Keratin straightening - is it worth it? 2020-08-08 Does keratin promote hair growth? Keratin is the name for a protein that naturally occurs in hair strands and gives them structure. This is why many are promoting keratin as a hair-strengthening protein. Keratin is also used in keratin treatments designed to smooth and shine hair. If you have curly hair or it looks dry and damaged, you may be tempted to get a keratin treatment to smooth your hair and add shine. However, a keratin treatment, due to the ingredients used and the high temperature required to perform the technique, can actually do a lot of damage to the hair. In a salon keratin treatment, keratins are mixed with formaldehyde and applied to the hair with an iron, sealing the protein in the hair. It is a semi-permanent treatment that smoothes the cuticle (outer layer) of the hair and makes it silky smooth. Companies and salons that promote this service say you can revitalize hair follicles with keratin and claim that it is a non-damaging treatment. However, many experts warn against treatment because formaldehyde is a harsh and potentially hazardous chemical that has been linked to cancer. In addition, using irons at high temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for keratin treatments can also damage hair by disrupting the natural keratin structure in hair strands. For these reasons, keratin and hair loss can go hand in hand, and keratin treatment can contribute to excessive hair loss and thinning. If you have received keratin treatment that has damaged your hair, a short haircut may be the best remedy and avoid keratin treatment in the future. And to restore the keratin layer, use Thai hair products with keratin, for example: More than Keratin Set 1 minute keratin restoration for hair Keratin One Speed Treatment Cream Jena Keratin Hair Serum Jena Argan Oil & Agan Oil Carebeau Hair Treatment Keratin To keep your hair looking healthier and nourished from the inside out, be sure to eat a balanced diet of vitamins, minerals and marine proteins, or take a clinically proven hair growth supplement such as Biotin daily. Cleanse and condition hair with a gentle strengthening shampoo that does not remove essential oils from damaged hair and nourishes hair strands. A good shampoo and conditioner will help create the ideal environment for healthy hair growth. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that contains biotin, zinc and keratin to keep your hair looking smooth, shiny and thick. Add a light hair elixir for thicker, healthier hair. Does keratin thicken hair? Keratin is an important structural protein that can certainly contribute to increased hair thickness. Keratin treatments can straighten hair but damage it. This is because keratin treatments contain ingredients other than keratin (such as formaldehyde), and the high temperature of the styling tools used can burn and break hair, causing hair to fall out. However, keratin can be useful in hair thickening products. For example, keratin reduces the likelihood of hair breakage. This is because keratin binds to the rough edges of individual hairs, covering the cuticle, straightening it and giving it shine and strength. The Keratin Nourishing Serum or Elixir also strengthens the hair and makes it thicker by covering individual hair shafts. Shampoos, conditioners, and similar products that contain keratin are excellent quick remedies for thickening hair.