Liquid amino acid: what is it, what it is used for
Hair consists of 65% protein, which is based on amino acids. Thus, amino acids not only improve the condition of damaged hair by replenishing its structure, but also contribute to the penetration of useful substances inside the hair.
How Amino Acids Affect Hair:
- Amino acids moisturize the hair, replacing the lack of moisture in the hair and skin;
- These substances are very useful for colored hair, as they help color pigments penetrate into the hair and prevent the rapid washout of dye, preserving the color for a long time;
- Amino acids strengthen hair roots, regulate metabolism in hair follicles, prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
Types of amino acids
The beauty and durability of hair depends on keratin, a special protein that makes up 80% of hair structure.
Inadequate nutrition, temperature fluctuations, coloring are factors that destroy keratin, and with it the condition of hair deteriorates. Cosmetic products can visually correct the problem, but they will not eliminate it at the root.
In order to improve the situation it is important to “work from the inside”.
Four amino acids play the main role in keratin production:
- cysteine;
- lysine;
- arginine;
- methionine.
Two are essential (methionine and lysine) and two (cysteine and arginine) are substitutable.
The essential amino acids are those which cannot be synthesized in the body and which we get from food and supplements (either separately or from complex amino acids or protein). Substitutable amino acids are those that are produced in the body provided that you eat a balanced diet.
Cysteine
24% of keratin consists of cysteine, a substitutable amino acid that the body synthesizes from methionine. The amino acid protects follicles from oxidative stress and saturates hair with sulfur, which in turn improves its structure and strength.
Arginine
Arginine improves blood circulation, which increases blood flow to the hair roots and increases the amount of nutrients that reach the follicles. Also, supplementation with arginine is often used in the treatment of hair loss.
Methionine
Methionine affects the volume of the hair shaft (or simply put, its thickness), nourishes and prevents hair breakage and hair loss. This amino acid is a source of sulfur, which is essential for the synthesis of cysteine, as mentioned above.
Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid known for its antiviral effects. But in addition to the successful use of lysine in treating the herpes virus, this component plays an important role in collagen synthesis. Supplementation with lysine helps in the repair of damaged hair, the formation of healthy follicles, and stimulates hair growth.
How to apply liquid amino acids to your hair
The easiest way to use amino acids is to mix them with water in a sprayer and spray this liquid on the ends. If your hair ends are very dry, then you don’t have to rinse the liquid out. If you just want to freshen up the look, rinse the amino acids out after 5-10 minutes. The ends will be at least soft and really smooth.
The most popular manufacturers and brands of amino acids to use for your hair:
- Bragg Liquid Aminos
- Big Tree Farms Organic Coco Aminos
Top 10 Best hair products with amino acids
- Kiehls Amino Acid Shampoo
- Kiehls Amino Acid Conditioner
- Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel
- Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk 3-in-1 Conditioner
- Living Proof Color Care Conditioner
- AG Hair Volume Spray Body Soft-Hold Volumizer
- AG Hair Smooth Set It Straight Argan Straightening Lotion
- Ouidad Bye-Bye Dry! Soothing + Moisturizing Serum
- Keranique Thickening and Texturizing Mousse
- Sunset Rituals Signature Conditioner
What else is good for your hair
In addition to amino acids, we can’t help but mention vitamins, minerals and various natural compounds that also play an important role in creating beautiful, thick hair:
- Vitamins A and E keep hair follicles healthy and regulate sebum production;
- Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen;
- Zinc is involved in the production of keratin and collagen, improves hair structure and prevents hair loss.
- Omega-3 is important for cell growth and circulation, essential fatty acids nourish the hair follicles, providing them with natural hydration.
