How much does a keratin treatment cost?
The one honest thing to know. A keratin treatment smooths frizz and adds shine, making hair easier to manage, but it relaxes rather than permanently straightens, and the effect washes out gradually over a few months. Price tracks your hair length and thickness and the salon's location, so a quote depends heavily on your hair, not a single fixed number.
This is a beauty treatment rather than a medical one, so the stakes are lower, but the honesty stays the same. Results vary with your hair type, the products used and the skill of your stylist, and the prices here are indicative ranges rather than quotes. Always confirm the current price and what is included with the salon before you book.
A keratin treatment in the United Kingdom typically costs around 60 to 250 pounds as reviewed in June 2026, starting nearer 60 to 90 pounds in smaller towns and rising above 150 pounds in city centres such as London. Long, thick or very curly hair sits at the top of the range because it uses more product and takes longer, while short hair costs less.
What you are paying for
A keratin treatment, sometimes sold as a Brazilian blow dry, coats the hair with a smoothing formula that is sealed in with heat. The result is hair that is less frizzy, shinier and quicker to style, with curls loosened rather than removed. It is a cosmetic finishing treatment, not a permanent change to your hair.
It suits people with frizzy, unruly or wavy hair who want easier, smoother styling and are happy for the effect to fade gradually. It does not turn very curly hair permanently straight, and a good stylist will set that expectation honestly.
Your fee covers the stylist's time, which is considerable since the treatment can take two to three hours, plus the product used. Longer and thicker hair needs more product and more time, which is the main reason quotes vary so much from one person to the next.
The honest cost picture
Keratin pricing tracks hair length and thickness, the brand of product, the salon's location and reputation, and how long the appointment takes. City centre salons and premium brands sit at the higher end.
| What you are paying for | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Short hair, smaller town salon | From about 60 to 90 pounds |
| Medium length hair, typical salon | About 100 to 150 pounds |
| Long or thick hair | About 150 to 250 pounds |
| Premium brand or city centre salon | About 150 to 300 pounds |
| Promotional or quiet hour deal | From about 35 to 65 pounds |
Indicative United Kingdom ranges, reviewed 25 June 2026. These are not quotes. Confirm the current price with the provider.
What drives the price
Hair length and thickness are the biggest factors, since more hair needs more product and a longer appointment. The brand of smoothing product matters, with premium ranges costing more than basic ones. The salon's location and reputation also count, so a city centre salon usually charges more than a quiet local one, and promotional or off peak deals can lower the price.
How cities differ
London and other city centre salons tend to charge more, often starting at around 100 pounds and rising for long hair or premium brands, while salons in smaller towns can run quiet hour deals closer to 60 to 65 pounds. The useful question is what brand is used and whether a take home aftercare range is included, since that affects both the result and how long it lasts. Compare the product and the stylist's experience, not just the headline price.
How it compares to the alternatives
A keratin treatment sits alongside a hair botox treatment, which conditions and smooths in a similar way and is often a gentler option for damaged hair, covered on our hair botox cost guide. The two are marketed similarly, so it is worth asking a salon which suits your hair.
For a colour refresh rather than smoothing, treatments such as balayage or a gloss serve a different purpose, and many people combine a smoothing treatment with their colour appointment. A keratin treatment is about manageability and shine rather than changing your colour or permanently straightening your hair.
What to expect and aftercare
There is no medical downtime with a keratin treatment, but there is aftercare that protects your result. Many formulas ask you to keep the hair dry and unclipped for a day or two, then to use a sulphate free shampoo and to wash less often, which helps the smoothing last longer.
The honest expectation is smoother, shinier, more manageable hair that lasts around three to five months and fades gradually rather than growing out in a hard line. Results depend on your hair type and how well you follow aftercare, and very curly hair will loosen rather than become poker straight.
Getting value without cutting corners
Value comes from an experienced stylist, a good quality product matched to your hair and proper aftercare rather than the lowest price. A cheap deal on the wrong formula can fade fast or leave hair looking flat, so ask which brand is used and why.
Choose a salon that asks about your hair history and tells you honestly how your hair will respond, especially if it is very curly or damaged. Pairing the treatment with a recommended sulphate free aftercare range is often what makes the difference between a result that lasts three months and one that lasts five.
Is it worth it, and when to wait
A keratin treatment is worth it for someone who spends a long time fighting frizz or styling unruly hair and wants smoother, faster mornings for a few months. For that person, the time saved on daily styling can easily justify the cost.
It is worth thinking twice if you want permanently straight hair or your hair is already very fine and sleek, since the effect is temporary and best suited to frizzy or wavy textures. Setting that expectation upfront avoids disappointment.
It also helps to time the appointment well. Because the treatment lasts three to five months and fades gently, many people book ahead of summer humidity or a holiday, then plan a repeat a few times a year. Following the recommended aftercare and washing less often stretches the result, which improves the value of each appointment across the year.
Find a trusted keratin treatment salon
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Common questions
How much does a keratin treatment cost in the UK?
As reviewed in June 2026, a keratin treatment typically costs about 60 to 250 pounds, starting nearer 60 to 90 pounds in smaller towns and rising above 150 pounds in city centres. Long or thick hair sits at the top of the range, and premium brands can reach around 300 pounds.
How long does a keratin treatment last?
A keratin treatment usually lasts around three to five months and fades gradually rather than growing out in a hard line. Using a sulphate free shampoo and washing less often helps it last longer.
Does a keratin treatment straighten hair permanently?
No. It smooths frizz, adds shine and loosens curl, making hair easier to style, but the effect is temporary and washes out over a few months. Very curly hair becomes more manageable rather than poker straight.
Why do keratin treatment prices vary so much?
Price tracks your hair length and thickness, the brand of product and the salon's location, since longer hair needs more product and time. City centre and premium salons charge more, while quiet hour deals can be cheaper.
What is the difference between keratin and hair botox?
Both smooth and add shine, but hair botox is often a gentler, conditioning option for damaged hair, while keratin focuses on frizz control and manageability. A good salon will advise which suits your hair.
Related guides and clinics
Explore the treatment in depth, see what it costs alongside related options, or browse the providers in your city.