Phytokeratin or keratin: which to choose for your curls?

On the labels of your hair care products, you've surely come across the word “keratin”, and more and more often “phytokeratin”. Two similar names, but not quite the same story. We explain it all, simply.

Keratin, the stuff your hair is made of

Keratin is a protein our body makes naturally. It makes up about 97% of our hair, as well as our nails and eyelashes.

It all starts in the hair follicle. Cells fill with keratin there, then are pushed outward to form the fiber you see. As a result, once it has left the scalp, hair can no longer repair itself.

Keratin acts as a shield. It strengthens the fiber, protects it from external aggressions and gives it strength, suppleness and shine.

The catch? Over time, coloring, blow-drying, heat and UV rays weaken this keratin. Hair becomes drier, more fragile and duller. Textured hair, naturally more prone to dryness, feels it even more.

To help them, choose treatments rich in amino acids, the “building blocks” of keratin: cysteine, cystine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, threonine, arginine, valine, leucine and isoleucine.

Good to know: in traditional cosmetics, the keratin in treatments is most often of animal origin (wool, feathers, horns or hooves).

Phytokeratin, the plant-based alternative

Phytokeratin, also known as "plant keratin", comes from wheat, soy and corn proteins. These proteins are broken down into small molecules to penetrate the hair fibre better. Their amino acid content is close to that of our hair, nails and eyelashes.

It isn’t an exact copy of human keratin, but it gives hair the nutrients it needs to grow stronger and more beautiful.

What it gives your hair

• Strength: it fortifies weakened hair and restores elasticity to brittle hair.
• Hydration: it helps the fiber better absorb and retain water, an essential for well-defined curls.
• Radiance: it brings softness, suppleness and shine, and enhances your natural colour.
• A second life: damaged hair regains vitality and hold.

Our pick at JIA Paris

At JIA Paris, animal welfare is close to our hearts. All our production is therefore 100% vegan, with actives exclusively of plant origin. For us, phytokeratin is the ideal substitute for animal keratin: high-performance treatments for your curls, without compromise.

Phytokeratin in your JIA Paris routine

Good news: you'll find it at every step of your routine, for wavy, curly, coily and afro-textured hair.

1. Cleanse gently

• Co-Wash: to wash your hair without stripping it.

2. Detangle and nourish

• Detangling conditioner: to gently detangle and limit breakage.
• Intensive Nourishing Mask: the nourishing ritual for dry, weakened hair.

3. Hydrate daily

• Leave-in Conditioner: a leave-in treatment to keep hair supple and hydrated.
• Hydrating Spray: to revive your curls between washes.
• Hydrating Milk: to bring gentle hydration to your lengths.

4. Style and define

• Hydrating Smoothie: to nourish and soften your curls when styling.
• Curl Activating Gel: to define and enhance your curls.

So, which one to choose?

Animal keratin or phytokeratin: both nourish hair with amino acids. It's up to you to choose what matches your values and your needs. If you want to care for your hair without animal-derived products, phytokeratin is an excellent option, and World Vegan Day is the perfect time to try it.

See you soon for another article! 🌱