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Keratin, bonding or gloss?

Smoothing, repair and shine treatments compared — what each actually fixes, how long it lasts and London pricing.

Hair guide · 5 min read

Hair — Keratin, bonding or gloss?

The short answer

Book keratin to remove frizz and cut drying time. Book bond repair after bleach or heat damage. Book a deep conditioning mask for dryness alone. Book a clear gloss when the hair is healthy and you just want shine.

Hair options compared
OptionLastsAppointmentTypical London price
Keratin smoothing3–5 months2–4 hrs£150–£300
Bond repair (Olaplex-style)3–5 washes standalone30–60 mins£25–£60
Deep conditioning mask2–3 weeks20–40 mins£20–£45
Clear gloss / toner4–6 weeks30–45 mins£30–£70
Keratin smoothing — hair in London

Keratin smoothing

A protein treatment sealed in with heat to relax frizz and curl.

Pros

  • Cuts styling time dramatically
  • Humidity-proof finish
  • Grows out softly

Cons

  • Long appointment
  • Sulphate-free shampoo required
  • Loosens natural curl pattern

Best for: Thick, frizz-prone or wavy hair you blow-dry constantly.

Bond repair (Olaplex-style) — hair in London

Bond repair (Olaplex-style)

In-salon treatment that rebuilds broken bonds inside the hair.

Pros

  • Best fix for bleach damage
  • Pairs with any colour service
  • Safe to repeat often

Cons

  • Not a frizz treatment
  • Needs home follow-up
  • Subtle on healthy hair

Best for: Anyone who lightens, bleaches or heat-styles regularly.

Deep conditioning mask — hair in London

Deep conditioning mask

Intensive moisture with steam or heat for dry, brittle lengths.

Pros

  • Cheapest way to soften hair
  • Instant slip and shine
  • Great add-on to a cut

Cons

  • Short-lived
  • Won't repair structural damage
  • Can weigh fine hair down

Best for: Dry ends, winter hair and post-holiday recovery.

Clear gloss / toner — hair in London

Clear gloss / toner

A translucent glaze that seals the cuticle and refreshes tone.

Pros

  • Mirror shine
  • Neutralises brassiness
  • No commitment or regrowth line

Cons

  • Fades gradually
  • No repair benefit
  • Minimal on very porous hair

Best for: Refreshing colour between appointments.

Common questions

Does keratin straighten your hair?
It relaxes rather than straightens. Curls loosen and frizz disappears, but you keep movement — a proper straightening service is a different, more permanent chemical process.
How soon after colouring can I have a treatment?
Bond repair can be done the same day, usually during the colour service. Keratin is best left a week or two after colouring.
Can treatments be done at home?
Yes. FleckUP mobile stylists bring professional products, a portable basin where needed and their own heat tools.
Which treatment is best for damaged hair?
Bond repair first, then deep conditioning to hold moisture. Keratin should wait until the hair is structurally stronger.

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