B101.7 Beauty Report: Do At-Home Keratin Kits Work? [PHOTOS]

Keratin treatments are one of my favorite ways to get shiny, smooth hair. I had a salon treatment and fell in love despite the steep price. What exactly is keratin--and can you score salon-like results with some of the latest products available at the drug store? You're about to find out.

Keratin is a naturally occurring protein that's found in human hair. Keratin treatments are applied to the hair and sealed in with a flat iron. The heat activates the treatment, and the result is sleek, straight hair that resists frizz; the results from a salon treatment can last up to two months provided you're using the right products (like low or sulfate-free shampoos).

I have naturally curly hair which I almost always wear straight (my hair in its natural form is just so unruly and ridic), so keratin treatments are right up my alley. It's been a while since I had a salon treatment, so I thought I'd try an at-home version. Target had TRESemme's new 7 Day Keratin Smooth System in a convenient trial size, so I bought it and IT WAS ON. Here's a look at the contents of the kit:

I used a tube of lipstick for scale. These bottles contained just enough for one treatment. I washed my hair with the shampoo, used the conditioner, and then applied the keratin treatment as per the label directions. I dried my hair as straight as I could using a round brush and the nozzle attachment on my hair dryer. Then I used my Chi Flat Iron to smooth my hair in sections--each section required three passes with the iron. Results?

Not bad. My hair was noticeably smoother and shinier. The results I achieved weren't as rad as a salon treatment, but it wasn't bad. Here's another look:

See? Sleek and smooth. The results lasted for about five days for me (and through one shampooing). It wasn't perfect, but I'd use it again.

All in all, I'd say TRESemme's 7 Day Keratin Smooth System is an okay buy. If you're looking for salon-worthy results, however, I suggest you give your stylist a call and schedule your own treatment--ain't nothing like the real thing.