What is Keratin

Keratin is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, and it is found in both animals and plants. It is a fibrous protein in human hair, nails, and skin. Keratin is a fibrous protein that makes up the outer layer of human skin, hair, and nails. It gives your body a protective covering that prevents water loss and protects against bacteria.

Keratin also plays a significant role in the skin’s elasticity, repairing damaged cells and acting as a protective barrier against bacteria.

It can also be found in the hooves and horns of animals, as well as in plants. There are primarily two types of keratin: alpha-keratin and beta-keratin. The different types of keratin have different functions within your body.

Benefits of Keratin on Hair

Keratin plays a significant role in your hair, skin, and nails’ health and appearance. It’s known to strengthen weak nails and brittle hair by nourishing them with protein. It can also help reduce the risk of split ends and breakage by forming protective layers around each strand of hair. It’s also beneficial for people with thinning hair or those who want to thicken their locks.

Strengthens Hair

Keratins are also known to protect your hair from heat damage, UV damage, chemical, and mechanical damage. They enable the strengthening of the outer layer of your hair by keeping it in good condition. This means that when you use keratin treatments on your hair, you may notice that you have thicker, healthier-looking locks!

Reduces Frizz

Keratin is one of the most effective ingredients for frizz control. Keratin can reduce frizz and static, which is why it’s often used in hair products. The protein binds with your hair at the molecular level, locking in moisture and helping it retain its natural shape while reducing static electricity that causes flyaways. This keeps moisture in the hair shaft and prevents it from drying out or becoming damaged by styling tools that use heat, like blow dryers and flat irons.

Adds Shine

Keratin is a protein that makes hair shiny. Keratin helps add shine to your hair by coating each strand with a protective layer that prevents moisture from escaping. The result is a smoother, shinier look that lasts for days. That’s why it’s so important to moisturize your hair after every wash, which can help your natural Keratin reach its full potential.

Prevents Split Ends

Keratin is a protein that bonds the outer layer of your hair shaft to the inner layer. It's also responsible for helping prevent breakage in those areas, making it an essential part of your hair's strength and resilience.

You can use keratin supplements to strengthen your strands by providing additional support as they grow longer and more fragile. They're also helpful if you suffer from split ends or other breakages during styling procedures like braiding or blow-drying. They help lock down new growth so it doesn't fall out before forming a full head of curls.

Foods that Boost Keratin Production in Hair

Keratin plays a vital part in the structure of your hair, so it's crucial to ensure you're getting enough of this nutrient-rich food. If you want to increase keratin production in your hair, consider adding the following foods to your diet:

Protein Sources

Beef and pork are rich in Keratin, an essential protein responsible for hair growth. The same can be said about chicken, lamb, and all other meat sources. Red meat is a primary source of vitamins B12 and B3, which help with hair growth and iron.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a tasty and satisfying snack that can help support your hair's healthy growth. Sunflower seeds also contain various vitamins, minerals, and amino acids—including biotin and protein—which support keratin production.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are rich in Keratin and essential to healthy hair. They help to repair damaged hair, maintain the elasticity of your scalp, and prevent dryness. They also improve the general appearance of your locks with their anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce breakage and damage caused by styling products.

Leafy Greens

Keratin is the main protein in human hair, nails, and skin. By eating leafy greens like spinach or kale, you're getting this vital nutrient because they're high in vitamin A (which helps make Keratin), iron (which helps with blood flow), folate (a B vitamin), and fiber which promotes healthy digestion by helping to eliminate waste from your body.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is an excellent source of Keratin, magnesium, and antioxidants. They help to prevent hair damage, so if you're looking to strengthen your strands, then dark chocolate should be one of the first things on your list! Besides being high in iron (which helps fight free radicals), it's also an excellent source of B vitamins that support healthy skin and hair growth.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein but also rich in Keratin. There are two main types of Keratin: one is a structural protein that helps protect your hair and nails from damage, while the other is called proteoglycan, which makes up the structure of your fingernails and toenails.

Eggs are packed with both types of Keratin — so it's not surprising that they're an excellent source of this nutrient.

How do Keratin Supplements Nourish Hair

The benefits of keratin supplements are the same as other vitamins and minerals: they strengthen your hair and make it more shiny and smooth. Keratin is a protein that helps with strength and elasticity in the hair follicle. It also prevents split ends from forming by keeping moisture in the scalp where it belongs. Adding kefir or yogurt into your diet can add extra Keratin to your locks!