Hair Growth Enhanced with Use of Keratin 17, Studies Show

Two studies conducted and supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) reveal that keratin 17 is shown to be a key element in the process of hair follicle growth. A detailed report of the NIAMS study reveals a family of keratin intermediate filament proteins are part of a network of fibers that maintain cell strength and shape.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines keratin, in part, as “a tough, insoluble protein substance that is the chief structural constituent of hair”.

The studies performed at NIAMS examined a particular form of this protein called keratin 17. During the first study conducted at NIAMS, researcher Pierre A. Coulombe, PhD. and Xuemei Tong, a graduate student, discovered that mice with lower levels of keratin 17 failed to grow a healthy coat within the first week after birth. Absent the necessary keratin protein, mice experienced one phase of the hair production cycle prematurely. When the hair production cycle is upset, the death of follicle cells occurs which results in thin and fragile hair. Further, Coulombe states that, “Many other keratins show an intriguing regulation in the hair follicles, raising the prospect that they too might play a role in hair cycling.” As a result of these findings, shampoo treatments, conditioners and vitamin supplements that contain keratin are becoming increasingly popular because of their ability to eliminate dry hair.

In the second study supported by NIAMS and led by Seyun Kim, it was discovered that keratin 17 assists in controlling protein and cell growth. The findings of this study raise the possibility that this form of keratin may also regulate cell growth when used in certain settings to assist in cycling hair follicles and promoting hair growth.

Hair products infused with essential proteins such as keratin create a healthier hair shaft, resulting in more attractive hair. Hair care products and vitamin supplements should feed the root and repair hair structure to prevent dryness, breakage and hair damage associated with age, overall health and hair styling techniques. Combinations of keratin protein and other nutrients are incorporated in hair products to assist with hair damage and problems such as thinning and split ends.