Keratin for hair: what is the benefit of a beauty ingredient?

For good reason, keratin is a common ingredient in many hair care products. It is a naturally occurring protein that supports the strength and health of your hair. Keratin is a substance that can be added to shampoos, conditioners, and treatments to give your hair an extra boost and make it shinier and smoother.

In order to repair damage brought on by heat styling, coloring, or environmental factors, many people resort to keratin treatments. By filling in the holes in the hair shaft, these treatments make hair easier to manage and less prone to frizz. For people who want a sleeker look but have curly or frizzy hair, this is very beneficial.

Even though keratin has many advantages, it’s crucial to know how it functions and what to anticipate. Not all keratin products are created equal, and some might contain extra ingredients that have different effects on your hair. Understanding how keratin can benefit your hair will help you select the appropriate treatments or products for your unique requirements.

What is keratin for hair?

• animal keratin, extracted from sheep or goat wool;

• plant keratin, synthesized from corn, soy, wheat or rice;

• innovative pro-keratin complex with microscopic sized protein molecules that easily penetrate deep into the cuticular layer of the hair.

The most common form of industrial keratin in cosmetology is hydrolyzed; this liquid form of the molecule ensures that keratin will effectively enter the structure of damaged hair cells.

Where is keratin in hair?

Keratin fibers of different thicknesses and intertwined patterns literally permeate both the cortex (the second layer) and the medulla (the inner hair shaft). Ten layers of keratin scales, held together by lipids, make up the cuticle, or top layer of hair; the scales are layered on top of one another to create a protective "shell." To the query, "What is the amount of keratin in hair?" In response, scientists state that 80–90% of human hair is made of keratin protein.

What is in the composition?

In the process of making keratin, sulfur, nitrogen, silicon, and vitamin B6 are involved. Amino acids, which are actually what make up natural human keratin, can only be synthesized in sufficient quantities of these substances. For instance, of the 20 amino acids found in keratin, there are:

• alanine, participating in the metabolism of sugars and energy production;

• glycine, stabilizing brain activity and participating in the processes of protecting the nervous system;

• cystine, forming and maintaining the structure of proteins in the body;

• methionine, breaking down cholesterol, preventing hair loss and affecting the volume of the hair shaft;

• cysteine, accelerating tissue healing, protecting follicles from oxidative stress and stimulating hair growth.

We truly need amino acids, which is why they are included in hair care products’ composition along with keratin.

What is the function of keratin?

Since keratin is the building block of human hair, nails, and skin cells, as we have already stated, its primary purpose is structural. Furthermore, keratin serves a protective role in our bodies because it is a very strong protein that does not dissolve in water with a pH of neutral. Its merit is strong, elastic hair that is free of damage.

Why do hair need keratin?

If curls lack their own natural protein, a hairstylist or trichologist might suggest using beauty products that contain industrially hydrolyzed keratin. Keratin hydrolyzate is a water-soluble form of the same natural protein molecules that have been chemically broken down to extremely small sizes.

The deep penetration of protein elements into the cuticle layers is ensured by microsizes. Together with other active ingredients in care products, large protein fibers that are embedded in superficial damage create a protective layer on the hair shaft.

What effect does keratin have on hair?

• Keratin fills the voids in the damaged hair structure, due to which the problem of porosity, thinning and fragility is removed.

• Keratin helps to retain moisture in the hair fibers and maintains a healthy hydrobalance.

• Keratin intensively smoothes the hair cuticle, making them soft to the touch and shiny in appearance.

• Keratin increases the elasticity and firmness of curls.

• Keratin makes the strands more manageable and pliable in styling.

When the other ingredients in the formula are properly combined, keratin treatment will be much more effective. Keratin perfectly complements active ingredients like vitamins, silicones, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, ceramides, and glycerin.

Types of cosmetics with keratin

Take a look at the most well-liked keratin hair beauty products that you can use at home. Whether you wear long or short hair, these products will take your hair care to the next level.

Masks

Using a full-length Keratin mask is arguably the simplest method of keratinizing hair. It is unique in that it only takes a few minutes to work for a noticeable effect because of its rich texture and high concentration of nutrients. A keratin-rich nourishing mask greatly improves hair density and thickness while also effectively preventing split ends.

Kérastase, Mask Force Architect

Top keratin masks recommended by SalonSecret

With pro-keratin in its formula, L’Oréal Professionnel’s Serie Expert Liss Unlimited mask, which expertly tames wayward curls and protruding "antennae," will help you forget about the problems associated with unruly hair. And the perfect treatment for split and damaged hair is the Kérastase Force Architecte mask, which combines pro-keratin with restorative myrothamnus juice, ceramides (which reinforce the cuticle from the outside), and pro-keratin. You can seal split ends, soften strands, restore strength, and maintain salon-quality grooming with this mixture.

Shampoos

It is impossible to imagine having well-groomed hair without keratin shampoo. The shampoo manages to do its job—that is, smooth out creases, minimize waviness, thicken the hair, and seal split ends—despite generally being washed off very quickly. That is, the first "batch" of keratin is applied to the curls during the cleansing stage, and the process of their recovery begins. However, what matters most is the ingredients in these shampoos. Generally speaking, they have adequate soft cleaning agents.

The best keratin shampoos according to SalonSecret

After grandiose clarification or chemical curls, SalonSecret experts recommend Biolage Keratindose soft shampoo to restore severely damaged hair. Because the product contains no harmful ingredients, sulfates, or parabens, and because silk extract is added to the pro-karatin, the strands are strong, elastic, and brilliant. As a result, they can wash their hair every day. In addition to pro-karatin, shampoo L’Oréal ProfessionNel Serie Expert Liss Unlimited nourishes curls by containing nutrient oil from Moluccian tree seeds, which prevents moisture from the air from penetrating the hair and leaving it excessively voluminous.

