Benefits and Side Effects of Using Keratin for Hair
Jakarta – For lovers of beauty products, especially for hair, they must be familiar with the name keratin. Keratin itself is a type of protein that is produced by cells called keratinocytes.
This protein can be found in hair, skin and nails. Apart from that, keratin can also be found in internal organs and glands. It is a protective protein, so it is less prone to scratching or tearing than other types of cells produced by the body.
Quoting information from the page Healthline, keratin works by smoothing the overlapping cells to form hair strands.
The layer of cells known as the cuticle absorbs keratin, which results in hair that looks voluminous and shiny. Keratin is also claimed to make curly hair less frizzy, easier to style, and a straighter look.
Unfortunately, the body does not always produce keratin in abundance, which can have a negative impact on the health of hair, skin and nails. Because of that, there are several treatments using keratin as a basic ingredient.
Some people believe that supplements, products, and other treatments with keratin can help strengthen hair and make it look healthier.
People who use keratin claim that their hair has become smoother and easier to manage. The effect varies depending on the condition of the previous hair (healthy or not), based on the thickness, as well as the type of keratin treatment used.
Following Hashtags summarize some types of hair care using keratin:
Healthy Hair Illustration. (Photo: Pixabay / DzeeShah)
1. Keratin treatment at the salon
This keratin treatment can be time consuming and involves several steps. First, a cream containing formaldehyde is applied to hair before drying and straightening at the salon. After the treatment is applied, you are instructed to keep your hair dry for a few days.
When visiting the salon for cleaning chemicals, other treatments are applied to adjust the straightening effect. This treatment is claimed to last for about 12 weeks.
2. Keratin Serum, Shampoo, and Conditioner
This is the cheapest and easiest treatment to get, even convenience stores sell these products. Keratin serums, shampoos and conditioners cannot be said to be the same as treatments performed in a salon.
However, these products claim to make hair more damage-resistant as well as repair areas that have been dry and damaged by heat and dyes.
3. Keratin supplements
Keratin supplements are available in powder and capsule form. You can find them at most health food stores. However, these supplements can also pose risks. If used excessively, it can cause too much protein to build up in the body.
Even though it is said that keratin treatment can make hair more beautiful, it still has its risks and side effects. For example, keratin treatments in salons contain large amounts of formaldehyde.
It was reported that some employees at the salon experienced nosebleeds and respiratory problems as a result of handling keratin treatment products and inhaling the smoke repeatedly from time to time.
This level of formaldehyde exceeds five times the safety standard for chemical exposure. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid this treatment.
In addition, people with sensitivity to formaldehyde or breathing problems should also avoid keratin treatments. []
(Okky Pratiwi)
