Chemical composition of hair

For beauty professionals, such as brow artists, lash lamination specialists, and lash extension specialists, deep knowledge of the chemical composition of hair is the key to delivering high-quality and safe services to clients. Understanding hair structure allows professionals not only to select the right laminating solutions but also to recommend appropriate aftercare products that help maintain the beauty and health of lashes and brows post-procedure.

Hair Structure: What Lies Within

Hair consists mainly of keratin—a protein also found in the skin and nails. Keratin plays a key role in maintaining the strength and elasticity of hair. It is composed of chains of amino acids that bond together to form protein structures. There are two main types of keratin:

• Alpha-keratin—the basis for softer, more flexible structures such as hair and skin.
• Beta-keratin—a tougher protein, commonly found in nails, for example.

Hair keratin is also classified as acidic or alkaline. This distinction is important for understanding how hair responds to cosmetic products and treatments. For example, alkaline keratins better retain their structure under certain chemical treatments, while acidic keratins are more sensitive and require a gentler approach.

The Chemical Composition of Hair Keratin

Hair keratin has a higher sulfur content compared to skin keratin, which contributes to hair strength. The primary source of sulfur is the amino acid cysteine, which makes up 14-16% of the total keratin composition in hair. Cysteine forms strong disulfide bonds, providing hair with strength and resistance to damage.

Main amino acids in hair keratin and their percentage composition:

• Cysteine — 14-16%
• Glutamic acid — 12-13%
• Arginine — 9-10%
• Serine — 8-9%
• Glycine — 5-6%
• Tyrosine — 3-4%
• Alanine — 2-3%

These amino acids form the keratin structure, responsible for hair's strength, elasticity, and moisture-retaining properties.

The Impact of Treatments on Hair Structure

Lash and brow lamination significantly affects the structure of hair. This procedure involves the use of chemical compounds that penetrate the hair, altering its structure. As a result, the hair becomes smooth and shiny; however, the process may also partially break amino acid bonds, especially cysteine, which weakens the hair's structure.

After lamination, it is crucial to offer clients high-quality aftercare products to help restore and maintain hair health. Products containing hydrolyzed keratin, peptides, and amino acids aid in restoring damaged bonds, strengthening the hair, and prolonging the effects of lamination.

Why It’s Important to Recommend Aftercare Products

A skilled professional always ensures that the results from procedures are lasting and safe. Therefore, one of the key roles of a professional is to recommend suitable aftercare products that help clients maintain the effects of lash and brow lamination and restore the hair.

Aftercare products for lashes and brows should include:

• Hydrolyzed keratin, which replenishes the natural keratin lost from the hair during lamination.
• Peptides and amino acids to restore amino acid bonds and promote hair strength.
• Moisturizing components to prevent hair dryness and maintain its health.

These products not only extend the effects of the procedure but also protect hair from harmful external factors, such as UV exposure, temperature changes, and other damaging effects.

How Aftercare Recommendations Boost Sales

When a professional recommends aftercare products for lashes and brows, they not only care about the results but also increase client trust. Clients who receive clear guidance are more likely to purchase these products because they understand that their lashes and brows need proper care.

By recommending aftercare products following a lamination procedure, professionals help clients:

1. Maintain the effect. Moisturizing, keratin restoration, and damage protection allow clients to enjoy smooth and shiny lashes and brows for longer after lamination.

2. Protect the hair. Products with keratin and amino acids help minimize amino acid loss, strengthen the hair structure, and prevent thinning and breakage.

3. Create a personalized care routine. Professionals can offer clients care tailored to their hair type and condition, enhancing service quality and client satisfaction.

Why Clients Should Choose Professional Aftercare Products

Aftercare products recommended by professionals are of much higher quality than mass-market products available in regular stores. They are specifically designed to address the unique needs of hair following procedures and contain ingredients that penetrate deeply into the hair to restore it.

Professionals should emphasize that professional-grade products:

• Help preserve the results of the procedure for a longer time.
• Restore damaged hair.
• Protect lashes and brows from environmental stressors.

Thus, recommending high-quality aftercare products not only helps extend the effects of procedures but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the health of clients' hair and lashes.

Conclusion

Understanding the chemical composition of hair, especially keratin and amino acids, is essential for beauty professionals who strive to provide their clients with high-quality services. Lash and brow lamination is more than just a procedure; it’s a process that requires ongoing care for the hair. By recommending aftercare products, professionals not only ensure the beauty and health of the hair but also help clients maintain the effects of the procedure, enhancing client loyalty.

Shop professional lash and brow care products with keratin and peptides at Beauty Master, so your clients will always be satisfied with the results and keep coming back!