To understand the price of a keratin treatment, it is essential to first understand its value. This is not merely a styling service but a restorative chemical process that works with the natural composition of the hair to deliver functional, long-term benefits. The cost reflects the professional skill, specialised products, and significant time required to achieve these results.
1) Not All Keratin is Created Equal: Decoding the Salon Menu
“Keratin treatment” is an umbrella term that covers a spectrum of different products and chemical processes. The specific formulation used by a salon will dramatically influence the final result, its longevity, the overall cost, and important safety considerations.
Understanding these categories is the key to choosing the right service and interpreting a salon’s price list accurately. The decision often involves a trade-off between three key factors: the price one is willing to pay, the desired longevity of the results, and the intensity of the straightening effect versus the gentleness of the formula.
The Straightening Powerhouses (e.g., Traditional Brazilian Blowout)
These are the most intensive treatments, often marketed under names like “Brazilian Blowout” or simply as “straightening treatments”. Their primary goal is to achieve a significant reduction in curl and a much straighter hair texture.
- How they work: These formulas use stronger chemicals that work by breaking the hair’s disulfide bonds, which are responsible for its natural curl pattern. This process semi-permanently alters the hair’s structure, allowing it to be reshaped into a straighter form. While chemically similar to traditional relaxers or Japanese straightening, they are typically considered less harsh than the latter.
- Who they’re for: This type of treatment is most effective for individuals with very thick, coarse, curly, or coily hair who are seeking a dramatic change and maximum straightness.
- The Catch: These powerful formulations are the ones most likely to contain formaldehyde or chemicals that release formaldehyde gas when heated, a notable health concern that will be discussed later.
The Modern Smoothers (e.g., Cezanne, Bhave, GK Hair)
This category represents the most popular type of keratin service offered in reputable Melbourne salons today. These are “smoothing treatments” that prioritize eliminating frizz, boosting shine, and improving manageability over aggressive, permanent straightening.
- How they work: Instead of breaking the hair’s internal bonds, these treatments use gentler, often “formaldehyde-free” formulations. They are typically based on ingredients like glyoxylic acid, which works by creating a temporary polymer film that coats the hair shaft and smooths the cuticle.
- Who they’re for: This approach is ideal for a wide range of hair types, from wavy and frizzy to lightly curled. It is the perfect choice for anyone whose main objective is to combat frizz and achieve a sleek, manageable finish without completely sacrificing their hair’s natural body and texture. Brands frequently mentioned by Melbourne salons, such as Cezanne and Bhave, fall into this category and are often promoted as safe for colour-treated or even previously damaged hair.
The Quick Fix (e.g., Express Blow Out)
For those curious about keratin but hesitant to commit to the time or cost of a full service, the express treatment is an excellent entry point. It is a faster, more affordable, and shorter-lasting version of a full smoothing treatment.
- The Deal: An express service significantly cuts down the time spent in the salon chair, often taking around 90 minutes. The cost is also substantially lower, with some Melbourne salons offering express treatments starting from around $150 for short hair.
- The Trade-off: The compromise for the lower cost and time commitment is longevity. The results of an express treatment typically last for a much shorter period, generally between four to eight weeks, compared to the three to five months expected from a full treatment.
- Who they’re for: This option is perfect for a first-timer, for getting sleek hair for a special event, or for targeting specific problem areas like a frizzy fringe or unruly cowlick.
The New Wave: Understanding Nanoplasty and Hair Botox
To avoid confusion at the salon, it is helpful to understand two other popular treatments that are related to but distinct from keratin.
- Nanoplasty: This treatment is often marketed as a more “organic” or “vegan” alternative for achieving very straight hair. It is an intense smoothing and straightening treatment that uses amino acids and other nourishing ingredients to achieve its effect.
In Melbourne, the price for Nanoplasty is comparable to that of a high-end keratin service, with prices starting from approximately $350 to $450.
- Hair Botox: Despite its name, this treatment contains no botulinum toxin. It is primarily a deep conditioning and repairing treatment, not a straightening one. Its purpose is to nourish and revitalize damaged, dull hair using a cocktail of vitamins, antioxidants, and proteins. While it results in smoother, frizz-free hair, it does not have the bond-altering power of a keratin treatment.
Consequently, it generally costs less and its effects last for a shorter duration of two to four months.
2) The Melbourne Price Tag
The cost of a keratin treatment in Melbourne can vary dramatically, ranging from under $150 for a quick express service to well over $550 for a premium treatment at a top-tier salon. Understanding the factors that contribute to this wide price range is key to budgeting appropriately and recognizing value.
Key Factors Influencing Cost
Several key variables determine the final price that appears on the salon receipt.
- Hair Length & Thickness (The #1 Factor): This is universally the most significant factor. Longer and thicker hair requires substantially more product and, just as importantly, more of the stylist’s time to meticulously apply the formula and flat-iron each section.
Nearly all salon price lists are structured in tiers based on length, such as short (above the shoulders), medium (shoulder to mid-shoulder blade), and long (mid-back and beyond). Furthermore, many salons explicitly state an additional surcharge, often between $25 and $50, for exceptionally thick or porous hair that absorbs more product.
