Yes, too much keratin can indeed be harmful, particularly to your hair.
How Can Too Much Keratin Be Harmful?
While keratin is a protein naturally found in your hair and is often used in hair treatments to improve strength and smoothness, overdoing it can lead to negative effects. The reference specifically mentions that "hair that feels brittle or sheds more than is normal" can be a sign of overexposure to keratin. This is because excess keratin can make hair rigid and less flexible, increasing the likelihood of breakage.
Signs of Too Much Keratin:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Brittle Hair | Hair that lacks moisture and is prone to snapping easily. This is due to a buildup of protein making it rigid and less flexible |
| Excessive Shedding | Hair that falls out more than your typical shedding rate. Overloaded with keratin can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle. |
| Frizz and Breakage | Hair may become frizzy and prone to breakage as the excessive keratin can make hair dry. This can be hard to spot as damage from dyes or heat can also cause these symptoms. |
Why Does This Happen?
- Protein Overload: Hair needs a balance of moisture and protein. Too much keratin can lead to a protein overload, disrupting this balance.
- Impaired Flexibility: Keratin, when applied in excess, can cause the hair to become stiff, making it more prone to snapping rather than bending.
- Masking Other Problems: As mentioned in the reference, hair damaged from "dye, bleach, heat styling, and other chemicals" also suffers from frizz and breakage, which could be confused for keratin overload, making it difficult to spot the issue.
What To Do:
- Reduce Keratin Treatments: If you suspect a keratin overload, reduce the frequency of keratin treatments.
- Moisturizing Treatments: Focus on adding moisture back into your hair with hydrating masks and conditioners.
- Professional Consultation: Seek advice from a hairstylist who can assess your hair's condition and recommend a suitable approach to recovery.
Conclusion
In summary, while keratin is essential for healthy hair, excessive keratin can lead to brittle hair, increased shedding, and breakage. Monitoring your hair's response to keratin treatments is crucial to maintain a healthy balance.
