Keratin Unmasked – What Keratin Really Does for Your Hair
3 min reading time
Discover what keratin really does for your hair. Learn the science behind keratin treatments, avoid myths, and restore your hair the right way.
Keratin Myths Debunked – What Keratin Really Does for Your Hair
"My hair is damaged, I need keratin." It's a phrase we often hear, but it's only partially true. The keratin hype has led to many misunderstandings in recent years about what this ingredient actually does. Keratin is indeed essential for healthy hair, but not all products or treatments containing "keratin" work the same way. Time to debunk the myths and explore the science behind this miracle molecule.
What is keratin really?
Keratin is a structural protein that occurs naturally in our hair, skin, and nails. It forms the backbone of the hair fiber—literally. Healthy hair consists of approximately 85–90% keratin .
✔ It gives the hair strength and elasticity .
✔ It protects against breakage and external damage.
✔ It makes hair smoother and shinier.
When keratin breaks down by heat, chemicals or UV, hair becomes porous and fragile.
Myth 1: Keratin makes hair permanently straight
Not true. Keratin itself has no straightening power.
The straightening action of “keratin treatments” usually comes from thermoactive or chemical additives such as amino acids or aldehydes that temporarily alter the hair structure.
✔ Keratin repairs – it does not change the structure.
✔ Treatments like Nanoplastia or Bioplastia combine keratin with amino acids to create shine and smoothness without damage.
In short: keratin is a builder, not a chemical smoother.
Myth 2: More keratin = better results
Wrong. An excess of keratin can actually make hair stiff, hard, or brittle .
The secret is balance: too much protein without hydration leads to tension in the hair fiber.
✔ Always combine keratin with moisturizing ingredients such as panthenol, glycerin or oils.
✔ The best products have a balanced formula of proteins, amino acids and moisturizing agents.
Keratin should complement the structure, not overload it.
Myth 3: Any shampoo containing keratin deeply repairs hair
Not quite.
Many commercial shampoos contain keratin molecules that are too large to penetrate the cortex (the innermost layer of the hair). Therefore, they only work superficially – providing temporary smoothness.
✔ Only hydrolyzed keratin (in small molecules) can truly penetrate and repair.
✔ Professional products use hydrolysis technology to achieve results at the molecular level.
That's why salon brands are more effective than drugstore products.
Myth 4: Keratin is not necessary for healthy hair
On the contrary – even healthy hair loses small amounts of keratin every day through washing, brushing and sunlight.
Regular replenishment with mild keratin products keeps the hair in optimal condition.
The science behind keratin repair
Keratin fills micro-cracks in the hair fiber, closes the cuticle and makes the hair stronger and smoother.
✔ It restores the internal structure (cysteine bridges).
✔ It improves elasticity and resistance.
✔ It gives a mirror-like shine.
In combination with amino acids, an intelligent reconstruction takes place, making the hair not only look beautiful, but actually become stronger.
Conclusion: Keratin is science, not magic
Keratin is essential, but it's not a miracle cure. Only in the right form, dosage, and combination with moisturizing ingredients will it deliver real results. Understand the science, choose wisely—and give your hair what it truly needs: a balance of strength and softness .
