What is Keratin?

Scientifically, keratin is a “family of fibrous structural proteins.” Simply put, they are the materials that make up the outer late of skin and act as building blocks of nails and hair. There are lots of shampoos with keratin, but why does a shampoo with keratin matter to you?

We asked Alex Zinn, RN CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), to help explain what keratin is and its role in our bodies:

“Keratin is a protein. It is basically the human version of a shrimp/crab shell (chitin). Cells that make up the dry parts of your skin, such as hands, nails, feet, and hair (i.e., not gums or the inside of your eyelids), have the keratin protein in their cellular structure. As new cells are made in the basal layer of skin (or hair follicle), healthy cells are pushed farther and farther away from that basal layer. This means they are farther and farther away from nutrients such as oxygen and glucose. The further cells are pushed out (away from the basal layer that makes new skin cells), the more they die and become dead skin. When the cell dies, the only thing that is left behind is that tough keratin protein. Making the outer layer of your skin just dead cell skeletons. This process continues consistently (and rapidly) so that your outer skin can be protective, and when you touch or rub things, it can just slough off without a problem.”

Okay, so maybe that wasn’t the simplest way to put it – but the point is, keratin is a protein, and it’s super good for your hair. Thanks, Alex!

Why is Keratin Good For Our Hair?

Hair experts have long promoted the use of products infused with keratin to promote hair growth and strength. Because keratin is a protein, it acts as a building block for your hair. Just like you would give plants Miracle Grow, you should give your hair Keratin protein.

When your hair is damaged, it has lost protein structure. By adding keratin to your hair, you can rebuild that protein structure.

Is Keratin Ever a Bad Idea?

It can be. Some Keratin treatments can destroy your hair due to the deep straightening process that follows. However, the quality of stylist you use can often determine the quality of your keratin hair treatment. Your best bet is to get a referral to a hairstylist who is experienced in keratin hair treatments. You’ve been warned.

How Do I Get Keratin in My Hair?

Diet

Ice cream, chocolate, pumpkin spiced anything – doesn’t help your hair! If you want your hair to be strong and beautiful, eat foods that are are foods rich in proteins. Since keratin is a protein, consuming fish, yogurt, chicken, and other high protein foods can help your hair grow strong. Make sure you are also eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens to give your hair even more protein and incredible shine.

Treatment

Keratin treatments have become super popular mainly because they can transform unmanageable hair to oh-girl-she-looking-so-good-hair!

To get a keratin treatment, we highly recommend you use an accomplished and trusted stylist! Do not try it at home. Your stylists will place the keratin-infused straightening product into your hair and then straighten your hair with a flat iron. The heat from the flat iron activated the keratin product, which causes your hair to straighten.

A good keratin hair treatment will keep your hair frizz-free and lusciously straight for up to 3 months. Directly after your treatment, you will not want to wash your hair! This will strip the hair of the treatment product, and your hair will revert to its original form. Once you have passed the “no shampoo” time period (usually 3 days), you should shampoo with a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates strip the hair of pretty much everything, so make sure you use a sulfate-free shampoo, so your hair is not stripped of the keratin formula.

Shampoo

You can always choose a shampoo that is filled with keratin! By washing daily or every other day with a shampoo with keratin, you can build your hair’s strength and volume. However, beware of shampoos that say they use keratin but actually don’t. Read the ingredients before purchasing to ensure you are getting authentic keratin!