Who doesn’t dream of beautiful, smooth, and shiny hair? Daily styling, weather conditions, and chemical treatments unfortunately make our strands lose their natural elasticity, become dull, and prone to damage. Fortunately, there’s an effective way to regenerate them—hair lamination, which helps restore a healthy appearance, softness, and silky smoothness. This treatment can be done both at the hair salon and at home, using readily available ingredients, including gelatin.
What is hair lamination?
Hair lamination is a care treatment aimed at improving the appearance and overall condition of the hair.
The process involves coating the strands with a special preparation that creates a protective layer on the hair surface to guard against damage and moisture loss. As a result, the hair becomes smoother, shinier, and less susceptible to external factors.
To achieve the best results, the hair must be properly prepared. The first step is thorough washing, which removes residue from styling products and any impurities. Next, the laminating substance is applied—this can be, for example, gelatin or a ready-made product intended for this type of treatment. The chosen preparation should be evenly distributed along the entire length of the hair so that each strand is thoroughly coated.
So that the active ingredients can penetrate the hair structure, an additional heat source is used—usually the strands are wrapped in foil and covered with a towel or special cap. After a specified time, the product is rinsed off, and the hair gains silky softness, elasticity, and natural shine. Regular lamination also helps protect strands from breakage, smooths their structure, and makes them look healthier and better groomed.
Hair lamination at the hair salon
Professional hair lamination is a treatment performed in hair salons, the effects of which can last up to three months. Its cost usually ranges from PLN 300 to 800, and the final result is influenced by both the technology used and the products applied. Salons use keratin for lamination, which effectively smooths the hair, making it more elastic, stronger, and full of shine.
Keratin is a natural protein that builds the hair structure and is used in professional treatments to regenerate and smooth the strands. Interestingly, gelatin, although mainly associated with food products, works similarly—it creates a protective layer on the hair surface that closes the cuticles, prevents moisture loss, and improves their condition.
Although salon lamination provides long-lasting effects, the treatment can also be performed at home, using readily available and inexpensive ingredients. This is why more and more people opt for gelatin hair lamination, achieving comparable results—smoother, shinier, and healthier strands that are less prone to frizz or damage.
Professional hair lamination vs. keratin straightening
Both hair lamination and keratin straightening aim to improve the condition of the strands by closing the cuticles, rebuilding the structure, and strengthening resistance to damage. Both treatments result in smooth, healthy-looking hair, but their final effects differ in terms of action and durability.
- Hair lamination is a care treatment that smooths and adds shine to the strands, making them more elastic, hydrated, and less prone to frizz. It’s a great solution for those who want to improve the look of their hair but still maintain its natural curl or volume.
- Keratin hair straightening, on the other hand, is a method whose main goal is permanent straightening. This treatment involves deeply introducing keratin into the hair structure using very high temperatures. This process makes the hair completely smooth, straight, and more resistant to humidity.
If the goal is simply regeneration and protection of the hair, it’s worth opting for lamination. However, if the priority is to achieve a perfectly sleek sheet of hair, keratin straightening will be a better choice, allowing for the effect of flawless, disciplined strands.
When is it worth choosing hair lamination?
Lamination is particularly recommended for medium- and high-porosity hair, i.e., hair that absorbs a lot of moisture, takes a long time to dry, and easily becomes frizzy.
It’s also worth choosing lamination when hair:
- is prone to frizz and difficult to style,
- tangles easily, is rough and dull,
- has been weakened by frequent bleaching or hot styling,
- tends to wave or is curly and lacks springiness,
- is very straight but lacks shine and volume,
- sticks out and is hard to tame.
Simply put, lamination is a great solution for anyone who wants smooth, nourished, and less frizz-prone strands without having to resort to heavy styling products.
How to determine hair porosity before lamination?
Hair porosity is the degree of opening of the cuticles, which affects their appearance, styling behavior, and ability to absorb moisture. There are three main porosity types—low, medium, and high. Knowing them allows you to select the right care and determine whether lamination will be an effective solution for a given hair type.
- Low-porosity hair—characterized by tightly adhering cuticles, making it naturally smooth, shiny, and resistant to frizz. However, its structure makes it difficult to absorb nutrients, and unsuitable products can easily weigh it down, causing a flat effect.
- Medium-porosity hair—the most common type. Its cuticles are moderately open, meaning that with proper care it can maintain a balance between shine and volume. It tends to wave and can be prone to frizz in humid air.
- High-porosity hair—its cuticles are maximally raised, so it easily absorbs moisture but loses hydration just as quickly. It is often dull, rough, and weakened, and its structure requires intensive regeneration. This category often includes curly, heavily bleached, or heat-damaged hair.
In addition to a visual assessment, there are several methods that help determine the porosity of strands:
- Water test—simply place a single hair in a glass of water and observe how it behaves. Low-porosity hair floats on the surface, medium-porosity hair sinks halfway, and high-porosity hair sinks to the bottom, absorbing water like a sponge.
- Diagnostic questionnaires—online tests help determine porosity based on questions about how hair behaves in various conditions.
- Trichological examination—the most precise method, involving microscopic analysis of the hair structure by a specialist.
Knowing your hair’s porosity allows you to consciously choose care and assess whether lamination will bring the desired results. Medium- and high-porosity hair most often benefits the most from this treatment, while with low-porosity hair you should be careful not to weigh it down.
Hair lamination at home
Hair lamination is a treatment that can be done not only in a hair salon but also at home, using readily available food ingredients. Gelatin, flaxseed, jelly powder, or even potato starch work well for this purpose. Home lamination is a simple and quick way to smooth, add shine, and regenerate hair, and its greatest advantage is the low cost—the necessary ingredients can be purchased for just a few zlotys.