Balms

Keratin-infused balm: An essential component of the regimen if you’re going for a high-end hairstyle. Any type of hair will benefit greatly from keratin balm, whether it is rinsed off or not. When the hair is as smooth as possible, the cuticle scales are more positioned next to the rod and reflect light, making the curls sparkle more brilliantly. Easy combing and no knots after hair washing are two more unquestionable benefits.

Top keratin balms rated by SalonSecret

The Biolage Keratindose conditioner is free of sulfates and parabens, and it helps repair even the most severely damaged hair by giving it back its natural shine and tone. The Kérastase Ciment Anti-Usure balm’s name, "Care-cement," says it all: it strengthens curls and increases their shine by restoring the outer keratin layer and filling in the gaps inside the hair shaft.

Sprays

Change the way your hair looks in just a few seconds? Simple, provided you have access to a leave-in keratin spray! Such beauty products typically serve multiple beneficial purposes simultaneously, such as moisturizing, volume formation, texturing, styling, antistatic effect, compaction, and protection against UV and high temperatures. The spray always has a lot of other pleasant ingredients in addition to keratin or substances that resemble keratin, such as sea salt, collagen, ceramides, vitamins, and amino acids.

SalonSecret says this keratin spray is the greatest.

The restorative spray Biolage Keratindose’s formula, which includes pro-keratin and silk extract for strengthening and moisturizing, effectively fights dullness and stiffness in hair while also facilitating easier combing and accelerating styling.

Oils

Keratin-infused multipurpose oils fill in gaps and damage, smooth the cuticle, hydrate and saturate hair, and give curls a glossy sheen. Experts from SalonSecret have provided this life hack: use keratin-infused oils on your hair, starting from the middle length and working your way outward. This will prevent the product from getting on your scalp and causing excessive weighting of the strands and volume loss.

The top keratin-containing oil, according to SalonSecret

The L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Liss Unlimited serum bottle contains evening primrose oil along with pro-keratin, which is used for smoothing, density, shine, and moisture protection. The latter aids in taming unkempt hair, provides nourishment, and—perhaps most importantly for the ritual—fragrances subtly of flowers.

Naturally occurring in hair, keratin fills in structural gaps in the hair to help repair damaged hair when applied as a beauty treatment. Frizz is reduced and hair becomes more manageable with this treatment that smoothes, strengthens, and adds shine. It gives hair that is dry, damaged, or chemically treated a sleek and healthy look, which is especially advantageous.

What are the hair treatments with keratin?

Keratin is utilized in salon hair treatments in addition to beauty products for use at home and in professional settings. These are a few of the most well-liked beauty routines that use this protein.

Keratin straightening

A tried-and-true method to alter your appearance and get rid of waves, curls, or frizz is keratin straightening. The curls are treated with liquid keratin and then "ironed" with a curling iron during this multi-hour process. This causes an invisible layer to build up on the hair, filling in the spaces and maintaining the straightness of the strands.

Keratin restoration

Keratinization and keratin straightening are two entirely different processes, despite the fact that many people mix them up. Furthermore, keratin restoration aims to revive damaged strands of hair, whereas straightening primarily aims to smooth and level the hair. The hair gets a shock dose of protein and a potent keratin composition treatment during the keratinization process. Split ends are sealed and curls are repaired all the way down the hair.

Kerathermy

Deep hair restoration determined by the scope of Split ends, brittleness, and breakage are all issues associated with severely damaged hair that can be resolved in five steps with Kérastase Thérapiste. By adding microproteins that bind keratin molecules into the structure of the hair shaft, the process recreates the hair matter. Keratin fibers become more stable as a result, and the shaft’s degradation is stopped. Strands develop a polished appearance and become resistant to outside harm.

Keratin perm

Keratin can be used for more than just straightening hair; it can also be used to curl hair. However, this is only feasible if curlers are used to curl the strands after the keratin preparation is applied. Salon keratin perms offer numerous benefits and are a very safe and gentle way to maintain healthy hair. Your hair will become soft, thick, and flowing after this procedure, and you’ll have gorgeous, well-defined curls.

Bixyplasty for hair

Buxiplasty is a salon procedure that improves the quality of hair as well as the way strands look. It makes use of a blend of oils and keratin, including Brazil nuts, healing bishi, babassu, and pracaxi. The process has a potent nourishing, moisturizing, and restorative effect in addition to smoothing.

Keratin	Benefit
Strengthens Hair	Keratin helps to rebuild the hair structure, making it stronger and more resilient to damage.
Improves Smoothness	This ingredient smooths the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and giving hair a sleek look.
Restores Shine	Keratin adds a natural shine to dull and lifeless hair, enhancing its appearance.
Reduces Breakage	By reinforcing hair strands, keratin reduces breakage and split ends, promoting healthier growth.

Keratin treatments are becoming a popular option for people who want their hair to be smoother and stronger. This natural protein is infused into hair to help repair damaged strands and make them more manageable and glossy.

Although keratin can produce noticeable results, it’s crucial to pay attention to how intense the treatment is. Damage or breakage of hair can result from misuse or incorrect application, particularly if done too frequently.

To achieve the best results and long-term hair health, anyone thinking about keratin should consult with a professional stylist and select high-quality products.

Video on the topic

Who should not do keratin? #keratinstraightening #hair #keratinhairstraightening

What is the ingredient? I told you in the comments 💘 #hair #keratin #longhair #botox

Keratin at home from Rossmann

This keratin has conquered many masters #foxprofessional#gloss #keratin #keratin

Wow effect 🤩 on your hair #kerarganic #keratin

I wanted to do KERATIN but the hairdresser forbade it 😡LET me try THIS CARE 🔥🔥