Walk into any Brazilian salon and you will hear both terms — realinhamento térmico and queratina — used almost interchangeably. But they are not the same thing. They work differently, deliver different results, and suit different hair types. Understanding the distinction can save you from a treatment that does not match your expectations.
HOW KERATIN TREATMENTS WORK
Keratin treatments work by depositing keratin protein onto and into the hair fiber. The keratin fills in gaps in the cuticle and cortex, smoothing the surface and reducing porosity. The result is hair that is smoother, shinier, and more resistant to humidity — but the natural texture of the hair is largely preserved. Curls and waves are softened, not eliminated.
Keratin is a temporary treatment — it washes out gradually over 3 to 6 months. It does not chemically alter the hair's structure; it supplements it. This makes it a lower-commitment option, suitable for people who want smoother hair without permanently changing their texture.
HOW THERMAL REALIGNMENT WORKS
Thermal realignment — escova progressiva or realinhamento térmico — goes further. It uses a combination of active ingredients and heat to physically realign the hair's internal bonds, reducing volume and straightening the fiber more definitively. The result is straighter, smoother hair that lasts longer than a keratin treatment.
The Honeymoon Realinhamento Térmico Amino Blend works at a pH of 2.0 to 3.0 — a significantly lower pH than most daily-use products. This acidic environment is what allows the amino acids and Liss Repair complex to penetrate deeply into the cortex and work on the hair's internal structure. The flat iron step at 180°C to 190°C then seals the result, locking the fiber in its new, aligned state.
WHICH TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The answer depends on your hair type, your goals, and how much change you want. Here is a practical guide:
- Fine or fragile hair: Start with a keratin treatment. The lower pH of thermal realignment requires healthy, resilient hair. If your hair is already compromised, build strength first with the Liss Repair routine before considering a thermal treatment.
- Thick, high-volume, or very curly hair: Thermal realignment will deliver more visible and lasting results. The Amino Blend Realinhamento Térmico is designed for this hair type, with a processing time of 20 to 40 minutes adjusted to the hair's structure.
- Color-treated hair: Both treatments can be done on color-treated hair, but timing matters. Always wait at least two weeks after coloring before any smoothing treatment, and always do a strand test first.
- People who want to maintain natural texture: Keratin is the better choice. It smooths without permanently altering the hair's natural pattern.
MAINTAINING YOUR RESULTS AFTER TREATMENT
The longevity of any smoothing treatment depends heavily on how you care for your hair afterward. The most important steps are: using a sulfate-free shampoo (sulfates strip the treatment faster), applying a pH-balancing mask regularly, and protecting the hair from heat with a thermal protector before every blow-dry.
The Máscara pH Amino Blend is specifically designed for this post-treatment maintenance role. Used weekly, it stabilizes the hair's pH, reinforces the amino acid treatment, and keeps the cuticle sealed — extending the life of your thermal realignment or keratin treatment significantly.
NEVER SKIP THE STRAND TEST
Before any professional smoothing treatment, a strand test is not optional — it is essential. Select a small section from the lower nape area and apply the full treatment process. This tells you the correct processing time for that specific hair type and confirms the fiber is healthy enough to withstand the treatment.
Honeymoon's technical documentation is explicit on this point: strand tests help prevent hair loss and breakage, and are required for all progressive and definitive brushing procedures. A few extra minutes of preparation can prevent a result you cannot undo.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Both keratin and thermal realignment are valid tools in a professional's kit — but they serve different purposes and suit different hair types. The key is matching the treatment to the hair, not the other way around. When in doubt, start with a less aggressive option, build the hair's health with a consistent routine, and then escalate to a thermal treatment when the fiber is ready.
