What is Keratin? Learn About the Rejeuvenating Ingredient in Your Hair Product

Keratin is one of the trendiest ingredients in the beauty industry these days. However, not much is known about this versatile protein. Before you go you should seek answers to a few basic questions, like ‘what is keratin?’ and ‘what does it do to my hair?’. Keep reading to get a crash course in keratin.

A basic explanation of what keratin is would mention that keratin is a naturally-occurring protein. The protein is tough and fibrous, allowing it to give structure to hair, skin and nails. In these substances, keratin’s role is to protect, waterproof and provide flexibility. It fulfills these roles in all of its forms, whether the keratin in soft and pliable as in hair, or tough as in nails and hooves.

The keratin we interact with every day, the keratin in our skin and hair, for instance, is actually dead. When keratin cells die, they are pushed to the surface, where they form a layer that protects the living keratin below. The keratin that is put into our beauty products is usually extracted from the wool of sheep, in a humane and sustainable way.

Be warned! Not all keratin ingredients are equally beneficial. Be sure to read the ingredient label before you buy. Any keratins that are ‘hydrolyzed’ should be avoided as these have been degraded during extraction and processing and have lost their function. ‘Functional keratin’ means that you have the right stuff.

The purpose of using keratin in hair products is to take advantage of its properties as a protective and healing agent. Functional keratin has the ability to repair dull, brittle hair and also to protect it from further damage.

Your hair can be damaged through exposure to any number of things. Chemicals, heat and friction are often the biggest culprits: every time you brush your hair, run a straightening iron over it, dye it or put it up in a hair tie, you are causing damage to the outer layer of keratin.

Adding keratin to your hair through products will reinforce the keratin that already exists to protect your hair. The new keratin will form a sacrificial layer, taking the brunt of any damage that comes their way. This means that your natural keratin can remain healthy, leaving your hair shiny, smooth and strong.

Hair that is already damaged can also benefit from keratin products. Keratin proteins can interact with your hair’s natural proteins to repair areas that have been damaged. This will strengthen your hair as well as improve its appearance.

A common misconception about keratin is that it can straighten hair. This stems from the notoriety of keratin straightening treatments. These popular treatments can tame even the unruliest hair, though the treatment have earned some criticism for potential health risks.

The treatments work by applying strong chemicals to the hair, breaking down the bonds that make hair curly. The keratin is then applied to protect the hair during this stage and to heal it afterwards. While keratin is a necessary part of the process, it is not the agent responsible for straightening hair, nor is it the agent that results in the potential for health problems.

Learn more about uses of keratin protein and B2B opportunities from a leading keratin supplier. Keraplast is an innovator of the technology that allows for the development and use of functional keratin.