5 Types of Hair Treatments & How Long Do They Last (2024)

Your hair is an essential aspect of your appearance and personality. It not only contributes to your beauty, but it is also a representation of your general health.

Thus, it is not surprising that hair treatments are an integral part of many people’s self-care routine.

Hair treatments are procedures that involve the use of different products and techniques to enhance the well-being, appearance, or manageability of the hair.

From chemical treatments to hair transplants, the types of hair treatments available today are countless. (1)

One frequently asked question that emerges among those seeking hair treatments is how long the outcomes of the treatment will last. According to dermatologists and hair specialists, the longevity of hair treatments relies on the kind of treatment you’re planning to get.

Types of Hair Treatments and How Long They Last

Here are different hair treatments and the duration of their effectiveness.

1.Moisturizing and nourishing treatments

These treatments are done to moisturize the hair follicles and improve the build of your hair.

Hot oil treatment

Using hair oils on the scalp has been a long-standing practice. Regular oil treatments can help prevent hair fall, add shine and volume to the hair, and even discourage the hair from becoming gray.

In this treatment, warm oil is applied to the roots and left for a while to promote hair health. (2)

The benefits of a hot oil treatment generally last for a couple of days to around a week. Commonly used oils for this treatment include coconut oil, argan oil, almond oil, and olive oil. (2)

Micro-mist treatments

Micro-mist treatments use mist (steam) to rejuvenate the hair by enabling small water particles to penetrate the hair deeply to provide much softer and bouncier strands.

The initial effects of micro-mist treatments generally stay visible for roughly a week.

Hair spa

A hair spa is a hair treatment offered at many salons to enhance the overall health of the hair. It comprises deep conditioning, scalp massages, and other procedures that nourish the strands.

The effects of a hair spa treatment can last for about a week or slightly longer.

2.Smoothing and anti-frizz treatments

Hair smoothing and anti-frizz treatments are designed to combat frizz, reduce hair texture/coils, and make the hair more manageable.

Keratin treatment

A keratin hair treatment is a popular salon procedure aimed at improving the health and appearance of the hair. It involves using a keratin-based product that works on repairing damaged hair cuticles and strengthening the hair strands. (3)

Results of a keratin hair treatment typically last for several weeks (2–4 months).

Nanoplastia

Nanoplastia is a newly developed technique for straightening and smoothening the hair, and professionals consider it an organic alternative to keratin treatment.

The treatment involves the use of natural ingredients and leaves the hair feeling soft and smooth for over 6 months.

Relaxer treatments

Hair relaxer treatments are widely used by people who desire straighter and smoother hair.

Typically, relaxers contain powerful alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide. These chemicals function by modifying the bonds in the hair, giving permanently modified hair. (4)

The treatment may give results that stay for around 6 weeks.

Brazilian Blowout

Brazilian blowouts, also known as escova progressiva, offer a temporary way to achieve straight hair.

In this procedure, a combination of keratin and amino acids is used to help the hair fibers bond together, resulting in a straightened appearance. (5)

The treatment can keep hair straight for 3–4 months.

3.Repair and strengthening treatments

Hair repair and strengthening treatments are specifically designed to address damage, thus restoring the health of the hair strands.

Hair botox

Hair botox treatments offer various benefits based on their ingredients, mainly providing nutrition and strength to the hair.

For instance, treatments containing vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, oxygenate the scalp, stimulating hair development. (6) If enriched with natural fatty acids such as omega-3, hair botox can give the appearance of fuller hair. (7)

According to professionals, the benefits of hair botox can be seen for 2–4 months, based on how frequently you wash your hair.

Cysteine treatment

Cysteine treatment is a hair procedure that uses cysteine, a precursor to keratin, to maintain hair shape, increase hair strength, and reduce hair loss. (8)(9) It delivers straight hair without permanent alteration, and it’s considered safe, gentle, and free of harmful chemicals. (10)

On average, the effects of a cysteine treatment can last anywhere from 2 to 5 months.

Olaplex treatment

Olaplex is a specialized hair treatment designed to repair damaged hair bonds caused by chemical treatments such as bleaching and coloring. It works by targeting and restoring specific bonds in the hair’s structure.

