All About Keratin Hair Restoration

Daily aggressive environmental influences, lack of sunlight and vitamins, frequent use of curling irons or straightening irons - all this affects the appearance of the hair. Even the most luxurious hairstyle without proper care begins to fade and deteriorate. Every year there are more and more new ways to restore the original strength and health of hair. They can differ both in terms of price or method of exposure, and in the final result. Someone prefers to conduct recovery sessions at home, while someone regularly visits the salon. Today, one of the most popular procedures that can be performed both by the master and by yourself is keratin recovery.

Keratin is a protein of natural origin, which is obtained from sheep or goat hair. In fact, it is a natural building material for the skin, nail plates and, of course, hair. In its structure, animal protein is as close as possible to the protein of human hair, and therefore perfectly replaces it. By hydrolysis, keratin is broken down into constituent molecules and converted into a water-soluble substance, on the basis of which various shampoos, wrapping creams or restoratives are made. In cosmetology and medicine, it is hydrolyzed keratin that is popular, since complete peptides and amino acids are present in its composition. At the same time, the price for it is not as high as for other natural components.

The principle of action of protein formulations is quite simple. When using the product, each hair gets a kind of coating that envelops it and makes it more dense. At the same time, the split molecules penetrate the structure of the hair and fill the existing voids. Due to this filling the hair looks thicker, while becoming softer. Often in advertisements for various shampoos and masks one can see women with luxurious long hair, shining in the light like silk fabric. A similar effect gives keratin recovery.

The most effective is the use of pure protein hydrolyzate, and not shampoos and masks containing it in its composition. Such procedures can cope with brittleness and loss of color, make naughty and fluffy hair straight and smooth.

Keratin hair treatment can be done in almost every hairdresser, not to mention professional salons. Such widespread popularity is due to the large number of advantages from the use of special compounds.

• Facilitate styling. Protein-coated hair becomes smoother, the comb glides between strands more easily and does not get tangled. If before the procedure it was necessary to lay curls every time after washing, then after it is enough to dry the hair with a hairdryer. There is no need to additionally stretch them with an iron, straightening the waves and reducing fluffiness, the laminated strands will immediately lie in the right position and straighten under their weight.
• Protection. The outer film, which covers the hair after applying the composition, protects it from the effects of an aggressive environment. In addition, keratin provides additional strengthening of the hair structure. Makes it less brittle, while maintaining flexibility and softness.
• Saturation. Hair restoration using animal protein nourishes the hair tissue with amino acids that they lack. This allows you to achieve not only external changes in the image, but also to make your hair stronger and healthier, capable of withstanding the weakening factors and effects after the end of the composition.
• Color preservation. The main problem of dyed hair is not even that they are dry and thin, but that even expensive professional paint is not able to preserve its color on the hair for a long time. Keratin funds help to extend this period, increasing it from a few weeks to several months. It is not necessary to use paints that contain strong chemicals. Even natural henna or basma will last longer if a few days after staining visit the salon or use the home kit for keratin recovery.
• Few contraindications. It is very difficult to meet a person who would have individual intolerance to keratin. With the proper use of such formulations, the risk of harming one's own health is negligible and practically tends to zero. In this case, special attention should be paid to the accompanying components that are part of the keratin solution. They can act as a strong irritant for the scalp in case of inaccurate application.
• The ease of the procedure. Nutrition and hair restoration with protein are not only done by professional beauty workers. Suitable products can easily be bought at a regular pharmacy or specialty store. Most often in the package you can find instructions for use, which must be followed. The whole process will take at least 3-4 hours, but even a teenager is able to carry it out.
• Long effect. Even a single keratin recovery procedure is enough for the result to please the client for several months.At the same time, the composition itself does not contain a large number of aggressive chemicals and does not change the very structure of the hair, but only envelops and fills it. Of course, over time, accidentally flushing such a shell becomes easier. However, if you adhere to several rules for hair care after applying keratin, the result can be saved for up to six months.
• Hides split ends. The film that covers the hair after the procedure glues the split and split ends of the hair. A haircut will always look fresh and well-groomed.

Unfortunately, like any cosmetic procedure, keratin recovery has its drawbacks. And in some cases, especially if the instructions are not followed and the funds are selected incorrectly, the consequences can be catastrophic.

• High cost. The price of the salon keratin restoration procedure starts at several thousand rubles and ends at several tens of thousands. It all depends on the reputation of the salon, the effectiveness of the product and its brand, the concentration of hydrolyzed protein and many other factors. A special set of products for carrying out the procedure at home, of course, is much cheaper. However, its effectiveness may be several times lower than professional hair cosmetics.
• Follow-up care. In order not to damage the keratin film and not wash it off, it is necessary to purchase far from budgetary care products and observe certain rules of behavior. You will have to introduce new habits into your daily schedule and strictly follow them. After the procedure, you should temporarily abandon tight hairpins and elastic bands, do not style your hair with hot tongs or a curling iron.
• Loss of basal volume. Of course, it is not harmful to hair or scalp. However, the image as a whole will look a little different. We’ll have to think through more hairstyles and hair styling, as well as change the tight hat to a loose scarf or hood, so as not to squash the hair on the crown even more. In addition, a thin film of protein on the hair is more likely to get dirty than a regular hairstyle, so you have to wash your hair at least 3-4 times a week.
• Hair loss. Unfortunately, hair follicles are not always able to withstand even the usual weight of the hair. And keratin recovery makes each hair much harder, so they begin to fall out even more.

