Among the proteins used in cosmetics, keratin is the closest to the structure of the hair, and therefore its use in care and restoration is extremely effective. The component has received significant distribution and popularity in recent years. It is added to shampoos, balms, masks, conditioners. The reason for this demand is the popularity of eco-cosmetics that care for hair with natural ingredients.
Hydrolyzed keratin can also be purchased separately - for home preparation and enrichment of masks, shampoos and conditioners. It needs a minimum amount. The product is easily soluble in water, emulsions, but not in oils.
Production technology
The drug is obtained from goat or sheep wool. That is why it has a characteristic smell. To prepare the product, natural keratin molecules are chemically broken down to small sizes and converted into a water-soluble form. This allows them to penetrate deep into the hair structure andskin, providing a regenerating and conditioning effect. It is the solubility in water that determines the name - hydrolyzed keratin. The main area of application of the component is eco-cosmetics.
What is Hydrolyzed Keratin?
Keratin is a strong protein that the body produces to build skin, hair, nails and even teeth. The constituent amino acids give it unique properties. The hair contains from 85% keratin, and it is he who determines the thickness and density of the strands. The outer layer of the hair, the cuticle, protects the inside from damage and is shaped like a tile.
Keratin in the stratum corneum ensures a secure fit of the scales, prevents moisture loss and is responsible for the preservation of the structure.
Composition of hydrolyzed keratin
Protein contains up to 15 different amino acids. Among them is cysteine, thanks to which keratin easily penetrates into the hair structure at the sites of damage and provides a lasting caring and restoring effect. Isoleucine, serine, tyrosine, valine, glycine, arginine, proline and other amino acids are supplemented with polypeptides and peptides. Thanks to this, the product has a significant film-forming potential.
Hydrolyzed keratin has the following cosmetic properties as a result of exposure to the elements of the composition:
- moisturizes and conditions hair;
- good antistatic agent;
- gives smoothness and shine;
- protects against chemical and thermal effects;
- eliminates brittleness and facilitatescombing strands.
Symptoms and causes of lack of keratin in hair
Diets, stress, exposure to negative environmental factors, metabolic disorders, styling products and tools lead to the loss of natural keratin. These factors include perm and coloring. Obvious reasons indicating a lack of keratin in the hair are their appearance and change in structure. Strands become brittle, dull, lifeless, fall out. Tips peel and break.
Hydrolyzed keratin is produced only with sufficient intake of silicon, sulfur, nitrogen and other elements found in meat and dairy products. That is why it is important not only to externally influence the hair, but also to maintain internal balance as a result of proper and balanced nutrition.
Indications for the use of hydrolyzed keratin
If the appearance and structure of your hair is a concern, you should resort to the help of hydrolyzed keratin. It is shown in the following cases:
- With brittle and dry strands, split ends.
- In case of frequent dyeing and perms.
- With a lack of vitamins and microelements in the diet (as a component of complex therapy).
- For prevention in case of significant hair loss associated with external factors.
- With prolonged exposure to sunlight, exposure to s alty sea water, as well as low temperatures thatbreak down protein and remove moisture.
Hydrolyzed hair keratin will maintain protein levels and give the strands a beautiful shiny look. The tool will restore damaged areas of the hair, as well as the scalp.
Use: balms and shampoos
The list of cosmetics containing hydrolyzed keratin is quite extensive. The first is shampoos. They are easy to use, but they are the least effective due to the low content of the component. Balms and conditioners have a more significant effect. Leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out for easier combing.
Keratin masks
Mask is the best remedy for recovery, as it has a maximum exposure time and a rich composition. The procedure is possible both at home and in the salon. Hydrolyzed keratin (how to use the formula as part of masks, see the instructions for the drug) is not as effective as products with whole molecules, but the result will be noticeable in both the first and second cases. Hair serum is usually used in combination with a mask. The liquid is easily distributed and restores the structure of the strands.
Hydrolyzed keratin reviews
Opinions on the effect after using products with keratin range from neutral to positive. It all depends on the initial state of the hair and the percentage of the component. In general, the following results are noted in positive reviews: beautiful appearance of the strands, facilitated combing, smoothness and shine,protection from external factors. The effect is cumulative.
Negative reviews indicate aspects such as brittle ends of the hair some time after the active care procedure, as well as the possibility of allergic reactions.
Eco cosmetics with hydrolyzed keratin are gradually and steadily gaining popularity, becoming available to the general public and giving high-quality hair restoration not only in salons, but also at home. A wide range of products containing this component will provide comprehensive care on a daily basis.
