Is Keratin Treatment Good For Hair Loss? Know Its Benefits and Side Effects

Hair loss is a concern for many, whether men or women. Hair is like a crown on a person's head; losing it can be devastating. It often leads to the pursuit of treatments that promise to give you healthier and thicker hair. One of them is keratin. 

Keratin treatment is a chemical treatment that smooths and straightens your hair by infusing it with a protein called keratin that is naturally present in your hair and nails. The results of a keratin treatment are undeniable, and because of it, it has gained widespread popularity. Usually, people looking to remove frizz in their hair or smooth and straighten it get a keratin treatment. It can be done at home or in a salon. Home keratin treatments usually last 8-12 weeks, while salon treatments can last up to six months.

There are several types of keratin treatments like Brazillian Keratin, Keratin Express, Japizilian Treatment and more. Depending on your hair type and requirements, you can choose the perfect fit for you.

But is keratin treatment good for hair loss? Or does it make the problem worse?

This blog will explore the relationship between keratin treatments and hair loss, exploring the science behind them, their benefits, potential risks, and alternative options.

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. What Is Hair Structure?
2. What Is a Keratin Treatment? Can Keratin Treatment Prevent Hair Loss?
3. How Keratin Treatments Work
4. Is Keratin Good for Thinning Hair? 4 Facts To Consider 
5. Keratin Hair Treatment Side Effects
6. Does Keratin Affect Hair Growth?
7. Dietitian’s Recommendation
8. The Final Say
9. FAQs
10. References 

What Is Hair Structure?

To understand whether keratin treatments can help with hair loss, we first need to understand the structure of the hair and the causes of hair loss.

Hair Structure

95% of our hair is made up of a fibrous protein called keratin, which gives our hair strength and flexibility. Each strand of hair has three layers:

1. Cuticle: This is the outer layer that protects the hair's inner structure. It is thin and colourless.
2. Cortex: The hair's middle layer provides strength, pigment, and structure to the hair's fibre.
3. Medulla: The innermost layer of the hair is only found in thick hair.

Damage to the cuticle layer caused by heat, chemical exposure, and environmental factors can weaken hair, leading to breakage and hair loss.

What Is Keratin?

Keratin is a fibrous protein found in hair, skin, and nails, providing strength, durability, and resilience to these tissues. Keratin is the main building block that gives our hair strength and flexibility. Keratinocytes are specialised cells in the skin and hair follicles that turn into keratin through a process called keratinisation. 

Keratin protects the hair from damage, moisture loss, and environmental stressors. Due to its robust nature, keratin treatments are used to strengthen and smooth hair by replenishing lost protein and repairing damaged cuticles.

Also Read: What Is The Reason For Hair Fall? Know 5 Causes And Prevention Tips Here

What Is A Keratin Treatment? Can Keratin Treatment Prevent Hair Loss?

Keratin treatments are not specifically designed to treat different types of hair loss, but they can improve the appearance of damaged hair by smoothing the hair's cuticle and creating a protective layer over it. The layer of keratin can shield the hair from environmental harm. The smoothening also gives the impression of healthier and fuller hair. 

A keratin treatment involves applying a keratin-rich formula to a person's hair and sealing it in with heat. Keratin treatment is primarily designed to reduce frizz, smooth hair cuticles, add shine, and straighten hair. It is also done to restore the protein that the hair naturally loses due to external damage.

Keratin treatments for hair have the following benefits:

1. Strengthening the hair: Keratin fills the gaps in damaged cuticles, reducing breakage and split ends.
2. Smoothing frizz: By sealing the cuticle, keratin helps control frizz, making hair more manageable. 
3. Reducing tangles: Smoother hair is less likely to tangle, leading to less pulling and hair breakage during brushing.

Though all types of keratin treatments have these three benefits, some treatments contain formaldehyde, a carcinogen that can potentially increase the risk of hair fall. In conclusion, keratin treatments do not prevent hair loss. Some keratin treatments that use harsher chemicals, like formaldehyde, may even worsen the problem. 

If you want to get a keratin treatment that’s good for your hair loss or that won’t exacerbate the problem, then you need to make sure the treatment does not contain formaldehyde.

