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Keratin is a fibrous protein that is an essential component of hair, nails and the outer skin layer of animals and humans. It belongs to a family of structural proteins known for their hardness and insolubility in water. Keratin ensures the strength and elasticity of hair and plays a decisive role in protecting the epidermis (outer skin layer) from mechanical and chemical damage.
The structure of keratin consists of long chains of amino acids that wind into a helix structure. This helical structure is strongly cross-linked by disulfide bridges between the amino acids cysteine, which gives keratin its insolubility and resistance. The different types of keratins vary in their amino acid composition and therefore in their strength and flexibility, which makes them suitable for different functions in hair, nails and skin.
In the context of hair, keratin is the main structural component and is crucial to the health, strength and appearance of hair. Keratin-based treatments, such as keratin smoothing, aim to repair and strengthen damaged hair by replenishing and smoothing the hair structure.
