What is keratin?
The term keratin is not unknown to much of today's society. The progressive increase in the importance given to body image and the influence of the media means that many of the names of different components and elements that are part of cosmetic and body hygiene products and those products that improve health are known. of our skin or our hair. Keratin is one of them.
But There are a variety of types of keratin and treatments derived from it , as we will see throughout this article.
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What is keratin?
Keratin or keratin is a protein present in the organism of vertebrate animals (including ourselves). It is a protein highly rich in sulfur and fibrous structure , which is part of tissues such as the outer layer of the skin, hair or nails and whose main function is to protect the epithelial cells from external damage.
That is why it is used as a component or as a product that favors the protection of the hair, being one of the most used treatments and known at present to strengthen and protect it. However, among the great variety of keratins that there are some that can become pernicious , like those that contain formaldehyde. Also, it must be borne in mind that in order for hair treatments with keratin to be effective it is advisable not to wash the hair until after 48 hours after the application of keratin.
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Two types of basic keratin
While there are a lot of treatments and types of keratin that we can use in hair treatment, the truth is that We can find two basic types of this product according to its main source .
Keratin Alfa
Alpha keratin is the most common type of keratin and is present in the hair, nails and horns of various animals, and is often used as a basis for all hair treatments that use keratin. It contains cystine, which allows its application to generate stiffness and resistance. Allows hair straightening for up to four months , giving it a smooth appearance and eliminating the curl.
Keratin Beta
Beta keratin is used in treatments that are milder than alpha. It barely has cysteine, which is less rigid than the previous one but equally resistant. It can be extracted from materials such as spider web. Softens curls but has shorter duration than the previous . Of course, it leaves the hair more manageable.
Other types
Alpha and beta keratin are the main ones based on their source, but there are other types of keratin. Among them, the following stand out:
1. Hydrolyzed keratin
This type of keratin is characterized by being a good conditioner and hair restructuring , regenerating the damage of its outermost layers and hydrating it and giving it a shiny appearance. It also has smoothing and cauterizing properties.
2. Keratin with formaldehyde
This type of keratin has the peculiarity that It can be harmful and harmful because it has formaldehyde , able to degrade the hair or even release gases that generate harmful effects on the health of the person who applies it or who wears it.
3. Keratin without formaldehyde
It is completely natural keratin, without formaldehyde or chemical components, which is usually made by processing keratin obtained from human hair or plants.
4. Chocolate keratin
Characterized by having cocoa oil in its composition, this type of keratin repairs and straightens the hair to give more weight to the hair. In addition, cocoa oil gives it a special smell and shine, possessing natural antioxidants that protect the hair.
5. Brazilian straightening of keratin
Treatment with keratin originating in Brazil, it is one of the most popular and known. It is distinguished from other types of treatment by the fact that it eliminates up to 95% of the curls, being a treatment especially indicated for the complete straightening of the hair. It also offers protection and nutrition to the hair, giving it a shiny appearance.
The process begins with a full wash of the hair with soap to remove grease and dirt, and then dry it with a towel. After that the product is applied and it is dried with a dryer. Generally after this the hair is dried with a dryer and subsequently is smoothed with an iron so that the heat fixes the keratin in the hair .
6. Japanese keratin straightening
A type of treatment based on keratin that is characterized by leaving hair straight, shiny, soft and strong. The curl is completely removed , only the new hair can have curls. The effect is passed within a few weeks. The application procedure is the same as the previous one.
