Kvinde bruger en keratin behandling til håret
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What is keratin and why is it important for your hair?

by Lotte Lindgren on May 31, 2023

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Dorthe Kristensen

Read through by Dorthe Kristensen

Hairdresser and former co-owner of the award-winning hairdressing chain Zoom by Zoom
With many years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Dorthe has advised many customers about hair and hair care. Dorthe has read through this blog entry to ensure high quality and professionalism. This blog post is professionally updated on October 22, 2024.

Table of contents

If you want to have healthy and shiny hair, keratin is an important factor to consider. Keratin is a protein found naturally in our hair and nails, but the amount of keratin can decrease due to environmental factors or treatments with heat and chemicals. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how keratin can help you achieve healthy hair, as well as some tips for increasing your own production of this vital protein.

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a protein that naturally occurs in our hair and nails. It is crucial for giving hair strength and shine. Keratin acts as a protective barrier for the hair, making it more resistant to external influences such as heat, chemicals, and environmental factors.

Keratin supplements can help rebuild damaged hair by providing extra protein and nourishment. If you want healthy and shiny hair, keratin can be an effective solution for you!

Keratin hair

How is keratin formed?

The hair follicles produce keratin, which is an important protein to maintain normal strength and shine in the hair. Protein synthesis occurs gradually as the cells mature and assemble into long strands of keratin. Factors such as age, diet and environmental influences can affect the formation of keratin.

In order to achieve healthy hair, it is important to ensure a normal production of keratin in the hair follicles. A balanced intake of nutrients such as protein can help support this process and give your hair the desired shine.

What is the function of the protein in the hair?

Keratin is a protein that naturally occurs in our hair. It plays a crucial role in maintaining normal hair. Here are some of the important functions that keratin can perform for your hair:

Protection: Keratin helps protect the hair's inner structure from damage caused by environmental factors such as sunlight and pollution. It acts as a shield that protects against harmful UV rays and air pollution, which can cause wear and weaken hair strands.

Strengthening: The protein's strong binding ability also provides strength to the hair strands themselves and improves elasticity. This makes the hair more resistant to damage, especially if exposed to heat treatment or chemical treatments.

Shine: Keratin contributes to a more shiny finish by reflecting light better. It helps smooth the hair strands, resulting in a more uniform surface that gives a shiny and healthy appearance.

Softness and smoothness: The keratin scales around each hair strand lie closer together thanks to the proteins in keratin. This makes the hair silkier to the touch. With regular use of keratin products, the hair can feel both softer and more manageable, making it easier to style and shape.

So if you want healthy and beautiful-looking hair, it can be valuable to consider products with keratin for your daily routine.

How can keratin help to get healthy hair?

Keratin is a naturally occurring protein found in our hair and nails. When hair is exposed to daily influences such as sunlight, heat styling tools, and chemical treatments, it can cause damage to the hair's keratin structure. By adding extra keratin to the hair through a professional treatment, one can restore the strength and shine of the hair.

A regular keratin treatment can also help protect your hair from future damage. However, it is important to properly after-treat your hair after the treatment to achieve the best results and keep your hair healthy and strong long after the treatment is completed. Using sulfate-free shampoo and keratin-based hair masks as part of your aftercare routine can prolong the effect of the keratin treatment and help maintain the hair's smoothness and strength.

Kvinde giver sit hår en keratin behandling

Keratin treatment as a cure for damaged hair

Keratin is a natural protein found in our hair. When hair is exposed to damage and stress, the keratin can break down, resulting in dry and damaged hair. A professional keratin treatment can help rebuild this protein by adding an extra protective layer to the hair.

The health condition of the hair can be affected by many factors such as heat styling tools or chemical treatments such as bleaching. The keratin treatment acts as a cure for damaged hair by repairing the damage and strengthening your hair from the inside out. It also helps reduce frizz and makes the hair easier to style.

The result will be healthier, shinier, and softer hair than ever before. It also means less time spent on styling in the morning! With regular treatments, you will experience long-lasting results.

