All about keratin

Many sooner or later face the problems of damaged hair. There can be a variety of reasons for this. Keratin for hair may be their solution. Also, with its help, curls can be straightened. This procedure has become very popular, because it allows you to simultaneously achieve the smoothness of the strands and their health.

Keratin is a type of natural protein that, with proper functioning of the body, is produced by it on its own. The main tasks of this substance in relation to hair:

• protection of curls from mechanical damage;
• preventing their loss and fragility;
• protection against split ends;
• giving hair elasticity and maintaining its strength;
• healthy appearance, shine.

Keratin for cosmetic purposes is extracted from sheep's wool and is part of various professional and care products that are designed to restore damaged curls.

Natural keratin has a varied composition, but its most valuable components are the protein itself and the amino acid complex, including cystine, cysteine, glycine, and alanine. Protein is the basis of keratin, and amino acids endow it with the ability to accept any state - liquid, hard, soft, dense.

Cystine, which is part of keratin, is responsible for stiffness. It is he who provides the hair with strength and protects it from brittleness. Cysteine ​​promotes collagen formation and improves hair elasticity.Healthy elasticity prevents hair damage.

The cosmetics contain hydrolyzed keratin. Molecules of such a substance during chemical treatment are split into smaller ones without compromising their reductive abilities, which makes them able to dissolve in water.

Despite the abundance of advantages, keratin still has its negative sides. And before deciding to carry out such a procedure with curls, you should familiarize yourself with all the information.

The main advantage is that keratin is a natural substance. If for some reason the production of keratin is disrupted, the hair becomes brittle and dry, the ends begin to split. Replenishment of the lack of keratin gives a noticeable result after the first procedure.

Keratin acts on the hair from the inside and removes unwanted dryness, moisturizes and helps to create a protective layer. Outside, this layer protects the hair from any external influences and prevents possible mechanical damage. This layer also protects the hair from thermal effects, preventing the curling iron and hairdryer from drying out the hair.

The curls become soft, docile and lend themselves to any styling. For those who suffer from unruly, frizzy, wavy or curly hair, keratin can be a lifesaver. The procedure has a long lasting effect. Also, with any other straightening of curls, they can be damaged by the chemical composition, and in this case the roots grow healthier and shinier, which is in very contrast to the rest of the hair. In the case of keratin, there will be no such contrast between regrown roots.

After keratin, the hair becomes soft to the touch after the first procedure. Keratin can restore dry strands, even after dyeing or curling, and give them a lively look.

Some cosmetics used for hair keratinization are cumulative. Hair will look better with each new treatment. Therefore, this point is worth paying attention to when choosing a product.

Keratin is an economical remedy. When it comes to home use, one bottle is enough for more than one use. In this case, the result is already after the first procedure, and it should be repeated no more often than once every 2-3 months. One bottle of the product is enough for about 4-5 procedures. This is not the final figure, because a lot depends on the frequency of repetition of the procedures, the degree of damage, the length of the curls.

If we talk about the disadvantages, then one of the most significant is that the composition of cosmetics based on keratin includes formaldehyde. It is used as a preservative. In funds, it is contained in small quantities. But procedures with keratin are still contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.

Like any chemical, keratin can cause an allergic reaction. Before use, it is worth checking the personal tolerance of the product: apply a little of the product to the skin before the procedure. The test is best done within 12 hours. After this period, you can assess whether there is an allergy or not.

There is also an element of personal perception. Some people do not like the smell of the composition, its consistency, it may not suit the release form, the convenience of using the bottle or applying it to the hair. This is all subjective, so you should rely on your own opinion in such matters.

Some users claim that keratin straightening spoils the curls. But often it is not the keratin itself that spoils, but a poorly performed procedure. Straightening takes place under the influence of high temperature. If the master performing the procedure does not apply a sufficient amount of solution to the strand, there is a risk of burning the hair.Therefore, it is better to carry out such a procedure with trusted specialists or pay attention to the quality of the processing of the strands when carrying out it at home.

After procedures using keratin, you need to use sulfate-free shampoos. They are more expensive than conventional ones, but their use is a prerequisite for the long-term preservation of the effect of the procedure. Sulfate shampoos wash out all the keratin from the hair, and the effect is quickly lost.

Treatments with keratin should be used with care on fine hair. It weighs them down and can lead to hanged prolapse. Oily hair can also be a side effect.

Dyed hair during the procedure with keratin can change its color by several tones. This is a result of using a deep cleansing shampoo and filling the hairs with keratin. Before the subsequent dyeing, it is imperative to inform the master that keratin straightening or a keratin-based hair restoration procedure has been performed. Then the master will be able to choose the right paint for you and paint in such a way as to avoid possible unpleasant results.

