In an ideal world, we'd all naturally have super soft, frizz-free, easy-to-manage hair. Unfortunately, that's not the case for many of us. So, we often supplement with products that help achieve the smooth hair of our dreams.
Keratin is one of the most buzzed-about ingredients when it comes to achieving softer, frizz-free strands and while you'll have to go to the salon to get a keratin treatment from one of the pros, an easier (and often safer) way to achieve those results at home is by using a product with the ingredient.
We spoke to experts about what keratin is and why it's worth incorporating into your hair care routine.
What are the benefits of keratin for hair?
"Keratin is a natural protein, it’s found in our hair," shares Dr. Suneel Chilukuri, a dermatologic surgeon at Refresh Dermatology in Houston, Texas. Much like with collagen in the skin, as we get older, we don't produce as much of it.
"And so we have less protection against UV light, against heat damage," he says. "And the clinical result, what we see in office as a physician, is that the hair tends to be a little bit more frizzy, it looks less thick and lustrous. And so as we continue to mature, it’s a nice idea to put on either a topical keratin [treatment] or even use keratin supplements."
Because hair is made of keratin, using it in hair treatments "may strengthen the hair shaft, make it appear thicker and improve manageability," says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, dermatologist and owner of Dermatology Circle in New York City.
Can keratin help with hair growth?
Unfortunately, if you're hoping your keratin shampoo will be able to boost your hair growth, you'll likely be disappointed. But that doesn't mean that it can't be a helpful ingredient for those with thinning hair.
"When hair is brittle or breaks off, it causes those frizzy ends and it’s not allowing the hair to get to optimal growth," Chilukuri says. Because keratin can help strengthen hair, after using keratin products, you may find that hair looks thicker because you're not experiencing as much of that breakage.
Below, you can find the keratin products that experts and editors swear by.
Best keratin products, according to experts
Nexxus Keraphix Conditioner
- Restores hair "after one use"
- "Smell is amazing"
- Too heavy for some
Size: 10 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Keratin ferment, hydrolyzed rice, squalane | Best for: Dry, damaged hair
This conditioner combines black rice — a natural source of amino acids — and keratin "to deeply repair and strengthen damaged hair," Kazlouskaya says. It's said to be great for those with damage from bleaching, chemical processing and heat styling.
Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask
- Repairs damage
- Color safe
- Leave on for 20 minutes
Size: 10 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Keratin ferment, hydrolyzed rice, squalane | Best for: Dry, damaged hair
Both this mask and Beyonce's whole Cécred line feature bioactive keratin ferment technology, which Kazlouskaya says helps to enhance penetration of the keratin molecules into the hair shaft "for deeper repair and strengthening." The ingredient used in this formula is derived from sheep's wool, which she says is a "potent, bioavailable source" of keratin.
Kerastase Discipline Keratine Thermique Blow Dry Primer Serum
- Locks out humidity
- No need to rinse
Size: 5.1 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Morpho-Kératine Complex and ceramides | Best for: Split ends, frizz-prone hair
New Jersey-based stylist and colorist Jennifer Korab previously told us that she likes a number of products in Kerastase’s Discipline line, but for combatting frizz, she recommends this serum.
The leave-in treatment is designed to be applied to towel-dried hair — and the brand says that people with curly and coily hair can even use it as a heat protectant before diffusing.
Best keratin products, according to editors
Maree Hair Styling Serum
- Boosts shine and softness
- Capsules need to be cut
Size: 30 capsules | Key ingredient(s): Keratin, argan, jojoba and macadamia oils | Best for: Frizzy hair
This unique formula — which contains individual oil capsules — was named the best budget hair serum during our 2024 Shop TODAY Beauty Awards. “The serum itself was very nice and I do like that it gives you the exact amount you should use since I have a habit of using too much,” says social media editor Kara Quill. “My hair definitely felt softer and had less frizz.”
Virtue Restorative Hair Mask Treatment
- Hydrating formula
- Doesn't need to be left long
- Smells great
- Less product for value
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Alpha keratin 60ku protein, baobab seed oil | Best for: All hair types
While I've been a fan and an avid user of Virtue's hair care products for years now — all of which contain the brand's proprietary alpha keratin 60ku protein — none have made quite as big of a difference for my hair as this mask has. Every time I use it, my hair is noticeably softer and easier to manage. Plus, I love that it leaves my hair with a delicious scent.
Kerastase Resistance Force Architecte Hair Mask
- Smells good
- Lasts a while
- Can weigh hair down
Size: 6.8 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Pro-keratine complex, ceramides | Best for: Dry, damaged hair
"I swear by Kerastasse masks, I'm already on my second one because whenever I try a different brand, I end up going back to Kersastasse," says editor Vivien Moon. "I've been using this one for a year and it always leaves my hair feeling healthier. However, because I have fine hair, I don't use too much so my hair doesn't get weighed down. The one mask has lasted a long time, which makes the price point worth it. I use it a few times a month when I feel like my hair really needs a boost of health."
Frequently asked questions
"Salon keratin treatments involve applying keratin-based solutions that straighten and strengthen the hair using heat. While these treatments leave hair looking smooth, shiny and healthy, there are some concerns," says Kazlouskaya. Some solutions contain potentially harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde, which may have toxic effects, she shares.
While at-home keratin products are generally safe to try and therefore can be used by almost everyone, Kazlouskaya says that some forms of keratins are animal-derived, "so you should be aware if you are sensitive to these products." she says.
How we chose
The above products were selected because they contain keratin and were recommended by experts or our own editors.
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers. As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think readers would like to read about.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Suneel Chilukuri, MD, is a dermatologic surgeon at Refresh Dermatology in Houston, Texas. He specializes in non-surgical treatments, including face and neck lifts, rhinoplasty and body and face contouring.
- Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, is a dermatologist and founder of CEO Dermatology Circle in New York City. Her specialties include hair loss, acne, skin cancer prevention and cosmetic dermatology.
- Jennifer Korab is the founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa in New Jersey. She is a certified colorist and specializes in all coloring techniques. And she holds certifications in hair cutting, extensions, hair design and more.
