4 Salon Treatments That Totally Transform Your Hair

Kérastase Fusio Dose

If you look in the mirror and see dull, do-nothing hair, but you’re not quite sure what it needs to bring it back to life, the Kérastase Fusio Dose salon treatment may be the answer. So how does it work? “A stylist diagnoses your hair with a careful eye (a camera tool is available in select salons) to determine your strands’ main concerns. Then, a custom-blended treatment that is specific to your hair type and texture will be prescribed,” says Dale Moriarty, education manager for Kérastase. “The treatment makes use of both a booster and a concentrate, which penetrate each hair fiber using nanotechnology. This means processing time is only five minutes and hair is transformed almost instantly.” 

There are 20 different treatments to address every concern, including dryness, damage, frizz, overprocessed or color-treated hair, and lack of volume to make hair healthier and more manageable.

amika Virgin 

If you’re going for a dramatic color change (think dark brown to platinum), a salon treatment, like amika Virgin, can protect your locks from major damage. Administered by a stylist during a chemical treatment such as bleaching, coloring or straightening, the two-part system protects hair by working to build and repair hair bonds that are weakened from triggers that include heat styling, sun exposure and harsh dyes. 

“First, a liquid solution called Virgin Protect is mixed into the chemical service. Then, Virgin Lock, a rinse-out treatment, is used after shampooing and before conditioning,” says amika color specialist Avery Wells. “The length of your appointment won’t be any longer than normal when using Virgin, and the results—softer, smoother hair with less frizz and breakage—are immediate.” Although it’s popular for use during color services, it is also offered as a stand-alone treatment for hair that needs a little extra TLC.

René Furterer ASTERA Fresh

Irritated, inflamed scalps can lead to greasy hair, dandruff, itching and dullness. The René Furterer ASTERA Fresh salon treatment can help get the situation under control (you can also purchase the products to do it yourself at home). “It’s specially formulated with echinacea, mint and eucalyptus to reduce inflammation and deeply cleanse irritated scalps,” says Chuck Hezekiah, national educator for René Furterer. “Its healing benefits reduce itchiness and leave the scalp feeling calm, comforted and healthy.”

First, a soothing fluid is applied to a dry, unwashed scalp in sections. “Next, a scalp massage helps to microstimulate blood flow to the scalp and exfoliate scaly skin,” adds Hezekiah. This is followed by shampooing with the ASTERA Soothing Freshness Shampoo, which you can also use at home to maintain results.

Keratin Complex Vitalshot

For smooth, shiny hair, Vitalshot—think of it like a mini keratin treatment—is a great option. “It’s formulated with pure keratin protein, so it binds to the hair in a way that natural proteins would,” says Justin Picorelli, celebrity colorist and owner of J&G The Beauty Loft. “Many other treatments coat the hair and do not penetrate as deeply. It works on all types of hair, but is especially beneficial for compromised and fragile hair that needs protein and strength.” 

Vitalshot can be included in services, like being added to a color to strengthen the bonds and even out porosity while processing, which adds protection and shine to the hair, or it can be used as a stand-alone treatment. To start, hair is washed with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup. Then, the treatment is applied all over, and your stylist may decide to put a cap over your hair and sit you under heat to let it penetrate even deeper into your hair. “It can then be cooled and styled directly into the hair for a ‘keratin for a day’ finish. Your hair will truly feel transformed,” says Picorelli. For more intense conditioning, Vitalshot can also be followed by a hair mask to add additional softness, silkiness and shine. 

The treatment usually lasts from two weeks to six weeks, and Picorelli says that using products like the Keratin Complex Intense Rx for more damaged hair, along with a leave-in conditioner, will increase its longevity.