Its name alone, ‘Keratin shampoo’, portrays it as a product that will make one’s hair shiny, slick, and easy to manage. But is its performance as good as some people suggest? This blog post dives deep into the world of keratin-infused hair care, dissecting its benefits, effectiveness, and best practices for various hair types.
Importance of Keratin for Hair
Human hair protein is Keratin which is made up of 19 different amino acid chains. L cysteine is one of such acids, and it should be discussed a little further. Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is necessary in connective tissues, more specifically in hair formation, because it contributes to the cohesion of cells.
Just for your imagination. Scalp hair is to be comprised of 8% of water, 89% of Keratin and 3% of minerals. Let that sink in. 89%. Hai dari orang Asia mengandung 94% keratin dan hai dari African 85% keratin.
your hair is compositionally comprised of keratin predominantly, although this is only a rough estimate as different hairs may have variations.
It gives the internal and external architecture of your hair and the name for that protein is Keratin. Keratin builds cells of strength and intended plan.
when we look at a piece of hair strand that has been stressed a lot or perhaps has been chemically treated, it looks like this limestone with tiny pores. be said that a road is full of cracks or you can say that a road with full of cracks.
Structural Integrity:
Keratin composes the hair fiber reinforcement and elasticity to support their everyday usage and also other factors that could harm hair strands such as polluted air and hair treatment solutions.
Elasticity:
The main component shown to be associated with hair elasticity is keratin, which permits hair strands to be stretched and then returned to their original form without snapping. This property is essential for the hair to be healthy, alive, and capable of combating the harsh treatments it undergoes and falls under the stylist’s hands.
Protection:
The cuticle, which forms the outer covering of hair, is made up of several layers of keratin which overlap with each other thus preventing the rest of the hair from damage. One of these advantages involves acting as a shield to retain moisture on hair hence preventing damage from moistening factors and as a shield to protect hair from damaging factors such as ultraviolet radiation, and airborne irritants among others.
READ MORE:
Choosing the Best Shampoo After Keratin Treatment:Hair fall prevention
How Keratin Works in Hair Care Products
The natural product from the human hair is the best keratin for the hair maintenance and repair. But within the European Union, for instance, it became prohibited to incorporate human proteins (or any human component) into the products.
This brings confusion to a moment where keratin can only be gotten from animals and with no other impurities. One common myth though is that keratin can be derived from plants and flowers and this is not true at all. It may be present in the slightest of amounts but that too is not in the compound known to be present in human hair as keratin.
There are two types of keratin from animals:
a-Keratin: found in vertebrates
b-Keratin: found in reptiles only and in young birds.
When incorporated into hair care products like shampoos, conditioners, or treatments, keratin intends to restore, defend, and improve its natural keratin hair structure. Keratin-infused products are absorbed into the hair shafts to fill up gaps and bring about repair in damaged parts of the cuticle of the hair.
It is through this process that the natural strength of the hair is renewed thus minimizing breakage. The act of replacing keratins in the hair enables them to have a flat surface that reduces frizz thus making it look sleeker and shinier.
Reestablished keratins in the cuticle can boost moisture retention capacity leading to more moisturized and less brittle strands.
Hair becomes less likely to suffer additional damage from heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental damage after its keratin structure has been replaced.
photo Amazon
Unlocking the Power of Keratin:
The protein that forms the foundation of our locks, keratin, reduces naturally as we grow older, use hot tools, or get concerned by surroundings (read more about it here). Depletion of keratin due to aging, warmth styling, and climate conditions is a natural process. This is because keratin, which is your hair’s building block, reduces due to old age or heat from a dryer and exposure to outside circumstances when it makes products aspired at restoring this protein into each strand hence leading to lighter, healthier locks without any friziness.
The Science Behind the Shine:
The science is mixed. While keratin molecules are too large to penetrate the hair shaft, hydrolyzed keratin (smaller fragments) may temporarily fill in gaps on the hair cuticle, leading to a smoother appearance. However, long-term strengthening requires addressing the root cause of the damage.
