What is Keratin? An essential protein for hair beauty

Our hair has exceptional properties that are often overlooked.
They can withstand repeated thermal and physical stress, live for several years, and be 3000 to 4000 times longer than their own diameter.
These exceptional performances are mainly due to a very specific protein: Keratin .

Below we explain in more detail the characteristics of Keratin , and the influence of micronutrition to optimize its properties.

Keratin, the protein that makes up hair

Our hair (and nails) are mainly made up of a specific protein: Keratin .

This protein is found in all mammals, in horns, hair or even with a slightly different composition, in the skin.

Keratin is a fiber that has the ability to bond with other keratin fibers to create very strong yet flexible spirals. The flexibility and strength of our hair depends primarily on the quality of these secondary spiral structures.

The structure of hair: an architectural marvel!

Hair is made up of a root, implanted in the scalp, and a shaft, which is very long compared to the diameter of the hair (0.1 mm).

This stem is itself structured as follows:

1. The center: this is the medullary part, which is essentially a hollow tube,
2. Intermediate part: the cortex. It is made up of elongated, keratinized cells associated with pigments that determine the color of the hair: melanins,
3. The outer protective layer: the cuticle. This highly keratinized layer is made of scales, which are flat, nucleus-free, and unpigmented cells.

In terms of composition, keratin is found in 95% of the hair structure.

The helical structure of keratin

In hair, Keratin is found in the form of a fibrous molecule (alpha keratin).

This primary fiber is made up of 18 amino acids including a high proportion of alanine, leucine, arginine, and cysteine.

This primary fiber will then bind to other keratin fibers to form a secondary spiral structure which then clumps together into filaments.

And to be able to bind together, the primary fibers are connected by "bridges" of sulfur atoms from sulfur amino acids (Methionine and Cystine).

It is the quality of these spirals and filaments and the number of these connecting bridges that determine the strength and flexibility of the hair!

Thus, any deficit in sulfur amino acids results in reduced resistance and flexibility of the hair, which in this case is more brittle.

The properties of keratin in hair

The main characteristic of spirals of Keratin is their structural stability.

In situations of mechanical stress linked to head movements, wind, styling, etc., they retain their shape.
The more bonds there are between the primary fibers, the stronger, more flexible and less brittle the hair is.

It should be noted that the mechanical properties of these keratin spirals are exceptional when compared to other synthetic fibers (nylon, carbon, etc.).

Keratin is not properly soluble in water, but hair (the tube with a hollow center) has the ability to partially retain water (hence the difference in texture between wet and dry hair).
Frequent exposure to water still reduces the strength of keratin by weakening the bonds between the fibers.

Keratin and kinky and curly hair

The hereditary and genetic nature of curly and frizzy hair is undeniable: it is transmitted by parents and is expressed throughout life.

The most likely explanation for this characteristic is a particular configuration of the hair follicle, which creates an asymmetry in the hair structure during growth. The production matrix is more developed on one side of the follicle, which naturally creates a tendency for the hair to curl.

In all cases, we observe less growth in curly hair compared to straight hair (about 50% less) and above all, its greater mechanical fragility, with a greater risk of breakage. Curly/kinky hair must be treated with even more respectful care!

Keratin, a protein also present in nails

Keratin is also a protein that makes up nails.

Nail keratin is harder than hair keratin . This is due to a slightly different composition, with an increased proportion of sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine/cystine-cysteine) which increase the number of bonding bridges between the primary keratin fibers, creating their greater mechanical strength.

Keratin and food supplements

Our hair food supplement is a synthesis of the latest nutritional knowledge.
In particular with plant Biotin and extracts of Millet and Saw Palmetto, to provide all the essential micronutrients for the resistance and beauty of hair and particularly for the best structure of Keratin spirals (Biotin, Zinc, Sulphur Amino Acids, B vitamins, Selenium).

It includes in particular direct contributions of Methionine and Cystine, the sulfur amino acids whose importance for the structure of keratin fibers between them has been highlighted and catalysts for the synthesis of Keratin: Natural Biotin, vitamin B6 from yeast and beer and Zinc.

These targeted contributions allow for the best possible composition of keratin fibers at the time of hair growth. They are stronger and more resistant.

Want to know more about our formula?

Plant biotin
20.90€
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