Getting a professional keratin treatment done by a stylist at your local salon is definitely worth it for your hair's health! Benefits include not only healthy locks but also minimal time spent on styling and the possibility of maintaining the optimal length without the need for frequent trimming - all thanks to this wonderful treatment technique!

How long does a keratin treatment last?

A keratin treatment can last between 3 to 6 months, depending on your hair type, the specific treatment, and how well you care for your hair afterward. The result of the treatment gradually fades as the keratin is slowly washed out of the hair over time.

To prolong the effect of your keratin treatment, it is a good idea to use sulfate-free shampoo and avoid frequent hair washing, as this can break down the keratin layer faster. Sulfates are known to be harsh on the hair and can quickly remove both natural oils and keratin, shortening the lifespan of the result.

Air drying the hair and limiting the use of heat styling tools can also help maintain the results longer.

Regular aftercare with keratin-based hair products can also help maintain the smoothness and strength of the hair. This can include hair masks, leave-in conditioners, or serums that contain keratin, which helps rebuild and strengthen the hair between treatments.

Can you do a keratin treatment at home?

Yes, it is possible to do a keratin treatment at home, but there are several things you should be aware of to achieve good results. Home treatments are generally less potent than those offered in salons, and they have a shorter duration, typically between a few weeks and up to three months. Professional keratin treatments can last between two to six months because they use stronger formulas. Additionally, the results may vary depending on your experience with home treatments and the products you choose to use.

To do a keratin treatment at home, you need to follow some basic steps:

  • Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove product residues and dirt.
  • Apply the keratin product in sections of your hair and ensure it is evenly distributed.
  • Let the treatment sit for 30 minutes and then rinse it out.
  • Use a blow dryer and a flat iron to seal the keratin into the hair using heat.

It is important to follow the instructions carefully, especially when using heat styling tools, as improper use of these can damage the hair. Home treatments are also typically free of formaldehyde, making them safer but less effective at completely smoothing hair compared to salon treatments.

Hair treatments with keratin

A hair treatment with hydrolyzed keratin can be a great way to give your hair the extra care and nourishment it deserves. Hydrolyzed keratin is a form of keratin where the protein has been broken down into smaller fragments, making it easier for the hair to absorb and utilize its benefits.

When you use a hair treatment with hydrolyzed keratin, it can help rebuild and repair damaged hair. It is especially useful for those who have experienced dryness, split ends, or color damage. Hydrolyzed keratin works by penetrating the hair strands and restoring the protein structure, making the hair stronger, more elastic, and less prone to breakage or splitting. Regular use of a keratin hair treatment can therefore provide your hair with lasting improvement, especially if you often expose it to heat treatment or chemical processes. By adding keratin to the hair, you can also experience that the hair gains a healthier shine and looks more well-groomed.

How to maintain keratin treated hair

Care and styling tips to maintain the shine of your treated hair are crucial for long-lasting effect. First and foremost, choose shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for keratin-treated hair. Use a wide-toothed comb or brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the hair during styling. It is also a good idea to use a leave-in conditioner or serum that contains keratin to extend the treatment and provide extra protection.

The frequency of maintenance procedures for treated hair is important to maintain the healthy result. In general, it is not recommended to wash the hair more than 2 times a week after a keratin treatment. Over-washing can remove the natural oil balance in the hair, which can lead to dry and frizzy hair.

Precautions must be strictly observed to avoid damage to the treated structure of your hair. Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water for at least 72 hours after treatment, as this can remove the treatment from your locks more quickly. Furthermore, for the first two days after your keratin treatment, you must not collect your hair when it is wet with clips etc., as enough time (48 hours) must be allowed for the product to penetrate all the way down through all the layers at the top.

It's important to remember these tips so you can enjoy the long-lasting benefits of keratin-treated hair. With the right care, your hair will shine and feel healthy and strong!

