All about keratin

Many sooner or later face the problems of damaged hair. There can be various reasons for this. Keratin for hair can be their solution. Also, with the help of curls can be straightened. This procedure has become very popular because it allows you to simultaneously achieve the smoothness of the strands and their recovery.

Keratin is a type of natural protein that, with the proper functioning of the body, is produced by it independently. The main objectives of this substance in relation to hair:

• protection of curls from mechanical damage;
• prevention of their loss and breakage;
• protection against the formation of split ends;
• giving hair elasticity and preservation of their strength;
• healthy appearance, shine.

Keratin for cosmetic purposes is extracted from sheep wool and is part of various professional and care products that are designed to restore damaged curls.

Natural keratin has a diverse composition, but its most valuable constituents are the protein itself and the amino acid complex, including cystine, cysteine, glycine, alanine. Protein is the basis of keratin, and amino acids endow it with the ability to take on any state — liquid, hard, soft, dense.

Cystine entering keratin is responsible for hardness. It is he who provides hair strength and protects them from breakage. Cysteine ​​contributes to the creation of collagen and improves hair elasticity. Healthy elasticity prevents hair damage.

The composition of cosmetics includes hydrolyzed keratin. Molecules of such substances during chemical processing are split into smaller ones without damage to their reducing abilities, which gives them the ability to dissolve in water.

Despite the abundance of advantages, keratin still has its negative sides. And before making a decision about conducting such a procedure with curls, it is worth getting acquainted with all the information.

The main advantage is that keratin is a natural substance. If for some reason the production of keratin is disturbed, the hair becomes brittle and dry, the ends begin to split. And filling the lack of keratin gives a noticeable result after the first procedure.

Keratin acts on the hair from the inside and removes unwanted dryness, moisturizes and contributes to the creation of a protective layer. Outside, this layer protects the hair from any external influence and prevents possible mechanical damage. Including this layer protects the hair from heat exposure, not letting the curling iron and hair dryer overdry the hair.

Curls are soft, docile and amenable to any styling. For those who suffer from disobedient, curly, wavy or curly hair, keratin can be a salvation. The procedure has a lasting effect.Also, with any other straightening curls, they can be damaged by the chemical composition, and in this case, the roots grow more healthy and shiny, which contrasts very much with the rest of the hair. In the case of keratin, there will be no such contrast between the regrown roots.

After keratin, the hair to the touch become soft after the first procedure. Keratin can restore dried strands even after dyeing or curling and return them to a lively look.

Some cosmetics used for keratinization of hair, have a cumulative effect. With each new procedure, the hair will look better. Therefore, at this point you should pay attention when choosing a product.

Keratin is an economical remedy. If we talk about home use, one bottle is not enough for one time. At the same time, the result is already after the first procedure, and it should be repeated no more often than once every 2-3 months. One bottle of funds is enough for about 4-5 procedures. This is not the final figure, because a lot depends on the frequency of repetition of procedures, the degree of damage, the length of curls.

If we talk about the minuses, then one of the most significant is that formaldehyde is part of keratin-based cosmetics. It is used as a preservative. In the funds it is contained in small quantities. But the procedure with keratin is still contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.

Like any other chemical agent, keratin can cause an allergic reaction. Before use, it is worth checking the personal portability of the product: before carrying out the procedure, apply a little on the skin. The test is best done within 12 hours. After this period, you can assess whether there is an allergy or not.

There is also an element of personal perception. Some do not like the smell of the composition, its consistency, may not suit the form of release, ease of use of the bottle or application to the hair. This is all subjective, so you should rely on your own opinion in such matters.

Some users claim that keratin straightening spoils curls. But often it is not the keratin itself that spoils, but a poorly performed procedure. Straightening occurs under the action of high temperature. If the master performing the procedure does not apply a sufficient amount of mortar to the strand, there is a risk of burning the hair. Therefore, it is better to carry out such a procedure with verified specialists or to pay attention to the quality of processing of the strands when conducting it at home.

After keratin treatments, sulfate-free shampoos should be used. They are more expensive than usual, but their use is a prerequisite for long-term preservation of the effect of the procedure. Sulfate shampoos wash all keratin from the hair, and the effect is quickly lost.

Treatments with keratin should be used with care on thin hair. It makes them heavier and can lead to hanging. Also a side effect can be greasy hair.

Dyed hair during the procedure with keratin can change its color to several tones. This is a consequence of the use of deep cleansing shampoo and hair filling keratin. Before subsequent dyeing it is necessary to inform the master that keratin straightening or keratin-based hair restoration procedure has been carried out. Then the master will be able to choose the right paint and paint it in such a way as to avoid possible unpleasant results.

Also, some people refer to the minus of keratin recovery the complexity of the procedure, no matter where it is carried out: at home or in the cabin. But in contrast to this opinion, many users find it fairly simple, given the result that it gives in the end. In this case, it is worth examining the question of keratinization before the procedure and decide for yourself whether it is suitable or not.

