Yes, you can remove keratin from hair, but the method depends on what type of keratin treatment you're referring to. This includes keratin treatments designed to straighten hair, and keratin bonds used in hair extensions.
Removing Keratin Treatments (Hair Straightening)
Many sources suggest that frequent washing with shampoos containing sulfates can help wash away the effects of keratin hair-straightening treatments over time. Deep cleaning or anti-residue shampoos can also accelerate this process. [^1, ^2] However, this is a gradual process; it won't remove the treatment instantly. The treatment will slowly break down with regular washing. [^3] Alternatively, the only way to fully reverse the effects of a keratin treatment is to wait for your hair to grow out or to cut it off. [^4] Some suggest using a Bentonite clay mask as a deep cleansing treatment. [^5]
- Sulfate Shampoos: Frequent use helps break down the treatment over time.
- Deep Cleaning Shampoos: Accelerates the removal process compared to regular shampoos.
- Waiting/Cutting: The only way to completely remove the effects is by waiting for new hair growth or cutting the treated hair.
- Bentonite Clay Mask: A deep cleansing option that may aid in removal.
Removing Keratin Bonds (Hair Extensions)
Removing keratin bonds used to attach hair extensions requires specialized tools and techniques. These bonds can be broken using a bond remover spray in conjunction with a tool designed to crush the bond and gently slide the extension out of the hair. [^6, ^7, ^8] Acetone can also be used, but only with the appropriate tools (like pliers) to break the bond. [^9, ^10]
- Bond Remover Spray & Specialized Tool: The standard method for safe extension removal.
- Acetone & Pliers: A more forceful method requiring caution.
In summary, while you can't instantly remove keratin from your hair, several methods exist to remove or lessen the effects, depending on whether you are referring to a keratin hair treatment or keratin bonds used in extensions.
[^1]: Nutree Cosmetics Blog: How to remove keratin from hair. https://www.nutreecosmetics.com/blogs/news/how-to-remove-keratin-from-hair
[^2]: Quora: How to remove Keratin treatment for my hair (I got a keratin ... https://www.quora.com/How-can-I-remove-Keratin-treatment-for-my-hair-I-got-a-keratin-Brazillian-blowout-treatment-on-my-hair-only-yesterday-but-all-the-volume-has-disappeared-how-can-the-effects-be-eliminated-as-soon-as-possible
[^3]: Reddit: Can I reverse the effects of a keratin treatment? : r/HaircareScience https://www.reddit.com/r/HaircareScience/comments/o0u860/can_i_reverse_the_effects_of_a_keratin_treatment/
[^4]: Reddit: HELP. I was given a keratin straightening treatment without my ... https://www.reddit.com/r/Hair/comments/14ahgrv/help_i_was_given_a_keratin_straightening/
[^5]: Hair by Moses: How to Reverse a Keratin Treatment https://www.hairbymoses.com/blog/how-to-reverse-a-keratin-treatment/
[^6]: Mirella Manelli: How to Remove Keratin Bond Hair Extensions https://mirellamanelli.com/how-to-remove-keratin-bond-hair-extensions/
[^7]: TikTok: How to Remove Keratin Treatment from Hair https://www.tiktok.com/discover/how-to-remove-keratin-treatment-from-hair
[^8]: Reddit: Removing keratin bonds : r/hairstylist https://www.reddit.com/r/hairstylist/comments/1af827a/removing_keratin_bonds/
[^9]: Salon Geek: True or false, keratin glue doesn't remove with acetone. https://www.salongeek.com/threads/true-or-false-keratin-glue-doesnt-remove-with-acetone.160253/
[^10]: Short Hair Style: How to Reverse Or Wash Out Keratin Treatment ? http://www.short-hair-style.com/how-to-reverse-or-wash-out-keratin-treatment-.html
