52 citations
,
February 2005 in “Biopolymers” In this study, chemical treatments during permanent hair straightening were found to randomize proteins in the cortex, aiding in the reconnection of disulfide bonds during oxidation.
This study found that, compared to oxidative treatments, reductive perm-waving more severely impacts the intermediate filaments in European human hair, while both treatments alter denaturation kinetics in a first-order manner.
July 2023 in “Drug testing and analysis (Print)” Homemade hair treatments can significantly lower drug levels in hair, possibly causing false-negative drug tests.
August 2023 in “Journal of Health and Beauty” This study found that the newly developed hair product K-30 increased both protein content and weight in chemically damaged hair to levels similar to healthy hair, unlike traditional products that only temporarily improve texture.
This study found that a hair treatment cream using keratin protein from chicken feathers effectively improved damaged hair, particularly by repairing the surface layer.
40 citations
,
June 2013 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology” This review discusses the widespread use of Brazilian keratin treatments and notes that many contain formaldehyde, marketed as safe despite potential safety concerns, but reports no new clinical results.
70 citations
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June 1998 in “Polymer” This study found that permanent waving treatment partially disrupts the α-helical structure in human hair microfibrils, primarily during the initial reduction phase, rather than just affecting disulphide bonds.
In this summary, the researchers describe the Brazilian keratin treatment as a popular hair-straightening process that originated in Brazil in 2003 and has since gained global traction, particularly for smoothing and straightening curly or frizzy hair through a keratin-based product and heat application.
7 citations
,
March 2014 in “ISRN Biomaterials” In this study, a keratin hydrogel improved survival rates and functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries, suggesting potential for SCI treatment that merits further investigation.
2 citations
,
May 2022 in “International Journal of Trichology” This study identified 43 patients with psoriasiform skin reactions associated with Brazilian Keratin Treatment, suggesting this adverse effect may be underdiagnosed and important to recognize through clinical and dermatoscopic features.
2 citations
,
September 2013 in “日本香粧品学会誌” The researchers reported that human hair keratin films exhibit color changes and reduced protein solubility after thermal treatments, suggesting their potential use in evaluating hair thermal damage instead of actual hair samples.
14 citations
,
January 2015 in “Skin Appendage Disorders” This study examined severe skin reactions, including erythema and eczema-like lesions, associated with Brazilian keratin treatment, suggesting a drug reaction phenomenon rather than solely irritant or allergic origin.
6 citations
,
January 2016 in “Open journal of regenerative medicine” This study found that macrophages treated with keratin in vitro were more similar to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages and reduced astrocyte reactivity, potentially limiting secondary inflammatory damage after spinal cord injury.
November 2024 in “Biophysical Chemistry” This study analyzed the swelling behavior of human hair during permanent waving treatment, finding that both the microstructure and macrostructure of intermediate filaments swell simultaneously at the initial stage, and while partially destructed by reduction, they are considerably restored through oxidation.
10 citations
,
October 2016 in “Journal of Biomolecular NMR” This study reported that using 2D solid-state NMR techniques on extensively labeled mouse fur improves resolution in detecting chemical shifts and secondary structure features, potentially aiding the analysis of the effects of commercial or therapeutic treatments on specific amino acids.
3 citations
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January 2004 in “Sen i Gakkaishi” This study found that adding dithiodiglycolic acid to the hair straightening process decreased chemical damage and preserved the structural integrity of the hair matrix compared to using thioglycolic acid alone.
This review discusses the potential risks of formaldehyde in hair keratin treatments like Brazilian blow-dry, and reports no new clinical results; it emphasizes the need for greater safety assessments including occupational exposure.
52 citations
,
April 2012 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” This study found that KRTAP2 proteins predominantly express in the hair shaft cortex of humans, interact with hair keratins, and play crucial roles in hair shaft keratinization.
47 citations
,
January 2017 in “RSC Advances” Keratin peptides can change hair shape gently without harsh chemicals.
30 citations
,
April 2017 in “Journal of structural biology” This study suggests that human keratin fiber matrix has a well-defined nano-scale grainy structure rather than being amorphous, with grain size influenced by chemical treatments, temperature, humidity, and follicle-level factors.
22 citations
,
March 2017 in “Transplant Infectious Disease” This case report describes successful treatment of generalized trichodysplasia spinulosa with leflunomide in a patient undergoing immunosuppressive therapy following solid organ transplantation.
12 citations
,
October 2007 in “PubMed” This study reports that keratin actives may protect various hair types from chemical damage, restore damaged fibers' mechanical strength, and reduce color fading.
10 citations
,
January 2012 in “Journal of Biological Macromolecules” This study found that keratin film from human hair samples responded to damage from UV, bleaching, perming, and thermal treatments, making it a useful model for evaluating hair damage in product development.
8 citations
,
January 2009 in “Transactions of the Materials Research Society of Japan” This study found that CMAD wool keratin may protect human hair from damage during repeated bleaching and permanent waving treatments.
6 citations
,
January 1985 in “ACTA HISTOCHEMICA ET CYTOCHEMICA” This study found that epithelial components of calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe showed lectin binding and keratin staining patterns similar to normal hair follicles, with prominent Con A staining in tumor giant cells.
3 citations
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May 2012 in “Journal of Biological Macromolecules” Keratin film can effectively mimic human hair for testing hair damage.
2 citations
,
July 2013 in “Fashion business” This study found that keratin essence effectively protected hair structure against dye-induced damage, potentially improving coloring efficiency in damaged hair observed from a single individual.
December 2025 in “The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research” This study outlines how combined ultrasonic and infrared hair treatments may enhance hair restoration and performance by breaking down keratin disulfide bonds for better treatment access and sealing cuticle scales to preserve improvements, with potential applications in salon and home settings.
September 2025 in “OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University)” This study developed a biobased copolymer called SELP::KP, showing improved hair strength, elasticity, and conditioning properties while being a safer alternative to conventional chemical treatments, based on application to human hair in a laboratory setting.