural hair you buying something to put on it before you straighten it. So either way you are paying for it. We all have to buy something for our hair so we are paying for something
Oct 12, 2010
 I should not write this, but its' true
by: Anonymous

I'm old school and I don't mean to be negative but I've left all the relaxers out of my hair since the early 90's, and I've gone back to old school, braids, fros' and press and curl with the flat iron and pressing oil. Because of my regimen, my hair is unapologetically thick, gorgeously black, and awesomely natural. I said that to say I can't see paying ANYTHING to assist my flat iron in straightening my hair. As far as combing through wet nappy hair, I section it in 4, and work with the sections.
Oct 08, 2010
 Advice
by: Anonymous

I am a hair stylist and recently did the Coppola smoothing treatment on my friends daughter's hair who is biracial. The results were absolutely beautiful. She e-mailed me the other day saying that as soon as she shampooed, her hair reverted back. I had already explained to her and her daughter that it doesn't take the curl away completely, it makes it smoother and frizz free. She would still have to blow dry and flat iron, but it would be a lot easier though. I know she is very lazy with her hair, and am hoping she just hasn't taken the time instead of the system not working.

Has anyone else had a problem? Any advice?
Oct 01, 2010
 treatment
by: Anonymous

Hi! I too have been investigating the keratin treatment. I spoke with someone who was having hers done at Ultra. She has been getting it for the past 2 years and loves it! I really think I am going to get it.
Jul 05, 2010
 Undecided G
by: Anonymous-Georgia

I am a native from California. My hair is horrible in the humidity in Georgia. I conformed to relaxer with shea butter. I am not okay with burning my scalp every 6 weeks. I am considering the Global Keratin Treatment with Juvexin. However, I currently have a relaxer. Should I wait until my relaxer is at least less than 3 inches to get the treatment?
Jun 22, 2010
 Certified in Global Keratin Treatment Georgia
by: Sierra

My name is Sierra, licensed master stylist and certified in the Global Keratin Treatment with Juvexin in Georgia. I love this product. It makes my clients hair more manageable, frizz free, shiny, bouncy, and strong/healthier. I specialize in healthy hair therefore I would not use any product that will jeopardize my clients hair. I have read the post about keratin treatments--the people who had bad experiences either done the treatment on their own(big NO NO) or had it done by people who are NOT certified. Keratin is what our hair is made of so it is good for the hair. Our product contain Juvexin, which is the purest keratin you can buy...and only Global Keratin with Juvexin have this ingredient. If you would like more info visit my website at http://www.body-beauty-shop.com You will love your hair and the way it feels!!!!! or call me 678-485-2474
Jun 03, 2010
 Inoar Keratin Treatment
by: MJJ

I am so glad that i did a research on the treatment, i discover the lost of my hair is from the treatment. I think i will go back to my regular perm before i become bold
May 11, 2010
 Must Read!!
by: Anonymous

It is very important that you go to a certified stylist! DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT use the Brazilian Keratin. It is made with formaldehyde and you may harm yourself and your hair.

The Coppola is all natural and the originator of the smoothing treatment. It is also important that once you get the Keratin treatment, you use only the Coppola shampoo and conditioner or you will have wasted your money. ALL other shampoos contain sodium hydroxide, which strips your keratin completely out!

I too am African American and also has natural hair. It is amazing, my hair is silky smooth, bone straight when straightened and smooth and loosely curly when wet! I love my curls and wanted something that would loosen my curls without being a perm or texturizer. It worked wonders! I strongly recommend!! :o)
Apr 11, 2010
 Response to the Georgia Resident
by: Anonymous

A shop in Lithonia, GA behind Stonecrest Mall, next to the Target center called Stewart Michael's does it. I just went there to get my hair pressed, and the store owner "Ulie" was telling me about it. I am definitely thinking about getting her to do mine, but want to do more research first....
Mar 18, 2010
 B careful, do ur research
by: GDJersey

I was thinking about doing the Coppola treatment at my salon and possibly on my daughters hair. But I have read horror stories about hair-loss on the Internet.
Dec 15, 2009
 FIRST TIME USER
by: Anonymous

I have tried the keratin treatment and I had relaxer for years! but it works, it makes my hair so soft and bouncy free. It's not heavy makes my hair so soft. I have always had coarse hair and it has even made my hair grow, and none of my hair has come out in the comb. It has given me a chance to come out of the perm every six to eight weeks and all I do now is just wear it in a body wrap. What I really want to see is how long i can go without a relaxer! For now its the the treatment for me.
Dec 12, 2009
 Do your research first!
by: Anonymous

I thought about getting the treatment, but now i am very unsure. I've looked on a few websites, some explaining the process, some like here raving about how the product works wonders, but when i checked on oprah.com, i got scared!

it sounds wonderful, straight, manageable hair for months at a time..........I dont know.
Nov 16, 2009
 Does it work on relaxed hair?
by: D

I already have a relaxer - Instead of getting a touch-up I wanted to try this new product...Does anyone know if you have to have all natural hair or if I can get this done if I have majority relaxed hair?? BTW: I'm in Cleveland, OH. Thanks!
Apr 26, 2009
 My Daughter Too
by: Anonymous

I am so glad I found this information. I recently became aware of this product and thought it would be good for my daughter who is 13. She takes gymnastics about 17 hours an week and also runs track. Needless to say, I don't want to waste money pressing her hair. I don't want to put a traditional perm in her hair either. Your comments were very helpful because I wondered if it would work on African American hair. I am so excited to try this on her hair. Thanks for your review.
Apr 13, 2009
 It is worth the money
by: Dawne in phila

I went to Ulta, a discount cosmetic store like Sephora, and found a kit to do at home myself called liquid keratin in a brown box for my 4yr old daughter who has hair much like the other mom's ten year old and I must say it does make a difference in her short natural "nappy" hair.

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More about Liquid Keratin
Mar 21, 2009
 Reliable source
by: Anonymous

Thanks lmoore! I'm in LA and was introduced to this system via girlfriends who aren't black but have thick curly hair. I love my natural curl but i could do without the extra frizz. They tell me it will work wonders and I'm happy to have found an alternative, more reliable source of information as it relates to black hair-thanks!

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