What Is Keratin?

In recent years, Keratin shampoos and other hair treatments have become popular as a method of smoothing the hair. But what is keratin and is keratin good for hair? Consumers want to know if keratin is safe or can it damage your hair?

Keratin, according to Healthline, is a natural protein that makes up our hair, skin, and nails. It is a protective protein that is less likely to scratch and tear than other types of cells in the human body.

As the structural building block of your hair, it may seem like keratin treatments are a naturally safe option for strengthening your hair.

However, the truth may be a little more complicated.

How Is Keratin Sourced?

So what is keratin made out of? And where does the keratin in these shampoos come from?

Keratin is a naturally occurring protein that can be sourced from the feathers, horns, and wool of a variety of animals. Indeed, the keratin in these shampoos and hair treatments is made up of ground animal parts. This kind of keratin cannot be synthesized, so there are no natural, vegan, or cruelty-free products available. Some products have been advertised as containing vegan keratin, which is reportedly synthesized from amino acids extracted from plants.

More common vegan alternatives to keratin include plant-based proteins using rice and wheat.

Is Keratin Good for Hair?

Keratin shampoos are advertised as capable of strengthening and smoothing hair. Keratin is an important structural component for your hair, and being low on keratin may make your hair weak. Consuming a healthy portion of protein—such as meats, beans, eggs, nuts, or hemp—may be able to increase how much keratin your body produces.

Basic topical keratin products, like keratin shampoos and conditioners, can help introduce keratin back into hair that has been depleted of the protein. This, in turn, can reduce breakage and smooth the hair.

Are Salon Keratin Treatments Worth It?

Keratin itself is an important component of the hair, and the topical use of keratin products is safe. But keratin treatments are a different story entirely. Keratin treatment involves more than just keratin—it also typically uses formaldehyde combined with extreme heat in order to smooth hair strands. These treatments can damage the hair follicles and even scorch the scalp. The high temperatures involved in keratin treatments may even cause irreparable heat damage to the hair.

And it may not just be your hair’s health that’s at risk. Formaldehyde has been linked with cancer, allergic reactions, infertility, and respiratory problems.

Many keratin treatments are now made with formaldehyde releasers, which release formaldehyde slowly at lower levels in order to minimize, but not eliminate, risk.

Traditional keratin treatments are intended to straighten the hair, and these are the ones that include formaldehyde. There are keratin smoothing treatments that don’t use formaldehyde, but they are less effective at straightening the hair. However, formaldehyde-free smoothing treatments may still be able to create the dangerous chemical when other chemicals in the treatment are exposed to heat.

Can Keratin Damage Your Hair?

Keratin supplements are available, but they could pose a risk. People taking keratin supplements may find that this creates an excess amount of keratin in the body, which will end up causing more harm to your hair and skin.

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Overuse of keratin, even via a keratin shampoo, may result in a protein overload for your hair, which in turn can cause your hair to turn straw-like, dry, and brittle.

Even keratin shampoos that do not contain formaldehyde may have ingredients that can release the dangerous chemical. DMDM Hydantoin, for instance, is a preservative that may release trace amounts of formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen and can cause scalp irritation. On top of formaldehyde’s cancer risk, scalp irritation and inflammation can lead to significant hair loss.

If you have experienced keratin hair loss after using a keratin shampoo, you may be able to file a class action lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Free Keratin Shampoo Hair Loss Claim Evaluation

If you used a keratin shampoo and suffered from scalp irritation or hair loss, you may be eligible to join this keratin shampoo class action lawsuit investigation.

Attorneys are interested in talking with all consumers affected by this issue, especially consumers from Northern California, Northern Illinois, and New York.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.