All about keratin hair restoration

Daily harsh environmental influences, lack of sunlight and vitamins, frequent use of curling irons or straighteners - all this affects the appearance of the hair. Even the most luxurious hairstyle, without proper care, begins to fade and deteriorate. Every year there are more and more new ways to restore the original strength and health of hair. They can differ both in their price or method of exposure, and in the final result. Someone prefers to conduct recovery sessions at home, while someone regularly visits the salon. Today, one of the most popular procedures that can be performed both by a master and independently is keratin recovery.

Keratin is a naturally occurring protein that is obtained from sheep or goat hair. In fact, it is a natural building material for the skin, nail plates and, of course, hair. By its structure, animal protein is as close as possible to the protein of human hair, and therefore perfectly replaces it. By hydrolysis, keratin is broken down into its constituent molecules and converted into a water-soluble substance, on the basis of which various shampoos, wrapping creams or restorative agents are made. In cosmetology and medicine, it is hydrolyzed keratin that is popular, since it contains high-grade peptides and amino acids. Moreover, the price for it is not as high as for other natural ingredients.

The very principle of action of protein formulations is quite simple. When using the product, each hair receives a kind of coating that envelops it and makes it denser. At the same time, the split molecules penetrate the hair structure and fill the existing voids. Due to this filling, the hair looks thicker, while becoming softer. Often in advertisements for various shampoos and masks, you can see women with luxurious long hair that shines in the light like silk. Keratin recovery has a similar effect.

The most effective is the use of pure protein hydrolyzate, and not shampoos and masks containing it in their composition. Such procedures allow you to cope with brittleness and loss of color, to make unruly and fluffy hair straight and smooth.

Keratin hair treatment can be done in almost every hairdresser, not to mention professional salons. Such widespread popularity is due to the large number of advantages from the use of special formulations.

• Facilitation of styling. Protein-coated hair becomes smoother, the comb glides between strands more easily and does not get tangled in knots. If before the procedure it was necessary to style the curls every time after washing, then after it it is enough to dry the hair with a hairdryer. There is no need to additionally stretch them with an iron, straightening the waves and reducing the fluffiness, the laminated strands will immediately fall into the right position and straighten under their own weight.
• Protection... The outer film, which is covered with the hair after the application of the composition, protects it from the effects of an aggressive environment. In addition, keratin provides additional strengthening of the hair structure. Makes it less brittle while maintaining flexibility and softness.
• Saturation... Hair restoration with animal protein nourishes the hair tissue with the amino acids it needs. This allows you to achieve not only external changes in the image, but also to make your hair stronger and healthier, capable of independently resisting weakening factors and influences after the end of the action of the composition.
• Color preservation... The main problem with colored hair is not even that it gets dry and thinner, but that even an expensive professional paint is not able to keep its color on the hair for a long time. Keratin products help to extend this period, increasing it from several weeks to several months. In this case, it is not necessary to use paints that contain strong chemicals. Even natural henna or basma will last longer if you visit a salon a few days after staining or use a home kit for keratin restoration.
• Few contraindications... It is very difficult to meet a person who would have an individual keratin intolerance. With the correct use of such formulations, the risk of harming one's own health is negligible and practically tends to zero. In this case, special attention should be paid to the accompanying components that are part of the keratin solution. They can act as a strong irritant to the scalp in case of inaccurate application.
• Ease of the procedure. Nutrition and hair restoration with protein is not only done by professional beauty professionals. Suitable products can easily be purchased at a regular pharmacy or specialty store. Most often, you will find instructions for use in the package, which must be followed. The whole process will take at least 3-4 hours, but even a teenager can do it.
• Long lasting effect. Even one procedure of keratin restoration is enough for the result to please the client for several months. At the same time, the composition itself does not contain a large amount of aggressive chemicals and does not change the very structure of the hair, but only envelops and fills it. Of course, over time, it becomes easier to accidentally wash off such a shell. However, if you adhere to several rules for hair care after applying a keratin product, the result can be saved for up to six months.
• Conceals split ends. The film, which covers the hair after the procedure, glues split and split ends of the hair. The haircut will always look fresh and well-groomed.

Unfortunately, like any cosmetic procedure, keratin recovery has its drawbacks. And in some cases, especially if the instructions are not followed and the selection of the product is incorrect, the consequences can be catastrophic.

• High cost. The price for a keratin recovery salon procedure starts from several thousand rubles and ends at several tens of thousands. It all depends on the reputation of the salon itself, the effectiveness of the product and its brand, the concentration of hydrolyzed protein, and many other factors. A special set of products for performing the procedure at home is undoubtedly much cheaper. However, its effectiveness can be several times lower than professional hair cosmetics.
• Follow-up care. In order not to damage the keratin film and not wash it off, it is necessary to purchase far from budgetary care products and adhere to certain rules of behavior. You will have to introduce new habits into your daily schedule and strictly follow them. After the procedure, it is worth for a while to give up tight hairpins and elastic bands, not to style the hairstyle with hot tongs or a curling iron.
• Loss of root volume. Of course, it is harmless to neither the hair nor the scalp. However, the overall look will look slightly different. You will have to think more about hairstyles and hair styling, as well as change a tight hat for a loose scarf or hood, so as not to crush the hair on the crown even more. In addition, a thin film of protein on the hair is more likely to get dirty than a regular hairstyle, so you will have to wash your hair at least 3-4 times a week.
• Hair loss. Unfortunately, hair follicles are not always able to withstand even the usual weight of the hair. And keratin restoration makes each hair much harder, so they begin to fall out even more.

