Much has been made and said of Keratin and its effects on the hair.  Does it stimulate hair growth, and can it even prevent hair fall?  Here, we take a closer look at Keratin, and answer some commonly asked questions about its relation to hair loss.

What kind of effects can Keratin have on the hair?

Keratin, as a protein, strengthens hair, and it is also used in various hair loss treatments, which are designed to smooth and shine hair. Keratin can make hair silky and smooth as well as strengthen it, which makes it a potent type of conditioner.

Does Keratin Thicken Hair? Keratin is an important structural protein, and it can certainly help with hair thickness. However, it must be taken in correctly. Keratin treatments may be able to straighten hair, but they damage it in the process.

Does Keratin damage the hair?

A keratin treatment is very unlikely to cause your hair to "fall out" but if not done correctly could be causing breakage and long term damage. Though most of us blame keratin for damaging the hair, but it's actually the formaldehyde present in it which affects the health of the hair.  If used correctly, Keratin should not cause serious damage to the strands.

Which is better: Keratin or Biotin? 

There are plenty of claims that biotin can help grow healthier and stronger hair, as well as skin and nails, and this has sparked a generation of pill-popping women who desire these beauty benefits. However, taking the vitamin does improve the keratin infrastructure (a basic protein that makes up hair, skin and nails), so, Biotin and Keratin actually compliment each other.  Taking Biotin in pill form, and using Keratin in topical application form can offer an excellent solution for hair health.

Can Keratin be used as a treatment for thin hair?

Keratin can be a very good treatment for thin hair? Such treatments fill in the porous spots in your hair which materialise due to loss of keratin. These overly-porous hair cause frizz, tangles and breakage. A keratin treatment is basically rebuilding the hair by putting back the lost protein into your strands.

Does Keratin encourage hair growth?

Keratin can be a very effective treatment for hair growth. Keratin hair treatment makes your hair shinning and smoothing, helps prevent breakage, and strengthens the hair shafts. Keratin is the natural protein that remains in your hair and also useful for frizzy or curly hair.

What types of Keratin based hair treatments are there? 

There are many different forms of Keratin that you can take. The most popular forms are supplement and topical serum, but you can also use Keratin in shampoo, conditioner, and even powder (drinkable) form. The one you try depends on what you are most comfortable with.