There are 54 kinds of keratin in your body. There are two types:
Do I need keratin for my hair?
Your body produces keratin naturally.
Animal fur, feathers, hooves and horns also consist of keratin. The keratin in keratin hair treatments usually comes from ground-up animal parts, so if you’re a vegetarian, you may not want to use these products.
Keratin is the primary component of hair, so many people believe that taking keratin supplements makes their hair stronger. However, there are no studies that conclude that keratin supplements make your hair stronger. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re thinking of taking keratin supplements to discuss any risks and benefits.
Many people also believe that shampoos and conditioners infused with keratin oil make their hair healthier. Studies have shown that shampoos and conditioners that contain keratin hydrolysates can make your hair stronger, brighter and softer.
Getting a keratin hair treatment is a personal decision. It makes your hair shiny and silky while also reducing frizz. However, the treatment is usually expensive, and it may have negative effects on your body.
Keratin hair treatments are chemical protein treatments that make your hair shiny and silky while also reducing frizz. They’re sometimes called Brazilian blowouts.
During a keratin hair treatment, your hairstylist:
- Washes your hair with a special shampoo and then dries your hair with a towel.
- Applies a liquid keratin solution to your hair in small sections.
- Blow dries your hair.
- Runs a flat iron set to a high temperature through your hair. This seals the keratin solution to your hair.
After your hair treatment, you shouldn’t get your hair wet for several days or pull it back with hair clips, scrunchies (elastics), hats or sunglasses. You may have to use special shampoos and other hair products to maintain the treatment.
When performed by a hair care professional, your hair will be smooth and voluminous for up to six months.
Care
Simple lifestyle tips to help maintain keratin
Many foods help your body produce keratin. You can help your body boost its production of keratin by eating:
- Broccoli.
- Carrots.
- Garlic.
- Kale.
- Salmon.
- Sweet potatoes.