Let's talk about Keratin

keratin, from the Greek. κερατίνη keratínē 'cornea, of horn'.

Alpha-keratin, It is a protein rich in sulfur, which constitutes the fundamental part of the outermost layers of the epidermis of vertebrates and their derivatives, such as feathers, hair, horns, nails, hooves, etc., to which they owe their resistance and their hardness.

Likewise, it is a type of protein that is found in the epithelial cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the human body. Keratins help form the tissues of hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin. They are also found in cells that line organs, glands, and other parts of the human body.

Keratin is a protein that our body generates with a very resistant structure, but of which we produce very little. Thanks to keratin treatments we can help the cuticle our hair to look healthier and shiny from almost the roots to the ends and also prevent frizz.

The hair is made up of 95% keratin and is found in its outer layer. Here too, it is responsible for protection and greatly influences the appearance of the hair; hair rich in keratin will be shinier, more elastic and stronger.

The keratin of the hair wears out in its protective function against the environment (pollution, sun rays) and poor hygiene and hair treatment habits, such as the use of aggressive shampoos and the abuse of chemicals (dyes, straighteners), irons and dryers. In these cases, the keratin of the hair suffers and causes frizzy, dry and matte hair.

Keratin treatments work to replace and recondition any holes and gaps in the cuticle throughout the hair structure. Keratin seals the scales of the cuticle, this locks out humidity, resulting in improving the elasticity and avoiding breakage , smoother, shinier and healthier looking hair. Blow drying time is cut in half and your style will hold for much longer.

Keratin treatments can last between 2-6 months, depending on the brand of Keratin you choose, the type of keratin, the way it is applied and your lifestyle.

There are keratins to straighten the hair, to repair it or improve its condition. Currently on the market there are countless brands, types and quality of keratins. In fact there are new products that do the same job as keratin and with different ingredients, they offer it to the public as "new technology" only to capture their attention, in reality it is the same science applied with variations on the ingredients. Some keratins contain more formaldehyde than others, therefore according to health standards if a keratin contains formaldehyde below the allowed range the manufacturer is allowed to sell its product without saying that it contains formaldehyde. Obviously there may be products on the market that do not contain such a chemical, however, the only way to know is by reading the label of the ingredients, or simply by the characteristic smell of it.

Formaldehyde is an aggressive chemical that when come into direct contact with it on the skin can cause allergy reaction or by inhaling it, which occurs when the keratin is in the hair and heat is used to seal it (iron), a gas or steam is produced which Inhalation should be avoided by wearing protective masks, and making the application in open or ventilated places. In this case, the keratin affects the hairdressers more than the client, since the exposure is more frequent.

Formaldehyde is present in many Household products, some medicines, vaccines, cosmetics and many other consumer products.

Benefits of keratin:

-Eliminates frizz

-Seals the hair cuticle which gives a healthier appearance

-Adds shine

-Flattens the hair

-Straightens hair

-Shortens styling time

Although it is believed that keratin moisturizes the hair, it is actually a myth. Only masks or moisturizing treatments are the ones that, due to their way of acting, can enter the hair's medulla without affecting its natural structure, nourishing, repairing, moisturizing from the inside out.

Keratin acts solely and exclusively on the cuticle of each hair strand. Keratin adheres to the cuticle/scales of the hair thus creating a protective film which produces smooth and shiny hair. Keratin does not cross the limits of the cuticle, it does not touch the cortex or the medulla. Only true hair experts, technicians and chemists know this information which is unknown to most hairdressers.

Time and type of Application:

The application of this treatment will depend on factors such as: manufacturer's instructions, the brand, the desired result, the experience or expertise of the hairdresser. In general It can take from 1.5 hours to 4 hours.

Disadvantages:

-Some brands of keratin change the color of the hair, lightening 1 or several shades.

-If the hair has been previously bleached it can cause unwanted tones such as yellow or orange.

-If a correct application is not made, it can generate dandruff or dryness.

-Some keratin allow us to colour the hair right after it, some other warn us to wait 7 to 10 days.

Keratin is not only used to obtain smooth and perfect hair, also curly or wavy hair can maintain its natural structure by applying keratin in order to eliminate frizz and obtain a more defined curl or wave. Only experts know what technique to apply to obtain these results, you should consult them.

Care:

Shampoos with a high content of sulphate produce an accelerated wear of the keratin. If the keratin used was soft and regular shampoos are used, it can cause the keratin to last only a few washes. Although not all cases are the same, in fine hair, keratin can last longer if it is high quality, even if the recommended shampoos are not used. Obviously, if you have made a large investment, you should consider using products that help extend the life of the treatment.

Sea or pool water wears down the keratin film, decreasing up to 60% or more of its normal duration, due to the chlorine or salt contained in them.

But since we can't stop living and having fun, there are keratin manufacturers who recommend applying oils, serums, or hair treatments before diving into the beach or pool to avoid so much wear.

How often can you do keratin?

Every 3 months, 6 months, once a year... everything will depend on your needs and your budget. Remember that the more frequent you get the keratin, the results will last over time, the smoother your hair will be, and the longer it will last.

Patricia Rodriguez