Amino Acids For Hair: Benefits and Drawbacks

Amino acids play an essential role in both cosmetics and hair care products. They function mainly as a conditioner for hair by providing moisture. This added moisture makes hair stronger and helps repair damage, so the hair can grow longer healthier.

Keratin is often an ingredient in hair care products because it is rich in cysteine, an amino acid with the ability to smooth and condition hair. Before deciding if a hair care product containing amino acids is right for you, it's important to understand how they work and any drawbacks to using them.

How Do Amino Acids Work?

Amino acid formula conditioner can help with hair growth and retention. The two main amino acids found in these products include L-Cysteine and L-Methionine. These work to fight hair loss by supplying hair cells with sulfur.

Keratin is the basic structure within the hair and is made up of amino acids. These amino acids are joined together into peptide bonds. Keratin is made up of several different amino acids.

• Cystine
• Serine
• Glutamic acid
• Arginine
• Glycine
• Threonine

About 80 percent of hair's weight is made up of protein such as amino acid polymers. Amino acids are the building blocks necessary for hair growth and strength.

Can You Get Too Much Amino Acids?

The short answer is yes. Too much protein for the hair can cause issues with hair health. While protein is essential for hair health, your hair can have too much if you continually use an amino acid-rich conditioner or other protein-rich hair care products daily. Too much protein causes symptoms you can spot easily, such as straw-like hair, loss of elasticity, dry brittle hair, and any sudden change in hair texture. 

You can undo the damage and fix an overload of hair protein. For example, you could stop using amino acid hair care products, clarify the air, and focus on adding moisture. To prevent protein overload, don't use amino formula conditioners and other protein hair care products daily long term. Follow instructions on products and use as directed. Deep conditioning with amino acids is often recommended 1 to 2 times a month.

The bottom line is that amino acids are essential for healthy hair, but you can get too much of a good thing. It is generally safe to use an amino acid conditioner weekly for a month to restore hair health but use less often after hair has improved.

If you have questions about using amino acids for hair, contact a salon and ask about using the products and ask what might be a good routine for your hair type.

Share