A keratin treatment, unlike a perm or relaxer, does not really modify the disulfide bonds in the hair, making it a semi-permanent treatment that lasts around three months, depending on the condition of the hair. A keratin treatment protects your hair from environmental elements such as heat and humidity. This is why it is recommended to wash your hair after each use of this product. Keratin treatments come in two forms: cream or paste. The first one is more common than the second one. With cream keratins you apply them directly to your hair and leave it in for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then you rinse it out and dry your hair as usual. Cream keratins are easy to use and don't require much knowledge or skill to apply correctly. They also stay on the hair longer than pastes, which is good if you want to go out afterwards with your hair still looking nice. Cream keratins usually contain an alcohol or glycerin base into which you mix keratin proteins. These proteins react with water to form a protective layer that gives your hair long-lasting strength and styleability. Some people may have an issue with feeling like they're putting chemicals in their hair because of the alcohol content of keratin treatments. However, most people feel this way about perms too, and there are ways to make keratin treatments less harsh on your hair.