There is a large selection of products for use at home or in the salon, which include keratin.

The most popular products for home use are shampoos, balsams, masks, serums and sprays, as well as hair dye. Similar products can be found in stores or pharmacies. Each product has its own method of application, which is necessarily described in the instructions. In such household products often add vitamins and minerals for additional hair recovery.

The use of cosmetic cosmetics usually does not give the same instant effect as keratin recovery in the salon. Many of these tools must be used constantly or by the course - they have a cumulative effect. Keratin in the process of use accumulates in the curls and over time makes them more hydrated, obedient, soft and well-groomed.

Specialized tools for professionals usually consist of several steps and include several products, the phased use of which leads to the desired result. These tools can be used at home by yourself. But it is better to turn to a professional to avoid unnecessary damage to the hair - because the main task of keratin is to restore the curls, and not harm them.

The choice of keratin for professional use (keratin hair straightening, for example) is usually made by a specialist who works with a particular line of professional cosmetics. Before enrolling in a procedure, it is possible and necessary to clarify with which manufacturer the master works. Then it will be possible to get acquainted in advance with information about the cosmetic product and reviews on it. This will help avoid trouble if the master is dishonest, and the keratin he uses is of poor quality.

If we talk about keratin, which is suitable for home use, now a large selection of such tools is available in the mass market, and you can always find a suitable option.

Serum for hair with keratin is produced mainly in ampoules and is an indelible agent that is applied to the curls along the entire length, usually several times a week or after each wash the head. Besides the fact that the serum restores the hairs, re-filling them with keratin, it also protects them from high temperatures.

Therefore, this format is perfect for those who:

• always uses a hairdryer or curling iron and wants to protect curls;
• wants to return them shine, elasticity;
• wants to moisturize the hair, prevent their fragility.

Many manufacturers offer keratin-based serums: “Osis Flatliner” from Schwarzkopf, “Active Keratine” from Belita Vitex, “Therapist” from Kerastase, serum “Keratin Silk” from CHI and others.

Keratin spray is also an indelible care product. It differs from the serum lighter texture and ease of application. Serums can sometimes give a weighting effect if applied more than is required. Sprays do not sin like this and will suit those who:

• wants to maintain the health and beauty of their hair;
• needs additional conditioning of the hair and ease of combing;
• uses curling iron or hair dryer;
• whose hair has a slight dryness and brittleness.

There is a large selection of keratin conditioning and regenerating sprays on the market: Hair Light Keratin Care Spray spray from the Hair Company, Megapolis spray care from Ollin Professional, Indola spray filler, Osmo keratin spray and others.

Shampoos with keratin are produced mainly by a single line with balms and masks and are designed to complement each other. Since all of these products are washable, the main effect is not seen immediately after the first use, but after a while.The result will have to wait longer, but this effect has its advantages: the hair after the passage of such keratin therapy will look shiny and silky and after its completion, since keratin will accumulate in the hairs.

This option is suitable for those who:

• constantly uses a hair dryer or curling iron;
• often dyes hair;
• wants to prevent hair damage;
• suffers from dry hair;
• needs restoration and warning of split ends.

Shampoo, balsam and mask can be used separately, but the best effect is given by the rulers when they are used sequentially and together. Popular lines of hair care products from various manufacturers: “Keratin line” from HairLuxe, “Keratin” from Dr. Sante, Magic “Argan + Keratin” by Eveline Cosmetics and others.

For those who constantly dye their hair, there is paint with keratin. It is distinguished by a more gentle effect on the curls and at the same time the effect of healing. This effect is achieved due to the ammonia-free formula and keratin content. Since the paint in order to penetrate deep into the hair, slightly opens the scales of hairs, along with it keratin also penetrates there, which during the aging of the composition on the curls has a regenerating effect. An example of such a paint is “Magic Keratin” by Kapous.

For heavily damaged hair, serums, shampoos and balms with masks will not be the best solution and may not be effective enough. Such keratin-based products are well suited to cope with dry hair, moisturize curls, prevent damage, provide thermal protection, restore split ends.

If the hair has been severely damaged, for example, by perm or dyeing or has suffered after a long winter and exposure to cold temperatures, it is better to prefer stronger products. In the case of keratin, sets of products for performing keratin restoration of curls for domestic use can be in this role.

Now it is very easy to read the instructions before buying a tool and evaluate if this format is right for you or better contact a specialist.

Examples of such complexes for keratinizing hair are: “Keratine Royal Treatment” from Ollin Professional, “Keratin Treatment” from Greymy, “BC Original” from SK Professional, “Gloss” from Bombshell and others.

