Keratin treatments have been around for a while now, but this salon claims to do the best of the bunch, so L360’s Anna Evdokimou tried it out for herself.
To be honest, I have tried keratin before — and it did not work on my hair.
Being of Greek Cypriot origin, I inherently have thick, curly — and often frustratingly frizzy — hair, which has led to many years of aggressive over-straightening and excessive overspending on so-called ‘taming’ products. There’s also been a straightener or two that I’ve pushed over the edge due to sheer overuse, but I try not to dwell on the hundreds of pounds’ worth of GHDs that have gone in the bin along with my will to go on.
So, turning to a keratin treatment to tame my locks felt like the appropriate next step, and that’s exactly what I did a few years ago. At first, I was really pleased with the results, as the two-hour treatment at my local salon left me with sleek, shiny and seemingly frizz-free hair.
But my glee — and separation from my straightener — was short-lived, as after a few washes, I noticed with despair that my strands were returning to their kinky and frizzy nature, and once again I was forced to reach for my straightener every day.
Since then, I’ve put a lot more care into my routine, selecting shampoos and conditioners that contain little or no sulphates, and have swapped my straighteners for a blow-dry brush, which is meant to be less damaging. The results? Hair that’s slightly more willing to submit but still requires a once-over with the blow-dry brush every time I go out.
When I first met Gustav Fouche — hairstylist and owner of Gustav Fouche salon — he gave me the same knowing look that I’m sure he’s given to every woman claiming to have ‘untameably’ frizzy hair and ceased my ramblings with two simple words: “Hair Sculpt,” he said.
“Hair Sculpt?” I asked.
He nodded and then went on to tell me about the ‘revolutionary’ treatment available at his salon, which has been created to eliminate frizz and enhance manageability — otherwise known as music to my ears.
What are the benefits of a Hair Sculpt treatment?
“It’s not like conventional keratin treatments,” he explained. “Our formula works from within, and the keratin proteins, amino acids and botanical extracts don’t just smooth hair on the surface but create genuinely healthier hair from the inside out.”
Gustav also explained that the treatment works to actively smooth the cuticle layer, to provide long-lasting protection against humidity and reduce the need for harsh heat styling.
I was sold. I booked my appointment the following week and sped over to the pretty salon in Notting Hill — ready for a transformational afternoon.
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What does the Hair Sculpt treatment entail?
Debbie, my hairdresser for the day, began by analysing my strands, and gave me the same knowing look that Gustav did a few days prior. She explained that, being Italian, she spent years doing the hair of friends and family — most endowed with the same unruly curls as myself.
She then selected which keratin formula she would be using based on her assessment and ushered me off for a shampoo and condition using Gustav’s own brand — Fabulosity.
Once back in the chair, I spent the remainder of the afternoon sitting idly as Debbie meticulously pasted the Hair Sculpt formula into each layer of hair, until every strand was thoroughly saturated. A word of warning here: the formula is strong and has a harsh smell that made my eyes water frequently, leading me to frantically rub my smudged mascara away. I can now advise in hindsight that it’s probably a good idea to go make-up free.
Some 30 minutes later, Debbie blow dried my locks — with the treatment still in — and finished the process with a once-over with some straightening irons.
The results
After years of straightening and blow-drying daily before leaving the house, I can safely say that this treatment has changed the game for me.
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It’s been three weeks since my treatment, and now, after I wash my hair, I give style it with the blow dryer and that’s enough to keep it frizz-free and straight for the next few days. My last attempt at keratin barely lasted a week.
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I was so pleased with the outcome that I’ve already booked in my follow-up appointment with Debbie in three months’ time, and I’ve recommended Hair Sculpt to anyone who’s mentioned that they’re struggling with frizz or tameability in this summer heat. As treatments go, this one fits the bill and then some.
The Hair Sculpt treatment is available at Gustav Fouche, starting from £350.
Feature image: Canva
