Hair care products with hydrolysed silk protein have become quite popular recently. They are valued for their moisturising and repairing effect. For example, hair masks with silk protein are recommended for dry, dull and weak hair damaged by colouring, bleaching, blow drying or hot styling. Are such masks really effective or is this just a marketing trick?
Silk is a natural fibre produced by the larvae of the mulberry silkworm to form cocoons. It is very fine and soft yet very strong. Silk fabric was first develop in ancient China. In the ancient era, Chinese silk was considered a luxury item and cost extremely high. In China, silk fabric was used as a currency, to reward particularly distinguished citizens and as a major diplomatic gift from the emperor. Silk also has a long history in India.
Silk fibre is valued for its smooth, soft texture that is not slippery and its considerable strength. It owes these qualities to its chemical composition. Silk consists of two main proteins, fibroin (70–80%) and sericin (20–30%). Fibroin is an insoluble protein that acts as the structural centre of the silk fibre. Sericin is a viscous soluble protein that coats the fibres and allows them to stick to each other to form a tight cocoon. During the production of silk, sericin is removed and protein is used to produce thread and fabric.
Fibroin is also used as a cosmetic ingredient. But how can an insoluble protein be added to cosmetic products? The answer is quite simple. Cosmetic products are made with the so-called hydrolysed protein. Hydrolysis is a chemical process in which water is added to a substance in order to break up chemical bonds and split substance molecule into its constituents.
When a molecule of protein (in this particular case, fibroin) undergoes hydrolysis, it is broken down into its component amino acids. Amino acids are the key elements of any protein and the second-largest component of human cells. Fibroin consists of three amino acids – glycine, serine and alanine (three molecules of glycine, two molecules of alanine, one molecule of serine). The high glycine content contributes to the rigid structure and tensile strength of silk.
Glycine has the ability to bind water molecules. That is why hydrolysed silk protein is widely used in moisturising hair masks. It helps the hair to retain moisture and thus prevents dehydration. Regular use of hair masks with silk protein helps to revitalise dry, dull and lifeless hair. Such masks improve hair elasticity and flexibility, restore the natural strength and shine of your hair.
Sericin that is removed during the production of silk can be used as a cosmetic ingredient, too. This soluble protein creates a thin protective layer on the surface of the hair. It prevents moisture loss and protects your hair from harmful environmental factors. However, sericin is not so widely used as fibroin because it is a potential irritant.
Hair masks with hydrolysed silk protein are manufactured by many well-known cosmetic brands, including Kallos Cosmetics. Kallos Cosmetics is a Hungarian cosmetic brand that prides itself on producing professional quality cosmetic products for hair, body and make up. It is a No. 1 professional hair care brand in Hungary and Romania. Kallos exports its products to many countries such as Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, and Ukraine.
Kallos' KJMN Silk Hair Mask with silk protein and olive oil is specifically designed for dry, sensitive, dry and lifeless hair. The combination of nourishing olive oil and hydrolysed silk protein effectively moisturises your hair, restoring its vitality and natural shine. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids that help to keep your hair healthy, strong, silky smooth and flexible. The mask does not contain synthetic colourants and fragrances, parabens, silicones, and other potentially harmful or irritating artificial ingredients. Its high quality and safety are confirmed by prestigious European quality certificates and positive customer reviews from all over Europe.
Along with its Silk Hair Masks, Kallos offers a wide range of hair care products enriched with hydrolysed protein, such as KJMN Keratin (hair mask with keratin and milk protein) and KJMN Hair Botox (hair mask with a special complex that consists of collagen, keratin and hyaluronic acid). You can buy high-quality hair masks by Kallos Cosmetics in our online shop Organic Store at a reasonable price.