However, keep in mind that the effects of home lamination last shorter than a salon treatment—usually up to 2–3 washes. To maintain the effect of shiny and smooth strands, it’s worth repeating the process regularly.
Hair lamination with gelatin
Gelatin is one of the most commonly used home solutions for lamination. It creates a protective film on the hair, smoothing the strands, adding shine, and reducing frizz. The right combination of gelatin with emollients will ensure a healthy look and elasticity of the strands.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of hot water,
- 1 tablespoon of food-grade gelatin,
- 1 tablespoon of an emollient mask or conditioner (preferably containing argan oil, macadamia oil, avocado oil, milk proteins, or keratin).
How to perform gelatin hair lamination?
- Dissolve the gelatin in hot water and mix thoroughly until you get a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Add the conditioner or mask and mix again.
- Wash your hair with shampoo and towel-dry it so it’s damp but not wet.
- Evenly apply the prepared mixture to your hair—from 1/4 of the length down to the very ends.
- Put on a plastic cap or cling film and wrap your head with a towel to create a warming layer.
- Leave on for about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
The result? Smooth, shiny, and more frizz-resistant hair after the first use!
Hair lamination with jelly powder
Jelly powder is an interesting alternative to gelatin—it contains humectants (sugar) and proteins, which help smooth the hair and make it easier to detangle.
How to perform lamination with jelly powder?
- Pour 2 tablespoons of jelly powder over with 3–4 tablespoons of hot water, stirring until you get a gel-like consistency.
- Spread the slightly cooled mixture onto washed and towel-dried hair.
- Put on a plastic cap and a towel for 15–20 minutes, then rinse.
- Apply an emollient mask for an additional 15–20 minutes to avoid over-proteinization.
- Rinse thoroughly and apply a silicone serum for extra protection.
After the treatment, the hair becomes not only silky-smooth and shiny, but also has a fruity fragrance!
Hair lamination with potato starch
Potato starch is a natural source of starch that smooths strands and adds shine.
How to perform lamination with potato starch?
- Mix 1 teaspoon of potato starch with 2 tablespoons of a smoothing hair mask.
- Apply the mixture to washed, damp hair, avoiding the scalp.
- Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
This treatment makes hair shiny and less prone to static.
Hair lamination with flaxseed
Flaxseed is a rich source of fatty acids, protein, zinc, and antioxidants that nourish the hair, strengthen it, and close its cuticles.
How to perform lamination with flaxseed?
- Boil 3 tablespoons of flaxseed in 500 ml of water until you obtain a gel-like consistency.
- Strain through a sieve to remove the seeds and set aside to cool.
- Mix the obtained gel with an emollient mask and apply to damp hair.
- Wrap your head with foil and a towel, leave for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
The result is smooth, elastic, and well-moisturized hair, less prone to frizz and split ends.
Hair lamination at home | FAQ
Home hair lamination is a simple way to give your strands smoothness, shine, and protection against frizz. However, to achieve the best results, it’s worth knowing the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this treatment. Is hair lamination healthy? How often should it be done? Which ingredient—gelatin, jelly powder, or flaxseed—works best? In this section, we clear up doubts and suggest how to best care for your hair during home lamination.
Gelatin or flaxseed hair lamination?
The choice of the right lamination method depends on your hair type and its individual needs. Flaxseed is a great option for those who tend to over-proteinize their hair. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that nourish and protect the strands, and also create a protective layer that helps close the cuticles. It is particularly recommended for curly and dyed hair, as it gives them springiness and hydration.
On the other hand, gelatin lamination works well for people whose hair responds well to proteins, especially keratin. Gelatin has a smoothing effect, weighs down the strands, and adds healthy shine. However, be careful with the frequency of the treatment, as doing it too often can lead to dryness and stiffness of the hair.
Gelatin or jelly powder for hair lamination?
Gelatin provides the hair with pure proteins that strengthen the strands and give them a healthy appearance. It’s a good option for those who want to add structure, shine, and smoothness to their hair.
Jelly powder, on the other hand, in addition to gelatin, also contains sugar (a humectant) and citric acid, which closes the hair cuticles and has a chelating effect. Thanks to this, this type of lamination moisturizes and smooths the hair at the same time. It works especially well on low-porosity hair that tends to clump into strands.
Hair lamination at home or at the hair salon?
Professional lamination performed in a salon is often based on the application of keratin, which not only smooths but also regenerates the strands. The effects of such a treatment can last even for several months, but its cost is PLN 300 to 800.
Home hair lamination, although less durable, is a much cheaper alternative. The effects last for a few washes, but the treatment can be repeated regularly to enjoy shiny, smooth hair without having to visit a hairstylist.
Is hair lamination healthy?
Yes, lamination is a safe and beneficial treatment, especially for hair exposed to high temperatures, styling, or dryness. It creates a protective layer that shields strands from mechanical damage, prevents tangling, and smooths their structure. Thanks to this, the hair becomes more resistant, springy, and shiny.
Is there a vegan alternative to gelatin lamination?
Yes, those looking for plant-based lamination methods can opt for agar—a natural gelatin substitute derived from red sea algae. Agar has a moisturizing effect because it contains polysaccharides that help retain moisture in the hair. Importantly, the agar lamination treatment is performed in exactly the same way as with gelatin.
How often should you perform gelatin hair lamination?
The frequency of the treatment depends on the porosity and condition of the hair. In the case of high-porosity or heavily damaged hair, excess protein can lead to over-proteinization, i.e., dryness and stiffness. To avoid this, gelatin lamination should be performed no more often than every 14 days.
For people with medium- or low-porosity hair that tolerates proteins well, lamination can be used more frequently, but it is always worth observing the hair’s reaction and adjusting the frequency of treatments to its individual needs.
