Keratin Treatment in Kaukapakapa, North Auckland

A keratin treatment is a salon smoothing service that calms frizz and makes hair easier to style for around four to five months. At Hair By Melissa in Kaukapakapa, North Auckland, it costs $180 and takes about 2 to 3 hours, one-on-one with Melissa.

Price

$180

Time

About 2 to 3 hours

Lasts

Around 4 to 5 months

First wash

After 72 hours

What a keratin treatment does

A keratin treatment coats each strand in a smoothing formula, which Melissa seals in with a flat iron. Melissa uses a formaldehyde-free keratin formula. The result is hair that's smoother, shinier and far less frizzy, and that dries faster with less fighting.

It's a good fit if humidity puffs your hair up, if blow-drying takes forever, or if you're tired of straightening every morning. It isn't a permanent straightener. Your hair grows out with its natural texture at the roots, and the smoothing fades gradually rather than leaving a hard line.

Is keratin right for your hair?

Keratin usually suits:

• Frizzy or puffy hair, especially in coastal humidity
• Thick or coarse hair that takes a long time to blow-dry
• Wavy or curly hair you'd like smoother and easier to manage
• Coloured hair, with the colour timed around the treatment

It may not be the right choice if you want to keep your full curl pattern, since keratin relaxes curl and wave. Very fine, flat hair can also lose volume. If you're unsure, Melissa will talk it through with you before anything goes on your hair.

What happens at your appointment

1. Consultation. Melissa looks at your hair, its history and what you want from it, and tells you honestly whether keratin will get you there.
2. Clarifying wash. Your hair is washed to lift product build-up so the treatment can take evenly.
3. Application. The formula is applied section by section from roots to ends.
4. Blow-dry. Your hair is dried smooth.
5. Flat-iron seal. Melissa works through small sections with a flat iron to seal the treatment in.
6. Finish and aftercare. You leave with smooth, sleek hair and clear instructions for the next 72 hours.

How long keratin lasts, and how to make it last

A keratin treatment lasts around four to five months. How long yours lasts depends on your hair and how you look after it.

For the first 72 hours, keep your hair dry and loose: no washing, no ponytails, clips or tucking it behind your ears. After that, wash with a sulfate-free shampoo in lukewarm water, and no more than two or three times a week. Wait at least two weeks before any colour.

Want the day-by-day version? Read our keratin aftercare guide: when you can wash, brush and tie up your hair.

Keratin treatment price in North Auckland

A keratin treatment at Hair By Melissa is $180, and the appointment takes about 2 to 3 hours. It's one-on-one with Melissa, with free parking at the door.

Want a trim as well? Add a women's cut and finish ($50) when you book.

Keratin or nanoplasty?

Nanoplasty is a different smoothing treatment that uses a different formula. Hair By Melissa doesn't offer nanoplasty. If you've been searching for it because you want smoother, frizz-free hair that's quicker to style, a keratin treatment is built for the same goal, and Melissa is happy to talk through whether it suits your hair before you book.

Coming from Helensville, Kumeū or nearby?

The salon is at 12 Magnolia Lane in Kaukapakapa, about 15 minutes from Helensville and about 25 minutes from Kumeū, with clients also coming from Wainui and Waitoki. It's open seven days, including Sundays.

Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–1:30pm · Sat 2–5pm · Sun 9am–5pm

Keratin treatment FAQs