Keratin is a very important protein for the health and appearance of hair, so when it is lacking, hair is weakened.
Nowadays it is very rare to find a hair product that does not have keratin in its composition. In fact, it is always used to attract the consumer’s attention. But not everyone knows exactly what it is, much less what it does to the hair. However, if it promises so many benefits, it’s worth checking out more.
And in fact, keratin is really good for the health and appearance of your hair. This protein is synthesized by humans, being concentrated mainly in the skin, nails and hair. However, due to external aggressions, it ends up weakening and this results in dry, brittle hair. Hence the need to replace keratin protein.
Therefore, today you will learn everything about keratin, this very important protein, how to replace it and its benefits for your hair.
keratin
First of all, keratin is a protein of animal origin, made up of approximately 40 amino acids. Among them, one is quite predominant and essential, which is cysteine. It is this amino acid that makes keratin one of the main ingredients in hair products, focused on reconstruction.
Cysteine is a substance that has the function of protecting and providing resistance to body structures, especially hair. This is because it is responsible for 90% of the formation of hair follicles, that is, it is essential for the hair to have life, elasticity and great resistance.
So, as we know, proteins are very important for the body, since they participate in all cellular processes in the body. Therefore, its lack or weakening can affect health.
Synthesized by humans and also reptiles, this protein helps prevent the body’s cells from becoming dehydrated. This is because this protein is impermeable. In the human body, this protein is concentrated in the skin, nails and hair.
However, although it is naturally present in these areas, external aggressions can weaken it and even remove keratin from the body, especially the hair. And this is where the hair becomes weakened, unprotected and brittle, which is undesirable.
Keratin in hair
Present in the skin, nails and hair, keratin acts mainly on the hair. Therefore, its function is to protect and maintain all the nutrients within the hair. In this way, it acts as a type of protective layer that prevents the loss of water from the hair shaft, at the same time as it protects and guarantees the hair a shinier and silkier appearance.
When this protein is weakened or missing due to external aggressions, the hair appears lifeless, dry and very brittle. Naturally, the keratin synthesized in the body is lost due to the sun or other elements, such as excessive wind and some habits that can weaken it.
The dryer and straightener are examples of this, as they remove the natural moisture from the hair. And the higher the frequency, the greater the loss of this and other proteins present in the hair.
Another factor that accentuates the loss of keratin is hair chemicals, such as dyeing and straightening, which alter the structure of the hair. Therefore, in this remodeling process, when the cuticles open and close, the hair loses keratin. The consequence of this is that the hair fiber becomes increasingly thinner and more fragile.
That’s why keratin is one of the main ingredients in hair treatments. Therefore, its main effects are the strengthening and protection of the fiber, among other benefits.
Benefits for hair
So, discover all the benefits of keratin for hair:
- Protects the wires;
- Restructures the hair;
- Deep reconstruction of hair;
- Returns lost essential nutrients;
- Strengthens the hair structure,
- Promotes resistance to chemical aggression;
- Reduces frizz,
- Helps align the wires;
- Promotes a healthier appearance to the locks.
How to replace keratin
When hair suffers a lot of aggression, it ends up removing keratin. When this happens, it is essential to replace the lost protein to restore health to the hair. There are several ways to do this, let’s look at the most common ones.
Nanokeratinization
Nanokerainization is an aesthetic procedure that aims to restore keratin to the hair. This process is done using a brush that is attached to a device that contains liquid keratin. In this way, as the brush is passed through the hair, it distributes the keratin in the strands effectively.
Cauterization
Cauterization, popularly known as hair plastic surgery, is another very effective procedure when it comes to replacing keratin in the hair. It is done through deep cleaning. Thus, followed by hydration and then a keratin load, which uses the heat from the straightener to consolidate the protein. Finally, silicone is applied.
Hair reconstruction
Hair reconstruction with keratin is best recommended when the hair is very damaged, fragile and brittle. As the protein acts from the inside of the hair structure outwards, it is the best way to restore a healthy appearance to your hair. This treatment is done by applying keratin to the hair, combined with other proteins and minerals that promote deep hydration.
That’s why it’s very important to have a hair care routine, and include hair reconstruction. In addition to reconstruction products enriched with keratin, it is also possible to find this protein in ampoule form. In this case, you can mix it with your usual reconstruction cream. The ideal is to do this every 15 days.
Keratin-based cosmetic products
This is the simplest and easiest way to replace keratin in your hair and can be included in your hair care routine. Using hair products, such as shampoos, conditioners, masks, among others, enriched with keratin, it is possible to gradually replace the protein.
And to avoid losing protein, it is important to take some precautions. Such as reducing the use of hairdryers, straighteners and curling irons, and always using thermal protector beforehand, opting for longer intervals for color touch-ups, and whenever you bleach your hair, do it with a professional.
Caveats
As keratin promotes a series of benefits to hair, the idea was created that it can also straighten hair. But that is not true. The use of keratin consists of a reconstructive treatment, but it does not alter the structure of the hair. So if you want to straighten your hair, keratin is not the answer.
A frequent question regarding the use of this protein is whether it causes hair hardening and breakage. The answer is no. However, it can happen in cases of excess when applying keratin.
Cosmetic products that contain keratin in their composition work by replacing this lost component. Thus, leaving the hair stronger and protected. However, when used in large quantities and very frequently, the result may be the opposite. The tendency is for the strands to become very rigid and have a hardened appearance.
Therefore, the tip is to use products with keratin in regular concentrations of the ingredient, to avoid any damage to the hair. The ideal is to seek a recommendation from your dermatologist to know the right concentration and frequency to use keratin.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out what a hair schedule is and how it works.
Sources: Tô de Cacho Softhair Good Hair It’s My Derma Club Derma Club
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