If your New Year’s resolution is to finally get a handle on hair loss and thinning, the secret to strengthening and revitalising those locks may be simpler than you think! As a building block of strong hair, keratin is something of a buzzword in the hair care market. But, what is keratin exactly and why should it be your route to healthier, more resilient hair?
Keratin is a structural protein that’s already found in your hair, skin and nails. The body actually produces 54 types of keratin in total, which are categorised as type 1 or type 2 depending on their size and acidity.
The primary function of keratin is to act as a protective shield. Keratin gives the body’s tissues the backup they need to withstand all types of damage, whether that’s coming from the sun’s powerful UV rays, pollution or another heat source. Not all keratin stores are created equal however.
Aging, poor diet, stress and excessive heat styling can all weaken the production of keratin within the body and compromise its all-important stores, and it’ll show itself in many ways, including in how your hair looks and feels.
The hair is one part of the body that benefits significantly from a healthy store of keratin. It’s actually made up of keratin, with the outer layer of hair strands constructed using the very stuff. This protective coating of keratin provides a smoothness and shininess that is synonymous with healthy hair. It also has a very practical purpose, protecting the strand’s more delicate inner cortex.
Keratin is very important to hair health. Without it, hair will look dull, feel brittle and be particularly prone to breakage. Keratin ensures the strength and resilience to protect against damage, prevents tangling and frizz, and can even reverse the negative impact of chemical treatments and heat styling. It also supports follicles from within to encourage new growth and remedy hair loss or thinning.
If, for whatever reason, you’re suffering from a serious lack of keratin, there are several ways you can support your body’s natural production.
It all starts with a keratin-boosting diet. Foods rich in biotin, zinc and protein are essential for keratin production, and there is one very versatile ingredient that provides an easy way to improve those keratin levels every meal time as Healthline explains:
“Eating eggs is a stellar way to boost keratin production naturally. In fact, they’re a great source of biotin, an essential nutrient involved in keratin synthesis. A single cooked egg provides 10 mcg of this nutrient, or 33% of the Daily Value (DV). What’s more, eggs’ protein promotes keratin production, with 6 grams of protein packed into one large, 50-gram egg. Other healthy nutrients in this ubiquitous food include selenium, riboflavin, and vitamins A and B12.”
Fish, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes and leafy greens are other options when giving your body the nutrients it needs to produce keratin naturally. Keratin and biotin supplements can also help to fill in any dietary gaps.
Your hair care routine can be adjusted to boost hair health too. Avoid the heat styling and harsh chemical treatments that strip away keratin, and use gentler formulations like sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners enriched with keratin instead. You can also treat yourself to a visit to the salon. Many salons provide treatments that restore lost keratin and add a protective layer to your hair.
Looking for a protective style while you top up those keratin levels? Browse our men’s and women’s wigs for all the inspiration you need.
