Keratin Smoothing Treatment

Less frizz and smoother blowouts, without losing your natural movement.

Woman with long, straight platinum blonde hair

What Keratin Can Do for Your Hair

A keratin smoothing treatment helps soften and smooth the outer layer of the hair. The result is shinier, more manageable hair that responds better to styling.

For many clients, that means smoother blowouts, less daily frizz, and hair that is easier to control between appointments.

We offer two smoothing treatments by Keratin Complex, each designed for a different level of smoothness. Your stylist will help you choose the treatment that fits your hair, your styling routine, and the result you want.

Either way, the goal is simple: smoother hair, easier styling, and a daily routine that still feels right for your hair.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Both treatments smooth and soften the hair. The difference is how much change you want.

KCRio is for maximum smoothness. If you want your hair as sleek and straight as a keratin treatment can make it, this formaldehyde-free formula is the best choice.
KCMax is for frizz control while keeping your curl and natural movement. Your hair stays soft, manageable, and easier to style without losing its shape.

If you color your hair, timing matters. KCMax works best when color is done first. KCRio requires color to be scheduled after the treatment. Let us know when you book, and we’ll help you plan the right order.

Not sure which treatment fits your hair? Your stylist will look at your texture, condition, and desired result before making a recommendation.

Is Keratin Right for Your Hair?

Keratin smoothing works well for clients who struggle with frizz, humidity, or hair that takes too long to dry and style. It can also help hair that’s been damaged by heat or over-processing feel softer and more manageable.

What keratin does for your hair depends on what you want it to do. Some clients return every few months to keep a smooth, silky look. Others use it to relax a tight curl into something looser and easier to manage. Your stylist will look at your hair’s condition and color history, then build the treatment around the result you’re after.

If you’re not sure, start with a conversation. We’ll help you figure out the best next step.

Before and after photos of a Keratin Treatment

Young girl turning her head so her hair flows

Keratin Treatment Pricing

Keratin smoothing is a longer specialty service. Final timing and price depend on your hair’s length, density, color history, and how much smoothing is needed.

Service	Starting Price
Service KCRio Keratin Treatment (formaldehyde-free)	Starting Price $395+
Service KCMax Keratin Treatment	Starting Price $395+

Book Your Appointment

They’ll Tell You Better Than We Can

Sara K.

I am delighted to spread the word about Tijeras Hair Company

The quality of service and products at Tijeras is strictly top shelf, the staff and stylists talented, professional and warm, and the ambiance at the salon is comfortable, relaxed, and appealing. I have experienced a range of services at Tijeras and each time my expectations have been exceeded.

I’ve had an especially great experience with Keratin Treatment. I was nervous about it beforehand, but Liz customized my treatment to make sure I was satisfied. The result has been fantastic; my previously unruly hair is healthy and manageable, and best of all, low maintenance. I highly recommend Tijeras for the Keratin Treatment, haircuts and color, and possibly the best scalp massage in town!!

Book Your Appointment

Meet Your Stylists

Every Tijeras stylist is certified in Keratin Complex treatments. You’re in good hands.

Elizabeth Asher

Master Stylist & Color Specialist

Hair Color, Perms, Ouidad Curl Cutting, Precision Cuts, Healthy Hair Treatments

Elizabeth is a Master Color Authority and Ouidad curly certified stylist with 40 years behind the chair. She’s known for advanced color, blonding, and healthy hair transformations. She grew up in this salon. Now she owns it alongside her mother, Jacqueline.

Book Elizabeth

Leslie Baca

Senior Stylist & Color Specialist

Hair Color, Balayage, Blonding, Corrective Color, Perms, Ouidad Curly Cutting, Precision Cuts

Leslie has been with Tijeras Hair Co. for more than 11 years, known for blonding, balayage, corrective color, and precision cuts that grow out beautifully. A three-time Best Make-Up Artist winner, she is the stylist clients trust for an honest answer.

Book Leslie

Dani Tiller

Stylist/Master Barber & Perm Specialist

Perms & Modern Texture, Men's Barbering, Fashion Color, Precision Cuts

Dani is a master barber and texture expert with over six years of experience, known for modern fades, perms, and fashion color for men and women. Ask her about hot colors. She loves a bold transformation, especially one you can maintain easily at home.

