hair

Keratin

What is keratin?

Keratin is a protein made up of long chains of amino acids, in which various vitamins and trace elements are interposed.

Widespread throughout the animal kingdom, keratin is the main constituent of hair, hair and nails in humans. The same protein is included, for example, in the composition of the bristles of pigs, cows' hooves, rhinoceros horns, wool and bird feathers.

Property

Although it contains many different types of amino acids, keratin is particularly rich in a sulfur amino acid called cysteine. Thanks to the various sulfur atoms, the keratin chains can maintain a tight cohesion, wrapping themselves in a structure similar to a helix. It is these bonds, called sulphide bridges, that ensure the rigidity and solidity of hair, nails and hair.

Being very resistant to proteolytic enzymes present in our stomach and intestines, keratin is devoid of any nourishing or aphrodisiac properties. For this reason the use of the rhino horn to awaken dormant desires is absolutely devoid of scientific foundations.

Keratin and Hair

How is Keratin in Hair Health?

As mentioned, keratin is one of the main constituents of hair, nails and hair, whose integrity can however be compromised both by external factors and by endogenous factors (ie internal to the organism).

The solidity of keratin, in fact, can be undermined by the prolonged use of chemical substances, such as those contained in hair dyes or in more aggressive shampoos. Also the exposure to air pollutants, physical treatments (permanent, plate, hair dryer too hot), some drugs, stress and a long list of pathologies, can lead to the degradation of the keratin structure of the hair.

Given that the process of keratinization is regulated by hormones, genetic factors and the availability of various micronutrients, dietary deficiencies can cause abnormal keratinization, with consequent structural suffering of hair, hair and nails.

In the pharmacy there are numerous supplements based on amino acids, vitamins and trace elements, dedicated to hair health. However, the lion's share is made by products for topical use, often based on keratine-like proteins which, by adhering to the external surface of the hair, volumize it, compacting its protein fibers. Despite the effectiveness of some products, the health of the hair cannot be separated from a balanced diet, which brings the right quantities of proteins, vitamins and minerals necessary for the synthesis of keratin.

Even constant physical activity is beneficial to hair health, because through sweat the toxins that hinder the proliferative activity of the bulb are eliminated. However, it must be borne in mind that sweat, increased exposure to the sun and pollutants, frequent washing, chlorine in swimming pools, excessive loss of water and mineral salts, can weaken hair and promote hair loss. All the more reason a sportsman should therefore be particularly attentive to their diet and the use of delicate shampoos, suitable for frequent washing.

Finally, given their extreme internet advertising, it is appropriate to spend a few words on masking products (camouflage) based on keratin microfibres. In essence, these are aesthetic remedies that are effective in camouflaging thinning, but absolutely useless for treating it. The impressive volumizing effect on the foliage is obtained through the use of powdered keratin microfibres, able to integrate with the remaining hair due to electrostatic attraction.

If you have not already done so, before resorting to these "tricks" you should contact a specialized trichological center, to try to solve, or at least delay, the hair loss.