I Got a $40 Keratin Hair Treatment in Cambodia — My Full Experience
I recently got a keratin hair treatment for $40 in Cambodia, and I’m sharing my full experience, including cost, process, and results. If you’re considering a keratin smoothing treatment for frizzy, curly, or unmanageable hair, this breakdown might help you decide whether it’s worth it.
What Is a Keratin Hair Treatment?
A keratin hair treatment is a salon procedure designed to make hair smoother, shinier, and more manageable. It helps reduce frizz and can temporarily straighten wavy, curly, or frizzy hair.
Results typically last around 3 to 8 months, depending on your hair type, aftercare, and the products used.
How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Take?
A keratin treatment usually takes about 2 to 3 hours, but in my case, it took much longer.
For me, the entire process lasted around 4.5 hours, mainly because of my thick hair and the fact that the stylist was working alone.
How Much Does a Keratin Treatment Cost in Cambodia?
In Cambodia, keratin treatment prices vary depending on the salon and stylist:
Mid-range salons: $80–$150 USD
Small local salons: $30–$70 USD
Japanese salons:
Around $80 with Cambodian stylists
Around $150 with Japanese stylists
Compared to the United States, where keratin treatments can cost up to $500, getting one in Cambodia is significantly more affordable.
My Experience Getting a $40 Keratin Treatment
I went to a very cheap local salon for my keratin treatment. It was extremely affordable, but I didn’t fully consider the risks at first.
During the process, I started overthinking everything—especially the possibility of hair damage or even hair loss. At one point, I couldn’t stop thinking: What if this damages my scalp permanently?
Thankfully, I eventually relaxed, but the thought was still unsettling.
I have very thick hair—something many hairstylists have commented on. Because of this, most salons usually increase the price. However, this stylist did not, which I appreciated.
The downside was that she worked alone, so the entire process took much longer than expected. Sitting for over four hours made me uncomfortable, and my body started to go numb from staying still too long.
Fumes and Discomfort During the Treatment
When my hair was being flat-ironed, the fumes from the treatment became noticeable. It made my throat irritated and caused me to cough.
It didn’t feel very healthy to inhale for that long, and that was one of the more uncomfortable parts of the experience.
Nanoplastia vs Keratin Treatment
Before choosing keratin, I also looked into nanoplastia hair treatment, which is considered a newer alternative.
Nanoplastia benefits:
No toxic fumes
Can wash hair immediately
Safer and more gentle formula
Hair can still be exposed to water and even swimming afterward
However, it was significantly more expensive, and the salon I went to didn’t offer it properly, so I chose keratin instead.
Step-by-Step Keratin Treatment Process
Here is what the process looked like:
I arrived with already-washed hair (which I didn’t plan properly)
My hair was blow-dried and straightened section by section
The keratin treatment was applied to my hair
My scalp felt itchy and slightly irritated in some areas
Some parts had a mild burning sensation, which made me worried
My hair was blow-dried again
My hair was flat-ironed multiple times for sealing the treatment
After everything, my hair looked much smoother and straighter.
Aftercare: What Happens Next?
I need to wait about 72 hours before washing my hair again. After that, I will return for a salon spa treatment to:
Remove leftover chemicals
Add vitamins and nutrients back into the hair
Improve softness and shine
Final Thoughts on My Keratin Treatment Experience
Overall, getting a cheap keratin treatment in Cambodia was both interesting and a little stressful. While the price was great, the long duration, fumes, and uncertainty made the experience more intense than expected.
I’ll update my results after I wash my hair and see how long the smoothing effect actually lasts.
See you soon,
Haiena
