What is keratin and its benefits for hair?

What is keratin?

Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that protects the configuration of hair, nails and skin. Keratin functions as the body's outer coating, assisting in the health of the body. Keratin is necessary for the body because it protects the skin's outer layer, nails and hairs. When the keratin levels in the body drop, the body becomes more vulnerable to harm and healing.

Several nutrients aid in the production of keratin, which may benefit the skin, hair, nails and other tissues. A person can enhance their body's keratin production by eating foods that include nutrients such as biotin, L-cysteine, zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Foods that enhance keratin production

1) Eggs

Natural keratin production can be improved by eating eggs. Biotin, a vital nutrient involved in the process of keratin production is abundant in eggs.

2) Onion

Onion is particularly abundant in N-acetylcysteine, a plant antioxidant that your body converts to L-cysteine, an amino acid that is a component of keratin. Onions are also rich in folate, an important vitamin for supporting the health of hair follicles.

3) Carrot

Carrots are rich in vitamin C, which aids hair, skin and nail health by promoting collagen synthesis. In addition, this vitamin promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation, and protects the skin from harm. Carrots are also high in biotin, vitamin B6, potassium, and vitamin K1.

4) Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritional vegetables which are beneficial for keratin formation. They contain a lot of provitamin A carotenoids. Beta carotene and some other provitamin A carotenoids are converted to vitamin A in the body.

5) Salmon

Salmon is a great source of biotin, which is an important component of keratin formation. This fish is also abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, a type of heart-healthy fat that has been shown to aid in hair development, density and in preventing hair loss.

6) Beef liver

Beef liver is one of the most abundant sources of biotin, making it an excellent choice for naturally increasing keratin production.

Keratin treatment for hair

Keratin protein treatment is one of many therapies available today that can help repair keratin in your hair. This procedure pertains to adding synthetic keratin to your hair to make it smooth and shiny. This procedure simply is artificially replacing lost protein in your hair to rebuild your hair. It is also known as a Brazilian blowout or Brazilian keratin treatment, that can straighten hair for up to 6 months and is commonly done in a salon.
There contains multiple steps to employing keratin treatment. Your hair is first treated with formaldehyde-containing cream before being blown dry and straightened at a salon. After using the treatment, you must keep your hair dry for many days. Another treatment is done to fix the straightening effect.
Unfortunately, keratin is incapable of controlling frizz, this task is left to the formaldehyde in the mix. The chemical works by forming a straight line out of keratin chains, leaving hair straight. The hair is blow-dried and flat ironed after the product is applied to the hair.

A keratin hair treatment can last up to six months, and professionals can personalize the formula blends to your specific hair type and demands. Depending on your hair type, length, texture, and the treatment formula utilized, the treatment might take two to four hours.

Benefits of keratin treatment for hair

1) Keratin smooths down the cells that overlap to produce hair strands, making hair more maintainable and preventing frizz. This results in hair that dries frizz-free and has a shiny, healthy appearance.

2) Several reasons such as exposure to sunlight, chemical treatments and applying hair colors and hair products can remove the natural keratin of your hair by making it more susceptible to breakage and other damage. Keratin treatments work by filling up the lost keratin. As a result, the hair shaft becomes smooth and shiny.

3) Keratin treatments can straighten curly or wavy hair depending on the type of products used. And it can also smoother the curls and waves.

4) Keratin treatments make hair stronger and less prone to breaking by restoring lost keratin in the hair shaft. Some people may be able to grow their hair longer because the strands are less likely to break.

5) There is very little maintenance required, and depending on the treatment you choose, you can have smooth and shiny hair for up to six months.

Side effects of keratin treatment for hair

1) Exposure to formaldehyde during the keratin treatment might cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Long term formaldehyde exposure has also been connected to the development of cancer. Because formaldehyde is a gas, it is most dangerous when inhaled. Keratin treatments should be avoided by anyone with formaldehyde sensitivity or respiratory problems.

2) Increased formaldehyde exposure and over straightening hair can cause hair to dry out and weaken, resulting in breakage and hair loss.

3) Hair may appear strangely straight after the treatment. Try to get the treatment a few days before a large event to make your hair appear natural.

4) After the treatment, the hair volume seems to be less as the treatment makes your hair sleek and smooth.

5) Keratin treatments are costly, especially considering that they only last three to six months.