Cysteine Hair Treatment Guide: Pros, Cons, Side Effects - 2023


Shalu B

Updated At  26 Aug 23


Do you have unruly, damaged, unmanageable hair? Then look no further. Cysteine hair treatment will come to your rescue and will ensure that your hair stay in place and look gorgeous.

Know everything about cysteine hair treatment which includes cysteine hair treatment pros and cons, side effects, cost, precautions and FAQs.

We specifically cover the following:-

  • What Is Cysteine
  • What Is Cysteine Hair Treatment
  • Procedure
  • Pros And Cons
  • Cysteine Hair Treatment Vs Keratin Hair Treatment
  • Who Can Get Cysteine Hair Treatment
  • Precautions
  • How To Get Cysteine Hair Treatment At Home
  • Cysteine Treatment Side Effects
  • FAQs

      

What Is Cysteine?

  

Cysteine is a form of hair protein and works with the already existing proteins in your hair to soften and release all the curls and waves from your hair.

  

It is a natural absorbent and thus easily penetrates deep into the hair shaft to deeply nourish and condition hair in order to improve their overall strength.

It gently smoothens away the unmanageable curls and frizz with ease. Moreover, it forms a protective shield on your hair to protect it from further damage. 

     

What Is Cysteine Hair Treatment?

It is the latest hair smoothening and straightening method which is slowly gaining popularity.

You must have heard about keratin treatment but what is cysteine hair treatment. We will answer all your questions related to this treatment.

  

Cysteine hair treatment uses the cysteine complex which is a non essential amino acid naturally occurring in Keratin to straighten, strengthen, and smoothen hair. It adds shine to dull hair and protects from further damage. This treatment is known for getting rid of the excessive frizz and dryness.

    

Know the pros and cons of cysteine before you finalize the hair treatment. Also check out all the options for permanent hair straightening before picking the best one for your hair type.

      

Cystiene hair treatment

 

Procedure Of Cysteine Hair Treatment

  

Step 1. Preparation

Hair is washed and blow dried. A clean hair shaft means better penetration which then means better results.

   

Step 2. Application

Small sections of hair are taken and cysteine complex is applied. It is ensured that all strands are covered with the cysteine complex.

This complex is applied only on the hair and roots are avoided at all costs. Because exposure to cysteine can cause your hair to fall.

After application, your hair will be wrapped with a plastic sheet. It is allowed to stay like this for about 45 minutes.

  

Step 3. Bring the heat

Heat activates cysteine complex. Thus, after it is allowed to sit, cysteine complex is exposed to heat.

Your hair are blow dried and flat ironed to give you a sleek look.

  

Step 4. Rinse again

After getting the heat treatment, your hair will be rinsed again with shampoo and conditioner which is specifically for treated hair.

Once your hair are dried, you will see the difference in your hair. No waves, no damage, no dullness. Only shiny, soft, smooth, bouncy straight hair.

    

    

      

Cysteine Hair Treatment Pros And Cons

There are various cysteine hair treatment pros and cons that one needs to be aware of. Additionally, there are various cysteine benefits that are specifically helpful.

Pros

  • This treatment is gentle as compared to other hair straightening treatments
  • It does not give the artificial straight look
  • It doe not use formaldehydes or formaldehyde substitutes, which are commonly found in other procedures
  • It does not change the natural hair structure permanently
  • It is safe even for pregnant women
  • New hair growth won’t come out as curly or wavy
  • Cysteine hair treatment gives you soft, smooth, shiny and strong hair with fewer waves

Cons

  • It is expensive and also needs maintenance
  • It fades away after 4 to 5 months. It provides only a temporary solution. So, this treatment is not for those who are looking for a more permanent solution

     

Also check out rebonding hair as another option for hair straightening as its been growing in popularity. We list out all the details which includes the pros, cons, side effects, cost details along with FAQs.


Cysteine hair treatment- before-and-after

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Cysteine Hair Treatment Vs Keratin Hair Treatment

Which one to pick - Cysteine or Keratin treatment is often a popular query.

Cysteine complex is part of the Keratin group. Both the cysteine hair treatment as well as the keratin hair treatment are not much different from each other.

Both are expensive and temporary. However, there are a few features which make cysteine hair treatment distinct.

  • Cysteine hair treatment is free from chemicals which makes it safe for use even by pregnant women.
  • It does not contain formaldehyde or its substitute which are present in keratin treatment.
  • It is considered to be gentler when compared to keratin treatment.
  • It is so safe that even children who are above the age of 12 years can get it done.
  • It is possible to do cysteine hair treatment at home while you have to visit salon every time you want keratin treatment.
  • It fades away easily without making it look obvious. (You won’t look like a mess when it wears off.)
  • The new hair won’t grow out to bee curly or wavy after cysteine hair treatment. In other words, as your hair grow, you won’t see a difference between the new growth and the treated hair.

