Labor Day 2009 is a day I will NEVER forget.  That is the day I had my Coppola Keratin Smoothing treatment at Ulta Salon in Dublin California.  I probably would not have convinced myself that the usual $300-$400 that other salons are charging would make THAT much difference in my hair.  The coupon I received in the mail was for $75 off the regular Ulta Salon price of $250 lowering the price to $175!   Woohoo!!!

I quickly started doing my research, learning most people have been very happy with the results of this treatment.  For $175, I figured it was worth a try, so I called and made the appointment.  I then colored my hair because I read the treatment would last longer on color treated hair.

The treatment took about 3 hours and consisted of the following:

• Shampoo
• Blow dry
• Apply keratin solution to small strands of hair until completely covered
• Comb solution through hair
• Place hair in plastic for 20 minutes
• Blow dry (again)
• Flat iron to seal the keratin into the hair shaft

My appointment was at 1:30, and by 4:30 I was a new woman!!!  I was told not to wash my hair for 3 days, and not to use any barrettes, bobby pins, headbands, etc (or even tuck behind my ears or put sunglasses on top of my head) until the 3 days were up.  The solution left a slight (but not unpleasant) smell in my hair.  My hair was super shiny and very straight.  My hair was previously very wavy and extremely frizzy.  The frizz was completely gone, and no matter what I did I could not mess up my hair!  When my husband got up the next morning, he said “You already did your hair?”  I said “No, it looked like this when I got up!”

Work was really fun that day.  No one could believe how different I looked.  One co-worker said I looked 20 years younger!  As I am 51, that was one of the nicest compliments I have ever received.  Several people even complimented me repetitiously throughout the day.

I made the 20 mile freeway trip home from work with the windows down (which I never do) and to my delight, my hair was still not messed up.

I had read that some have experienced they still have some of their natural wave, but most of their frizz is gone, so I really looked forward to being able to wash my hair so I could see what it would be like.  Thursday after work, I washed my hair, letting  it dry naturally.  Good news, I still had wave, and most of the frizz was gone.  Even better news, when I styled my hair with my Instyler (my favorite styling tool), it looked like a shampoo commercial!  My hair has never been so shiny and healthy.  And I am amazed that the ends look so thick.  My hair has movement that it has never known, and my friends and co-workers can still not believe the difference (even the men).

I am SOOOOOO happy I had this treatment, and will continue these treatments as often as necessary to keep my hair looking like I have always wanted it to look.  My styling time has been cut in half, and every day is a GREAT hair day!  See photos below or go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6bXGBeeOkI