Can Keratin Grow Hair?
No, keratin itself does not directly stimulate hair growth. However, it plays a crucial role in hair health and strength, leading to the appearance of faster growth.
Keratin is a protein that's a fundamental building block of hair, skin, and nails. Healthy hair contains plenty of keratin, giving it strength and elasticity. When hair lacks sufficient keratin, it becomes brittle and prone to breakage. This breakage can give the illusion of slow hair growth because the ends break off before they reach their full potential length.
- Strengthens hair: Keratin treatments strengthen hair strands, making them less likely to break. This reduces hair loss due to breakage, leading to longer hair. [Source: Healthline - Keratin Hair Treatment Pros and Cons, Quora - Does Keratin treatment help the hair to grow faster?]
- Improves hair structure: Keratin improves the overall structure of the hair, resulting in smoother, stronger strands. This improved structural integrity reduces breakage, contributing to seemingly faster growth. [Source: Gisou - Does Natural Keratin Help Your Hair Grow?]
- Doesn't accelerate growth rate: It's important to note that keratin treatments do not increase the actual rate of hair follicle growth. The improved appearance of growth is solely due to decreased breakage. [Source: InStyle - How a Keratin Hair Treatment Changed My Life]
Keratin Supplements and Hair Growth
While keratin is crucial for hair health, taking keratin supplements does not necessarily lead to faster hair growth. The body cannot effectively absorb keratin orally. [Source: Wimpole Clinic - Keratin For Hair: Benefits, Dangers, Treatment Types] Biotin, another supplement sometimes used for hair growth, is a different substance altogether and works through different mechanisms. [Source: Hims - Biotin vs Keratin For Hair Loss]
Conclusion
Keratin is essential for strong, healthy hair, reducing breakage and giving the impression of faster growth. However, it does not directly stimulate hair follicle growth.
