Keratin
A naturally occurring fibrous protein found in the hair, skin, and nails, playing a vital role in providing strength, protection, and resilience. It serves as the structural building block for the outer layers of cells, helping to fortify and protect them. In hair care products, keratin is often sourced from animal materials such as wool, feathers, or hooves, but can also be synthetically or plant-derived in some formulations, especially for vegan or cruelty-free options.
Keratin strengthens and protects hair by filling in weak points and gaps caused by damage from heat styling, chemical treatments (such as coloring or perming), or environmental stressors. This reinforcement helps prevent hair breakage, split ends, and overall fragility, resulting in healthier, more resilient hair. It also improves elasticity, making hair more flexible and less prone to damage from tension or manipulation. This leads to hair that is more springy, vibrant, and manageable.
When applied to hair, keratin smooths down the cuticle, giving the hair a shinier, sleeker, and more polished appearance while reducing frizz and flyaways. This makes hair feel silky and soft. Although keratin itself isn’t a moisturizer, it helps retain hydration by reinforcing the hair shaft and acting as a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. This is particularly beneficial for dry or damaged hair, keeping it hydrated and preventing it from becoming brittle or coarse.
Keratin also enhances shine and lustre by smoothing the hair's surface, allowing light to better reflect off the strands, resulting in healthier-looking and brighter hair. It improves manageability by reducing frizz and tangling, making it easier to comb, brush, and style. This is particularly helpful for individuals with curly, coarse, or unruly hair, which is prone to tangling.
Keratin can repair damage caused by heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. It restores strength to the hair by filling in gaps caused by heat exposure, offering protection against future damage. Additionally, keratin provides a protective layer that shields hair from environmental damage, such as UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather. This barrier helps prevent hair from losing pigment and graying prematurely.
By filling in damaged or porous areas of the hair shaft, keratin can restore volume and body to the hair. This results in fuller, thicker, and denser hair, especially beneficial for those with fine or thin hair. Keratin also supports healthy hair growth by promoting the strength and integrity of hair follicles, reducing thinning and breakage while encouraging the growth of stronger, longer hair.
