Does keratin cause hair loss?

Does keratin cause hair loss?

Keratin is a naturally occurring protein within the human body that impacts the growth of your hair, nails, and skin. As such, it is commonly used in hair loss treatments as a way of stimulating and improving the growth of your hair - but does keratin cause hair loss? Here, we take a closer look at keratin treatments and introduce you to the safest way to increase the levels of keratin in your body. 

What is keratin treatment? 

Keratin treatment - sometimes known as a Brazilian blowout - involves applying products to your hair, blow-drying it, and then flattening it with an iron. What’s more, the treatment adds extra keratin to your hair, which may act to reduce fizz, increase strength, and boost the overall look of your hair. This is because keratin is a naturally occurring protein that is essential for the strength of your hair, nails, and skin. So, in theory, keratin treatment can improve the way your hair looks and feels, but there are some side effects you need to be aware of. 

The side effects of keratin treatment  

It’s important to note that keratin alone does not contribute to hair loss. In fact, keratin is a fundamental building block for your hair. This is why Biotin supplements are so popular, as they increase the levels of keratin in the body, which in turn, can improve the health and strength of your hair. The issue with keratin treatment is that it usually consists of other ingredients, most notably a chemical called formaldehyde, which has been classified as a carcinogen. While everyone is different, formaldehyde can lead to side effects ranging from nausea to headaches and eye irritation. 

As for keratin treatment’s efficacy, a 2018 study found that keratin particles increased the strength of the participants’ hair by 40%. Presently, there are no studies suggesting that keratin treatment can directly lead to hair loss, but due to the other side effects associated with the treatment, you should exercise caution before committing to a procedure. 

How to safely boost your keratin levels 

There’s no doubt that keratin can be good for your hair. It is a fundamental building block for your hair, nails, and skin, and people who are keratin-deficient may experience thin and wiry hair as a result. One of the best ways to safely boost your keratin levels is with a Biotin supplement. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, increases the presence of keratin in the human body, which can improve the health and strength of your hair as a result, without the potential side effects associated with keratin treatment. 

The verdict: Does keratin cause hair loss?

The short answer is no; keratin does not cause hair loss. Rather, keratin is a vital protein that actually strengthens your hair. But certain keratin treatments come with a range of potential unwanted side effects that can influence your health in different ways. So, if you wish to increase the strength of your hair with keratin, a Biotin supplement is a much better - and safer - option than other chemical-based keratin hair treatments. 

Learn more about our Biotin supplements and discover our range of clinically backed male hair loss treatments today.

All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.