Keratin – gloss, strength and bounce for your hair

Keratin is the name of a protein produced naturally by the body. In fact, 90 percent of the inner and outer layer of hair is made up of this essential protein component – alongside lipids, water and pigments. This important protein determines the structure of the fibre layer and fills the space between the cuticle layer and the hair medulla. It is stretchy, flexible and strong. Keratin is extremely temperature-resistant and makes the hair more resistant to external influences such as the heat and cold. In the internal hair structure, it has a considerable effect on the regulation of moisture content.

The hair loses keratin in the course of normal daily wear, weakening the hair fibres. If the protective keratin layer is damaged, the hair looks dull and lacklustre. Typical stress factors that also have a harmful effect on the keratin structure include the following:

• the use of care products that are unsuitable for your hair type
• rough brushing and combing of wet hair
• excessive exposure to sunlight and UV radiation
• salt water and chlorine
• frequent straightening, perms, bleaching and dyeing using chemical hair treatments
• heat styling at high temperatures using a blow-dryer, curling wand or straightener
• environmental influences such as impurities in the air and water
• nutritional deficiency through improper diet
• lack of hydration through neglecting hair care

By the way, keratin is also contained in the skin as well as in toenails and fingernails, which is where they get their strength and durability.

Hair care products with keratin affect both the surface of the hair and its deeper structure. The microproteins contained in the products penetrate through the cuticle layer and into the hair fibres, supplying the hair with missing protein components and strengthening the hair from the shaft to the ends.

The nourishing keratin helps balance out the influence of stress factors. The microproteins surround the cuticle layer, giving free radicals no opportunity to weaken the hair by breaking down proteins. If free radicals are blocked in time, the effects of early hair ageing can be effectively stopped in their tracks. Keratin treatment reduces the binding of copper, thereby reducing the resulting oxidative stress. Copper is considered to be an important indicator of hair damage: the higher the quantity of copper that is built up in the hair, the greater the damage.

Advantages of regular keratin hair treatment:

• strengthens the hair structure internally and externally by filling gaps and cracks
• smooths the outer cuticle layer for smoother, silkier hair
• makes the hair healthier and improves its texture
• protects against heat styling and harmful environmental influences

In order to strengthen the structure of your hair, you can use keratin products such as keratin shampoos and keratin conditioners every time your wash your hair. To ensure that the microproteins contained in the formulas can work to their full potential and rebuild the hair structure, you should extend the amount of time you leave the product in your hair by a few extra minutes. This is especially important if you hair is already showing significant signs of damage. After you have left the product in to take effect, you can thoroughly rinse out the keratin product as usual.

Hair masks with keratin – applied once a week – intensify the nourishing, regenerative effect. They contribute to your hair feeling smoother and softer for longer and also boast a natural-looking anti-frizz effect.

Hairstyling products with keratin – including hair sprays and hair oils – have a protective effect and also improve your hair’s stylability. Curling wands and hair dryers that are enriched with keratin are easier and gentler on the hair during styling as they automatically adapt the hair’s moisture level.

There is a method originating from Brazil involving using keratin to straighten the hair. This involves applying keratins – usually obtained from sheep’s wool – onto the hair. They penetrate into recesses and cracks in the cuticle layer and seal the surface of the hair. The subsequent heat treatment straightens the hair surface for a period of up to six months without any additional styling.

Disadvantages: this method is time-consuming and expensive. If your hair structure has already sustained damage, the heat from the intensive heat treatment can cause additional damage to your hair.