Keratin Vs Collagen: Which is Right for Your Hair?

But with so many products available, choosing the right one can be quite a task. 

Are you torn between Keratin vs. Collagen treatments? Both are vital in boosting your hair’s protein for healthy, shiny hair.

Read on to understand the difference between both treatments.

CHECK: Best Keratin Complex Hair Straightener

What is collagen hair treatment?

Collagen is a natural protein in the body, essential for maintaining skin elasticity and strength [1]. It is also the main fibrous protein in the human body’s connective tissues.

It is made of three polypeptide chains that form a helical structure.

The most abundant and key structural protein, collagen, contains arginine, proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline amino acids.

Thee are all essential in not only strengthening bones and joints but keeping the skin and human hair hydrated and supple.

In terms of hair treatment, collagen has been hailed as the botox of hair. Thousands swear on its ability to plump up hair while making it smoother and softer.

How Does Collagen Treatment Work?

Collagen Hair Treatment is an intensive treatment that rebuilds weak and damaged hair by deeply penetrating the hair shaft, healing and sealing the cuticle layer.

The good thing is that the treatment is relatively easy and can even be done at home. You will only need an extra pair of hands.

The collagen treatment is applied as n ordinary hair mask and is left to sit for a while, then washed off.

Check out this video for a detailed guide on the process.

When applied to the scalp, collagen stimulates new cell production, leading to thicker, stronger hair [2]. It also helps in reducing split ends and breakage.

It works by stimulating the growth of new cells and promoting cell turnover. The result is healthier-looking hair.

Another great thing is that you can make your collagen treatment home instead of spending lots of bucks on buying.

Check out this video on a DIY collagen treatment.

So what are the benefits of this holy grail of hair treatment?

How Collagen May Improve Your Hair

As earlier stated, collagen has tons of benefits that hair gurus swear by. Here are some ways collagen will radically transform your hair to Rapunzel status.

• Helps strengthen and thicken hair

• Reduces frizziness

• Makes hair more manageable

• Increases shine and softness

• Prevents hair loss

• Improves overall health of hair

• Promotes faster hair growth 

• Nourishes hair and scalp, therefore, preventing dandruff and dry hair.

• Provides nutrients to the roots of the hair

• By supporting blood vessels that promote the diffusion of nutrients in the hair follicles, collagen leads to moisturized, healthy hair.

The idea of collagen treatment sounds magical. Can you imagine spending less time on your hair every morning? Getting rid of frizz and unmanageable hair? 

Sounds too good to be true. So are there any side effects that come with the treatment?

Collagen Hair Treatment Cons

According to experts, as long as you do a good hair treatment, there are no severe side effects. 

The only thing that might cause negative side effects is if you’re mildly allergic to collagen hair treatment components. In rare cases, the treatment can also cause mild skin irritation. This is often for people with sensitive scalps.

However, this should go away within a day or two.

What is Keratin Hair Treatment?

Keratin is a fibrous structural protein found in hair, nails, and skin [3]. Keratin in hair makes it lustrous and healthy. 

These treatments involve a chemical smoothing process.

The treatment usually has formaldehyde that helps combat frizz making hair straighter and more manageable [4]. Formaldehyde locks keratin chains in a straight line, thus making hair strands less curly and straighter.

These treatments can last up to six months when proper post-care treatment is adhered to.

Want to know more about Keratin treatment? Checkout our article on

Hair Protein vs. Keratin Treatment – What’s the Difference?

How Keratin Improves Your Hair

• Say bye-bye, frizz. The treatment tames frizz, making your hair straighter and shinier.
• It also prevents breakage and damage from UV rays. The keratin treatment protects hair from sun exposure.
• If you have damaged hair, a keratin treatment can help repair the damage. It restores moisture and elasticity to the hair.
• Keratin treatment can also prevent split ends. Split ends occur when hair breaks off due to stress.
• This type of hair treatment can also improve the texture of hair. It reduces flyaways and tangles.
• In addition, keratin treatment promotes stronger hair growth.

Similarities Between Collagen and Keratin

Both collagen and keratin are some of the most abundant proteins in the human body. They are both biopolymers made up of amino acids but differ in structure.

Both proteins are insoluble solvents with high tensile strength.

They are similar because they contribute to maintaining skin, hair, and nail health.

Both treatments work to strengthen your hair.

Key Difference between collagen and Keratin

Collagen is a protein that is essential for the formation of most connective tissues in the human body, whereas keratin is a protein that is essential for the formation of much of the skin, hair, and nails in the human body. This is the primary distinction between collagen and keratin.

Check out this side-by-side comparison of the key differences between the treatments.

	Keratin	Collagen
Type of Treatment	Improves look and condition of Hair	Strengthen hair
Results	Can last up to 6 months	Can last 2-4 months
Hair Type	Best for those with curly frizzy hair	Recommended for all types of hair
Cost	from $250 to $500.	From $25,
Maintenance	Requires more maintenance	Less Maintenace
Side Effects	Side effects may include scalp irritation, dryness, and frizziness.	No major side effect

Conclusion

Both treatments are great for your hair.

Depending on your hair needs and consultation with a hair stylist, you can decide which is best for you.

Let me know in the comment section which treatment you’ve tried.

 Bonus: They’re good for your nails and skin too!!

Resources

• 1. Shoulders MD, Raines RT. Collagen Structure and Stability. Annual Review of Biochemistry. 2009;78(1):929-958. doi:10.1146/annurev.biochem.77.032207.120833
• 2. Sionkowska A, Skrzyński S, Śmiechowski K, Kołodziejczak A. The review of versatile application of collagen. Polymers for Advanced Technologies. 2016;28(1):4-9. doi:10.1002/pat.3842
• 3. Macarthur I. STRUCTURE OF α-KERATIN. Nature. 1943;152(3845):38-41. doi:10.1038/152038a0
• 4. Weathersby C, McMichael A. Brazilian keratin hair treatment: a review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2013;12(2):144-148. doi:10.1111/jocd.12030