Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that naturally exists in the hair. Hair damaged is straight related to the depletion of this protein, either by age, environmental or physics or chemical factors. These causes of damage may also vary from overuse of (external) styling procedures to (internal) body responses to stress.
Keratin may act both as an external protective protein in the cuticle, as well as an internal structural protein in the cortex, improving thus the hair strength and elasticity, and strongly contributing to a healthy and beautiful aspect. Basically, keratin application will put the lost protein back into the hair, rebuilding and repairing it, strand by strand, also filling the pores and sealing the cuticle. These procedures will improve the hydration and avoid the occurrence of tangles, frizz, and breakage (Roddick-Lanzilotta et al. 2006). Despite all these advantages, it is really important to understand your kind of hair first. Since people with curly or frizzy hair don’t have as much keratin as those with straight hair, thick, curly, frizzy or coarse textures will gain a lot with keratin application, while straight hair should hardly avoid it.
However, keratin treatments must be handled carefully… Most of them include several compounds that are assumed as dangerous, with many pernicious effects for the human health.
One example of this is the recurrent use of formaldehyde (a strong preservative) that at high temperatures (reached through the use of flat irons and curling irons required for strands sealing) converts to gas vapors that might be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, causing irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and lungs (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). Unfortunately, there are several scientific studies that link the occupational exposure to this substance to the permanent central nervous system damage as well as ongoing pulmonary problems, while the appearance of cancer remains controversial. Despite this, there is good data supporting a link between formaldehyde and the development of leukemia, said Amy McMichael, MD, a professor of dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Commonly, keratin treatments are related to hair straightening, however, it can be used to maintain your beautiful waves and curls, improving also their natural beauty and health and, at the same time, turning easier the styling processes!
And what about the application of keratin without all the disadvantages? Yes, it is possible! Think about the use of shampoos, conditioners and styling products enriched in keratin that can help you to avoid unruly hair, that became healthier, smoother and more manageable.
References:
Roddick-Lanzilotta, A., Kelly, R., Scott, S., Chahal, S., 2006. New keratin isolates: actives for natural hair protection. J. Cosmet. Sci. 58, 405–11.
By Sofia Guilherme
