I'm Obsessed With My Cezanne Keratin Treatment—Here's Why

My hair was in a frizz rut for the last several months and I was in deep need of a reset and smoothing treatment. Maybe it was the chaos of the endless summer and then back-to-school frenzy, but something needed to change. And I knew if I was super intense about opting for organic soaps and the gentlest shampoos for kids, I'd want a formaldehyde-free keratin option.

That's why I chose the Cezanne Keratin Treatment, and OMG—I'm so glad I did.

What is a Cezanne Keratin Treatment?

If you've got frizzy locks, a Cezanne treatment could be your new best friend—especially because it can last nearly half a year if you take care of it well. The formaldehyde-free formula is an updated take on keratin treatments of the past (you know, the kind that burned eyes and nostrils) and offers a gentler approach to smoothing.

"Cezanne is a keratin smoothing treatment—not a permanent chemical relaxer or straightener," says Kathy Combs, Vice President of Global Education for Cezanne Professional Products. "The treatment works to replenish areas of the hair that have lost keratin and strengthen the hair to protect against damage caused by styling tools, chemical services and natural elements. Treatments will soften and elongate natural curls, increase shine, aid in fighting humidity and reduce frizz."

And, if you're proud of your natural texture (I am a proud eager 2B curly-wavy girl), it promises to leave your natural curl pattern intact. I still have all my glorious texture and bounce, just without the inevitable frizziness life throws your way. That's thanks to Cezanne's smooth spackling effect of added keratin and silk proteins. And it's ah-mah-zing.

"Unlike formaldehyde-based keratin systems that simply coat the hair, Cezanne uses a revolutionary low pH (about a level two) system acidity to penetrate through the cuticle and infuse the cortex with keratin, botanical extracts and vitamins," she adds. "When heat is applied with a flat iron, the blend of keratin, botanical extracts and vitamins is sealed inside the cuticle. This protects and smoothes the hair from the inside out."

And, unlike other smoothing treatments, Cezanne hair can be washed immediately. Better yet, there are no restrictions on workouts, wearing ponytail holders or clips or using most styling products. Amen, right?

How long does the Cezanne Keratin Treatment last?

"Cezanne treatments last up to five months on average," explains Combs. The amount of time varies by client hair type, texture, and maintenance routine.

I was told that steering clear of lots of saltwater and chlorinated swims would prolong the life of my Cezanne treatment as well as sticking to a 100% sulfate-free haircare routine. An occasional swim is fine, though. Just add a protecting product.

My Cezanne Keratin Smoothing Treatment review

Before I get into the nitty-gritty, I want to say that Cezanne smoothing treatments cut blow-drying time by a whopping 50%. And if you hate blowing your hair out as much as I do (or your arm strength doesn't support the sport), this treatment is a total game-changer. It's also just way easier to get a smooth, shiny look.

I went from about 45 minutes of blow-drying time (even with a Dyson) with somewhat long hair to about 10 minutes post-treatment with shoulder-length hair. Chopping my hair made a difference, of course, but the new smooth texture makes styling an absolute breeze that I no longer hate. Small victories, right?

And air drying comes out fabulously well, too. That's probably the best part of the Cezanne treatment, to be honest. I go to fairly intense yoga classes three to four times a week and end up dripping in sweat each time. The treatment isn't compromised by sweat, which means this is one of the few hair treatments available that allows for a fairly active lifestyle.

Start to finish, the entire treatment takes about 90 minutes—ideal if you're pressed for time or can't devote a whole day to a hair treatment. The formula only sits on the hair for about 30 minutes, so between a couple of washes and flat ironing, it's a speedier process than other keratin options on the market. And your eyes don't water or get irritated at all, which is basically a godsend in the battle against frizz.

My only qualms with the treatment are that it's somewhat expensive. The typical price range is about $250 and $500 depending on your hair's length, texture and the salon you choose. While it's pricey, the amount of time saved each morning and the hassle of feeling like a frizz monster at the mere suggestion of humidity in the air is worth every penny.

Pros

• Formaldehyde-free
• Quicker than other smoothing treatments (only sits on the hair for about 30 minutes)
• No weird smell or skin reactions
• Hair feels ultra silky after
• Can use ponytails/claw clips immediately after
• No weird grow-out lines like the straightening treatments of the past

Cons

• Somewhat expensive
• How long it lasts relies heavily on using the right shampoo/conditioner and making smart lifestyle choices

What you need for after-treatment care

If you drop the cash (and time) required to get this treatment, you want to make it last. That means skipping your typical shampoo and hair detangler and using the dedicated Cezanne Shampoo & Conditioner. That's because it's formulated to keep the keratin proteins intact for as long as possible, never stripping the hair.

It's free of all the gnarly, harsh stuff that ruins hair color, too—so it has a double use. The brand's Perfecting Blowout Cream and finishing oils are hits on my hair as well.

Where to get your own Cezanne Keratin Smoothing Treatment

Your best bet is to check out Cezanne Keratin Treatment website—they have a salon locator that makes it easy to find a vetted, approved location that's sure to deliver the best results. If you're in New York (like I am), head to Lauren at The L Salon in New Paltz.

And of course, you can always just scoop up your own Cezanne Keratin products through the brand's Amazon page.

FAQs

Does Cezanne remove curls or just frizz?

Cezanne is a Keratin Smoothing Treatment—not a permanent chemical relaxer or straightener.  The treatment works to replenish areas of the hair that have lost keratin and strengthen the hair to protect against damage caused by styling tools, chemical services, and natural elements.

Treatments will soften and elongate natural curls, increase shine, aid in fighting humidity and reduce frizz. Curls and waves will remain textured, though.

Can pregnant women get a Cezanne Keratin Smoothing Treatment?

Cezanne contains no formaldehyde, carcinogens or dangerous chemicals—and that's good news. But still, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to get your own doctor's stamp of approval.

What types of hair are best for a Cezanne treatment?

Cezanne’s Keratin Smoothing Treatments smoothes all hair types, including straight, fine, wavy, textured and curly hair. It works especially well on curly, kinky, wavy and thick hairstyles. Apply it directly over relaxed hair to reduce frizz. Colored, bleached, highlighted and damaged hair also does especially well with Cezanne as it works to seal the cuticle, offering both manageability and loads of luster.

If you have especially fine or thin hair, you may want to skip smoothing services though. They tend to reduce the volume of your hair somewhat.

Should you have hair color done before or after a Cezanne Keratine Treatment?

Feel free to use color before or after the Cezanne treatment. Ask for your stylist what they recommend for your specific hair needs, and know that this treatment last months—you may need (or want) color treatment halfway through.