Collection: Chemically Treated Hair

Shop chemically treated hair care products in South Africa. Sulfate-free aftercare shampoos, bond-protecting conditioners, repair masks, and finishing oils for keratin-treated, relaxed, permed, and chemically processed hair from Brasil Cacau, Mycro Keratin, Pureology, Olaplex, K18, Kérastase Résistance, and more. 100% authentic, sourced from authorised distributors. Free delivery on orders over R390 across South Africa.

About Chemically Treated Hair

Chemical treatments — keratin smoothing, Brazilian blowouts, relaxers, perms, and curl loosening services — change the underlying protein structure of the hair. The treatment breaks and reforms the disulfide bonds that determine hair texture, leaving the hair in a more fragile state for weeks or months afterward. The wrong aftercare strips the treatment, weakens already-compromised bonds, and dramatically shortens the lifespan of the salon investment. The right aftercare — sulfate-free, sodium-chloride-free, and protein-supporting — extends results significantly and keeps hair healthy through the chemical-rest period.

Chemically Treated Hair Product Range

Sulfate-Free Aftercare Shampoos — sulfates strip the keratin coating and relaxer relaxation, dramatically shortening the treatment's effective lifespan. Top picks: Brasil Cacau Anti-Frizz Shampoo, Mycro Keratin Keraxir Smoothing Shampoo, Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste, and Inoar Absolut Daymoist.

Sodium-Chloride-Free Care — common table salt (sodium chloride) accelerates breakdown of keratin treatments. Salt-free formulas are essential. Brasil Cacau, Mycro Keratin, and most professional aftercare ranges are sodium-chloride-free by design.

Bond-Protecting Conditioners and Masks — protect and rebuild the disulfide bonds that chemical processing has reformed. Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask, Kérastase Résistance Masque Force Architecte, and Brasil Cacau Hydration Mask.

Smoothing and Finishing Oils — extend the smooth, frizz-free finish of keratin treatments. Moroccanoil Treatment, Brasil Cacau Shine Serum, Kérastase Elixir Ultime, and Inoar Argan Oil.

How to Care for Chemically Treated Hair

1. Wait the recommended time before washing — keratin treatments require 48-72 hours of dry, untouched hair before the first wash. Follow your stylist's specific aftercare instructions.
2. Switch to sulfate-free and sodium-chloride-free shampoo — non-negotiable. Brasil Cacau or Mycro Keratin aftercare lines are formulated specifically for this purpose.
3. Wash less frequently — every 2-3 days, not daily. Each wash removes some of the treatment.
4. Use cool to lukewarm water — hot water breaks down chemical treatments faster.
5. Weekly bond treatment — Olaplex No.3 or K18 reinforces the reformed bonds and extends treatment life.
6. Avoid chlorine and salt water — both strip chemical treatments rapidly. If swimming, wet hair with fresh water and apply leave-in conditioner first.
7. Trim regularly — chemical processing causes ends to fray faster. Every 8-10 weeks.

Keratin vs Relaxer vs Perm — Different Treatments, Same Aftercare Principles

Keratin treatments (Brazilian blowouts) add keratin protein and smooth the cuticle for 3-6 months. Relaxers permanently break disulfide bonds to straighten coily or curly hair. Perms reshape bonds into curls or waves. All three benefit from the same aftercare principles: sulfate-free, sodium-chloride-free, gentle, bond-supporting routines. The main difference is duration — keratin treatments fade gradually; relaxers and perms are permanent until new growth comes through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best shampoo after a keratin treatment? Brasil Cacau Anti-Frizz Shampoo (the brand's own aftercare line) and Mycro Keratin Keraxir are the most consistently recommended. Both are sulfate-free and sodium-chloride-free, formulated specifically to preserve keratin smoothing. Pureology Hydrate is an excellent broader sulfate-free alternative.

Can I use any conditioner after chemical treatment? Avoid conditioners containing sulfates, sodium chloride, parabens, and high-alcohol formulations. Matched aftercare conditioners from your treatment's brand (Brasil Cacau, Mycro Keratin, Inoar) are formulated to work optimally with the specific chemistry.

How long do keratin treatments last with proper aftercare? 3-6 months with proper sulfate-free, sodium-chloride-free aftercare. Without proper aftercare, treatments often fail within 6-8 weeks. The aftercare is as important as the treatment itself for value.

Can I colour my hair after a keratin treatment? Wait at least 2 weeks after a keratin treatment before colouring. Most professional stylists recommend colour services before keratin where possible, as colour penetrates better in untreated hair and the keratin then locks the colour in for longer.

Why Buy Chemical Aftercare from Partners Hair Design?

Partners Hair Design is an authorised stockist of every chemical aftercare brand we carry — Brasil Cacau, Mycro Keratin, Inoar, Pureology, Olaplex, K18, Kérastase, and more. All products are 100% authentic, sourced directly from official South African distributors. Free delivery on orders over R390 across South Africa. For specific chemical treatment aftercare advice, our stylists at Cape Town salons offer tailored routines for keratin, relaxer, and perm clients.