For those who fear the effects of high temperatures on the hair and does not pursue the goal of straightening the hair, a cold keratin restoration of curls will do. In such a procedure, instead of exposure to the ironing, the strands with the composition are either not processed at all or are processed by an infrared ultrasound iron. An example of the composition for cold keratin recovery - "N-Solutions" from Homma Tokyo.

Among the products for keratin recovery can be found biokeratin.

The procedure for keratin recovery curls does not give a permanent effect. The result lasts an average of 3 months. Duration very much depends on the means by which the procedure was performed. Some manufacturers promise a duration of effect up to 4 months.

Also, the duration of the result depends on the competent care after the procedure. Performing all the tips on caring for curls will significantly prolong the duration of the effect, and non-compliance will shorten.

The frequency of washing the head also affects how soon it will be necessary to repeat the keratinization procedure.Sulfate-free shampoo, though not as hard as any other, doesn’t wash keratin from the hair anyway. So on the hair, prone to fat, it will hold much less than normal.

With care products such as balms, shampoos and sprays everything is clear: they are applied and washed off or not washed off, depending on their purpose. With tools for home or professional keratin restoration, curls are a bit more complicated.

The preparatory stage is mandatory - keratin is not applied to a greasy head. Before applying it, it is necessary to wash it with a special cleansing shampoo in order to wash off all possible dirt from the curls, as well as to open the hair scales. This will ensure keratin penetration deep into. If it only envelops the hairs outside - the effect will be short and mediocre.

Cleansing shampoo is almost all manufacturers that produce products for keratin hair restoration. Normal shampoo for oily hair, which is positioned as a cleansing, will not work. Balm after such a wash does not need to be applied.

The next stage is the treatment of dried curls with keratin. The product must be applied carefully. You should not pour the whole bottle on your hair, but you shouldn’t feel sorry for it, so that the curls will not be damaged during the subsequent heat treatment. The composition is not applied to the roots - the distance from them is approximately one centimeter. It is better to apply keratin on the tips with special attention, since the ends of the strands are often its most damaged part.

The expense of means for length of hair for one procedure varies within 50 ml. It depends on the quality of hair, their thickness, thickness, length and degree of damage. So, on thin long hair it will take less keratin than on thick hair.

After the keratin aging time, the curls are dried with a hair dryer. Experts advise to alternate the flow of cold and hot air and not to dry the hair at the maximum temperature. When the curls are dry, they are drawn by the iron, if there is a goal to straighten the hair and a complex of tools is suitable for this. Strands of about half a centimeter are usually drawn. Ironing one strand is processed 5-7 times.

Then the hair is cooled, combed, and when the temperature of the hair has dropped to normal, washed with warm water without shampoo and balm. Finally, a fixative is applied. It can be a cream, a mask or a balm from the same line with keratin. This is an important step and should not be omitted if it is provided by the manufacturer. After the mask is washed off, the hair is dried completely.

Hair after such a procedure is instantly transformed.

Immediately after the procedure with the use of some keratin-containing compounds can not wet his head for 72 hours. The master must warn about this in advance. Watering is not only washing your hair or rinsing with water. It is also impossible to apply indelible sprays or other liquids that fall under the rain. Otherwise, the result will eventually suffer and may not be as noticeable.

During the same 72 hours, the curls can not be tied into the tail, braided into spit, pinned with hairpins and generally somehow knead them. Ugly wrinkles that may be difficult to remove may remain on the hair.

If you use ordinary sulphate shampoo, it will wash keratin from the hair in a short time and return them to the original state.

It is possible to dye hair after the procedure of keratin hair restoration no earlier than in two weeks. If you do it earlier, there are two options for the result:

• the paint will not be taken, because it will not be able to penetrate the hair through the protective layer of keratin;
• the paint will break the protective layer of keratin and wash it out of the hair, thereby spoiling the effect of the procedure and reduce its durability (this applies mainly to ammonia colors).

Before the procedure, also paint no later than two weeks. Otherwise, you need to be prepared for the fact that the tone of the curls can be completely or partially washed away, and it can be restored no earlier than two weeks after keratinization.

After the procedure does not need to use curling iron or ironing. Hair dryer is better not to use daily, only when necessary. The best option would be to promakivyvat hair after washing with a towel and let them dry on their own.

If keratin for some reason wants to wash off, you can do it with regular shampoo.

Most of the reviews of those who have gone through the procedure of keratin hair recovery are positive. Users notice a noticeable result: silky hair, shine and healthy look. In their opinion, keratin makes hair much softer and more obedient, has a stated health-improving effect. Many users praise the straightening effect of keratin and are satisfied with the appearance of the hair after the procedure.

But there are also negative reviews, in which users note the absence of a long-term effect after the procedure and the loss of shine and vividness for several weeks. There are complaints of allergic reactions and damage to the hair. The latter is the result of choosing an inexperienced master or your own home experiments. Users also complain that after the keratinization procedure, the hair becomes fatter and loses its natural volume.

Keratin hair straightening at home, see the following video