The 8 types of keratin, and how they are used
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 the health of our skin or hair are known. 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.
What is keratin?
Keratin is a protein present in the body of vertebrate animals (including ourselves). It is a protein highly rich in sulphur and with a fibrous structure , which forms part of tissues such as the external 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 hair, being one of the most used and known treatments nowadays to strengthen and protect it. However, among the great variety of keratins there are some that can be harmful , such as those containing formaldehyde. Likewise, it should be taken into account that in order for keratin hair treatments to be effective, it is advisable not to wash your hair until 48 hours after the application of the keratin.
Two basic types of keratin
Although there are a large number of treatments and types of keratin that we can use in the treatment of hair, the truth is that we can find two basic types of this product depending on its main source .
Alpha Keratin
Alpha keratin is the most common type of keratin and is present in the hair, nails and horns of various animals, and is usually used as the basis for all hair treatments using keratin. It contains cystine, which allows its application to generate rigidity and resistance. Allows hair to be straightened for up to four months , giving it a soft appearance and eliminating curl.
Beta Keratin
Beta keratin is used in milder treatments than alpha. It has hardly any cysteine, which makes it less rigid than the previous one but equally resistant. It can be extracted from materials such as spider webs. It softens the curls but has a shorter duration than the previous one . However, 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 are the following:
1. Hydrolyzed keratin
This type of keratin is characterized by being a good conditioner and restructuring of the hair , regenerating the damage of its outer layers and moisturizing it and giving it a shiny look. It also has smoothing and cauterizing properties.
2. Keratin with formaldehyde
This type of keratin has the particularity that can be harmful and noxious since it possesses formaldehyde , capable of degrading the hair or even releasing gases that generate harmful effects on the health of the person who applies it or wears it.
3. Keratin without formaldehyde
It is a completely natural keratin, without formaldehyde or chemical components, which is usually made by processing keratin obtained from human or plant hair.
4. Chocolate keratin
Characterized by having cocoa oil in its composition, this type of keratin repairs and straightens the hair at the same time that it gives 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 keratin smoothing
Keratin treatment originating in Brazil, it is one of the most popular and well known. It is distinguished from other types of treatment by the fact that it eliminates up to 95% of curls, being a treatment especially indicated for complete hair straightening. It also offers protection and nutrition to the hair, giving it a shiny look.
The process starts with a complete 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 dried with a hairdryer. Generally, the hair is then dried with a hairdryer and then is straightened with a flat iron so that the heat fixes the keratin in the hair .
6. Japanese keratin smoothing
A type of keratin-based treatment that is characterized by leaving the hair straight, shiny, soft and strong. The curl is completely eliminated , and only new hair can have curls. The effect is lost after a few weeks. The application procedure is the same as above.