Collagen Hair Treatment in London: Benefits, Results and Who It's For

A collagen hair treatment is a gentle, formaldehyde-free salon treatment that repairs damaged hair, smooths away frizz and leaves it soft and glossy. It uses a collagen and keratin amino acid formula that absorbs into the hair and is sealed in, so the results last for weeks.

At Shenol Hair in Marylebone, every collagen treatment is tailored to you. Some clients want a sleek, smooth finish. Others want healthier hair with less frizz while keeping more of their natural movement. We agree the result with you at your consultation.

At a glance

• What it does: repairs, strengthens, reduces frizz and adds shine
• Your finish: tailored to you, from sleek and smooth to softer and more natural
• Formula: collagen and keratin amino acids, formaldehyde-free
• Best for: frizzy, hard-to-manage, damaged, coloured or bleached hair
• Treatment time: about 2 hours
• Results last: about 6–8 weeks, often longer with good aftercare
• Price: from £300

What is a collagen hair treatment?

Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the body. It gives skin its firmness and supports the scalp around every hair follicle. In a salon treatment, collagen and keratin are broken down into amino acids small enough to absorb into the hair.

These amino acids fill the weak, rough patches along damaged strands and help the hair hold on to moisture. The result is hair that feels softer, looks shinier, breaks less and is far easier to manage.

Why collagen works so well on coloured hair

Each hair has an outer layer called the cuticle, made of tiny overlapping scales, a little like roof tiles. Underneath is the cortex, where your hair's strength, moisture and colour live.

To colour or lighten hair, the cuticle has to open so the colour can reach the cortex. Bleach and lightener open it furthest. Each time, the cuticle becomes rougher and the hair becomes more porous, full of tiny gaps.

Porous hair causes three common problems:

1. Dryness and frizz: moisture escapes quickly, so hair feels rough and puffs up, especially in damp London weather.
2. Fading colour: colour slips out through the gaps, so tones fade or turn brassy sooner.
3. Dullness: a rough surface scatters light instead of reflecting it, so hair looks flat.

A collagen treatment tackles all three. It fills the gaps and smooths the cuticle, so hair holds on to moisture, colour stays vibrant for longer and the smooth surface reflects light for a glossy finish. That's why we often recommend it after balayage, highlights, blonding and colour correction.

A treatment tailored to your hair

Every head of hair is different, so we never use a one-size-fits-all approach. At your consultation we look at:

• Porosity: how much moisture your hair loses
• Elasticity: how strong and flexible it is
• Texture and density: fine, medium or thick; straight, wavy, curly or coily
• Colour history: previous colour, bleach or chemical treatments
• Your goal: a sleek, smooth finish, or softer hair with less frizz and more natural movement

We then adjust how the treatment is applied, where we focus it and how we finish and seal it. If you love a polished, sleek look, we seal it in for a smooth finish. If you'd rather keep more of your natural movement, we tailor the finish to suit.

Fine hair needs a lighter approach, as collagen can reduce volume a little. Thick, curly or coily hair often needs more moisture, and we'll talk through the finish you want before we start. Our team works with Afro-Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Asian hair every day, so your treatment is designed around your hair type.

Collagen vs keratin (Brazilian): what's the difference?

This is the question we're asked most. A Brazilian or keratin treatment mainly focuses on straightening the hair for a flatter result. A collagen treatment is a gentle treatment that fights frizz and improves your hair's condition. It isn't mainly a straightening treatment like keratin.

The simple rule: if you want straight hair for months, choose keratin. If you want healthier, softer, shinier hair with less frizz, and a finish tailored to you, choose collagen. Not sure? We offer both and will recommend the right one at your consultation.

One treatment, your choice of finish

A collagen treatment is fully customisable, and the result gives you options. Once the frizz is gone, you decide how to wear your hair from day to day:

• Smooth and straight: blow-dry from top to bottom for a sleek, straight finish.
• Natural curls or waves: let it dry naturally, and your curls are still there, softer and without the frizz.
• Every day: smoother, shinier, silkier hair that's quicker and easier to style, whichever look you choose.

A real result from our salon

Our client came to us with very curly, frizzy hair that was dry and damaged. She wanted the frizz gone and her hair easier to manage, but she didn't want to lose her curls completely.

After her collagen treatment, the frizz was gone and her hair felt smooth, shiny and silky. Blow-dried from top to bottom, it sits smooth and straight. Left natural, her curls are still intact.

