What is the importance of amino acids for hair
The individual nature of our hair is genetically determined. Depending on the structure and color of our hair, we have up to 150,000 hairs on our head. Of these, around 30 to 100 hairs normally fall out every day and grow back again after a rest period.
structure of the hair fiber
Each hair fiber is roughly composed of three layers:
Cuticle (Latin: skin): The outer layer of cuticles consists of keratinized cells that overlap in up to 10 layers like roof tiles and prevent the hair from drying out. A smooth surface of the scales reflects the light and ensures shiny hair.
Cortex (Latin: bark): The underlying fiber layer makes up the main part of the hair. The cortex consists of keratin, a chain of amino acids or proteins that are twisted together like a rope. The fiber layer keeps the hair elastic, supple and tear-resistant. Chemical treatments such as coloring, bleaching or perming, but also environmental influences such as excessive UV radiation damage the healthy keratin structure and cause a porous surface of the hair fiber.
Medulla (Latin: marrow), the medullary canal inside the fibrous layer, contains, among other things, metabolic products that are produced during the construction of the fibrous layer.
Each hair root also has its own sebaceous gland, which surrounds the hair fiber with a natural, smoothing layer of fatty acids.
Structure of keratin from amino acids
Human hair is made of keratin, which is also a component of our skin and nails. Keratin is formed by the combination of 18 different amino acids or proteins in our body. The keratin fibers that form the shaft of the hair are held together by various polypeptide bonds. The so-called cysteine bridge, made up of the amino acid cysteine, gives the keratin fiber the greatest strength.
keratin-damaging factors
External damaging factors can cause the keratin-cysteine bridge to break. Such damaging influences include: chemical hair dyes, permanent waves, aggressive shampoos with harsh surfactants, synthetic hair sprays with PVP or other microplastic copolymers. Heat from blow dryers, hair straighteners, curling irons or excessive UV radiation also damage the keratin fiber, making it porous and full of holes. The consequences: increased hair breakage, frizz - that is, statically charged, dull and difficult to comb hair - and split ends.