Do check our detailed guide on keratin treatment pros and cons to find out all the differences between cysteine and keratin hair treatment, its pros, cons, price, precautions alongwith answers to all the FAQs.
       

    

   

    

Cysteine hair treatment- process-

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Who Can Get Cysteine Hair Treatment?

Cysteine hair treatment is recommended for hair which have become dull and damaged with the regular use of harsh chemicals.

If your hair are limp and lifeless, cysteine hair treatment is the way for you.

This hair treatment has proven itself as a boon for women with curly and frizzy hair. It reduces about 60 per cent curl volume of ethnic hair and 70 per cent curl volume on Caucasian hair. Overall, it is able to reduce curls by 50 to 60 per cent.

However, cysteine hair treatment for thin hair is not such a good idea. Women with thin hair should avoid this treatment as it can make your already thin hair look even flatter.

If you have recently got your hair colored, then you would have to wait for at least two months before getting this treatment.

Also check out the detailed comparison of hair straightening vs hair smoothening to find out all the details before you can finalize your hair treatment.

     

        

Cysteine Hair Treatment Precautions

You will be given cysteine complex shampoo, conditioner and serum which you will have to use for the next few months. Also, you are not supposed to wash, or even tie your hair for the next two days after getting this treatment.

Other precautions that you must take:

  • Avoid sulphates. Use sulphate free shampoo
  • Use cysteine based serum to elongate the life of treatment
  • Avoid swimming for at least a month
  • Avoid chemical treatment
  • Get hair spa at least once a month
  • Avoid the use of henna
  • Avoid the use of chemicals
  • Avoid frequent washes. Shampoo thrice a week
  • Avoid metallic dyes
  • You are also advised to not oil your hair as it would lead to build

Don’t get intimidated by the number of things you have to avoid. The results of cysteine hair treatment will be worth all this effort. But you would have to prepare yourself for this months long commitment. Consult your stylist before reaching on a decision.

    


Cysteine hair treatment- pros-and-cons

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Can One Do Cysteine Hair Treatment At Home?

Yes, you can definitely do cysteine hair treatment at home.

Cysteine treatment can be easily done in three steps in the comfort of your home. All you need is a cysteine smoothing shampoo, cysteine smoothing treatment and cysteine based leave-in conditioner.

Let’s get started with your very own cysteine hair treatment at home.

  • First, shampoo your hair with cysteine smoothing shampoo and blow dry.
  • Second, apply cysteine smoothing treatment on every strand. Be very careful with this application. Make sure that you avoid the scalp. Be wary that any exposure of cysteine complex to your roots can lead to hair fall. Wash off after 30 minutes using cysteine smoothing shampoo. Blow dry.
  • Third, apply a cysteine based leave-in conditioner. Blow dry again and then straighten your hair.

And voila you are ready to go.

Avoid hair clips or rubber bands. Do not wash your hair for the next two days.

If you have frizzy hair and have a lot of hairfall, then opt for the best treatment for damaged hair to strengthen your hair naturally.

      

     

  

Cysteine Treatment Side Effects

Cysteine hair treatment has no such immediate side effects. In fact, it is chemical free and safer than other hair straightening treatments. But, it still can have some long term side effects including hair fall, hair thinning, dandruff, split ends, hair discoloration, and damage to hair’s natural texture to name some. This is due to the frequent use of heat on hair along with the use of smoothening products.

To summarize, cysteine treatment side effects are not immediate. It is a safer option as compared to other hair straightening treatments.

  

    

Final Verdict

Overall cysteine hair treatment will work wonders for your hair whether they are dull and damaged or curly and frizzy. Before taking a decision, give it a serious thought, consider all the facts, and consult your stylist. If you feel you can commit to this treatment, then you are ready.

    

   

       

FAQs On Cysteine Hair Treatment

       

  

Q- What is cysteine?

Cysteine is nothing but a form of hair protein which nourishes hair, adds strength and straightens them at the same time. It forms a protective shield to protect the hair from damage. However, the heat applied during the cysteine hair treatment can make your hair brittle leading to hair damage.

    

Q- Is cysteine treatment good for thin hair?

Cysteine is a hair protein which is good for hair health but the heat applied during the application can make the hair brittle and loose its strength. Hence, if one has thin hair it and does not have frizzy hair, then it is better to avoid cysteine hair treatment.

    

Q- Is cysteine hair treatment safe?

Yes, Cysteine hair treatment is considered safe as it does not use formaldehyde like Keratin hair treatment.

    

Q- Does cysteine treatment cause hair fall?

Cysteine hair treatment should not cause hair fall but it should make your hair less frizzy. Do note that the heat applied during the process if not managed properly can damage the hair leading to hairfall.

     

Q- Which shampoo to use after cysteine treatment?

You should ideally go for a sulfate free shampoo after cysteine treatment. Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo SLS Sulfate Free Organic or WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo or Pure Argan Oil Hair Growth Therapy Shampoo - Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo are all good options.

     

Q- Is Cysteine treatment better than keratin treatment?

