Keratin is a substance often found in hair treatments. Few, however, know that it is a product of animal origin. Let’s find out what it is for and the equally good cruelty free alternatives to take care of our beauty.
Keratin is among the most used and advertised ingredients in hair care products. But what is hidden behind this substance?
Keratin, what is it?
It is a fibrous protein consisting of long chains of amino acids in which mineral salts and vitamins are also interspersed. Keratin is of animal origin and is found in the feathers, mane, hooves and horns of different animals. We humans also produce and use keratin primarily in hair, hair and nails.
Known primarily as an addition to some shampoos, conditioners or hair treatments, in reality this substance is also often used by the pharmaceutical industry to cover the gastro-resistant capsules.
Keratin, what is it for?
In treatments and hair products, keratin is often inserted with the function of making them more smooth and silky. This happens because this protein is rich in cysteine, an amino acid composed of various sulfur atoms that allows you to create very tight chains ensuring health and solidity to the hair. Basically, the keratin chains adhere to the hair and they recompose the fibers that compose them, helping to volumize them and make them stronger and more fit from the inside.
This substance is also often used in treatments for frizzy hair as it has a marked smoothing and softening capacity.
But why is the use of keratin necessary? The problem is that often the health of our hair is severely tested by the use of aggressive products (for example dyes and bleaches) but also by pollution, chlorine pools, sun, etc. There may also be internal factors that make our hair more fragile, such as taking certain medications, the consequences of severe stress, hormonal problems and more.
In reality, even if the products loudly advertise the presence of keratin inside, they do not always contain large quantities and even in some cases they are keratinosimile proteins. If you do not want to risk, however, we present cruelty free alternatives to keratin, of sure natural and vegetal origin.
Alternative cruelty free to keratin
For hair care we can very well avoid using keratin instead choosing other natural products. The most effective are:
Linseed oil
Flax seed oil is an excellent natural remedy that helps to strengthen, make the hair softer and shinier. Find out here how to use it to the fullest.
Argan oil
A very valuable and beneficial oil for the hair is then the Argan oil with which you can make a specific pack if your hair is dry and brittle. Read here all the details about the argan oil and how to use it.
Amla oil
Another oil particularly indicated is that of amla. Combats split ends, improves dry and frizzy hair but also helps in cases of dandruff. Both on the hair and on the scalp, it should be kept in place for at least an hour and can be used every week.
Read Also:
DIY: Masks for dry and frizzy hair
Soy protein
If you want to try some hair treatments already ready look for those based on soy protein, sometimes used in combination with millet (cereal very rich in silicon useful for the hair) to make anti-fall and reinforcing products.
Food that strengthens the hair
In addition to acting from the outside, if you really want to strengthen your hair you must also help the health of the body by eating well. A diet rich in fresh, seasonal and vital foods such as fruit and vegetables ensures vitamins and minerals beneficial to the well-being of hair, very important of course also the proteins that stimulate the production of keratin by the body.
Insert more often in your diet:
- Whole grains (especially millet)
- Seasonal fruit and vegetables
- legumes
- Parsley
- Berries
- Dried fruits
- Oil seeds
- Spinach (rich in sulfur)
It is also important to encourage the detoxification of the body by taking a lot of water every day and practicing the right amount of physical activity that also contributes to the elimination of toxins. A healthy lifestyle will also benefit your scalp and hair.