Also, some refer to the disadvantages of keratin recovery as the complexity of the procedure, no matter where it is carried out: at home or in the salon. But in contrast to this opinion, many users consider it to be quite simple, taking into account the result that it gives in the end. In this case, it is worthwhile to study the issue of keratinization before carrying out the procedure and decide for yourself whether it is suitable or not.

There is a wide range of products for use at home or in the salon that contain keratin.

The most popular home remedies are shampoos, conditioners, masks, serums and sprays, and hair dye. You can find similar products in stores or pharmacies. Each product has its own way of application, which is necessarily described in the instructions. Vitamins and minerals are often added to these household products for additional hair health.

The use of beauty products usually does not give the same instant effect as keratin restoration in the salon. Many of these funds must be used constantly or in a course - they have a cumulative effect. Keratin accumulates in the curls during use and over time makes them more hydrated, obedient, soft and well-groomed.

Specialized tools for professionals usually consist of several steps and include several products, the step-by-step use of which leads to the desired result. You can use these funds yourself at home. But it is better to turn to a professional to avoid unnecessary damage to the hair - after all, the main task of keratin is to restore the curls, and not harm them.

The choice of keratin for professional use (keratin hair straightening, for example) is usually made by a specialist who works with a particular line of professional cosmetics. Before signing up for the procedure, you can and should clarify with which manufacturer the master works. Then it will be possible to get acquainted in advance with information about the cosmetic product and reviews on it. This will help avoid trouble if the master is unscrupulous and the keratin he uses is of poor quality.

If we talk about keratin, which is suitable for home use, now a large selection of such products is available in the mass market, and you can always find a suitable option.

Keratin hair serum is mainly available in ampoules and is a leave-in product that is applied to the curls along the entire length, usually several times a week or after each shampooing.In addition to the fact that the serum regenerates hairs by re-filling them with keratin, it also protects them from high temperatures.

Therefore, this format is perfect for those who:

• constantly uses a hairdryer or curling iron and wants to protect the curls;
• wants to return their shine, elasticity;
• wants to moisturize hair and prevent breakage.

Many manufacturers offer keratin-based serums: Osis Flatliner from Schwarzkopf, Active Keratine from Belita Vitex, Therapist from Kerastase, Keratin Silk Serum from CHI and others.

The keratin spray is also a leave-in care product. It differs from serum in its lighter texture and ease of application. Serums can sometimes be painful if you apply more than needed. Sprays do not sin like this and are suitable for those who:

• wants to maintain the health and beauty of their hair;
• needs additional hair conditioning and easier combing;
• uses a curling iron or hairdryer;
• whose hair is slightly dry and brittle.

There is a large selection of conditioning and regenerating keratin sprays on the market: Hair Light Keratin Care Spray from the Hair Company, Megapolis Care Spray from Ollin Professional, Indola Filler Spray, Osmo Keratin Spray and others.

Keratin shampoos are mainly produced in a single line with balms and masks and are designed to complement each other. Since all these products are washable, the main effect is not visible immediately after the first application, but after a while. You will have to wait longer for the result, but this effect also has its advantages: the hair after undergoing such keratin therapy will look shiny and silky even after it ends, since keratin will accumulate in the hairs.

This option is suitable for those who:

• constantly uses a hair dryer or curling iron;
• often dyes hair;
• wants to prevent hair damage;
• suffers from dry hair;
• needs restoration and prevention of split curls.

Shampoo, balm and mask can be used separately, but rulers give the best effect when they are used consistently and together. Popular lines of hair care products from various manufacturers: Keratin line by HairLuxe, Keratin by Dr. Sante, Magic "Argan + Keratin" from Eveline Cosmetics and others.

For those who constantly dye their hair, there is a dye with keratin. It is distinguished by a more gentle effect on curls and at the same time a healing effect. This effect is achieved thanks to the ammonia-free formula and keratin content. Since the paint, in order to penetrate deep into the hair, slightly opens the scales of the hairs, keratin penetrates there along with it, which, during the time the composition is kept on the curls, has a regenerating effect. An example of such a paint is "Magic Keratin" from Kapous.

For severely damaged hair, serums, shampoos and balms with masks will not be the best solution and may not be effective enough. Such keratin-based products are well suited to cope with dry hair, moisturize curls, prevent damage, provide thermal protection, and restore split ends.

If the hair has been severely damaged, for example, by perm or coloring, or has suffered after a long winter and exposure to cold temperatures, you should give preference to stronger products. In the case of keratin, this role can be played by product kits for performing keratin restoration of curls for home use.

Now it is very easy to study the instructions before buying any product and evaluate whether this format suits you or it is better to contact a specialist.

Examples of such complexes for hair keratinization: Keratine Royal Treatment from Ollin Professional, Keratin Treatment from Greymy, BC Original from SK Professional, Gloss from Bombshell and others.

