KeraStraight Hair Straightening Formula: Texture, Application & Usage

Question

Regarding the KeraStraight™ hair straightening formula with the composition: 1. BTAC 3%, 2. Ceteraryl Alcohol 3%, 3. Silicone Hi-Cond 1%, 4. Vitamin B5 1%, 5. Poly-Conditioner Eco 1%, 6. KeraStraight™ 20%, 7. Mild Preserved Eco 1%, 8. Water to 100%. 1. Is the expected texture of this formula supposed to be quite liquid, almost passing through fingers? I'm unsure if this formula should be this way from the start. 2. If a thicker texture, like shampoo, is desired, can it be achieved? Which ingredient(s) and what quantity should be used per formula? Or is it not advisable to thicken it like shampoo? 3. Regarding the usage instructions, specifically steps 3-5, after applying the product onto the hair (step 3) and blow-drying/combing straight (step 4), is the hair flat ironed (step 5) immediately without rinsing the product out? I am concerned about potential hair burning or damage from flat ironing with the product left on. 4. What is the recommended frequency for using this hair straightening formula according to the example formula? Can oil be added to the formula for hair nourishment, and would adding oil negatively affect the formula or its performance?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

KeraStraight™ Hair Straightening Formula Questions

Based on the formula provided and the product descriptions, here are the answers to your questions:

1. Expected Consistency

Your observation that the formula is quite liquid and not very thick is likely correct for this specific formulation. The consistency of a conditioner or treatment is largely determined by the amount of fatty alcohols like Cetearyl Alcohol and conditioning agents like BTAC (Behentrimonium Chloride).

The example formula provided in the description for KeraStraight™ uses 6% Cetearyl Alcohol, while your formula uses 3%. Since Cetearyl Alcohol is a primary thickening agent in this type of system, using a lower percentage will result in a significantly less viscous product. The KeraStraight™ ingredient itself is also described as a clear, light-colored liquid. Therefore, the formula you made with 3% Cetearyl Alcohol is expected to be relatively liquid.

2. Thickening the Formula

If you desire a thicker consistency, similar to a conditioner (rather than a shampoo, which might be too thick for even application of a straightening treatment), you can increase the amount of the solid/wax components in the formula.

The most common way to increase thickness in this type of formula is to increase the percentage of Cetearyl Alcohol. You could try increasing it gradually, for example, to 6% (as in the example formula provided with KeraStraight™) or even 8-10%, depending on the desired thickness.

Increasing the percentage of BTAC (Behentrimonium Chloride) can also contribute to thickening and will enhance the conditioning effect, but increasing Cetearyl Alcohol is typically the main method for viscosity adjustment in this base.

It is not strictly necessary for this formula to be thick like a shampoo to be effective, as its primary function is hair straightening through the action of KeraStraight™. The current liquid consistency might even aid in even application. However, if a thicker texture is preferred for ease of handling, adjusting the Cetearyl Alcohol and/or BTAC levels is the way to achieve it.

3. Application Steps Clarification

Your understanding of the application steps is correct based on the instructions provided for KeraStraight™.

The steps are:

Wash and rinse hair thoroughly (without shampoo residue).
Blow dry hair completely.
Apply the KeraStraight™ formula from roots to ends and leave for 15 minutes.
Blow dry hair again, combing and straightening.
Use a hair straightener at 200-230°C.
Leave for at least 15 minutes, then wash and/or condition hair again.

This sequence clearly indicates that you do not rinse out the product after applying it and letting it sit (step 3) and before blow-drying (step 4) and flat ironing (step 5). The heat from the straightener is necessary for KeraStraight™ to work.

The product description for KeraStraight™ states that it straightens hair gently and is not as harsh as traditional chemical straighteners. It also mentions that repeated use in experiments did not cause hair damage. While using high heat always requires caution, the instructions specify the temperature range (200-230°C) required for the product's activation and warn against exceeding it to avoid degrading the product. Following the recommended temperature should minimize the risk of damage.

4. Usage Frequency and Adding Oil

Usage Frequency: The description for KeraStraight™ mentions that it "can be used frequently" and that repeated use (5-10 times) did not cause damage. This suggests it is gentle enough for regular use, though a specific frequency (like weekly or monthly) is not provided. You can likely use it as needed when you want to straighten your hair or refresh the straightening effect.
Adding Oil: The formula already contains conditioning agents like Silicone Hi-Cond, BTAC, Poly-Conditioner Eco, and Vitamin B5, which provide moisture and smoothness to the hair. Adding additional oils could potentially affect the stability of the formula (as it's a water-based system) and might interfere with the performance of KeraStraight™. It's generally recommended to stick to the provided formula ingredients. If you feel your hair needs extra nourishment, it would be better to use a separate deep conditioning treatment after completing the straightening process and rinsing the hair (step 6).

In summary, the liquid consistency is expected due to the formula composition. You can thicken it by increasing Cetearyl Alcohol and/or BTAC. Do not rinse the product before flat ironing; the heat activates the straightening effect. The product is designed for frequent use and includes conditioning ingredients, so adding extra oils directly to the formula is not recommended; use a separate conditioning treatment if needed.