To avoid exposure to formaldehyde, you can:

• Ask your hairstylist about the ingredients in hair straightening products and refuse them using those that have formaldehyde.
• Check the labels of personal care products for formaldehyde and related ingredients, such as formalin and methylene glycol.

Also Read: Best Hair Care Routine Essentials With 7-Day Plan And Supplements! 

How Is Keratin Treatment Done?

Keratin treatments aim to fill in the gaps in the hair's cuticles created by external damage. By replenishing the keratin protein, the treatment coats the hair shaft, making it smoother and more resistant to breakage. 

If you walk into a salon for a keratin treatment, this is what the procedure would look like:

1. The hair is washed to eliminate dirt and oils.
2. An even coating of the solution is applied to wet hair.
3. The stylist will let the keratin solution sit in your hair for 2-4 hours, Depending on your hair's texture and thickness.
4. Lastly, the hair is blow-dried and smoothed with a straightener to seal the keratin into your hair.

The outcome includes straighter, glossier, and less frizzy hair.

Also Read: Struggling With Hair Thinning And Hair Loss? Flaxseed Oil For Hair Growth Is One Solution To All Your Hair Problems! 

Is Keratin Good For Thinning Hair? 4 Facts To Consider 

Keratin treatments are not ideal solutions for thinning hair or reducing hair thinning. The only way they may contribute to lowering hair thinning is by reducing the friction caused by hair tangling, eventually resulting in less breakage while combing. 

Keratin is a fibrous protein that makes up most of your hair, giving it strength and structure. Keratin treatments smoothen and strengthen hair by replenishing the protein that may be lost due to damage. Here are some facts you need to consider when it comes to keratin treatment: 

1. It Can Strengthen Hair To Some Extent 

Keratin treatments fill the gaps in the hair shaft, strengthening the hair. This may result in reduced breakage and split ends, making hair appear fuller and healthier.

2. It Can Give Smooth & Shiny Hair 

Keratin treatments improve the appearance of thinning hair by smoothing hair cuticles and making hair less frizzy. This gives the hair a shinier and more polished look.

3. It Is Not a Growth Solution 

Though keratin treatments make your hair appear healthier, they do not address the underlying causes of thinning hair. These causes can be genetic or hormonal. They don't stimulate new hair growth or prevent hair loss.

4. It Is A Temporary Effect

The effects of a keratin treatment are temporary and usually last 2-6 months. Regular maintenance and treatments are required to prolong the results, which may not be feasible for everyone.

Apart from keratin treatment, you can also consider ToneOp Care’s Black Seed Oil capsules. These capsules can transform your hair with antioxidants and vitamins, promoting hair growth, improving scalp health, moisturising and conditioning hair, and protecting against environmental damage. Whether you choose to apply it directly to your hair or ingest it, this oil works wonders for your locks. 

Also Read: How to Strengthen Hair Naturally? 11 Ways, Home Remedies, and A Look At Keratin Treatment vs Hair Loss Solutions!

Keratin Hair Treatment Side Effects

Keratin hair treatments can make one's hair smoother and shinier, but there are two sides to every coin. The following are the potential side effects of keratin treatment:

1. Heat Damage

The treatment involves applying high heat using a straigtening iron to seal the keratin into the hair. Excessive heat from the iron can weaken the hair shaft, which might make it more prone to breakage and split ends. Repeated exposure to high temperatures can also strip the moisture from the hair, leading to dryness and brittleness.

2. Chemical Exposure

Many keratin treatments contain formaldehyde or similar chemicals to help the keratin stick to the hair. Formaldehyde can irritate the scalp and cause allergic reactions. Additionally, these chemicals can alter the natural structure of the hair, which could lead to long-term damage if used frequently.

3. Temporary Shedding

Some people experience increased hair shedding after the treatment. This is usually temporary and occurs as the hair adjusts to the new treatment.

Mitigating Risks:

1. Choose formaldehyde-free products: Opt for keratin treatments labelled as formaldehyde-free to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. 
2. Professional Application: Ensure the treatment is done by a professional to minimise heat damage and ensure proper application.

Overall, while keratin treatments can temporarily improve the appearance of your hair, the heat and chemicals involved can weaken and dry out the hair, especially with repeated use.

