You may have heard of keratin treatments for hair, but what exactly is keratin? Keratin is a protein that is naturally produced by your body and is the main component of your hair, nails, and skin. 

Keratin, in general, can help give hair its durability and strength.* When you see people with strong and healthy hair, it's sometimes because they also have a lot of keratin in their hair.*

Keratin supplements

A keratin supplement can help support the appearance of certain tissues by providing them with additional protein. Keratin supplements are available in capsules, liquid, and powder forms. Keratin supplements can be taken orally or added to food.

This supplementation of keratin may help support your hair, nails, and skin.* Keratin may also help with the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging when combined with other vitamins and ingredients.*

A study on oral supplements showed that using a specific keratin hydrosalate might have "significantly improved hair and nails brightness and nails growth were significantly increased"* compared to the treatment group. Each study is different, offers different amounts and types of keratin ingredients, and may lead to different results. You also need to see how the combination of different ingredients may affect the impact of a specific formula. 

You also have to consider your personal history and genetics, as these factors and others may significantly impact the health of your hair.

You should not overuse keratin supplements as they may increase the protein amount inside your body. However, some keratin supplements may provide a lower dose to help mitigate that build-up.

If you want to use a keratin supplement, talk to your doctor about whether taking supplements would be right for you.

Keratin treatments for hair

Many of us have used keratin in a different form than through supplementation, such as keratin treatments we can get at the hair salon or that we can do at home. So let's review some of the benefits of these treatments that are not supplements related.

When you get a keratin treatment such as a shampoo, you are infusing extra protein into your hair to help repair damage and make your hair look and feel healthier.*

What are the benefits of keratin?

Keratin has several benefits for your hair, including reducing frizz, making your hair more manageable, and increasing shine. If you have curly or wavy hair, a keratin treatment can help smooth your hair texture and make it easier to style. In addition, keratin treatments can also protect your hair from heat damage from styling tools like curling irons and hair dryers.*

How long does a keratin treatment last?

A typical keratin treatment at the hairdresser will last anywhere from two to six months. However, this will vary depending on how often you wash your hair, how you style it, and other factors. You can prolong the effects of your treatment by using shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for keratin-treated hair. You may also want to learn about hyaluronic acid.