Dreaming of shiny, strong, and healthy hair ? The secret might lie in a natural protein called keratin . Found not only in your hair but also in your nails and skin, this substance plays a central role in their beauty and resilience.
Contents
What is Keratin and Where Does it Come From?
Keratin is a fibrous protein that plays a significant role in the structure and protection of hair, nails, and the upper layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. This natural substance is produced by specialized cells called keratinocytes , located at the base of hair follicles for hair and in nail matrices for nails. Acting as the “cement” of our bodies, keratin provides hair and nails with their unique physical properties: strength, elasticity, and shine. It is thanks to keratin that our hair can grow and withstand external aggressions without breaking. Similarly, keratin gives nails their hardness and resilience, allowing them to effectively protect the tips of our fingers.
Did you know that keratin is not exclusive to humans? This protein is actually present in all mammals, playing a similar protective role. It can be found in animal fur, such as the wool of sheep, the fur of bears, or even the whiskers of cats. In birds, keratin makes up feathers and enables them to fly. It is also found in the scales of reptiles, the claws of felines, and even the hooves of horses!
The Composition of Keratin and Where to Find It
This protein is composed of a chain of amino acids, the main one being cysteine , which is particularly rich in sulfur. This specific composition gives keratin its distinctive spiral shape, called an alpha helix. The sulfur-sulfur bonds that form between different keratin chains create a three-dimensional network that is both solid and resistant. Keratin is abundantly found in several parts of our body:
- Hair, which contains up to 95% keratin
- Nails, the stratum corneum of the epidermis
- Animal fur and wool
When we look more closely at the structure of hair, we see that keratin is organized into three distinct layers. The first layer, the cuticle , is the outer layer of the hair. It consists of thin, transparent scales that overlap like roof tiles. Its main role is to protect the inner layers from various external aggressions and to maintain the hair’s hydration. When these scales are damaged, the hair fiber becomes porous and particularly sensitive to damage.
The second layer, located under the cuticle, is called the cortex . It makes up the bulk of the hair’s structure. The cortex is composed of a dense network of long keratin chains, which give the hair its strength, elasticity, and shine. The cortex also contains melanin, the natural pigment that gives hair its color. When the hair is weakened, the bonds between the keratin chains break, leading to a loss of volume and vitality.
Finally, the medulla is the innermost layer of the hair. It is a central canal filled with air and loosely packed cells. The medulla is not always present, especially in fine hair. Its exact role is still poorly understood, but it may contribute to thermal regulation and hair protection.
Factors Affecting Keratin and Hair Structure
Unfortunately, various external factors can alter keratin and weaken the hair structure. These include external aggressions such as pollution, UV rays, or hard water, as well as harsh chemical treatments like coloring or perming. Excessive use of heating tools like flat irons or hair dryers can also damage keratin. Additionally, an unbalanced diet lacking in vitamins and minerals, as well as stress, can negatively impact our hair health.
Daily Hair Care Routine
It’s essential to take care of your hair daily by adopting a hair care routine suited to your hair type. This includes using nourishing and repairing treatments based on natural keratin, as well as maintaining good hygiene and a balanced diet.
Benefits of Keratin for Hair and Nails
For Hair
Keratin is a true ally for the health and beauty of hair. It strengthens the hair structure from within by filling in the gaps in the hair fiber, repairs damaged, split, and weakened hair caused by external aggressions, and protects against these aggressions by forming a protective film on the hair surface.
The benefits of keratin don’t stop there! It also adds shine, softness, and volume to the hair, even to curly hair, which tends to be drier and more porous. By smoothing the hair scales, keratin makes styling easier and reduces frizz for more manageable hair. The result: stronger, shinier, and healthier hair! This is why keratin is found in many hair products like shampoos, conditioners, masks, and serums, tailored to each hair type.
But that’s not all! Keratin also acts on the scalp by strengthening it and regulating sebum production. This helps combat dandruff, itching, and hair loss.
For Nails
Keratin is also a key factor for beautiful and healthy nails. It acts as a protective shield by strengthening their internal structure. Thanks to keratin, brittle nails regain their strength and resistance to everyday shocks. Keratin also stimulates nail growth by promoting the activity of cells in the nail matrix, located at the base of the nail. These cells are responsible for producing keratin, which solidifies to form the nail plate. By optimizing their function, keratin allows you to have longer and stronger nails.
Keratin Treatment Recommendations
To benefit from keratin’s advantages, it is recommended to do regular treatments with suitable products. Shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments enriched with plant or hydrolyzed keratin are valuable allies for deeply strengthening and repairing hair. Use them 1 to 2 times a week in alternation with your regular products for stronger and shinier hair.
In addition to these topical treatments, consider taking dietary supplements containing keratin, biotin, and sulfur amino acids. These nutrients work from within to strengthen the structure of hair and nails. For optimal results, it is advisable to follow a treatment for at least 3 months. Don’t forget to pamper your nails with strengthening and hardening polishes. Enriched with keratin, they form a protective shield on the nail surface to prevent breakage and splitting. Apply them as a base under your regular polish for stronger and more beautiful nails.
At Pin Up Secret , we offer a keratin treatment for hair. Enriched with keratin, silk and wheat proteins, argan oil, and amino acids, this treatment acts intensively to nourish, hydrate, repair, and strengthen hair from within. Whether you have curly, frizzy, brittle, damaged, straight, colored, or bleached hair, the Deep Treatment is your daily beauty ally.
Conclusion
Keratin is therefore an essential element for maintaining the health and beauty of your body. Whether present in hair, nails, or skin, this protein plays a central role in their structure and resistance. By better understanding its function and benefits, you can easily adopt the right habits to take care of it daily. An appropriate care routine, combined with a balanced lifestyle, is the key to optimizing keratin’s effects and preserving the lasting beauty of your body.