Who is a collagen hair treatment for?

You don't need coloured hair to benefit. Most of our clients book collagen for one main reason: frizz. They want hair that's easier to manage and free of frizz, but without the straight, flat look of a keratin treatment or Brazilian blow-dry.

A collagen treatment is a great choice if you want:

• Frizz-free hair: smoother hair that stays under control, even in damp London weather
• Easier styling: hair that's more manageable day to day and quicker to blow-dry
• Movement, not flatness: a smooth finish that still looks natural, rather than poker-straight
• Repair for damaged hair: an advanced treatment for hair weakened by bleach, colour, heat tools or sun
• Healthier coloured hair: extra moisture and shine for coloured, highlighted or bleached hair

Preparing damaged hair for balayage

Healthy hair is the foundation of a beautiful balayage. Lightener works best on hair that is strong and evenly hydrated. When hair is dry, porous or weakened by previous colour, it can lift unevenly, feel more fragile and struggle to hold its tone.

If your consultation shows your hair isn't ready for lightening yet, we may recommend a collagen treatment first. It strengthens the hair, restores moisture and smooths the cuticle, giving us a healthier base to work on.

We then reassess your hair and book your balayage once it's in the right condition. The timing depends on your hair, and we'll guide you at every step. The result is more even colour and hair that stays healthier long after your appointment.

What happens at your appointment

1. Consultation: we look at your hair's condition and agree the finish you want.
2. Cleanse: your hair is washed twice with a clarifying shampoo to prepare it for the treatment.
3. Application: the collagen formula is applied evenly, section by section, all over the hair.
4. Develop: the treatment is left to absorb for at least 30 minutes. Depending on your hair and the result you want, this is done either under a steamer or under a Climazone heat processor. We'll choose the right method for you at your consultation.
5. Finish and seal: the treatment isn't rinsed out. We blow-dry and seal it in with a technique tailored to the result you want.

The whole appointment takes about 2 hours.

How long does a collagen hair treatment last?

Most clients enjoy the results for about 6–8 weeks, and often longer. It depends on your hair and how you look after it.

Aftercare tips

• Your first wash: when you have your first wash is entirely up to you. Some clients like to wash their hair on the same day, while others prefer to keep their finish for a couple of days first. We always offer to do your first wash here in the salon, with a complimentary hair mask. It's a chance to see your results after washing and for us to show you how to style and care for your hair at home. It's entirely optional, but our clients love it.
• Shampoo: use a good-quality, sulphate-free shampoo that you're happy with.
• Styling: always use a heat protector before blow-drying or using hot tools.
• Top-ups: book a top-up whenever you feel like it, usually every 6–8 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Is a collagen treatment damaging to hair?
No. It's designed to treat and repair damaged hair, not damage it. That's the whole purpose of the treatment. The formula is also formaldehyde-free.

Will it straighten my hair?
It depends on the finish you choose. Sealing the treatment in gives a smoother, sleeker result. If you'd like to keep more of your natural movement, we tailor the finish to suit. Unlike keratin, it isn't mainly a straightening treatment.

Is it safe for coloured or bleached hair?
Yes. This is the hair it helps most. It replaces moisture lost during colouring and helps your colour last longer.

Is collagen good for curly hair?
Yes. It adds moisture and helps control frizz. It can also relax your curls a little, making them softer and easier to manage. Tell us at your consultation how you'd like your curls to look, and we'll tailor the finish.

Is it suitable for fine hair?
Yes, especially if your fine hair is dry or damaged. Collagen leaves it smoother, softer and shinier, though you may notice a little less volume, as the hair sits sleeker. We'll tailor the treatment to your hair, and if you're not sure it's right for you, we're happy to advise at a consultation.

Can I wash my hair straight after?
Yes. You can wash it the same day or wait a couple of days, whatever suits you. You're also welcome to have your first wash with us in the salon, with a complimentary hair mask.

How much does it cost?
Prices start from £300. See our Price List for details.

Book your collagen hair treatment in Marylebone

Shenol Hair is a hair salon at 12 Crawford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 6BA, a short walk from Baker Street and Marylebone stations. Whether you want to repair dry ends, bring your colour back to life or finally tame frizz, we'll create a collagen treatment designed around your hair.

Call or WhatsApp us on 07800 500014, or book your appointment online today.