Most often, the procedure for keratin hair restoration is recommended in cases where it is necessary to correct their internal state and at the same time improve their appearance. The indications for the imposition of protein hydrolyzate are:

• brittle, dry hair;
• have lost their elasticity;
• weakened by frequent stains or perms;
• overdried by ultraviolet light;
• spoiled by frequent contact with chlorinated or sea water.

In addition, the salons offer to perform a similar service as a prevention of the above problems. For example, some time before the planned vacation or before signing up for classes in the pool.

Contraindications, which dermatologists warn about, are also worth mentioning. You should not purchase this service in the following cases:

• when hair falls out;
• when there are scalp health problems;
• in case of asthma;
• with frequent allergic reactions to various cosmetic components;
• in the presence of oncological diseases;
• during pregnancy or while feeding a baby;
• girls under the age of 14.

There are only two types of professional care for weakened hair.

• Brazilian Keratin Recovery. Its main difference is the higher concentration of formaldehyde, which makes it possible to obtain an effect that lasts much longer. Moreover, this procedure is much cheaper.
• American. Hair restoration using American technology has a softer effect on tissues, but has a less lasting effect. In addition, such a procedure has a very high price, since the cost of natural ingredients is much higher.

At the same time, in small (no more than 2%) concentrations, they open the pores of the hair and allow nutrients to penetrate deeply into them. The initial effect of both the Brazilian method and the American one looks exactly the same.

The only thing that is required in order to receive keratin recovery from a professional is to pay for the service and come to the salon. Those who decide to carry out the procedure on their own will have to purchase everything they need in advance. First of all, you will need to decide on the tool itself.

Those looking to experience the benefits of hydrolyzed protein for the first time can try a variety of keratin-based hair masks for a start. They restore damaged and exfoliated strands, give elasticity and shine. Of course, their effect is difficult to compare with real professional remedies, but even such a gentle remedy will give a general idea of ​​the final result of the procedure. One of the most popular masks, which can be easily purchased from cosmetic stores or ordered online, is the "kera Restore treatment" from Indola. Its price fluctuates around 500 rubles.

More reminiscent of salon hair care products is liquid keratin. Such a remedy will help restore even lifeless and bleached curls, resembling straw or doll strands. At the same time, such a tool straightens and stretches curls, making them smooth and shiny. Cocochoco's Keratin Gold is a good example of such a remedy. The price of one bottle of such keratin water will be about 1,500 rubles.

There are also complete sets for self-hair treatment. They include not only a jar of protein hydrolyzate, but also a special thermal activator, as well as a mask and hair shampoo. An example of such a set is Estel Keratin from Estel. The price of the set depends on the point of sale and ranges from 1000 to 2000 rubles.

In addition to the tool itself for carrying out the home procedure, you will also need a small number of tools:

• rubber medical gloves;
• gauze face mask;
• brush for applying the product;
• comb with fine teeth;
• hairdryer;
• hair straightening iron.

Despite the fact that the procedure for keratin restoration is considered professional, there is nothing super complicated in its implementation. The main thing is to choose the right product and follow simple instructions. Step by step, the whole process is as follows.

• Rinse your hair with a special shampoo to remove not only ordinary dust and residues of styling products, but also to degrease the hair, reveal its scales and steam. It is better to repeat the procedure twice to achieve the best effect.
• Dry hair naturally or with cool, gentle air from a hairdryer.
• Divide hair into thin strands using a frequent comb.
• Apply a keratin product to the hair, stepping back from the roots at least 1-2 centimeters. At this stage, special care will be required, since it is necessary to properly process each tiny strand with the same amount of funds. At the same time, it is important not to be mistaken with this amount. A lack of keratin will make the procedure ineffective, and an excess will make the hair too oily and shiny.
• Blow dry your hair as usual.
• Go through the hair again with a fine comb and divide it into strands.
• Straighten each strand with a ceramic iron, passing over it at least 10-12 times. This stage will also require attention and the ability to handle the iron, since any hall that arises in the process will remain on the hair for a long time.

You can wash your hair only with those shampoos that do not contain sulfates and sodium chloride. It is best to purchase a whole range of products with a small content of the same protein.

You should also be more careful with the procedure for washing your hair. Do not pull and twist the curls too much. No need to rub them between your palms and on your head. Movement should be, though massage, but very light and accurate.

Finally, you will have to protect treated hair from frequent contact with water. During rain and sleet, you need to cover your head with a hood or a loose hat. When swimming in the sea or pool, you must wear a special swimming cap or try not to get your head wet.

Most of the buyers of various keratin products or services of a hair restoration salon leave admiring and warm reviews on forums and sites. They note that the curls become more obedient, filled with strength and health. Some people report faster hair growth than usual. Many plan to introduce a similar procedure into their schedule and maintain the effect on a regular basis.

Among the negative reviews, most often there are disappointed buyers of products for home use. Some of them could not carry out the procedure correctly, others became victims of scammers and bought a fake instead of an expensive product. However, most often negative reviews are associated with a high price for a similar service or product.

The opinion of experts was also divided. Some argue that the procedure is useful and indicated for many women. Others believe that such a procedure is harmful and gives only an external effect. At the same time, both of them warn that with the wrong selection of the product and application in violation of the technology, there is a risk of facing the problem of increased hair loss.

Keratin hair restoration is described in the following video.