What Is Hydrolyzed Keratin?

Hydrolyzed keratin is extracted from the nails, wools, and horns of animals. It is a large protein molecule and is broken down or “hydrolyzed” into smaller molecules through enzymatic hydrolysis. The smaller or hydrolyzed molecules have lower molecular weight and penetrate the hair shafts and strengthen the hair structure. It has a similar amino acid structure as the keratin produced naturally in humans. Read on to know how beneficial hydrolyzed keratin can be for hair.

Benefits Of Hydrolyzed Protein For Hair

• Research shows that hydrolyzed protein can repair and condition damaged hair. These protein hydrolysates strengthen hair fibers and reduce hair breakage (1).
• Protein hydrolysates are often added to hair coloring products for even color absorption (1).
• Hydrolyzed protein protects the hair from the damaging effects of permanent bleaching, waving, and straightening products (1).
• It improves the texture and natural structure of the hair and forms a protective coating to shield the strands (1).
• It boosts hair moisture and elasticity and protects it from heat and photo-damage (1).
• It retains water content in the cortex by bonding with residual amino acids produced by hair proteins (2).
• Research shows that hydrolyzed keratin can help stimulate hair growth (3).
• Protein hydrolysates protect the hair from chemical and environmental aggressors to prevent hair damage (4).
• It also helps seal hair cuticles (1). This minimizes frizz and prevents flyaways. The amino acids from hydrolyzed proteins neutralize the negative electrical charge on the hair to eliminate frizz and friction (4).
• Hydrolyzed keratin has a similar amino acid structure to that of natural human hair. It is known to improve the tensile strength of damaged hair (2), (5).

Hydrolyzed keratin is beneficial for all hair types, especially curly and kinky hair. Scroll down to find out why.

Is Hydrolyzed Keratin Good For Curly Hair?

Yes. This is because curly and kinky hair is porous and brittle and has a weak hair structure. Hydrolyzed keratin can easily penetrate curly hair and improve its protein content to strengthen the strands and enhance the hair structure. It may help enhance curl definition, so it is often suggested to be used in DIY hair masks and products.

Curly hair is more prone to damage and dryness, and hydrolyzed keratin can help minimize these issues. Research shows that it makes curly hair more manageable and frizz-free (6). It also improves hair color and shine.

If you want to reap all these benefits of hydrolyzed keratin, you need to use it the right way. Here are a few tips to help you use hydrolyzed keratin for your hair.

How To Use Hydrolyzed Keratin For Hair

1. Hydrolyzed Keratin Hair Products: You can find many hair care products like shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and serums containing keratin hydrolysates. Use these products regularly to improve the hair texture and tensile strength and repair damaged hair.
2. DIY Hair Products: Add a concentration of 0.5-3% of hydrolyzed keratin to your regular shampoo, conditioner, or hair mask to condition and protect the hair.
3. Deep Conditioning Treatment: You can add 0.5-3% concentration of hydrolyzed keratin to any deep conditioning treatment. Apply the product, put on a shower cap, and leave the treatment on overnight. Wash it off in the morning.

If you follow a vegan lifestyle and are wondering if hydrolyzed keratin products will fit your lifestyle, here is the answer.

Is Hydrolyzed Keratin Vegan? 

Hydrolyzed keratin is not vegan. Keratin is derived from feathers, wool, nails, and other parts of animals. It cannot be sourced from vegetables and is neither vegan nor cruelty-free.

However, hydrolyzed protein can be synthesized from the amino acid extracted from soy, wheat, and corn. It is not be as effective as animal-derived keratin and may not restore the damaged hair structure (4).

Side Effects Of Hydrolyzed Keratin

A study found 5% hydrolyzed keratin to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. However, 10% of hydrolyzed keratin may irritate the skin. It may cause acute urticaria (hives, swelling, and redness) and itchy eyes (7), (8).

Perform a patch test on the neck or the wrist to avoid adverse reactions. Also, avoid overusing hydrolyzed keratin as it may weigh the hair down and make it greasy, dry, and stiff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hydrolyzed keratin cause baldness?

Hydrolyzed keratin does not cause balding. It improves hair health and appearance.

Is hydrolyzed keratin good for low-porosity hair?

Yes. Hydrolyzed wheat protein is recommended for low-porosity hair as it does not cause excess build-up or weigh your hair down.

Is hydrolyzed silk keratin?

Hydrolyzed silk is the protein derived from silkworms and is the same as hydrolyzed keratin.