What is keratin and why is it essential?
Keratin is a natural fibrous protein that makes up 95% of the structure of hair, nails and skin. It acts as a protective shield, ensuring the strength, elasticity and resistance of these tissues. Over time, external aggressors such as heat, pollution and chemical treatments damage keratin, making hair and nails fragile. Used in cosmetics and hair care, keratin helps repair, smooth and strengthen the hair fiber for healthier, shinier hair.
What are the benefits of keratin for hair, nails and skin?
1. Powerful reinforcement for the hair fiber
- Restores hair's internal structure, giving it strength and elasticity.
- Fills damaged scales, reducing breakage and split ends.
- Provides a silky-smooth texture, closing hair cuticles.
2. Natural smoothing for disciplined hair
- Smoothes and relaxes hair fiber, reducing frizz and volume.
- Facilitates styling, reducing drying and blow-drying time.
- Adds radiant shine, ideal for dull, tired hair.
3. Protection against external aggressions
- Forms a protective film against heat (straighteners, hairdryers) and pollution.
- Preserves hair's natural moisture, preventing dryness and dehydration.
- Improves resistance to coloring and bleaching, prolonging shine.
4. Repairing care for weakened hair
- Ideal after straightening, straightening or chemical coloring.
- Repairs brittle, porous and sensitized hair, restoring its strength.
- Helps prevent hair loss due to external aggressions.
5. A boost for damaged, soft nails
- Strengthens the structure of brittle, split nails.
- Improves growth and strength, reducing fragility.
- Protects against shocks and chemical aggression (solvents, aggressive varnishes).
6. A moisturizing and protective action for the skin
- Helps maintain skin's elasticity and firmness.
- Protects against dehydration and external aggression.
- Promotes cell regeneration, ideal for dry, mature skin.
7. An ally for all hair types
- Suitable for fine hair, for added volume and strength.
- Ideal for curly or frizzy hair, reducing frizz without weighing it down.
- Essential for color-treated or chemically-treated hair, preserving vitality.
How do I use keratin on a daily basis?
1. Hair care (shampoos, masks, serums)
- Use a keratin-enriched shampoo and conditioner to nourish the hair fiber.
- Apply a keratin mask once or twice a week for in-depth repair.
- Apply a keratin serum or oil to lengths and ends, without rinsing.
2. In-salon keratin treatment (Brazilian straightening, deep treatment)
- Opt for a Brazilian smoothing treatment for long-lasting anti-frizz action.
- Perform a reconstructive salon treatment to restore lost keratin.
- Maintain effects with sulfate-free products that preserve keratin.
3. Food supplements to strengthen hair and nails
- Take keratin capsules for fortifying action from within.
- Combine with B vitamins, zinc and biotin to stimulate growth.
- Follow a minimum 3-month course of treatment for visible results.
4. For nails and skin
- Apply a keratin hardener to soft, brittle nails.
- Incorporate a keratin serum or cream into your skin care routine.
What are the precautions and contraindications to using keratin?
- Avoid keratin-based treatments containing formaldehyde, a harmful ingredient found in some chemical straighteners.
- Don't overload hair with keratin: too much can make it stiff and brittle.
- Choose formulas suited to your hair type, to avoid weighing it down.
- Limit frequent use of Brazilian straighteners, which can weaken hair fiber over the long term.
- Choose sulfate-free products to prolong the effects of keratin treatments.
How to choose quality keratin?
- Of natural origin, extracted from sheep's wool, wheat or corn.
- Formaldehyde-free, to avoid toxicity.
- Enriched with amino acids and vegetable oils for better absorption.
- Organic label and cruelty-free manufacturing, guaranteeing ethical production.
Keratin is available in pharmacies, organic stores and specialized stores, in the form of hair care products, serums, dietary supplements and professional treatments.
