If you're curious about Cezanne treatment at our West Vancouver salon, you probably want to understand what's actually happening to your hair during the process. How does it work? What changes? And why do the results last for months? Let's break down the science and reality of Cezanne treatments.
The Science: What Cezanne Actually Does
Cezanne works by infusing keratin protein into your hair shaft. Keratin is the protein your hair is naturally made of—it's not a foreign substance but rather a replenishment of what your hair may be lacking.
The treatment formula penetrates the hair cuticle (the outer protective layer) and deposits keratin protein into the cortex (the inner structure). Heat from a flat iron is then used to seal the keratin in place, essentially smoothing and reinforcing the hair shaft from the inside out.
Unlike some other keratin treatments that use formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals to break down and reform the hair's structure, Cezanne is formaldehyde-free. It works with your existing hair structure rather than chemically altering it.
What You'll Notice After Treatment
Dramatically Reduced Frizz: This is the primary benefit most clients seek. The smoothed cuticle prevents moisture from entering the hair shaft and causing it to swell—which is what creates frizz. Even in Vancouver's humidity, your hair stays smooth and controlled.
Faster Styling Time: Most clients cut their blow-dry time in half or more. Hair that used to require 30 minutes of careful drying and flat-ironing might now air-dry smoothly or need just 10 minutes with a dryer. For many clients, this time savings alone justifies the treatment cost.
Added Shine: When hair cuticles lie flat and smooth, they reflect light more evenly. This creates a natural shine that doesn't come from products sitting on top of the hair—it's the hair itself looking healthier.
Softer Texture: Treated hair feels silkier to the touch. The rough, coarse texture many people struggle with becomes smooth and pleasant to run your fingers through.
More Manageable Hair: Beyond just styling, treated hair behaves better in general. It tangles less, holds styles longer, and responds more predictably to products and tools.
What Cezanne Doesn't Do
Understanding limitations is as important as understanding benefits.
It Doesn't Straighten Hair: Unlike Brazilian Blowouts and some other keratin treatments, Cezanne doesn't make your hair poker-straight. If you have natural waves, you'll still have waves—just smoother, more defined waves without the frizz halo. If you have curly hair, you'll have smoother curls. Your natural texture remains; the unruliness is what disappears.
It Doesn't Permanently Change Hair: The treatment gradually washes out over 3-5 months. Your hair will eventually return to its natural state. This is actually a benefit—you're not stuck with a permanent chemical alteration.
It Doesn't Repair Structural Damage: While Cezanne makes hair look and feel healthier, it's not repairing broken disulfide bonds or reversing severe chemical damage. Think of it as improving the surface and overall manageability rather than reconstructing hair from the inside.
Is It Safe?
Cezanne is formaldehyde-free, which is its primary safety advantage over many keratin treatments. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients (like methylene glycol) in traditional keratin treatments can cause eye irritation, respiratory issues, and other health concerns—especially for stylists who perform the treatments regularly.
The Cezanne formula is safe for both clients and stylists. There are no noxious fumes during application, no safety concerns about breathing in chemicals. This is one of the main reasons we chose to offer Cezanne specifically at Wish Dry Bar.
The treatment is also safe for color-treated hair. You won't lose your color or have it fade faster because of the treatment. In fact, many clients find their color looks more vibrant on smooth, shiny hair.
The Treatment Process
A Cezanne appointment typically takes 2-3 hours depending on hair length. The process includes a clarifying wash to remove buildup and open the cuticle, application of the Cezanne formula throughout the hair, processing time for the formula to penetrate, and flat-ironing in sections to seal the treatment with heat.
After treatment, you'll need to avoid washing your hair for 48 hours to let the treatment fully set. You should also keep hair straight and loose during this period—no ponytails, clips, or tucking behind ears that could create creases.
Who Benefits Most from Cezanne
Cezanne is ideal for people who struggle with frizzy, unmanageable hair, those who spend excessive time styling each day, people who want smoother hair without losing natural texture, anyone seeking a formaldehyde-free keratin treatment, and those with color-treated hair who want to maintain vibrancy.
It may not be worth it if you already have naturally straight, smooth hair, if you love your curls exactly as they are, or if you can't commit to the aftercare required to maintain results.
Ready to Try Cezanne?
If you're interested in experiencing what Cezanne can do for your hair, book a consultation at our West Vancouver or Vancouver location. We'll assess your hair type, discuss your goals, and determine whether Cezanne is the right solution for you.