If you’ve ever wanted to look like royalty, this may be your solution. At least it’s the key to getting hair like Meghan Markle’s.

The Duchess of Sussex revealed that the secret to her amazing hair, whether it’s straight or taking advantage of her natural curls, is having regular salon treatments. If you can’t afford that level of care, or don’t want to spend that much time in a salon, you can do the same at home by using keratin.

What is keratin?

As defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, keratin is a sulfur-containing fibrous protein that forms the basis of epidermal tissues. But to the layperson, it’s the protein that makes up your hair, nails, and outer layer of skin.

Having a keratin treatment, or using products that contain keratin, gives your hair a little added boost of protein, which helps rebuild the structure of damaged hair and leaves it looking silky and smooth. This is especially useful for people with natural curls who end up with more frizz than bounce.

Keratin in hair products

To take advantage of keratin on a regular basis, look for a shampoo made with keratin, or other products that feature this ingredient. Commercial-grade keratin is a protein with molecules that resemble those found in your hair. They’re small enough that they can penetrate your hair shaft and add softness, volume, and shine.

If your hair is damaged, and not just suffering from the frizzies, then look for a product that has amino acids as well as keratin. The amino acids add strength to the hair shaft and naturally nourish from the inside without causing a build-up.

Salons and keratin

If you want to splurge and really get the Markle look, then you’ll need a boost from a salon treatment. But there is some confusion about keratin treatments, so it’s important to know what you’re asking for before you head out the door.

Traditional keratin treatment

This treatment is also called a Brazilian blowout, and it straightens your hair texture. It transforms frizzy and curly hair into stick-straight hair with extra sleekness and shine.

In this type of treatment, you get keratin, but there is also a formaldehyde-releasing solution that sits on your hair and coats it, forming a protective layer. When the treatment is done, your hair is blow dried and flat ironed to create a lovely straight texture that can last up to three months.

Smoothing keratin treatment

This is a bit different than the Brazillian blowout and doesn’t use formaldehyde. This treatment deeply penetrates the cortex, or center, of your hair and works from the cuticle outward.

Because this treatment is a little more gentle and doesn’t use formaldehyde, it doesn’t give you that straight-hair look, but it does tame frizz and soften natural curls. It’s a great way to embrace the natural body of your hair without using heavy products or fighting with it regularly.

The great news is that this type of treatment can last up to six months, so you get the effects longer.

Keratin notes

No matter how you’re going to use keratin to boost the look and feel of your hair, your results will vary. Whether you’re going to simply work some keratin products into your daily routine, or you’re going to pay to have a longer-term solution performed at a salon, everyone’s hair is different, so the results can vary widely.

If you’re using keratin shampoo, it’s a good idea to back it up with a keratin-based conditioner to get even more benefit and see greater results.

If you’re going in for a salon treatment, make sure you ask about aftercare routines. There are a lot of tips that you’ll want to follow to make the most of your new look. Ask the salon if they have a written list of tips. If they don’t, ask them to write them down for you, because a misstep can ruin the entire effect.

Final thoughts

Give your hair the royal treatment by introducing it to keratin. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to dive head first into a keratin treatment at a salon or start incorporating keratin at home, you’ll love the results.

Keratin is the protein that makes up your hair and nails. By adding it to your hair care regimen, you get stronger hair that’s less likely to break or get frizzy.

If you want to get a keratin treatment in a salon, like Meghan Markle does, make sure you and your stylist are agreed upon which one you want and that you understand how to care for your hair afterward.

Once you’ve mastered using this product, your hair is going to be your true crowning glory.

The Hair La Vie Shampoo & Conditioner Set is the ultimate package when it comes to revitalizing your hair from the inside out. With 21 natural oils, extracts, vitamins, proteins, and amino acids, what are you waiting for? You deserve the amazing hair you’ve always wanted.

At Hair La Vie, we know beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and textures. Your beauty should be celebrated, not dictated! So we’re here celebrating the naturally beautiful you. And we hope you’ll join us. Hair La Vie products are designed specifically to empower you to great hair, naturally. Visit the Hair La Vie Shop to learn more about enhancing hair growth as well as cleansing, hydrating and protecting your hair.