Olaplex provides several benefits, such as protecting the hair from chemical damage and preventing damage from heat-styling.

The results of the Olaplex can last for 2–6 weeks.

4.Hair growth treatments

Hair growth treatments are various procedures, products, or therapies designed to stimulate hair growth and combat hair loss or thinning.

Hair transplants

Hair transplants are a popular option for those suffering from hair loss. The procedure includes removing follicles from a donor region and transplanting them to the bald region.

The outcomes of a hair transplant are generally permanent. The transplanted follicles develop new hair in the bald region, delivering a permanent solution to hair loss. (1)

However, hair loss can still occur in the areas surrounding the transplanted hair.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is a technique that includes the use of laser light to facilitate hair development. The therapy is typically used to treat androgenetic alopecia. (11)

The effectiveness of laser therapy depends on the type of laser used and the frequency of treatment. People seeking laser therapy should receive regular treatments according to their doctor’s advice to maintain the therapy’s effectiveness.

PRP therapy

Scientific research indicates that PRP treatment can be both safe and effective for combating hair loss.

The procedure involves taking a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it in a machine to isolate the plasma, and then injecting the plasma into the area with hair loss. (12)

PRP treatment requires multiple monthly sessions for 3 months and then regular treatments after a gap of every 3–6 months to maintain its effectiveness.

Most patients observe a reduction in hair loss within the first few months of the treatment. (12)

Hair restoration therapies

Hair restoration therapies, such as finasteride, are popular among those seeking to combat hair loss. These therapies work by stimulating hair growth and preventing further hair loss.

Finasteride is a drug that requires daily intake. Consuming the pill at the same time every day yields the most favorable outcomes. (1)

The continued use of finasteride is necessary to maintain its results. Discontinuing the medication would cause hair loss to resume.

Before taking this drug, it is crucial to have a consultation with your dermatologist about potential side effects. (1)

The effectiveness of these therapies varies among individuals, and the success of these treatments is based on your response to the drug.

Scalp micropigmentation

In lieu of surgical interventions, scalp micropigmentation presents a promising noninvasive option to address hair and scalp abnormalities.

Unlike the use of medical devices, scalp micropigmentation relies on tattooing as a nonmedical technique to camouflage unsightly scalp conditions, producing the illusion of greater hair density. (13) The outcomes of scalp micropigmentation can be seen for around 5 years.

However, it was observed in a study that the hue of the scalp micropigmentation altered from black to a bluish-gray shade in 6 months. After 8–10 months, a minimal decline in pigment saturation may occur, necessitating a follow-up procedure to strengthen the concealing effect. (14)

5.Hair coloring treatments

Hair dyeing is a popular way of changing the color of hair, whether to achieve a bold new look or to cover up gray hair.

The use of hair dyes involves the application of chemical ingredients that vary in formulations, including oxidative reactions and nonoxidative processes. (15)

The duration of the effect is based on the hair dye used. Hair dyes are generally classified as temporary (8–12 washes), semipermanent (approximately 24 washes), or permanent (until the hair grows out). (15)

Note: The color from temporary and semipermanent dyes can be influenced by habits such as the frequency of washing your hair, the shampoo you use, and exposure to sunlight.

Most-Asked Questions

Can hair treatments cause damage to the hair?

Some hair treatments, such as chemical treatments, can cause harm to the hair if not carefully and properly done. It is essential to consult a hair specialist and follow their aftercare recommendations to minimize the risk of damage.

Are hair transplants permanent?

Hair transplants provide a permanent way to deal with hair loss. (1)

How long does it take to notice the effects of hair restoration therapies?

The effectiveness of hair restoration therapies such as the use of minoxidil and finasteride relies on your body’s reaction to the medication. It may take a couple of months to notice any results. (1)

Is PRP therapy a painful procedure?

PRP therapy includes the use of platelet-rich plasma on the scalp via injections, which may cause some discomfort. Nonetheless, many patients only say that they only felt the tiniest amount of pain during the procedure. (12)

Final Word

The duration of the effectiveness of hair treatments varies depending on the type of treatment.

Chemical treatments such as hair dyeing and straightening treatments typically last a few weeks to several months, while hair transplants and hair restoration therapies can provide long-term or permanent results.