What are wheat proteins?
Wheat proteins are also referred to as plant keratin. Your grain fibrous protein closely resembles the protein found in human hair or our skin. Wheat proteins are a vegan natural cosmetics active ingredient. They can be found on the ingredients list under the English designation "Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein".
Proteins are the universal protein building blocks of all organisms. Proteins ensure the healthy structure of our body cells and form the basis of the cell structure. They are essential for important metabolic functions and the activity of the enzymes that speed up biochemical reactions in our body.
How are wheat proteins made?
Wheat proteins are obtained purely naturally from wheat grains and are completely biodegradable. The hydrolysis manufacturing process produces a viscous liquid with a slightly yellowish colour. The wheat protein is separated from the starch in the grain and ground to a microfine size so that the vegetable fiber protein can bond to the outer keratin layer of the hair as a thin, elastic film.
Keratin as the basic building block for our hair
About 90% of our hair is made up of keratin. Keratin is an endogenous substance that is formed in the hair roots. The remaining 10% besides keratin are water, coloring pigments for our hair color and a natural fatty acid layer that coats every single hair fiber and protects them from damaging external influences. The fiber protein keratin together with the surrounding fatty acid layer ensures that our hair remains elastic, flexible and resistant at the same time.
Causes of a damaged keratin structure
A keratin deficiency is extremely rare. It only occurs in acute malnutrition and malnutrition, when the body lacks important amino acids. The main causes of dry, brittle and dull hair without natural shine are as follows:
- chemical hair treatments such as permanent waves, bleaching or chemical hair coloring
- aggressive shampoos
- Hair styling with curling irons, straightening irons and blow-drying at high heat
- dry heating air in winter
- excessive sun exposure, especially in combination with chlorine or salt water
- These factors permanently damage the keratin structure of the hair fiber. They attack the protective fatty acid layer on the hair surface. As a result, the underlying keratin fiber protein becomes porous and brittle.
What can wheat proteins do for damaged hair?
Wheat proteins have several important tasks in hair and scalp care:
- They soothe the scalp and protect it from moisture loss.
- They have an antistatic effect by neutralizing the electrical surface tension
- They make your hair more supple, smooth the porous surface of the hair fiber and make the hair easier to comb and shinier
- They make the hair more elastic and resistant
- They promote natural fullness and volume in hair styling
- All myrto organic shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments and finisher sprays contain wheat proteins.
Are wheat proteins in shampoo a problem with gluten intolerance?
Gluten or gluten protein occurs in many types of grain such as wheat, spelled, rye or barley. A gluten-free diet is essential for people who suffer from gluten intolerance. However, no harmful effects are known for cosmetic products containing gluten that only get on the skin. Increased caution is only required if cosmetics containing gluten are absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract, as could be the case with lip care products, lipsticks, toothpastes or mouthwashes. Since a shampoo with wheat proteins is unlikely to get into the mouth of adults washing their hair, using it should not cause any problems, even if you suffer from gluten intolerance.