Contents
- What is a keratin hair mask
- The best hair masks with keratin
- Express mask with a complex of prokeratin, reconstructing the surface of the hair, Kera-Solutions, Vichy
- Revitalizing mask for split ends and damaged hair Dercos Nutrients Nutri Protein, Vichy
- Dream length rescue mask for long damaged hair Elseve, L’Oréal Paris
- Hair mask Elseve “Total recovery 5”, L’Oréal Paris
- Revitalizing mask Fructis “SOS-Recovery” for split ends, damaged hair, Garnier
- How to choose a hair mask with keratin
- How to use a keratin mask at home
- Summary results
A keratin hair mask can be a salvation for dull, dry, lackluster strands. What is its strength, how to choose and apply it?
What is a keratin hair mask
The problem is that with a modern lifestyle, it is quite difficult to maintain natural reserves of keratin. Even such a familiar procedure as blow-drying or styling with an iron provokes the destruction of keratin in the hair (if they are naturally porous and dry, this happens faster), as a result, their structure is damaged, the strands become dehydrated, brittle, dull.
The purpose of a keratin hair mask is to compensate for the loss and deformation of the hair’s own keratin. To do this, keratin must penetrate the hair cuticle and fill in the gaps. However, this protein itself is characterized by high molecular weight and low penetrating power.
In order for keratin to be able to restore the cuticle, manufacturers “crush” it into smaller particles that can penetrate the hair structure. This grinding occurs by hydrolysis, so the final ingredient is called keratin hydrolyzate, and you should look for it in the composition of the best (at least according to Healthy-Food) keratin hair masks.
In addition, the role of reconstructors in keratin hair masks is performed by vegetable proteins (also in the form of hydrolysates) and amino acids, which are often combined with oils, to soften and nourish.
The effect of using a keratin mask
What effects can be expected using a restorative hair mask with keratin?
humidification: keratin mask provides filling of damaged areas of hair, which subsequently helps them retain moisture.
Elasticity: hair becomes less brittle and more manageable, and the hairstyle holds its shape better.
Density: strands saturated with proteins become thinner towards the ends.
Brilliance: The repaired cuticle becomes smoother, which means it reflects light better.
Smoothness: keratin restores the cuticle layer, as a result of which the hair becomes smoother, fluffiness disappears. However, do not expect a keratin straightening effect from a keratin hair mask.
The best hair masks with keratin
If your hair has lost its vitality and has ceased to please you with its appearance, check out the rating of masks with keratin for hair, compiled by the editors of Healthy-Food. We consider these products to be the best in their category.
Express mask with a complex of prokeratin, reconstructing the surface of the hair, Kera-Solutions, Vichy
A mask with prokeratin is taken to patch microdamages of the cuticle and align it along the entire length of the hair. Thanks to the action of the composition with prokeratin and vitamin B5, the curls are restored, gain shine and become more resistant to aggressive environmental factors.
Revitalizing mask for split ends and damaged hair Dercos Nutrients Nutri Protein, Vichy
This formula uses quinoa bran as proteins. As befits a mask addressed to damaged hair, it contains oil (praxaxi) to make hair smooth and shiny. Users describe a very good restorative effect.
Dream length rescue mask for long damaged hair Elseve, L’Oréal Paris
Vegetable keratin, vitamin B5 and castor oil are responsible for saving hair from brittleness and damage to the tips. The manufacturer recommends using the mask in combination with shampoo and leave-in care cream from the same line. They also include vegetable keratin, a hydrolyzed wheat protein.
Hair mask Elseve “Total recovery 5”, L’Oréal Paris
The mask promises to restore strength, silkiness and shine to hair thanks to a well-coordinated duo of active ingredients – prokeratin and cicamide. The first restores the hair, filling the voids from the inside, the second smoothes the surface.
Revitalizing mask Fructis “SOS-Recovery” for split ends, damaged hair, Garnier
The vegetable protein karafil is responsible for restoring the structure and strengthening the hair, and the amla extract works on the surface, helping to retain moisture and give the curls shine, strength, smoothness and brightness.
How to choose a hair mask with keratin
So, we repeat once again: keratin hair masks are primarily addressed to damaged, brittle hair, but in order to decide which one is best for you, you need to take into account the nuances.
Mask composition
Appointment of masks
The main purpose of a keratin-based mask is to saturate the hair with proteins and replenish its own lost protein. Such products can be found in the lines for damaged, dyed, long and curly hair. The surest way is to follow the manufacturer’s annotation, which clearly states what kind of hair the mask is addressed to (for example, dyed) and what it is aimed at: it fights against brittleness, split ends, etc.
Hair type and structure
How to use a keratin mask at home
At home, the procedure for applying a keratin mask is simple – you just need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Our expert Maria Nevskaya gives her recipe for using a keratin hair mask.
Apply the mask to damp, warm hair (heat is needed to open cuticle scales) for 30 minutes. Put on a hat and wrap your head in a towel. It makes sense to pre-warm the towel on the battery so that the heat lasts longer.
Remove the cap and let the hair cool for 5 minutes, then rinse the composition with lukewarm water (the hair should cool down so that the scales close and the mask components are fixed in the hair structure).
Be sure to use a balm that will help close the scales and keep all the components of the mask in your hair.
Summary results
Why do you need a keratin hair mask?
The mission of a mask with keratin is to restore damaged hair that has lost its own keratin due to any damaging factors (thermal or chemical exposure, excessive ultraviolet radiation). Keratin (more precisely, its plant analogues) as part of the mask fills the damaged areas of the hair and smoothes it along the entire length.
What is included in keratin masks?
Keratin has a high molecular weight – it is difficult for it to penetrate the hair cuticle, so manufacturers “crush” it into smaller particles. Thus, an active and effective ingredient is obtained – hydrolyzed keratin, which is embedded in the hair cuticle. In addition to keratin, restorative masks usually contain various oils, as well as other proteins (also in the form of hydrolysates), B vitamins, and moisturizing ingredients.
Who needs a keratin mask?
If for various reasons the hair has become dry, brittle, thinned, split at the ends and lost its shine, then the keratin mask will help restore the structure of the strands, restore their elasticity, fullness, shine.
How to apply a keratin mask?
Like any intensive care, a keratin mask is used once a week for a long time, so that the effect of its use is pronounced and stable.