How do the rice protein and keratin fixing balm affect the color result and hair feel?

The formula includes two conditioning components that work at different stages. Rice protein is in the color cream itself — it forms a light film on the hair surface and helps the fiber hold onto more pigment during the oxidative process. In practice this means the red tone can look more saturated and reflective rather than flat or dull, especially on lengths that have lost vibrancy from washing and UV exposure.

The fixing balm with keratin and vitamins is applied after rinsing out the dye. Keratin is a structural protein naturally present in hair; when deposited post-color it temporarily fills microscopic gaps in the cuticle. This makes the strands feel smoother, look straighter, and reduces the coarse, straw-like texture that permanent dyes can leave behind. The vitamins in the balm add a light conditioning layer that supports shine.

Together they address the two main complaints with at-home red shades: rapid fade and rough feel. The rice protein acts during color development, the keratin balm acts after. For best results, leave the fixing balm on for the full time indicated in the leaflet before rinsing — skipping or shortening this step reduces the smoothing benefit.