1. What is the origin of Brazilian Keratin Straightening?

The original term, Brazilian Hair Straightening, originated in Brazil some years ago. Since then it has
become known by many names like Brazilian Keratin Treatment, Brazilian Blowout, Brazilian Blow Dry
and others. They all give the same effect – more of smoothing rather than straightening. Now it is more
commonly known by the generic term Keratin Treatment or Keratin Smoothing. The earlier versions
contain formaldehyde, a dangerous, toxic and carcinogenic chemical. The newer versions like Ahglow
Brazilian Keratin Smoothing (ABKS) contains absolutely NO FORMALDEHYDE.

2. What did you use in place of Formaldehyde for ABKS?

We used Glycolic Acid (GA) in place of Formaldehyde which is a dangerous and carcinogenic chemical.
Glycolic Acid or GA has long been used as an anti-aging ingredient in skin care products. It penetrates
the skin and stimulates cellular activity. Now it has been proven that GA has the ability to penetrate the
cuticle layer of the hair shaft, enabling the GA to attach itself to the keratin making hair more smooth,
soft, shiny and manageable. It is safe and healthy for the hair and does not emit fumes that are irritating
to the eyes, nose and lungs.

3. How does Ahglow Brazilian Keratin Smoothing (ABKS) work?

The hair is made up of 88% protein or keratin. When the hair is damaged, the hair’s natural keratin is
destroyed or diminished making the hair rough and porous. ABKS works by opening up the hair cuticles
through the action of Glycolic Acid and allows the infusion of 3 kinds of keratin-proteins and other hair
nutrients which are sealed and locked into the hair cuticle with the heat of a flat iron thus filling up and
smoothening the rough ‘potholes’ in the cuticles. This results in smooth, straight, soft, shiny, frizz-free
and manageable hair. Because ABKS contains absolutely no formaldehyde, the hair remains safe and
healthy.

4. What kind of hair is ABKS recommended for?

ABKS can be used for any type or texture of hair, whether damaged or normal. However, it is most ideal
for treatment of damaged or chemically-treated hair – colored, bleached, highlighted, permed,
rebonded or relaxed. It can also be used with a rebonding service to further enhance the smoothness
and shine of the hair.

5. How long will ABKS treatment last?

If the treatment is done right and the right after care maintenance products are used, ABKS should last
2-3 months, definitely much longer than expensive branded special treatments. The right products:
Ahglow Salt-free/Sulfate-free Shampoo & Conditioner and Ahglow Leave-On Conditioning HAIRSHINE
Treatment.

6. What results can be expected after the ABKS treatment?

ABKS will repair damaged hair, reduce frizz and result in hair that is more smooth, soft, shiny, healthy
and manageable and will last longer – 8-12 weeks. The hair can be ironed straight but not as stick-
straight as rebonded hair and only semi- permanent. It can be still be worn curly or wavy and still
maintain volume or body.

7. Will the ABKS treatment make my hair straight?

ABKS is not a ‘straightener’ per se but has the effect of smoothing out curls and making the hair more
healthy, soft, shiny and manageable for 2-3 months. It is more really a treatment for damaged hair much
like ‘power’ or ‘De Lino’ treatments but ABKS last for weeks and weeks, not only days. It can straighten
hair but not permanent nor pin-straight like rebonding.

8. What will happen if I use too much or apply too much solution on the hair?
Because ABKS contains no harsh chemicals, it will not harm or damage the hair even if you apply too
much chemical. Just comb or wipe off any excess liquid. Nonetheless, because only 20-50 mL of the
smoothing solution is needed, there is little chance of applying too much on the hair.

9. Can hair be colored after the ABKS treatment?

Color can be done BEFORE or AFTER the smoothing treatment. If coloring is
done after the treatment, there is no lifting or fading of color. If it is done before the treatment, there
may be lifting of color, especially bright colors. The type of dye and the temperature of the flat iron are
also10. When can I wet and shampoo my hair after ABKS treatment?
The hair may be washed right after the treatment. However, the treatment will last much longer if one
waits -2-3 days. And always a Salt-free/Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner must be used to prolong
the life of the treatment. It is best not to use clips, head band, hats or headgear for 3 days.

11. What will I do if within the 24 hours downtime period I accidentally wet my hair?
No problem. Just blow-dry or iron your hair and style as usual.

12. Can ABKS treatment be done on rebonded, bleached or other chemically treated hair?
Of course. ABKS works best on chemically treated hair and will repair any damage done on the hair by
any chemical treatment, be it coloring, rebonding, highlighting, bleaching, or perming. It will enhance
the smoothness, softness and shine of the hair and improve its overall appearance and for a much
longer period of time compared with other hair treatments. ABKS can be ‘partnered’ with the
rebonding process (during the neutralizing stage) to have an even more smooth, soft, shiny finish.

13. Can I use ABKS in lieu of ‘powerdose’ or ‘delino’ treatments?

Definitely. ABKS can give much better results and for a longer duration (2-3 months), not just days -
much more economical and more value for money.

14. Can the ABKS treatment be done on children or pregnant women?

Although ABKS contains no formaldehyde or harsh chemicals, it is not recommended for children 12
years old and below and pregnant women because it has not been tested for such cases. If your client
insists, she should get prior clearance from her doctor.

15. How often can the treatment be done?

ABKS service can be done once a month. The result is progressive or cumulative up to a certain extent
and will even improve the hair texture over time. The more you get a smoothing treatment the healthier
the hair will become and the result will even last longer.

16. What kind of shampoo and conditioner should I use?

It is very important that clients use shampoo and conditioner products that contain NO SALT & NO
SULFATE in order to prolong the life of the smoothing treatment. Salt and Sulfate are ingredients that
are present in almost ALL shampoos. Salt strips away or dissolves the keratin deposited in the hair while
sulfate (SLES) affects the cuticle. As a result the treatment does not last long. Your money or investment
literally goes down the drain. The solution – Ahglow Salt-free/Sulfate-free Shampoo and Conditioner.

17. What kind of hair iron should I use?

A flat iron with TITANIUM PLATE and one with a 230 C maximum temperature is recommended in order
to get the best results. Ahglow brand is best.

18. Is the temperature of the hair iron and the number of passes relevant to the quality of the
results?
Yes, it is important to use a hair iron that is hot enough (up to 230 C) to close the cuticle and seal and
lock in the 3 keratins and nutrients into the hair. It is equally important to use a sufficient number of
passes (6-12) in order to smooth the hair and leave it soft, shiny, straight, frizz-free and manageable.

factors in color lift. A general rule is to color 1-2 weeks BEFORE or AFTER a smoothing treatment.