Keratin Treatment – What Is It and How Does It Work?

Keratin – what is it really?

Keratin is a natural component of skin, hair and nails. It is a protein polymer that provides resilience and elasticity, and it is made up of amino acids, in particular cysteine, which makes it rich in sulphur.

Human hair is made up mainly of keratin, which accounts for about 95% of its mass. Keratin is responsible for maintaining the structure of the hair and gives it elasticity and shine. Hair that is weakened, damaged, dull or brittle may need an additional supply of keratin to regain a healthy appearance. Hair that is weakened or damaged often has a keratin deficiency. In such a case, the best solution is a keratin treatment.

Keratin treatment – how does it work?

During a keratin treatment, products containing keratin or enriched with it are applied to the hair. Usually this is a special shampoo, mask or conditioner. Keratin can be obtained from natural sources, such as animal fur, or produced artificially in laboratories.

After the keratin product is applied to the hair, it is usually left on for a few minutes so the ingredients can penetrate the hair structure. Then the hair is rinsed thoroughly to remove any excess product.

The effects of a keratin treatment can be visible after the first session. Hair becomes stronger, more elastic and regains its natural shine. For very damaged or brittle hair, several treatments may be needed to achieve a satisfactory result.

It is worth remembering, however, that a keratin treatment is not suitable for every hair type. People with fine, weak or brittle hair should consult a specialist before having the treatment, as excess keratin can overload the hair and cause it to weaken.

Keratin in cosmetics

We would now like to share a few key tips on using keratin in cosmetics:

• Choose keratin products suited to your hair type. Choosing the right keratin products is crucial, as different products may contain different ingredients that affect the condition of your hair.
• Use keratin cosmetics according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is usually recommended to use keratin products 1 to 3 times a week. However, they should not be used too often, as excess keratin can overload the hair.
• After applying a keratin product, rinse your hair thoroughly with water. Keratin left on the hair can cause it to become greasy or dry.
• Use keratin products that do not contain harmful ingredients. It is worth checking the composition of keratin cosmetics to make sure they do not contain harmful substances such as formaldehyde or parabens.
• Avoid heat styling. Keratin may reduce the hair’s resistance to high temperatures, so before heat styling it is worth using heat-protecting products such as serums or heat-protection sprays.
• For very damaged hair, it is worth consulting a specialist. For very damaged or brittle hair, it is worth consulting a specialist to get the best keratin care.

Remember that using keratin in cosmetics should only supplement your daily hair care, not replace it as the only way you look after your hair.