Yes, heat can damage keratin, particularly at high temperatures.
How Heat Affects Keratin
Keratin is a protein that forms the main structural component of hair, skin, and nails. While keratin is resilient, excessive heat can alter its structure, leading to damage. According to the reference, temperatures exceeding 300°F (approximately 149°C) cause a transformation of ⍺-keratin to β-keratin. This transformation weakens the hair, making it less elastic and more prone to breakage. The reference also indicates that when keratin melts due to high heat, it results in a permanent change at the molecular level, affecting the hair's shape.
Effects of Heat on Keratin:
- Structural Changes: As mentioned in the reference, temperatures over 300°F transform ⍺-keratin into β-keratin, weakening the hair.
- Loss of Elasticity: Heat damage reduces the flexibility and elasticity of hair, making it more likely to snap.
- Increased Brittleness: Damaged keratin makes hair more susceptible to breakage and split ends.
- Permanent Reshaping: When keratin melts due to high heat, the hair maintains that altered shape on a molecular level, which is not reversible.
Practical Implications:
Knowing how heat affects keratin helps in understanding why it's important to take precautions when styling hair:
- Limit Heat Exposure: Reduce the frequency and temperature of heat styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons.
- Use Heat Protectant Products: Applying heat protectant products creates a barrier, reducing direct heat impact on the hair.
- Lower Temperature Settings: When using heat styling tools, use the lowest possible temperature setting to achieve the desired result.
- Regular Hair Trims: Regular trims can remove split ends and damaged hair, promoting the growth of healthy keratin.
- Avoid Overprocessing: Minimise processes like bleaching or perming that further weaken the protein structure of the hair.
Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Heat Impact | Temperatures above 300°F cause structural changes in keratin. |
| Transformation | ⍺-keratin converts to β-keratin, weakening hair. |
| Effects | Loss of elasticity, increased brittleness, and potential for permanent reshaping. |
| Prevention | Minimize heat exposure, use heat protectants, and avoid over-processing. |
