Keratin is a protein that is found naturally in our hair, skin, and nails. It's actually a key structural component and helps with strength and resilience.
Keratin shampoos are designed to nourish and moisturize the hair, helping to improve its overall health and appearance. One of the main benefits of using a keratin shampoo is that it can help to repair and strengthen damaged hair... but it can't work miracles! If you're looking for a full keratin treatment, let me know.
If your teenager or tween already had a salon-quality keratin treatment, keratin shampoos can help to fill in and smooth out damaged areas of their hair cuticle, making it look and feel smoother and healthier. This can be particularly helpful for kids and young adults who already have dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair, reducing dryness, frizz, and breakage, and can give the hair a shinier, youthful appearance. Keratin shampoos can also help to protect your hair from heat damage and UV exposure, extending the life of their hair and prevent further damage from occurring.
I often get asked by younger clients which keratin shampoo I prefer; here are my top 3:
1) Miracle Shampoo Plus Keratin by It's A 10 ($14-19 on Amazon)
It's A 10 was founded by a stylist (Carolyn Aronson) and is used in over 40,000 salons nationwide, including the chains like Ulta and Regis. I like their brand because they're pretty affordable and get straight to it without any gimmicks or celebrity endorsements. They're also a cruelty-free brand. The Shampoo Plus Keratin formula combines the benefits of keratin protein into a daily shampoo, preserving color, and leaves my hair feeling bouncier and softer. I like that this shampoo also has a pleasant scent that may make you feel like you're at my salon while using it!
2) Keratin Shampoo by Botanic Hearth ($15-22 on Amazon)
Botanic Hearth is a independent, family-owned brand that I've used with success. I know that some of my clients really prefer it. If you're a fan of the smell coconut and green tea (sounds like a weird combo, but it's not!) you'll really love this keratin shampoo. It usually comes in a bundle.
3) Keratin Shampoo by Marcia Teixeira ($45-60 on Amazon)
This shampoo is usually 2x the price, but some of my clients really swear by it. Originally a Brazilian-based cosmetologist, Marcia Tiexeira created this brand about 17 years ago and it's been a staple in many independent salons around the world. If you're looking for the top notch shampoo in-between treatments and are ready to spare no expense, this is the way to go.