This is how you can increase keratin production in your hair

Keratin is a key component of our hair that gives it strength and shine. You can increase keratin production naturally by eating foods like eggs, beans and green vegetables that are rich in protein and amino acids. It also helps to keep your hair healthy and hydrated with the right products for your hair type to maintain an optimal environment for keratin production.

Here's how to eat to increase keratin production

Foods rich in protein such as meat, fish and legumes will help increase your keratin production. Protein is essential for hair health as it is one of its primary building blocks. Fruit and vegetables with a high content of vitamin C such as oranges, broccoli or kiwi will also be beneficial for maintaining normal keratin production. Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen. Finally, eat foods with biotin such as eggs, nuts or oatmeal. Biotin helps to maintain normal hair and strength as well as the general health of your hair.

  • Eat foods rich in protein such as meat, fish and legumes
  • Consume fruit and vegetables with a high content of vitamin C such as oranges, broccoli or kiwi
  • Eat foods containing biotin such as eggs, nuts or oatmeal
Kost der øger keratin produktionen

    How to care for your hair to increase keratin production

    To increase keratin production in your hair, you can start by using a mild sulfate-free shampoo, which does not dry out the hair. Sulfates in many common shampoos can strip the hair of its natural oils and make it more vulnerable. Also, avoid excessive heat styling with tools like flat irons or hair dryers, as this can damage the hair's structure and reduce keratin production.

    Instead, try letting your hair air dry or use a diffuser on your hair dryer at low heat. It is also a good idea to use heat-protective products if you use styling tools, as it can minimize damage to the hair.

    Finally, it is important to use a conditioner or mask specifically designed to strengthen the hair and provide nourishment to the active ingredients that increase keratin production. Here you can advantageously try our Grow and Glow hair mask, as it not only strengthens the hair but also stimulates healthy hair growth and adds moisture and nourishment.

    shampoo til keratin behandlet hår

    Is keratin treatment safe?

    Keratin treatments are generally safe, but there can be some side effects. Some people may experience scalp or eye irritation, while others report dandruff and hair loss. These side effects can occur if the product contains formaldehyde or other chemicals that can be irritating, so it is important to choose a treatment without formaldehyde to minimize the risks. It is important to find a professional keratin treatment provider who will take care of your hair in the best way and use quality products.

    It is also important to remember that although keratin treatment can help improve the appearance of your hair and make it look shinier and healthier, healthy hair still requires regular care. So make sure to follow the right steps for daily hair care as well as maintenance after the treatment.

    Possible side effects of keratin treatment

    A keratin treatment can have some possible side effects that you should be aware of. Some women experience irritation of the scalp after a treatment, while others may develop allergic reactions to the product. Eye irritation is also a risk, as the vapor from the treatment can affect the eyes. It is important to inform your practitioner of any allergies or sensitivities prior to treatment in order to minimize the risks of side effects and ensure the best possible result.

    How to find a professional keratin treatment

    Ask for recommendations from friends or family when looking for a professional keratin treatment provider. Their personal experiences can give you a good insight into the quality of the treatment and the service offered. It can also be beneficial to ask your hairdresser, as they often have good recommendations for reliable providers.

    Read reviews online from previous clients to get additional information about the salon's reputation. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to form the most nuanced picture of the therapists' skills and results.

    Pay attention to price and quality, as they often go hand in hand in this industry. A cheap treatment can be tempting, but if it goes beyond the result or your hair quality, it is not worth the money - rather invest a little more in a professional treatment with good quality.

    • Get personalized recommendations
    • Read reviews online
    • Better invest a little more in a professional treatment

    Product recommendations

    Keratin is the building block of hair, so it can also be a good idea to add keratin to your hair for a healthy and shiny look. We will make product recommendations for keratin for hair

    Grow & Glow hair mask with keratin

    Our Grow & Glow hair mask is packed with a lot of great ingredients for your hair, including hydrolysed keratin. It helps to repair and strengthen the hair while leaving the hair feeling nourished and shiny. In this hair mask you also get other delicious ingredients like Capilia Longa, Rosemary leaf extract and hydrolysed wheat protein. It is free from both silicone and sulphate.

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