You probably already know that protein is a vital nutrient that you need to include in your diet. However, you probably didn’t know that protein can directly impact the health of your hair. A type protein-based structure called keratin may hold the key to strong and flowing hair. In fact, this is the primary reason behind the growing popularity of countless keratin shampoo brands. Even though it is very popular many still wonder about the effectiveness and safety of these products. However, let’s start with the absolute basics and define what goes into making a keratin shampoo.
Keratin belongs to the protein family and is made up of a blend of amino acids. It’s a fibrous protein structure that’s found in nail, hair, and skin. A keratin shampoo is a hair care product that contains keratin and it helps nourish both the outer and inner layers of each hair strand. Simply put, a high-quality keratin shampoo can not only add shine to your hair but also protect it from pollution and harmful ultraviolet rays.
Benefits of Applying Keratin Shampoo
Due to its amazing hair-rejuvenating properties, hair-care professionals have long known the benefits of keratin-based products. Following are a few benefits you can expect from a keratin shampoo.
- It makes hair smooth and tangle-free.
- Enhances the strength and elasticity of hair.
- Repairs damaged hair by reducing split ends and dullness.
- Adds a protective layer to reduce hair damage.
- Provides nourishment to boost hair growth.
Is Keratin Shampoo Effective?
According to research, keratin shampoos contain potent ingredients that can potentially protect your hair from damage while providing necessary nourishment. However, these results can vary product to product. You should also remember that hair restoration takes time and the effectiveness of the product also depends on your hair type and the level of damage.
Is It Safe to Use?
Keratin is naturally present in our bodies and thus completely safe. Keratin shampoos do not cause allergic reactions and they have no known side effects. However, as a side note, you should know that each product is made using a blend of different ingredients. To be completely safe, it’s best to lookup each listed ingredient. Apart from checking the individual ingredients, you should also know that there are some Keratin treatments that can damage your hair due to the rigorous straightening process.
How to Choose the Best Keratin Shampoo
When buying a shampoo that contains keratin, it is important to check the label and make sure it contains at least one of these following ingredients.
- Hydrolyzed Keratin: This ingredient is responsible for repairing the hair cuticle, rebuilding hair roots, and strengthening brittle and damaged hair.
- Oxidized Keratin: It’s a type chemically produced keratin that comes with all the benefits of natural keratin.
- Keratin Amino Acids: This ingredient repairs damaged hair while protecting your hair from more structural damage.
Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals such as sulfate and formaldehyde because these chemicals can irritate and damage the scalp tissue. Moreover, sulfate depletes keratin from hair strands making them susceptible to damage.
Apart from applying keratin-containing hair care products, consider boosting the protein percentage in your diet. This will make sure your body has the necessary resources to produce keratin and repair hair damages on its own.