Keratin in Haircare
Keratin is the primary structural protein of hair, providing strength, elasticity, and protection from environmental stressors.
What is Keratin?
Keratin is a fibrous structural protein, meaning it is elongated and forms a framework within the body. It is the chief component of hair, skin, and nails in humans, and also forms the outer layer of hooves, horns, and feathers in animals. In hair, keratin's unique composition of amino acids, particularly cysteine, allows it to form strong disulfide bonds. These bonds are critical for the hair's structural integrity, contributing to its strength, elasticity, and overall shape.
There are two main types of keratin: alpha-keratin and beta-keratin. Human hair primarily consists of alpha-keratin, which forms a coiled, helical structure. This helical arrangement, in conjunction with the disulfide bonds, provides hair with its characteristic resilience and ability to withstand stretching and bending.
The Role of Keratin in Hair Health
Keratin's robustness is central to healthy hair. It forms the outer protective layer of the hair shaft, known as the cuticle, as well as the inner cortex. The cuticle consists of overlapping, scale-like cells that protect the inner structures from damage. When the cuticle is healthy and smooth, it reflects light, contributing to the hair's shine. Damage to the cuticle, such as that caused by chemical treatments, heat styling, or environmental exposure, can lead to raised scales, making hair appear dull, rough, and prone to breakage. This is where external keratin treatments and products aim to intervene.
Keratin Damage and Its Causes
Various factors can lead to the depletion or damage of keratin in the hair:
- Chemical Treatments: Processes like coloring, perming, and relaxing break down disulfide bonds and can strip the hair of its natural keratin.
- Heat Styling: Frequent use of high-temperature styling tools, such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers, can denature keratin, leading to brittleness and breakage.
- Environmental Exposure: UV radiation from the sun, pollution, and harsh winds can degrade keratin proteins over time.
- Mechanical Stress: Aggressive brushing, tight hairstyles, and rough towel-drying can cause physical damage to the hair shaft, compromising its keratin structure.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: A diet lacking essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals can affect the body's ability to produce healthy keratin.
When keratin is damaged, the hair becomes weaker, more porous, and susceptible to further damage. This often manifests as frizz, split ends, and a lack of elasticity.
Types of Keratin Hair Treatments
Keratin treatments typically refer to salon services that smooth hair and reduce frizz. These treatments usually involve applying a solution containing keratin and other chemicals to the hair, followed by heat sealing with a flat iron. The aim is to temporarily fill in porous areas of the hair shaft, creating a smoother, shinier appearance. The duration and effectiveness of these treatments vary depending on the specific formula and application.
It is important to note that many salon keratin treatments use formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, which can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat. formaldehyde-free alternatives are available.
Keratin in Haircare Products
Many haircare products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids, incorporate hydrolyzed keratin. Hydrolyzed keratin is keratin that has been broken down into smaller peptides, making it easier for the protein to penetrate the hair shaft or adhere to its surface. These smaller protein fragments can help to:
- Strengthen Hair: By temporarily bonding to damaged areas of the hair, enhancing its tensile strength.
- Improve Elasticity: Making hair more pliable and less prone to breakage.
- Reduce Frizz: By smoothing the cuticle and decreasing porosity.
- Enhance Shine: A smoother cuticle reflects light more effectively.
When choosing products, look for terms like hydrolyzed keratin, keratin amino acids, or keratin protein in the ingredient list. The concentration and type of keratin, as well as other accompanying ingredients, will influence the product's overall efficacy.
| Product Type | Benefit of Keratin Inclusion |
|---|---|
| Shampoos/Conditioners | Replenish lost protein, improve manageability, add shine |
| Leave-in Treatments | Ongoing protection, frizz control, heat styling preparation |
| Styling Products | Enhance strength, provide a smooth finish, add definition |
Maintaining Keratin Health
Beyond external treatments and products, several practices contribute to maintaining your hair's natural keratin:
- Balanced Diet: Consume adequate protein, iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A, C, and D.
- Gentle Hair Care: Avoid aggressive brushing, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles that pull on the hair.
- Protective Measures: Use heat protectant sprays before styling and wear hats or use UV-protective products when exposed to prolonged sunlight.
- Watermans Hair Products: Watermans Haircare products are formulated to support healthy hair growth and strength, often containing ingredients that complement the hair's natural keratin structure.
Find these ingredients in Watermans products
- Biotin — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Growth Shampoo.
- Zinc — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Vitamins.