For those who are afraid of exposure to high temperatures on their hair and do not pursue the goal of straightening their hair, cold keratin restoration of curls is suitable. With such a procedure, instead of the effect of ironing, the strands with the composition are either not processed at all, or are processed with an infrared ultrasonic iron. An example of a cold keratin recovery formulation is N-Solutions from Homma Tokyo.

Biokeratin can be found among the products for keratin recovery.

The procedure for keratin restoration of curls does not give a permanent effect. The result lasts an average of 3 months. The duration very much depends on the means with which the procedure was performed. Some manufacturers promise a duration of the effect of up to 4 months.

Also, the duration of the result depends on competent care after the procedure. Following all the tips for caring for curls will noticeably prolong the duration of the effect, and failure to follow will shorten it.

The frequency of shampooing also affects how soon the keratinization procedure needs to be repeated. Sulfate-free shampoo, although not as strong as any other, still flushes the keratin out of the hair. So on hair prone to oily it will last much less than on normal hair.

With care products such as balms, shampoos and sprays, everything is clear: they are applied and washed off or not washed off, depending on their purpose. With means for a home or professional procedure for keratin restoration of curls is a little more complicated.

The preparatory stage is mandatory - keratin is not applied to the oily head. Before applying it, you need to wash it with a special cleansing shampoo to wash off all possible dirt from the curls, as well as to reveal the hair scales. This will ensure the penetration of keratin into the depths. If it only envelops the hairs from the outside, the effect will be short-lived and mediocre.

A cleansing shampoo is available from almost all manufacturers that produce products for keratin hair restoration. Regular shampoo for oily hair that is marketed as a cleansing shampoo will not work. There is no need to apply balm after such washing.

The next stage is the processing of dried curls with keratin. The product must be applied carefully. It is not worth pouring the entire bottle onto the hair, but you also don’t need to feel sorry for him, so that the curls do not suffer during the subsequent heat treatment. The composition is not applied to the roots - the distance from them is about one centimeter. It is better to apply keratin to the ends with special attention, since the ends of the strands are often its most damaged part.

Consumption of funds for hair length in one procedure varies within 50 ml. It depends on the quality of the hair, its thickness, density, length and degree of damage. So, thin long hair will take less keratin than thick hair.

After the holding time of keratin, the curls are dried with a hairdryer. Experts advise to alternate the supply of cold and hot air and not to dry your hair at the maximum temperature. When the curls are dry, they are pulled out with an iron, if there is a goal to straighten the hair and the complex of products is suitable for this. Usually, strands are stretched by about half a centimeter. With an iron, one strand is processed 5-7 times.

Then the hair is cooled, combed and, when the temperature of the hair has dropped to normal, washed with warm water without shampoo and balm. Finally, a fixing agent is applied. It can be a cream, mask or balm from the same line with keratin. This is an important stage and should not be omitted if it is provided by the manufacturer. After the mask is washed off, the hair is completely dried.

Hair after such a procedure is instantly transformed.

Immediately after the procedure using some keratin-containing formulations, you cannot wet your head for 72 hours. The master must warn about this in advance. Getting wet isn't just about washing your hair or rinsing with water. Do not apply permanent sprays or other liquids, or get exposed to rain. Otherwise, the result will eventually suffer and may not be as noticeable.

During the same 72 hours, curls cannot be tied in a ponytail, braided into braids, pinned with hairpins and generally wrinkled somehow. Ugly creases may remain on the hair, which will be difficult to remove.

If you use regular sulfate shampoo, it will wash the keratin out of your hair in a short time and restore it to its original state.

You can dye your hair after the keratin hair restoration procedure no earlier than two weeks later. If you do this before, there are two options for the result:

• the dye will not take, because it cannot penetrate the hair through the protective keratin layer;
• the paint will break the protective layer of keratin and wash it out of the hair, thereby spoil the effect of the procedure and reduce its durability (this applies mainly to ammonia paints).

Before the procedure, also paint no later than two weeks. Otherwise, you need to be prepared for the fact that the tone from the curls can be washed off in whole or in part, and it can be restored no earlier than two weeks after keratinization.

After the procedure, you do not need to use a curling iron or iron. It is better not to use a hair dryer every day, only when necessary. The best option is to blot your hair after washing with a towel and let it dry on its own.

If for some reason you want to wash off the keratin, you can do this with a regular shampoo.

Most of the reviews from those who have gone through the keratin hair recovery procedure are positive. Users notice noticeable results: silky hair, shine and healthy appearance. In their opinion, keratin makes hair much softer and more manageable, has the declared health effect. Many users praise the straightening effect of keratin and are satisfied with the appearance of the hair after the procedure.

But there are also negative reviews, in which users note a lack of long-term effect after the procedure and a loss of shine and liveliness within a few weeks. There are complaints of allergic reactions and hair damage. The latter is the result of the choice of an inexperienced master or his own home experiments. Users also complain that after the keratinization procedure, the hair becomes oily and loses its natural volume.

Keratin hair straightening at home, see the following video