Keratin is one of the main proteins in the human body but is keratin good for eyelashes? Here is a quick guide to what you need to know.
Keratin is good for eyelashes. In fact, a certain amount of keratin is necessary for strong, healthy eyelashes. If your body is lacking in keratin, then you can expect your hair health to suffer as a result.
There is a limit to how much keratin your body can use internally but you can also use keratin externally.
Read on to find out more.
What Is Keratin?
Keratin is a structural, fibrous protein (scleroprotein). It is generally associated with hair, skin, and nails but is also found in other parts of the body.
Keratin is known as being one of the building blocks of your hair and hence your eyelashes. It strengthens your hair and gives it structure.
This makes it look smoother and glossier.
Benefits of Keratin
Here are some of the main benefits keratin delivers for your hair and eyelashes:
- Protects hair (especially curly hair)
- Add structure and strength
- Smoothes hair (and tames frizz)
- Makes hair look glossier
- Helps make hair more manageable
3 Reasons Keratin Is Good For Eyelashes
Here are the three top reasons keratin is good for eyelashes:
1. Creates structure
Keratin is literally the building block of hair. Your eyelashes need it for strength. Lack of keratin is one of the reasons why your lashes can become dry, weak, and brittle.
2. Promotes smoothness
Keratin is a protective protein. As such it helps to “calm hair”. In other words, it gets your hair to lie flat. Flat hair is smooth hair. Smooth hair reflects light and hence looks healthy and glossy.
3. Makes hair easier to groom
Strong, smooth hair is much easier to groom than weak, frizzy, flyaway hair. This means that it is less likely to be damaged through grooming.
Can Keratin Help Grow Eyelashes?
Keratin can help grow eyelashes. In fact, keratin is exactly what eyelashes need to grow. With that said, there is a limit to how much keratin the body can use to build hair.
Once this limit is reached, however, you can still use keratin externally. This will not grow your eyelashes but will make them look fuller and longer.
How To Use Keratin For Eyelashes
There are three main ways to use keratin for eyelashes. These are internal, by using keratin-infused products or by having a keratin lash lift.
Using keratin internally
Certain foods are known to be rich in keratin.
These include eggs, sunflower seeds, and kale. You can also buy keratin supplements.
It is, however, advisable to check with a medical professional before deciding whether or not these are suitable for you.
Using keratin-infused products
Some eyelash products are infused with keratin.
For example, premium mascaras may include keratin to enhance their effect. With these products, the effect of the keratin tends to be relatively minor and temporary.
It is, however, often a nice boost to the main benefit of the product.
Having a keratin lash lift
Keratin lash lifts lift your eyelashes from root to tip.
This makes them look longer and fuller. It also gives them the appearance of more curl. Keratin lash lifts are often marketed as eyelash perms.
Technically, however, perming is a process that uses an alkaline solution to curl the eyelash.
Unlike many eyelash treatments, keratin lash lifts should only be performed in a salon.
The main reason for this is that you need to keep your eye completely closed during the process.
This is much easier to do if someone else is taking care of applying the product. It’s important to avoid getting keratin in your eye or you may experience a severe reaction.
Keratin lash lifts can last for up to 12 weeks. For most people, however, 4-6 weeks is a more realistic expectation.
They will not damage your eyelashes the way lash extensions can. You will need to take care of them for the first 48 hours after your lash lift.
In particular, keep them dry and clean. After this, however, they require no maintenance.
You can wear mascara after a keratin lash lift. This can add extra drama. Just remember to use a water-based makeup remover to take it off. Avoid using mechanical eyelash curlers.
Risks And Warnings Of Using Keratin
As keratin is made naturally by the body, there is practically no risk of an allergic reaction.
With that said, you should still follow the standard precautions when using keratin products.
Always patch test before using them externally and consult a doctor before using them internally.
For keratin lash lifts specifically, avoid using anything that makes your skin more sensitive for at least a week before your appointment.
This includes strong cleansers, chemical exfoliators, facial scrubs, and topical retinoids.