Hair Therapy & Transplantation
Open Access

The Role of Keratin in Protecting Hair

Ora Raymond^{* *}Correspondence: Ora Raymond, Department of Regenerative Dermatology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan, Email:

Author info »

Description

Hair is often regarded as a defining feature of one's appearance. Whether long, short, curly, or straight, hair plays a significant role in overall look and self-expression. Keratin gives hair its strength, resilience, and unique properties. Keratin is a structural protein that serves as the main building block of hair, nails, and outer layer of skin. It is a fibrous protein composed of long chains of amino acids, which are the basic units that make up proteins. This remarkable protein is responsible for the structural integrity and durability of hair strands. When it comes to hair, keratin is present in two different forms: alpha-keratin and betakeratin. Alpha-keratin is found in mammals, including humans, while beta-keratin is predominantly found in reptiles, birds, and amphibians. Both forms of keratin contribute to the overall strength and resilience of the hair, protecting it from damage and external stressors. The structure of keratin is essential to understand its function. It consists of a repeating pattern of amino acids, with cysteine being a crucial amino acid that forms disulfide bonds. These disulfide bonds create a cross-linking network between different keratin chains, resulting in the formation of a strong and stable structure. This cross-linking is responsible for the elasticity and toughness of hair. The production of keratin occurs in specialized cells called keratinocytes, which are located in the hair follicles. As new hair cells are formed, they undergo a process called keratinization, during which they fill with keratin and eventually harden. This process gives rise to the hair shaft, which emerges from the scalp and continues to grow over time. Keratin provides various essential properties to hair. One of its primary functions is to act as a protective barrier against mechanical damage, such as friction, bending, and stretching. The unique structure of keratin allows hair to withstand everyday wear and tear, preventing breakage and maintaining its overall strength. Additionally, keratin helps to retain moisture within the hair shaft, keeping it hydrated and preventing excessive dryness. This moisture retention is crucial for maintaining the hair's flexibility and preventing brittleness. It also contributes to the hair's natural shine and smoothness, giving it a healthy and vibrant appearance. Another remarkable property of keratin is its ability to resist chemical damage. Hair is exposed to various chemical treatments, such as coloring, perming, and straightening, which can lead to structural damage. However, the strong and stable structure of keratin helps to minimize the negative effects of these chemical processes, reducing the likelihood of severe damage. Despite its resilience, keratin is not indestructible. Excessive heat styling, harsh chemical treatments, and poor hair care practices can weaken the keratin structure and lead to hair damage. Over time, this damage can manifest as split ends, breakage, and loss of hair vitality. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a proper hair care routine that includes gentle handling, regular conditioning, and protection from excessive heat and chemicals. Fortunately, there are products and treatments available that aim to restore and strengthen keratin in damaged hair. Keratin-based hair treatments, such as keratin masks or protein-rich conditioners, can help replenish the protein content in the hair, improving its strength and overall health. These treatments work by temporarily filling in gaps and repairing damaged areas of the hair shaft. Keratin is a remarkable protein that forms the building blocks of hair. Its unique structure and properties contribute to the strength, resilience, and overall appearance of hair strands. Understanding the importance of keratin can help us make informed decisions regarding hair care routine, to maintain healthy and beautiful hair for years to come.