Less known aspects of keratin treatment
Keratin is well known for its hair regenerating and protective properties. It is found in shampoos, conditioners and hair masks, but for the application of a treatment with keratin it is necessary to turn to a specialist in the field.
Since keratin is a type of protein that is part of the natural structure of our hair, nails and skin, it is obvious that applied to the hair significantly improves its appearance, restoring its shine, vitality and amplifying the color. On the other hand, many women resort to this type of treatment to get rid of the “chore” of the hair plate for straightening rebellious strands or especially curly or wavy hair.
If you decide to resort to this type of treatment, it is good to address a few issues:
- The origin of keratin
If we talked about the origins of the substance above, it is good to know that it is most often extracted from the horn-like parts, fur or certain glands of animals. By encouraging this industry, you will implicitly encourage cruelty to animals. A handy variant is plant base keratin, obtained from plant proteins, especially cereals, with amino acids similar to those present in hair.
- The presence of formaldehyde in treatment
Most often, chemical treatments with keratin also contain a quantity of formaldehyde, a type of gas with a strong odor, usually used for embalming corpses. Being a toxic gas that enters the body through the skin and lungs, it is good to know that you are exposing your body to a risk from the use of chemicals, which can cause:
- Allergic reactions, coughing, burning, itching or eczema on the scalp, burning sensations on the eyes, rash;
- Nausea and vomiting, chest pain;
- Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can cause leukemia.
- The benefits of keratin
However, if you choose to apply a cosmetic treatment with keratin, in the hope that you will opt for the plant base version of the substance, you will notice significant improvements in hair, such as: hair can be stylized more easily, has a straighter look and does not electrify. The hair will be less prone to damage as keratin has a protective role against the harmful effects of the sun, dust, pollution, wind or low temperatures.
- Side effects of treatment
- After applying the treatment, you will not be able to wash your hair for a few days; you will not even be able to go to the pool and you will have to avoid exposure to rain, as your hair is not allowed to come in contact with water.
- Hair will become greasy or oily.
- The treatment is quite expensive and, depending on the type of hair, you may have to repeat the treatment every 3-5 months.
- Contraindications
Keratin treatment is contraindicated in pregnant women, as there is a risk that the substances contained will be assimilated by the baby. People with allergies should also consult a doctor before exposure to treatment.
