If you want smoother, frizz-free hair, you've probably heard of keratin hair treatments or Brazilian blowouts. Essentially the same thing, these smoothing hair treatments are known for their ability to keep hair looking straight, smooth, and shiny for about six months. The only problem is that they're loaded with chemicals and, consequently, have a bad reputation.
That's why beauty brands, recognizing the benefits of keratin as a hair care ingredient, have begun formulating products with it. But do they really work? Discover more about keratin to find the answers to your questions.
What is keratin?
Keratin is actually a structural and protective protein that makes up hair and nails. It's responsible for preventing breakage, frizz, and heat damage in hair. Therefore, it can be used topically to smooth hair and reduce frizz.
Before we delve into the benefits of keratin for hair, let's clarify what keratin is and how it affects hair. Keratin can be described as the building block of hair structure. It is literally a fibrous protein that makes up each individual hair strand. As hair becomes damaged, it needs all the help it can get to repair and strengthen its natural structure.
There are two main ways to add keratin to your hair care routine. When hydrolyzed collagen proteins are applied topically to the hair, they can temporarily increase strength by helping to repair damaged areas of the hair shaft. This is generally different from keratin treatments in salons.
Keratin treatments can damage hair. Despite the potential risks, many people still get keratin treatments in salons. Keeping this in mind, learn the pros and cons of keratin hair treatments, both at home and in salons.
Benefits of keratin for hair
- It makes the hair rough.
- It strengthens the hair.
- It adds shine.
Whether you opt for keratin treatment in a salon or at home, it will make a difference to your hair. At-home keratin products help strengthen chemically damaged hair. These products, usually in oil or serum form, can result in smoother, shinier, and healthier-looking hair.
Salon keratin treatments use liquid keratin, various chemicals, and high heat to load protein into the hair. The results are temporary and generally last about 6 months. The problem is that to achieve these benefits, you expose yourself to potentially harmful chemicals.
The pros and cons of keratin treatments.
Keratin treatments, whether done at home or in a salon, yield the best results for people with dry, damaged, and unruly hair types. They can also be great for those seeking a fuller look. However, as mentioned earlier, salon keratin treatments expose your hair to harsh chemicals.
Experts say that pregnant women and people with pre-existing respiratory problems should especially avoid keratin treatments. Keratin treatments in salons contain significant amounts of formaldehyde. It is known that some hairdressers who perform this procedure repeatedly experience respiratory problems.
Of course, this doesn't mean you should avoid keratin treatments at home. After all, they are much safer and don't involve the chemicals and fumes associated with salon techniques. However, if you feel your hair is dry after using a keratin product, switch to a moisturizing product instead.
How to use keratin for hair?
We explained the potential risks of keratin treatments in the salon. Instead, you can benefit from keratin-formulated hair care products, a safer option to make your hair look shinier . Shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, or leave-in conditioners containing keratin are among the options you can choose from.
You can also check out our related article to learn more about biotin, another ingredient frequently used in hair care .