Taming the Frizz and Boosting the Bounce:
For dry, damaged, or frizz-prone hair, keratin shampoo can offer visible results. It helps lock in moisture, smooth the cuticle, and reduce flyaways. However, if your hair is coarse or chemically treated, its effectiveness might be limited. Human hair extensions can also be shampooed with keratin shampoo. They normally go through several chemical modifications that break keratin bonds and, further down the line.
Know Your Hair, Choose Your Weapon:
Not all keratin shampoos are created equal. Some focus on hydration, others on repair, and some cater to specific hair types. Choosing the right formula based on your unique needs is crucial. Opt for gentle, sulfate-free options if you have color-treated or sensitive hair.
The Frequency Factor: Striking the Balance:
If your daily use is generally safe. Being overwashed is depriving your hair of natural oils. Start with 1-2 washes per week. Adjust gorily to your hair’s needs. you can use it alternating with a gentle clarifying shampoo to prevent buildup.
How should use keratin shampoo:
Hair looks coarse and weighty, especially for fine hair, keratin coating can make hair look heavier and coarse. Keratin shampoo is a good shampoo for damaged, coarse, frizzy hair. If you need help, consult a hairstylist for personalized advice. They would recommend a good keratin accounting for your hair needs.
Does keratin shampoo make hair curly?
Keratin shampoo doesn’t make your hair curly, it strengthens and smoothes it instead, making it less frizzy with distinct waves if it dries naturally because the cuticle is much stronger now! It’s worth mentioning that such shampoo is only a temporary measure against changing its structure anyway.
The Art of Application:
- Use lukewarm water to avoid stripping your hair’s natural oils.
- Start with a pea-sized amount, and adjust based on your hair length and thickness. Don’t overdo it, as keratin shampoos can be rich and concentrated.
- Focus on your scalp first, using your fingertips to massage the shampoo and stimulate circulation. Then, work the product through your hair, ensuring even distribution.
- Some keratin shampoos recommend leaving them on for 1-2 minutes to allow the keratin to penetrate the hair shaft. Check the label for specific instructions.
- Use lukewarm water to remove all the shampoo residue. Double-rinsing might be necessary for thicker hair.
- Use a conditioner formulated for your hair type to add moisture and prevent dryness. Avoid applying conditioner directly to your scalp, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Rinse out the conditioner with cool water to seal the hair cuticle and add shine.
READ MORE: 15 best shampoo for dry damage hair, Try Must
Keratin Delights: A Curated Selection:
For damaged and frizzy hair: CHI Moisturize It Duo Keratin Shampoo & Conditioner
For dry and color-treated hair: Keratin Perfect – Color Travel Duo – Shampoo & Conditioner
For fine and flat hair: Marc Anthony Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set with Keratin
Potential side effects of overuse:
Keratin shampoos can build up on the hair over time, making it appear limp, greasy, or weighed down. Some keratin shampoos can be more drying, especially if not paired with proper conditioning.Individuals with sensitive scalps might experience irritation from certain ingredients in keratin shampoos.
If you’re experiencing one or more of the following side effects, it is advisable to clarify your shampoos so that they remove all the build-up and residues that had collected on your hair where possible.In case you are using it for removing excessive keratin, use only once or twice and after that switch back to your normal shampoo routine. As well as this, make sure that you supply a deep hydrating conditioner or mask which will put back in some moisture what has been lost followed by returning softness into your hair.
Concluion:
Keratin shampoo is helpful for your hair. when you take it right formula and accurate amount. It’s beneficial for all aspects of hair. your hair looking shiny, healthier, and more manageable hair. Keratin shampoo should not be used daily, particularly if it is in high concentration. Excessive use of this type of shampoo can cause an overload of proteins which makes your hair dry and rigid; instead, try using it every other day together with a hydrating one for proper protein–moisture equilibrium.