Cysteine treatment is usually considered a safer option as compared to keratin as it does not use formaldehyde which is one of the chemicals which can have long term negative impact on your hair as well as health. Also, cysteine treatment does give a natural look and adds more shine to your hair as compared to the keratin treatment.

    

Q- Is cysteine for hair growth a good option?

As Cysteine is a form of hair protein which nourishes and conditions hair, it can be good option for hair growth. However, the cysteine hair treatment involves heat and if it is not controlled properly then it can have an adverse impact on the hair growth as well.

       

Q- Does cysteine hair treatment straighten hair?

Yes, cysteine treatment does straighten as well as strenghten the hair. It is usually free of formaldehyde and is hence considered a safer option as compared to keratin treatment. One just needs to be a bit careful about the heat applied during the procedure as it can damage the hair.

Cysteine hair therapy does straighten hair and is considered as a better alternative to keratin treatment.

        

Q- Is cysteine treatment good for hair?

Cysteine hair tretment definitely adds shine to the hair and is a way to get rid of dull and rough hair. It does not change the natural hair structure permanently and is gentle as compared to other hair straightening treatments. Cysteine hair treatment gives you soft, smooth, shiny and strong hair with fewer waves.

   

Q- Keratin vs cysteine treatment - Which one is better?

Both the cysteine hair treatment as well as the keratin hair treatment are not much different from each other. Both of them are expensive and temporary.

However, there are a few features which make cysteine hair treatment distinct.

  • Cysteine treatment does not contain formaldehyde or its substitute which are present in keratin treatment.
  • It is considered to be gentler when compared to keratin treatment.
  • It is possible to do cysteine hair treatment at home while you have to visit salon every time you want keratin treatment.
     

    

Q- How do you treat cysteine hair?

If you go for cysteine hair treatment, then you should minimize the shampoo and conditioner usage. In case you want to use one, then it is best to go for a shampoo with minimum chemicals. Try to prefer an organic shampoo or a shampoo with no sulphates or parabens.

   

Q- Which shampoo to use after cysteine treatment?

It is best to avoid shampoo with chemicals like parabens and sulfates. Post cysteine treatment, consult your hair stylist to plan the shampoo usage. To get the best results from the cysteine hair treatment, it is best to avoid shampoo. However, if you find it difficult, the next best option is to limit the usage. Try not to shampoo your hair more than 2 times per week. Also, while picking the shampoo, make sure you go for a herbal shampoo or a chemical free shampoo. In terms of chemicals, avoiding sulfates is important as it can decrease the longetivity of your treatment. So always go for a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner, even if you decide to shampoo your hair regularly.

     

Q- How long does cysteine treatment last?

Cysteine hair treatment lasts for 4 to 5 months. The longetivity of your hair treatment also depends upon the precautions your take and the hair products you use. 

   

Q- Does cysteine hair treatment work for curly hair?

Yes, cysteine treatment on curly hair works as good as it does on damaged and frizzy hair. 

    

Q- Can one color the hair before and after cysteine hair treatment?

It is best not to color your hair after cysteine hair treatment as that will reduce the impact of the treatment. One can color the hair before cysteine hair treatment, however, the longer the gap, the better would be the results. Post cysteine hair treatment, one should try to limit usage of all the chemicals including shampoos and conditioners to maximize the results from the treatment.

     

Q- Can I oil my hair after cysteine?

It is adviced to minimize oiling your hair after getting cysteine treatment. This is because oily hair need more shampoo to make them natural and this is likely to strip off the effect of cysteine treatment faster.

     

Q- Does cysteine straighten hair?

Cysteine is a hair protein which nourishes hair, adds strength and straightens them at the same time. It is a natural absorbent and thus easily penetrates deep into the hair shaft to deeply nourish and condition hair in order to improve their overall strength.

         

Q- Which is better keratin or cysteine hair treatment?

If you are trying to compare Keratin Vs Cysteine for getting a hair treatment, then do note the following points as it will help you decide.

  • Cysteine hair treatment does not contain formaldehyde and is largely free free from harsh chemicals which makes it comparatively safer option.
  • One can go for cysteine treatment even at home.
  • It fades away easily.

       

Q- What foods are high in cysteine?

Foods high in cysteine include yogurt, cheese, eggs and chicken. 

   

Q- What are cysteine hair treatment pros and cons?

Pros

  • This treatment is gentle as compared to other hair straightening treatments
  • It does not give the artificial straight look
  • It does not use formaldehydes or formaldehyde substitutes, which are commonly found in other procedures

Cons

  • It is expensive and also needs maintenance
  • It fades away after 4 to 5 months and provides only a temporary solution.

     

Q- What are the side effects of cysteine treatment?

While there are no immediate side effects of cysteine hair treatment, reperated long term usage can lead to hair fall, hair thinning, dandruff, split ends, hair discoloration and damage to natural texture of your hair.

     
 

 

                

Have fun while transforming your hair!

    

        

   

   



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