Most often, keratin hair restoration is recommended in cases where it is necessary to correct their internal condition and at the same time improve their appearance. Indications for the application of protein hydrolyzate are:

• brittle, dry hair;
• Lost elasticity
• weakened by frequent stains or perms;
• overdried with ultraviolet;
• spoiled by frequent contact with chlorinated or sea water.

In addition, salons are offered to perform a similar service as a prophylaxis of the above problems. For example, some time before the planned vacation or before you sign up for classes in the pool.

Separately, it is worth mentioning contraindications, which are warned by dermatologists. You should not purchase this service in the following cases:

• when hair falls out;
• when there are problems with the health of the scalp;
• in case of asthma;
• with frequent allergic reactions to various cosmetic components;
• in the presence of cancer;
• during pregnancy or during the period of feeding the baby;
• girls under the age of 14.

There are only two types of professional care for weakened hair.

• Brazilian keratin recovery. Its main difference is a higher concentration of formaldehydes, which allows you to get an effect that lasts much longer. Moreover, such a procedure is much cheaper.
• American Hair restoration according to American technology has a milder effect on tissues, but has a less lasting effect. In addition, such a procedure has a very high price, since the cost of natural components is an order of magnitude higher.

At the same time, in small (not more than 2%) concentrations, they open the pores of the hair and allow nutrients to penetrate deeply into them. The initial effect of both the Brazilian method and the American one looks exactly the same.

The only thing you need in order to get a keratin recovery from a professional is to pay for the service and come to the salon. Those who decide to carry out the procedure on their own will have to purchase everything necessary in advance. First of all, you will need to decide on the tool itself.

Those who want to experience the effect of using hydrolyzed protein for the first time can first try a variety of keratin-containing hair masks. They restore damaged and delaminated strands, give elasticity and shine. Of course, their action is difficult to compare with real professional means, but even such a gentle means will give a general idea of ​​the final result of the procedure. One of the most popular masks that can be easily purchased at cosmetic stores or ordered online is the kera Restore treatment by Indola. Its price fluctuates around 500 rubles.

More reminiscent of salon hair care products is liquid keratin. Such a tool will help restore even lifeless and clarified curls that resemble straw or doll strands. At the same time, this product straightens and pulls curls, making them smooth and shiny. A good example of such a remedy is Keratin Gold from Cocochoco. The price of one bottle of such keratin water will be about 1,500 rubles.

There are also complete sets for self-treatment of hair. They include not only a jar of protein hydrolyzate, but also a special thermal activator, as well as a mask and shampoo for hair. An example of such a kit is Estel Keratin from Estel. The price of a set depends on the point of sale and ranges from 1000 to 2000 rubles.

In addition to the tool for conducting a home procedure, you will also need a small number of tools:

• rubber medical gloves;
• gauze face mask;
• brush for applying the product;
• comb with frequent teeth;
• hair dryer;
• hair straightener.

Despite the fact that the keratin recovery procedure is considered professional, there is nothing super complicated in its implementation. The main thing is to choose the right tool and follow simple instructions. Step by step the whole process is as follows.

• Rinse hair with a special shampoo to remove not only ordinary dust and the remnants of styling products, but also degrease the hair, reveal its scales and steam. It is better to repeat the procedure twice to achieve a better effect.
• Dry hair naturally or with a cool, gentle stream of air from a hair dryer.
• Divide hair into thin strands using a frequent comb.
• Apply keratin to the hair, stepping back from the roots at least 1-2 centimeters. At this stage, special care will be required, since it is necessary to properly process each tiny lock with the same amount of product. It is important not to make a mistake with this amount.A lack of keratin will make the procedure ineffective, and an excess will make the hair too greasy and glossy.
• Dry your hair with a hairdryer as usual.
• Again, walk through the hair with a thin comb and divide them into locks.
• Straighten each strand with a ceramic iron, passing through it at least 10-12 times. This stage will also require attention and the ability to handle ironing, since any room that has arisen in the process will remain on the hair for a long time.

You can wash your hair exclusively with those shampoos that do not include sulfates and sodium chloride. It is best to purchase a whole range of products with a small content of the same protein.

It is also worthwhile to be more careful about the procedure for washing your hair. It is not necessary to pull and wind the curls strongly. No need to rub them between the palms and on the head. The movements should be massage, but very light and neat.

Finally, it is necessary to protect the treated hair from frequent contact with water. During rain and wet snow, you need to cover your head with a hood or a free hat. When swimming in the sea or pool, you must wear a special swimming cap or try not to wet your head.

Most buyers of various keratin products or hair restoration services at the salon leave delighted and warm reviews on forums and websites. They note that curls become more obedient, filled with strength and health. Some note faster hair growth compared to the normal state. Many plan to introduce a similar procedure into their schedule and maintain the effect constantly.

Among the negative reviews, there are most often disappointed buyers of funds for home use. Some of them could not conduct the procedure correctly, others became victims of fraudsters and bought a fake instead of an expensive tool. However, most often negative reviews are associated with the high price of a similar service or product.

The opinion of experts is also divided. Some argue that the procedure is useful and indicated for many women. Others believe that such a procedure is harmful and gives only an external effect. At the same time, they both warn that with improper selection of the product and application with a violation of technology, there is a risk of encountering the problem of increased hair loss.

About keratin hair restoration is described in the next video.