KERATIN: WHAT DOES THE HAIR PROTEIN DO?

Strong and shiny: The outer structure of our hair is responsible for its inner structure – and it consists largely of protein building blocks. You can find out what these so-called keratins do here.

WHAT IS KERATIN?

Keratins are proteins and the basic building blocks of the hair fiber. You can imagine the protein connections as follows: the finest threads, which are intertwined several times, connect to form small fibrils (microfibrils) and then again assemble to form microfibrils. Keratins therefore build up the so-called fiber layer (cortex) and fill the area between the hair pulp and the cuticle (cuticle). 

Every hair consists of 90 percent of these special protein molecules. The rest is made up of water, pigments and lipids (natural fats).

Good to know: Keratins are also found in fingernails and toenails as well as in the skin, where they guarantee strength and resistance.

What are the Tasks of Hair Keratins?

How elastic and resilient our hair is depends solely on how intact the structure of its fiber trunk is. Because this consists of keratins, the hair proteins have an essential function – are at the same time very high tensile strength and at the same time elastic and pliable. They are insoluble in water and have a high resistance to external influences. 

Warning, risk of confusion: creatine and keratin

What distinguishes keratin and creatine from one another is much more than a flip of the alphabet: Creatine is a substance found in muscle cells and is often used as a dietary supplement for athletes. Creatine ensures strong muscles, keratin for strong hair.

HAIR ANATOMY: HOW IS HAIR STRUCTURED?

Every hair can be divided into 3 layers: The outermost cuticle consists of superimposed horny cells. Below is the fiber layer (cortex). It is composed mainly of keratins and encloses the third layer, the hair marrow (medulla).

WHAT DAMAGES THE KERATIN STRUCTURE OF THE HAIR?

Although the hair proteins are extremely resistant, external stress can affect them in the long term. Small keratin gaps appear, the hair slowly loses its strength and suppleness. Certain styling techniques promote this loss of keratin:

• Permanent waves: Reducing agents penetrate the inside of the hair and open up existing cross-links between the keratin chains. With each application, proteins and lipids are released from the hair. The hair loses its tensile strength overall.

• Coloring and bleaching as well as everyday styling with straightening irons or curling irons also damage the keratin layer.

• Sunlight: UV radiation can have an influence on the structure of long hair over the years and cause keratin breakdown. 

Keratin for the hair: What do care formulas with the hair component do?

Keratin is used as a high-quality ingredient in the cosmetics industry. For good reason: Shampoos , conditioners and hair treatments with liquid keratin help maintain healthy hair structure and rebuild damaged hair. Gaps in the natural keratin structure can be closed, the hair surface appears stronger, smoother and softer.

By the way: There are not only hair care products, but also hair styling products with keratin. They give long-lasting hold and at the same time protect the hair from possible stress during styling.

HOW SERIOUS IS FÖHN AIR?

Does drying with a hairdryer affect the natural keratin structure? Conditionally. The harmful influence is usually overestimated, but cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore: It is better to blow dry in cool temperatures and at a distance of at least 20 centimeters.

SOFT, SMOOTH, SHINY: WHAT IS A KERATIN TREATMENT?

A Hera Beauty, singaporean keratin treatment promises smoothing with a long-term effect. However, there are different methods of hairdressing treatment and some things to consider.

PERMANENTLY STRAIGHTEN HAIR: KERATIN TREATMENT AT THE HAIRDRESSER’S

There are different forms of permanent keratin treatment singapore. Ideally, find out about the process, ingredients and how much the hair is stressed in advance from your hairdresser.

Smoothing at the hairdresser is as follows:

• Repeated, thorough washing to remove dirt and possible styling and care residues.
• Then the keratin pack is applied strand by strand to dry blown hair.
• After an exposure time of 10 to 30 minutes, the hairdresser pulls the strands of hair through the straightening iron, washes out the product and works in a hair mask.
• Finally, the hair is blow-dried again and straightened again.

KERATIN TREATMENT: BLOW-DRY AND STRAIGHTEN

Several steps are necessary to get keratin into the inside of the hair. The procedure includes repeated drying with a hairdryer and working with the straightening iron – and requires the customer to be patient.

THE KERATIN TREATMENT: THE ESSENTIALS IN BRIEF

• Effects of keratin hair straightening: reduced volume, smooth surface, more shine and suppleness. The hair feels softer and is easier to style. 
• The duration of professional hair straightening varies between 2 to 4 hours depending on the length and amount of hair.
• Suitable for all hair types – especially for straightening curly or frizzy hair. 
• If your hair is very damaged , however, you should refrain from Singapore keratin treatment, as working with the straightening iron and at a correspondingly high temperature can damage the hair further.
• After 3 to 6 months, the smoothing effect subsides, especially at the base, the natural wave slowly shows up again.