What Is a Keratin Level?
Keratin is the protein that makes up the majority of the substance of hair, as well as the skin, teeth and nails. The keratin level refers to how much keratin exists in hair and other body parts. The more keratin in hair and nails, the healthier and stronger they will be.
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Life and Origin
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Keratin is made up of keratinocytes, cells that exist as a large part of skin, nails, and hair. These cells are alive, but as they are pushed to the surface through the natural cycle of regeneration, they die and act as a protective layer. Many cells go through this process on a day to day basis, and thus the more keratin cells within these surfaces, the healthier the skin, hair and nails appear.
Treatment
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Keratin treatments are most commonly referenced in regards to a specific hair treatment. A Brazilian keratin treatment is a long-term straightening process that treats, yet preserves, the quality of hair by infusing keratin, among other chemicals. The infusion of keratin essentially boosts the keratin level in the hair, making it stronger and sleeker and avoiding hair damage.
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Things to Consider
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As keratinocytes get closer to the surface of the skin, they are quickly shed. Keratin levels in nails and hair, however, last even after the cells have died, protecting the keritanocytes underneath.
Caring for Keratin Levels
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The more keratin in hair and nails, the healthier they are. It is claimed that eating gelatin can boost healthy nails and hair, as well as regular treatment with lipids or like substances such as hair conditioner.
Damage
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A deficit in one's keratin level will result in damage in hair, causing hair to become frizzy, rough, with split ends. Likewise, a keratin deficit in one's nails causes them to become dry and crack.
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References
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