- Salon Prestige and Location: A high-end salon with a premium reputation located in an area with high commercial rent, such as the CBD, Fitzroy, or South Yarra, will invariably have higher prices than a smaller, local salon in an outer suburb. For instance, a premium treatment at Cream Melbourne in Fitzroy starts at $392 for short hair, while a Groupon deal at a salon in Preston might be found for as low as $99.
- Stylist’s Level of Experience: Some leading salons, like BODA Hair Boutique, implement a tiered pricing structure based on the stylist’s seniority and expertise (e.g., Emerging, Senior, Advanced, Director). Booking a service with a salon Director, who has the most experience and training, will command the highest price.
- Treatment Type and Brand: As detailed previously, the specific product used is a major cost driver. Premium, technologically advanced, and safer brands like Cezanne or Bhave will cost more than generic or older formulations.
Express treatments are the most affordable entry point, typically starting around $150-$260, while full classic or premium branded treatments generally begin in the $300-$400 range and increase from there.
What’s Included (And What’s Not)?
It is important to clarify with the salon exactly what the quoted price covers.
- Standard Inclusions: A standard keratin service price will almost always include the initial consultation, the clarifying wash, the treatment application itself, and the final blow-dry and flat-iron sealing process.
- Potential Add-ons: A haircut is very often considered a separate service and will be charged as an add-on. Some salons may offer a package deal that combines the treatment and a cut for a slightly reduced price. For example, New Sensations Hairstyling in Bentleigh lists Pure Brazilian Keratin from $250, but a “Pure Brazilian Keratin + Cut” package from $315.
- Aftercare Products: The specialized shampoos and conditioners required to maintain the treatment are almost never included in the service price. These represent a separate but necessary purchase.
- Sustainable Salon Fees: A growing number of eco-conscious salons in Melbourne, such as Cream, participate in programs that recycle salon waste. They may add a small green fee, typically around $3, to each client’s bill to support this initiative.
3) The 2024 Melbourne Keratin Treatment Price Guide
The following table provides a snapshot of what you can expect to pay for keratin treatments at salons across Melbourne. It is crucial to note that most prices are listed as starting points (“from”), and a final, accurate quote will be provided by the stylist during an in-person consultation after they have assessed the hair’s length, thickness, and condition.
| Salon Category | Treatment Type / Brand | Price (Short) | Price (Medium) | Price (Long) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium/Specialist | Aura by Wella | From $392 | From $451 | From $515 |
| Premium/Specialist | Keratin Smoothing | From $325-$370 | From $480-$495 | From $480-$495 |
| Premium/Specialist | Cezanne Classic | From $300 | ~$350 | ~$400 |
| Premium/Specialist | Keratin Treatment | From $300 | From $350 | From $400 |
| Premium/Specialist | Classic Keratin | $250 | $310-$320 | $350-$450 |
| Mid-Range & Boutique | BHAVE Keratin | From $265 | From $330 | From $400 |
| Mid-Range & Boutique | bhave Keratin | From $250 | From ~$330 | From ~$400 |
| Mid-Range & Boutique | BHave Keratin Rescue / Smooth Therapy | From $105 / $280 | ~$330 – $350 | ~$400+ |
| Mid-Range & Boutique | Pure Brazilian Keratin | From $250 | ~$325 | ~$375 |
| Mid-Range & Boutique | Brazilian Keratin | From $300 | ~$350 | ~$400 |
| Mid-Range & Boutique | Keratin Treatment | From $260-$280 | ~$325 | ~$375 |
| Express & Deal-Based | Express Keratin | From $150 | From $250 | ~$300 |
| Express & Deal-Based | Various Brands | N/A | ~$260 | ~$300 |
4) Do Your Homework: Reviews And Receipts
Check Recent Reviews: Use platforms like Google or Tyebest’s list of top-rated hair salons to read recent reviews. Look specifically for feedback that mentions keratin treatments and note any patterns of consistently positive or negative experiences.
Look for Visual Proof: A salon that is proud of its work will showcase it. Check the salon’s Instagram page or website for a portfolio of before-and-after photos of keratin treatments, paying close attention to results on hair types that are similar to your own.
5) Why the Cheapest Deal Isn’t Always the Best
While it can be tempting to opt for the lowest price, this is a service where cost often directly correlates with quality. The price reflects not only the quality and safety of the chemical products being used but also the experience and training of the stylist.
A suspiciously low price could indicate the use of a cheaper, harsher product, a less experienced stylist, or a rushed service that cuts corners. The potential cost of repairing damaged hair from a botched keratin treatment is far greater than the initial investment in a high-quality service from a vetted professional.
6) The Real Total Cost
To create a realistic budget, a consumer must account for all associated costs:
- Initial Treatment: Approximately $250 – $550+
- Mandatory Aftercare Products: Approximately $50 – $100 for a quality shampoo and conditioner set.
- Recurring Cost: The treatment is semi-permanent and will need to be redone every three to six months, making this an ongoing annual beauty expense.
7) Conclusion
A keratin hair treatment is undeniably a significant investment of both time and money, with prices in Melbourne typically ranging from $250 for a basic service to over $550 for a premium treatment at a leading salon.
The return on this investment, however, can be truly transformative. For those who struggle with frizz, unmanageability, and long styling times, the value lies in reclaiming hours each week and gaining the confidence that comes with having smooth, shiny, low-maintenance hair that holds up against the elements.
What’s next? Read our ultimate guide to keratin hair treatments!
