Keratin: what you don't know about hair substance

Keratin: what it really is?  

Keratin is a protein characterized by long chains of amino acids (including cysteine), trace minerals and vitamins present throughout the animal kingdom. In humans, it constitutes the main component of hair and nails. In other animals, keratin can be found in pig bristles, bird feathers, cow hooves, and rhino horn.

What is keratin used for? 

Being the main constituent of hair and nails, keratin performs a protective and repairing function ensuring the health, resistance and strength of the skin appendages. Keratin is, in fact, present in the hair in a percentage that varies between 65 and 96%.

Its role is closely related to the presence of L-Cysteine, one of the numerous amino acids that characterize its composition. The sulfur atoms that distinguish it ensure that the keratin chains can bind together through disulfide bridges, a type of bond that guarantees the solidity of hair and nails.

When keratin production is threatened

Due to biological cellular ageing, keratin tends to decrease over the years. Furthermore, the presence of this protein is easily threatened by external and internal factors. This has proven negative consequences for the hair, which can become brittle and dry.

As for external factors, the most common to undermine keratin are:

• Environment: pollution and smog are a threat as the polluting particles, depositing on the hair, make them dry and heavy;
  
  
• Sun, sea and chlorine: excessive exposure to sunlight, salt and chlorine tend to make the hair brittle and weak;
  
  
• Aggressive cosmetic treatments: the use of hair products rich in chemicals and / or unsuitable for your hair type irritate the scalp and damage the hair fiber.

At the same time, there are internal factors that can be harmful to the keratin of the hair and, consequently, to the entire hair:

• Nutrition: a lack of certain trace minerals (such as iron) or vitamins (especially vitamins of group B and D) can negatively affect the keratinization process of the hair and, therefore, its health;
  
  
• Psychological stress: an excessively high level of stress for a prolonged period is harmful to the whole body, including hair. This is due to the excessive production of cortisol, which affects the production of glucose and the consequent formation of keratin.
  
  
• Hormones and genetics: hormonal imbalances and genetic predisposition can alter the normal keratinization process of the hair.
  
  

The best treatments

In order to reduce the damage caused by external and internal factors to the keratinization process of the hair, it is important to follow practical and constant measures.

First, choose quality hair products chemicals free to not damage the hair structure. The ideal is to prefer products with a film-forming and protective action so as to give softness and hydration, and at the same time protect the hair shaft from aggressive agents.

This category includes the Kmax Stimulating Leave-In Conditioner, the restructuring and anti-hair loss conditioner in spray to provide hydration and a stimulating action. The best conditioning agents make it ideal for moisturizing and nourishing dry hair, especially when using alcohol-based topical lotions. Instead, the stimulating and anti-hair loss active ingredients strengthen the hair and counteract hair loss.

Furthermore, in case of damaged hair, keratin treatments can also help: they rebuild the hair fibers, improving hair structure and making it brighter and softer.

Last but not least, opt for a healthy lifestyle. This meaning adopting a balanced diet rich in vitamins and trace minerals, reducing cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, and practicing constant physical activity.

Keratin fibers against thinning  

On the other hand, keratin fibers deserve a separate topic. Unlike keratin treatments, they aren’t a cure to improve the keratinization process. Rather, they are one of the most used and effective instant hair make-up products capable of masking blemishes, empty areas and thinning caused by baldness.

Keratin microfibers, or hair fibers, are a powder made up exclusively of keratin micronized particles that can electrostatically bind to the hair shaft making it immediately thicker. In fact, thanks to the most sophisticated cosmetic technologies, they are micronized and electrostatically charged in such a way they become able to adhere to any type of hair without the risk to fall down or remain on the hands if passing the fingers through the hair.

The best products 

Kmax Concealing Hair Fibers are the only keratin fibers that are 100% natural and free of any dyes and preservatives. They are available in nine different colors so as to adapt to any color and the different chromatic shades are given exclusively by the natural color of the keratin. They are resistant to water, sweat and rain and can be removed with a delicate shampoo.

Kmax hair fibers are not the only product that has keratin as a protagonist. Kmax Concealing Styling Gel is the first hair gel that, in addition to fixing the hair, is able to make hair thicker in a few seconds. Its secret? The addition of keratin fibers.

Therefore, keratin isn’t only the main constituent of hair and nails, but it is also a precious ingredient for hair make-up products that aim to naturally mask the imperfections of the hair.

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Hair gel enriched with keratin microfiber.
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