Keratin Treatments: how to keep hair healthy and shiny

Oct 7, 2024
trattamenti alla cheratina e bava di lumaca

In the realm of hair care, innovation continues to surprise us. Today, the focus is on treatments that combine natural ingredients with regenerative and structural properties.

This trend reflects a growing consumer awareness of more natural and effective products that not only improve the aesthetic appearance of hair but also promote its long-term health.

Keratin is a fundamental element in hair cosmetics for several reasons.

Firstly, it is the main protein that forms the structure of the hair, representing about 80-90% of its composition. This fibrous protein provides strength, elasticity, and resistance to the hair fiber.

Over time and with exposure to various environmental factors and chemical treatments, hair can lose some of its natural keratin.

This results in fragile, dry, dull hair that is more prone to breakage and split ends.

Aging, exposure to UV rays, air pollution, frequent use of hot styling tools, and aggressive chemical treatments like dyeing and bleaching all contribute to the degradation of keratin in the hair.

The use of keratin-based cosmetic products aims to restore this essential protein, filling damaged areas of the hair structure.

These treatments work by penetrating the hair cortex, where keratin can bind to existing proteins, strengthening the internal structure and improving the overall resistance of the hair.

A keratin mask to maintain results over time

The keratin and snail slime mask is a product that can be used on natural hair, as a powerful nourishing agent, or alongside a professional keratin treatment.

The latter is an advanced hair care procedure, performed by specialized personnel, that reduces frizz, adds shine, and makes hair smoother and more manageable. Results can last several months, depending on hair type and post-treatment maintenance.

To prolong the effects of professional keratin treatment and maintain the smoothness and softness achieved in the salon, it is necessary to deeply nourish the hair, ensuring constant hydration.

This maintenance process is crucial to preserve the treatment results and extend their duration.

This is why a hair mask based on plant keratin and snail slime fully meets these needs.

The combination of these two powerful ingredients offers a complete solution for post-treatment maintenance, providing both nourishment and protection.

woman applying keratin and snail slime hair mask
Image by freepik

The surprising benefits of Snail Slime for hair

Snail slime, a little-known but incredibly effective ingredient, is gaining increasing popularity in the world of hair cosmetics.

This natural secretion is rich in beneficial substances that can transform the health and appearance of hair. Here's why:

Moisturizing Properties

Rich in mucopolysaccharides, snail slime creates a protective film that retains moisture, combating dryness and frizz.

Mucopolysaccharides are complex molecules that have an extraordinary ability to retain water, providing deep and lasting hydration.

This protective film hydrates and seals the hair cuticle, reducing moisture loss and improving hair softness and manageability.

Repairing Action

It contains proteins and peptides that help repair damaged hair fibers, restoring strength and elasticity to the hair.

The proteins present in snail slime are similar to those naturally found in hair, allowing for targeted repair of damaged areas.

Peptides, on the other hand, are smaller molecules that can penetrate the hair structure more easily, providing nourishment from within.

Antioxidant Effect

Thanks to the presence of vitamins and minerals, it protects hair from damage caused by free radicals and environmental pollution.

Snail slime is particularly rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress, one of the main causes of hair aging and damage.

In addition, it contains minerals such as zinc and copper, which play a crucial role in scalp health and keratin production.

Growth Stimulation

The regenerative properties of snail slime can promote the growth of healthier and stronger hair.

This stimulation occurs thanks to the presence of growth factors in the slime, which can improve circulation in the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.

Furthermore, the glycolic acid present in snail slime can help gently remove dead cells from the scalp, creating an optimal environment for new hair growth.

Phytokeratin and Snail Slime: The sustainable revolution

Nuvò Cosmetics' innovation in using phytokeratin (plant keratin) represents a step forward: this form of keratin not only offers all the benefits of its traditional counterpart but is also more sustainable, ethically produced, and often better tolerated by sensitive skin.

Phytokeratin is derived from plant sources, such as proteins extracted from wheat, soy, or corn. The molecular structure of phytokeratin is similar to that of human keratin, allowing it to effectively interact with hair, repairing and strengthening it.

The combination of snail slime and plant keratin offers a double protective and regenerating action.

Snail slime, rich in antioxidants, fights free radical damage, while phytokeratin creates a protective shield against pollutants.

These ingredients work synergistically to detoxify, nourish, and strengthen hair, effectively counteracting the harmful effects of the urban environment and stress, and potentially prolonging the effect of professional treatment.

Phytokeratin, thanks to its molecular structure, can penetrate the hair cortex more easily, providing deep nourishment.

At the same time, it creates a protective coating on the hair surface, improving its texture and reducing the formation of knots and split ends.

Snail slime, on the other hand, with its moisturizing and regenerating properties, complements the action of phytokeratin.

While plant keratin strengthens the internal structure of the hair, snail slime nourishes and protects the external surface, creating a synergistic effect that results in healthier, stronger, and shinier hair.

woman post keratin hair treatment

Beauty routine for your hair: some tips

The keratin and snail slime mask is a versatile product.

For untreated hair, it provides intense hydration and nourishment, improving shine and resistance.

For hair already treated with keratin, it prolongs and enhances the effects of the treatment, maintaining smoothness, softness, and protecting the hair from future damage.

In both cases, the mask helps keep hair healthy, strong, and protected.

To get the most benefit from the Hair Mask follow these guidelines:

  1. Use a gentle shampoo suitable for your hair type. It is important to choose a shampoo that does not excessively strip the hair's natural oils, preparing it to best absorb the mask's nutrients.
  2. Remove excess water by towel blotting: hair should be damp, but not dripping; too much water would reduce the mask's absorption, compromising its beneficial effect. Gently blotting the hair instead of vigorously rubbing it also helps prevent damage to the hair cuticle.
  3. Divide hair into sections and apply a generous amount, from roots to ends. Gently massage for even distribution. Pay particular attention to the ends, which are generally the most damaged and in need of care.
  4. Leave on for a few minutes, even 15-20 minutes for an intensive treatment. For even better results, you can wrap your hair in a warm towel or use a shower cap. Heat helps open the hair cuticles, allowing deeper penetration of the mask's active ingredients.
  5. Finally, rinse with lukewarm water. Water that is too hot can damage hair and scalp, while lukewarm water helps close the cuticles, sealing nutrients inside the hair.

Frequency of Use

Normal Hair: 1-2 times a week. This frequency is sufficient to keep hair healthy and hydrated without weighing it down.

Damaged or Treated Hair: 2-3 times a week. Damaged hair or hair subjected to frequent chemical treatments needs extra care to restore its health and vitality.

Post-Professional Treatment Maintenance: 1 time a week. This frequency helps prolong the effects of professional keratin treatment, keeping hair smooth and manageable for longer.

It is important to note that the frequency of use may vary based on your specific hair needs.

Observing how hair responds to treatment and adjusting the application frequency accordingly is essential to achieve the best results.