The only problem is, theyre loaded with chemicals and often get a bad rap as a result.
What is Keratin?
Keratin is a structural and protective protein that makes up hair and nails, says cosmetic biochemist Stacey Steinmetz.
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In hair, its responsible for preventing breakage, frizz, and heat damage.
By applying keratin topically to your hair, it can be used to smooth and de-frizz.
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Is Keratin Good for Your Hair Growth?
Those treatments can damage hair and release dangerous fumes.
For starters, keratin is the cornerstone of hair structure.
Its a fibrous protein that quite literally forms each strand of hair.
Keratin treatments and keratin-infused products offer many benefits to your hair.
Salon keratin treatments contain large amounts of formaldehyde, she admits.
Some hairstylists have reported respiratory problems from handling the keratin treatment products and inhaling their fumes repeatedly over time.
For that reason, pregnant women should avoid getting this treatment.
People with a sensitivity to formaldehyde or respiratory problems should also avoid keratin treatments.
That doesnt mean you have to avoid at-home keratin treatments, though.
After all, those are much safer and do not contain the chemicals and fumes associated with in-salon techniques.
That said, Friese points out that there is such a thing as too much protein.
That doesnt make these at-home products undesirable though.
Keeping all these thoughts in mind, here are several ways to use keratin in your hair.
In-salon keratin treatments are considered semi-permanent hair straightening, as they typically last around three to six months.
Yes, an in-salon keratin treatment canmake your hair change color, with it often looking lighter afterwards.
Those with gray hair may find their hair looks more blonde.
A toner can be used to restore hair back to its normal color.
Keratin-infused products that you use at home often wont change the color of your hair.
Steinmetz cautions against using these products at home.
The combination of ingredients could be quite irritating, she says.
At-home keratin treatments are healthier for your hair than salon treatments simply because they don’t contain formaldehyde.
The main disadvantage of in-salon keratin treatments would be their harmful, formaldehyde-containing fumes.
They can also be pricey, costing upwards of $500 depending on your location.
Formaldehyde-containing keratin treatments can be damaging to the hair due to its harsh chemical nature.
Current intelligence bulletin 34 - formaldehyde: evidence of carcinogenicity (With reference package).
Published online September 28, 2020.
Tinoco A, Goncalves J, Silva C, et al.
Keratin-based particles for protection and restoration of hair properties.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
2018;40(4):408-419.
Health improvement of human hair and their reshaping using recombinant keratin K31.
2018;20:e00288.
Whats the deal with keratin treatments?National Center for Health Research.
