What is Hair Keratin Protein? And Do You Need It?

Simply put... Keratin protein is a type of protein that makes up your hair, skin and nails, and is even found in your internal organs. The reason it has become a buzzword is because it plays a large role in hair protection and repair. Your hair is made up of over 90% protein. Fifty different types of proteins, in fact, but keratin is the major one — and it is responsible for keeping your hair shaft protected from everyday stress by smoothing down the layers of cells that overlap to form your hair strands — aka your hair cuticle. The result when adding keratin to your hair regimen? Hair that looks smooth, shiny, healthy, and frizz-free.

What is a keratin hair treatment versus keratin-infused hair care?

While keratin can be seen in numerous hair products, do not mix up keratin-infused hair care with the popular - and damaging - keratin salon smoothing treatments. In regards to keratin hair treatments offered in most salons, the process for getting smoother looking hair can involve a formaldehyde solution or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. Nexxus products, infused with keratin protein and other ingredients from nature such as black rice, help to replenish and rebuild protein building blocks lost in damaging processes.

What causes the loss of keratin?

Keratin is depleted over time due to a number of factors including:

1.) Heat styling (which can alter the internal structures of hair and cause the loss of movement and increase frizz)

2.) Chemical damage (like bleaching, which can lead to breakage and loss of cuticles on the external layers of hair, so hair feels extremely dry, tangled and breaks easily)

3.) Environmental factors like exposure to wind, sun, and pollutants

As you lose keratin, the cortex of your hair cuticle becomes exposed, creating porous spots in the hair follicle and making it susceptible to further damage. Replenishing keratin and binding those porous spots is the key to hair that looks and feels healthy.

If your hair feels fried, crunchy, or rough, reach for the Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing System, our line specially designed to visibly heal signs of severe hair damage. In addition to keratin, the Keraphix line is formulated with black rice, a centuries-old secret of strong, healthy hair. Black rice is rich in glutamic acid, the nutrient that’s lost when hair is severely damaged. This salon-crafted PROTEINFUSION™ blend present in Keraphix will infuse nutrients and proteins into the deepest layer of the hair fiber, rebuilding the broken protein structures and leaving hair stronger.

Start visibly healing signs of severe hair damage by:

1. Shampoo with keratin protein Apply Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo for Damaged Hair, a keratin protein-rich shampoo that cleanses and penetrates the hair fiber, starting the process of visibly healing signs of damage, to wet hair until you have a rich foamy, lather. Rinse thoroughly.

2. Revive Need some more serious repair work? Use the Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment for Damaged Hair, a powerful PROTEINFUSION™ treatment that features our highest level of proteins. A single-use dose contains an amount equivalent to that lost from extremely damaged hair over a period of one year. Apply treatment and leave on hair for up to five minutes. Shampoo again to rinse away excess treatment.

3. Restore with Nexxus Keraphix Conditioner for Damaged Hair, which targets damaged areas by nourishing the hair, delivering a smooth, conditioned feel, or Nexxus Keraphix Masque for Damaged Hair, a deep conditioning masque that envelopes the hair’s surface with an ultra-fine film to restore the protective barrier.

4. For upkeep: be gentle with your hair. After using Nexxus Keraphix, hair is replenished and restored.

Voilá — hair that looks like it never even saw a flatiron.

xx, Nexxus