Book Dani

Meet the Full Team

Products Chosen With Experience

Jacqueline’s product standards come from decades behind the chair and hands-on experience creating professional hair care products. She learned early that the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products can change how hair behaves between visits.

Keratin results are only as good as the home care behind them. The wrong shampoo can strip the treatment faster than it should. Your stylist will point you toward Keratin Complex products specifically designed to protect your investment and extend your results between appointments. The goal is simple. Keep your hair smoother and silkier for longer.

Keratin hair care products at Tijeras Hair Co

What to Expect

We begin by looking at your hair and talking through what would make your daily styling easier. Your stylist will consider your length, density, texture, color history, and current condition before recommending the right level of smoothing and the treatment that best fits your hair.

Once your hair is shampooed and prepared, the keratin treatment is applied in sections. Your stylist will then blow-dry and flat-iron the hair to seal in the treatment and create a smoother finish.

Before you leave, we’ll walk you through your aftercare, including when to wash, how to style, and which products will help your results last.

A modern salon room with shelves of hair products

Older woman brushing her long beautiful gray hair

Before You Book

Please review our Salon Policies before your appointment. We ask for 48 hours’ notice for cancellations, rescheduling, or appointment changes. If you’re not sure which service to choose, call us, and we’ll help you find the best next step for your hair.

Salon Policies

Common Questions

Can I get a keratin treatment if my hair is color-treated or highlighted?

Yes, many clients with color-treated or highlighted hair can have a keratin smoothing treatment. Your stylist will look at your hair’s current condition and talk with you about your color history before recommending the best plan for your hair.

Does a keratin treatment straighten hair, or just smooth it?

Keratin smoothing can reduce frizz, soften texture, and make hair easier to style. It is not the same as permanent straightening. Your result will depend on your hair and how much smoothing or curl reduction you want.

How long do keratin treatment results last?

With the right home care, keratin results may last up to three months. Your results can vary based on your hair, how often you shampoo, the products you use, and how you style at home.

How long does a keratin treatment appointment take?

Most keratin appointments take a few hours, and very long or dense hair may need more time. If timing is a concern, call us before booking and we can help you plan your visit.

How soon after a keratin treatment can I color my hair?

Color Timing Matters

Timing depends on which keratin treatment you receive.

With KCRio, we generally recommend waiting two weeks before coloring your hair.
With KCMax, color is done before the treatment.

Your stylist will help you plan the right order, so if you already have a color appointment in mind, please let us know before booking.

Is a keratin smoothing treatment a good option for curly hair?

It can be, depending on your curls and your goal. Keratin can soften curl, reduce frizz, and make blowouts easier. Your stylist will look at your curl pattern and hair condition, then talk with you about the result you want before recommending the right plan. If you want to keep your curl and just calm the frizz, KCMax was designed for exactly that.

Is the keratin treatment safe?

Yes.

We use KC Rio and KC Max by Keratin Complex, professional smoothing treatments designed to be safe for most hair types while delivering real results. If formaldehyde is a concern, KC Rio is formulated without it.

Your stylist will talk through both options and help you choose the right one for your hair.

What is a keratin smoothing treatment?

A keratin smoothing treatment is a professional salon service designed to calm frizz, soften texture, and make your hair easier to style at home.

At Tijeras Hair Co. in Albuquerque, we offer two smoothing treatments by Keratin Complex: KCRio and KCMax.

KCRio is a formaldehyde-free formula for maximum smoothing and a sleeker finish.
KCMax helps control frizz while keeping more of your natural curl and movement.

Your stylist will look at your hair, talk through the result you want, and help you choose the treatment that best fits your hair and daily routine.

What is the difference between KCRio and KCMax?

Both are smoothing treatments by Keratin Complex.

KCRio is a formaldehyde-free formula designed for maximum smoothness, the closest keratin gets to straight.

KCMax tames frizz while keeping more of your natural curl and movement.

Another difference is scheduling. With KCMax, color comes before your treatment. With KCRio, color waits until after. Your stylist will help you choose the right treatment and plan the order of your services.

What products should I use to maintain my keratin results?

We recommend Keratin Complex shampoo, conditioner, and styling products after your treatment. The right home care helps your hair stay smoother and easier to manage between appointments.