Also Read: Best Hair Care Routine Essentials With 7-Day Plan And Supplements!

Does Keratin Affect Hair Growth?

Keratin treatments do not directly affect hair growth. They are designed to strengthen and smooth existing hair rather than stimulate new hair growth. Keratin treatments work on the hair's external surface by replenishing lost protein and smoothing the cuticle. They don't penetrate the hair follicle or impact the scalp, where the hair growth begins.

While they can make hair look healthier and fuller by reducing breakage and frizz, they do not address the underlying causes of hair loss or stimulate new hair growth. Therefore, if you are experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, keratin treatments will not resolve the issue but may improve the appearance of existing hair.

Instead of choosing a keratin treatment for your hair, you can choose a safer route that will also be healthier for your hair. Try ToneOp’s Skin & Hair Care Combo to make your hair healthier!

Also Read: 17 Biotin-Rich Foods For Hair Growth And Its Wonderful Benefits 

Dietitian’s Recommendation

The decision to use keratin treatments should ultimately be made with caution and in consideration of your specific hair needs and health. For many, improving hair health through natural methods like balanced nutrition, gentle hair care, and the use of non-damaging treatments may offer more sustainable results without the risks associated with keratin treatments.

Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Keratin treatments are beneficial if you want to improve the appearance of damaged, frizzy, or unmanageable hair. These treatments, however, will not treat hair loss. While they may strengthen the hair temporarily, keratin treatments don't address the underlying causes of thinning hair or hair loss. These causes can be hormonal, genetic, or nutritional. Furthermore, excessive or improper use of keratin treatments can potentially lead to heat damage and hair breakage, which could worsen hair loss.

FAQs

1. Is keratin treatment good for your hair? 

Keratin treatments can be especially beneficial for frizzy or damaged hair. However, the treatment might lead to further damage due to heat and chemicals for very fine or already thinning hair. 

2. How long do the effects of a keratin treatment last? 

The effects of a keratin treatment typically last 2-6 months, depending on the product used and the hair care routine followed. Regular maintenance and proper aftercare can help extend the results.

3. What damage do keratin treatments do to your hair?

Keratin treatments could cause heat and chemical damage, especially if one has thin hair. They could also break the disulfide bonds in hair that give it its natural structure and texture. Moreover, some people are sensitive to protein and may have a negative reaction to keratin treatments, which is why it's important to be aware of what suits your hair.

4. Do keratin treatments affect hair growth?

Keratin can strengthen hair so it doesn't easily break off. This can make hair seem to grow faster because the ends aren't breaking off, but keratin treatments play no role in hair's natural growth.

5. What are the alternatives to keratin treatment for healthier hair?

Here are some alternatives to keratin treatment for healthier hair:

• Argan oil treatment
• Coconut oil treatment
• Aloe vera gel
• Honey and olive oil mask
• Apple cider vinegar rinse
• Shea butter conditioner
• Protein-rich hair masks (e.g., egg masks)
• Biotin supplements
• Scalp massages with essential oils (e.g., rosemary or lavender)

6. Can keratin treatments cause hair loss? 

Keratin treatments themselves do not directly cause hair loss. However, using heat and chemicals in keratin treatments can weaken the hair, potentially leading to breakage and shedding, which could be mistaken for hair loss.

References 

• https://wimpoleclinic.com/blog/keratin-for-hair-benefits-dangers-treatment-types/
• https://bebodywise.com/blog/keratin-treatment-for-hair/
• https://www.healthshots.com/beauty/hair-care/4-side-effects-of-trying-keratin-hair-treatment/
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/keratin-treatments
• https://www.estenove.com/en/blog/is-keratin-treatment-good-for-hair-loss/
• https://gkhair.com.au/blogs/all-blog-posts/keratin-hair-straightening-treatments-benefits-effects

About ToneOp Care 

ToneOp Care is the ultimate destination for high-quality nutraceutical supplements and ayurvedic products in India! We are proud to offer a significant range of products designed to support your overall health and well-being, including weight loss, muscle gain, immunity, skin and hair care, and women's health. All our products are manufactured in India using the latest technology and facilities, ensuring the highest quality standards.