There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to keratin and what it does for your hair. We’re here to lay out the truth, plain and simple so you can feel confident and informed when you decide to do your next (or first) keratin treatment.
First of all, let’s go over what exactly keratin IS. Keratin is a type of protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails, it is a protective protein that your body produces naturally.
As a cosmetic ingredient, keratin works by smoothing down the cells that overlap to form your hair strands. Your hair cuticles absorb the keratin from the products you use resulting in hair that looks full and glossy.
Keratin Damage In Your Hair
Keratin treatments are meant to re-establish lost keratin in your hair. In a hair strand, keratin proteins make up the outer layer of the hair cuticle to protect the inner cortex, which is made up of rope-like keratin proteins. The outer layer of keratin cells looks like stacked eggshells or scales that overlap to create a waterproof and airtight barrier. When those proteins are damaged, the edges of the cells start to lift and separate. Once the hair cuticle is damaged, it can leave the inner cortex exposed to ripping and fraying, breaking down the structure of the hair.
Keratin damage in hair can occur for multiple reasons. Overusing high heat from styling tools like curling wands, blowdryers, or flat irons can "fry" hair as can over-processing hair with bleach, hair coloring, and other chemical hair treatments. Even natural hair is at risk when it is not taken care of properly with harsh brushing, a lack of hydration, or product build-up. While there are many ways one can damage keratin within the hair, there are numerous options to keep it protected, hydrated, and healthy.
Keratin Treatments
There are many different types of keratin products and treatments for repairing keratin within the hair. You can have a professional frizz treatment in a salon, or purchase an at-home keratin treatment kit, there are also many hair frizz control products made with keratin to help maintain a keratin treatment or to help get more manageable hair. Keratin treatments and products work by infusing keratin back into the hair to fill in the damage and smooth down frayed cells for a smooth protective hair barrier. Your results may vary depending on the level of damage your hair has before use, your hair's thickness, and the type of keratin treatment you use.
Salon VS. At-Home Keratin Treatment
- Wash your hair with Damila Clarifying Shampoo to remove all product build-up and excess oil.
- Divide hair into four sections.
- Apply Damila Formaldehyde-Free Keratin to each section. Distribute product with a wide-tooth comb.
- For fine hair, let the treatment set for 20 - 30 minutes. For thicker, curly hair, leave on for 40 - 50 minutes.
- Rinse hair with water. Towel dry and apply a Damila Deep Treatment Mask to hair. Cover head with a plastic cap. Leave the mask on for 20 - 30 minutes, then rinse.
- Blow-dry hair until it is 100% dry and style as usual.
- Allow treatment to work its magic for 48 hours before washing or styling. After any keratin treatment, use an aftercare keratin shampoo and a keratin leave-in conditioner such as Damila Salt and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner for longer-lasting results.
There are many options for helping to rebuild damaged keratin. The key to choosing the right procedures and keratin products is to do your research, read reviews, and only use products that you trust to ensure you're getting the most from your keratin treatments and products.