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 recently. It is added to shampoos, balms, masks, conditioners. The reason for this demand is the popularity of eco-cosmetics, caring for hair with the help of natural ingredients.
Hydrolyzed keratin can be purchased separately - for home cooking and enrichment of masks, shampoos and conditioners. It needs a minimum amount. The product is easily soluble in water, emulsion, 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 destroyed to small sizes and transferred into a water-soluble form. This allows them to penetrate deep into the structure of hair and skin, providing a restoring and conditioning effect. It is solubility in water that defines the name - hydrolyzed keratin. The main field of application of the component is eco-cosmetics.
What is hydrolyzed keratin?
Keratin is a powerful protein that the body produces to build skin, hair, nails and even teeth. Components of 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 hair is a cuticle that protects the inside from damage and resembles a tile in shape.
Keratin in the stratum corneum provides a reliable fit of the scales, prevents moisture loss and is responsible for the preservation of the structure.
The composition of hydrolyzed keratin
Protein contains up to 15 different amino acids. Among them, cysteine, thanks to which keratin easily penetrates the hair structure in places of damage and provides a persistent care and regenerative effect. Isoleucine, serine, tyrosine, valine, glycine, arginine, proline and other amino acids are complemented by polypeptides and peptides. Due to this, the tool has a significant film-forming potential.
Due to the effects of the elements of the composition, hydrolyzed keratin has the following cosmetic properties:
- moisturizes and condition the hair;
- good antistatic;
- gives smoothness and gloss;
- protects from chemical and thermal effects;
- eliminates fragility and facilitates combing of strands.
Symptoms and causes of keratin deficiency in hair
Diets, stress, exposure to negative environmental factors, metabolic disorders, styling products and tools lead to the loss of natural keratin. The same factors include perm and coloring. Obvious reasons for the lack of keratin in the hair are their appearance and structural change. The strands become brittle, dull, lifeless, fall out. The tips exfoliate and break.
Hydrolyzed keratin is produced only with sufficient intake of silicon, sulfur, nitrogen and other elements contained in meat and dairy products. That is why it is important not only the external effect on the hair, but also the maintenance of 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 hydrolyzed keratin. It is shown in the following cases:
- With brittle and dry strands, split ends.
- In case of frequent stains and perms.
- With a lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet (as a component of complex therapy).
- For prophylaxis in case of significant hair loss associated with exposure to external factors.
- With prolonged exposure to sunlight, exposure to salty sea water, as well as low temperatures, which destroy protein and remove moisture.
Hydrolyzed keratin for hair will maintain protein levels and give the strands a beautiful, shiny appearance. The tool will repair damaged areas of hair, as well as scalp.
Application: 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. They are applied for 5-10 minutes, and then washed off, facilitating further combing of the hair.
Keratin Masks
The mask is the best means for recovery, as it has a maximum exposure time and a rich composition. The procedure is possible both at home and in the cabin. Hydrolyzed keratin (how to use the formula in masks, see the instructions for the drug) is not as effective as agents with whole molecules, but the result will be noticeable in 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 about the effect after using keratin preparations range from neutral to positive. It all depends on the initial condition 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 such aspects as the fragility of the ends of the hair some time after the active care procedure, as well as the possibility of allergic reactions.
Eco cosmetics with hydrolyzed keratin is gradually and confidently gaining popularity, becoming accessible to the general consumer and gives high-quality hair restoration not only in the salon, but also at home. A wide range of products containing this component will provide comprehensive care on a daily basis.