Gelatin hair lamination: the science behind shine and strength

Hair lamination is not just a cosmetic procedure, it is a real beauty ritual that is available at home thanks to gelatin, a product familiar to everyone. But how does this method work at the molecular level, and why is it so effective for restoring damaged hair? Let's get to the bottom of it.

Gelatin and its properties

Gelatin is a translucent, tasteless solid derived from collagen, which is extracted from the connective tissue of animals. Rich in proteins and amino acids, it is used in the food industry and cosmetology.

Principle of action on hair

Hair is essentially natural keratin, made up of long chains of amino acids. Over time, due to mechanical stress, chemical treatments and ultraviolet light, these chains become damaged, making the hair dull and brittle.

Gelatin lamination helps to "seal" damaged areas by creating a protective film around each hair. Gelatin proteins restore hair structure, while amino acids - the building blocks of keratin - help strengthen hair from the inside out.

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits:

• Naturalness of the composition;
• Ingredient availability;
• Improved hair appearance and increased hair thickness;
• Temporary sealing of damaged ends.

Disadvantages:

• Short-term results;
• Possibility of uneven coverage;
• Risk of oversaturation of protein in the hair, which can lead to hair breakage with frequent use.

Indications for hair lamination

Hair lamination is recommended in the following cases:

1. Dull and lifeless hair

If your hair is looking dull and has lost its natural shine, lamination can give it a healthy glow and improve its overall appearance.

2. Damaged hair

Laminating is suitable for hair damaged by frequent use of hair dryers, blow dryers, straighteners or chemical procedures (coloring, perms).

3. Dry and brittle hair

If your hair feels dry and brittle, lamination can help seal the moisture inside your hair, making it more elastic and less prone to breakage.

4. Porous hair

Porous hair absorbs and loses moisture quickly, making it particularly vulnerable to damage. Laminating can help reduce hair porosity and improve its overall condition.

5. Split ends

Laminating is not a cure for split ends (hair ends need to be trimmed), but it can temporarily glue them together and prevent further splitting.

6. Lack of volume

For fine and volume-deprived hair, lamination can add visual volume and density.

7. Frequent stacking

Laminating is also suitable for those who regularly style their hair and want to simplify the process, as after lamination the hair becomes smoother and easier to style.

8. Need for protection from external factors

Laminating creates a protective layer around each hair that helps protect against the harmful effects of sunlight, pollution and other unfavorable external factors.

9. Desire to prolong the color fastness of color treated hair

The treatment can help seal the color inside the hair, making the coloring more durable and vibrant.

It is always advisable to consult a professional hair stylist or trichologist before undergoing a lamination treatment to ensure that it is suitable for your hair type and the condition of your hair and scalp.

Preparation

Preparing your hair for lamination is an important step that will help you achieve the best results from the procedure. Here are a few steps to take before laminating your hair:

1. Cleansing

Hair should be thoroughly cleaned before starting lamination. Use a deep cleansing shampoo to remove buildup of styling products, excess oil and other impurities from the hair and scalp. This will ensure better penetration of the laminating agent.

2. Drying

After washing, the hair should be gently blotted with a towel and allowed to dry a little naturally. For the lamination procedure, it is desirable that the hair is damp, but not wet.

3. Unraveling

Gently brush your hair to get rid of knots and tangles. Use a wide-toothed comb to minimize damage and hair loss.

4. Sensitivity test

If you are doing at-home lamination and plan to use a new formulation, do a sensitivity test by applying some product to the inside of your forearm or behind your ear to make sure there is no allergic reaction.

5. Preparation of the composition

If you are laminating with gelatin, prepare the mixture in advance according to the recipe. If you are using a ready-to-use laminating compound, make sure it is at room temperature and ready to use.

6. Scalp protection

To avoid contact of the laminating product with the scalp, you can apply some cream or oil around the hair growth line.

7. Tools

Prepare all the necessary tools - comb, hair clips, gloves (if they are necessary for using the product), plastic cap or film to create a greenhouse effect during the action of the product.

Once the hair is prepared, you can proceed to the direct lamination procedure, following the instructions of the chosen product or recipe.

How does the procedure take place?

For home lamination you will need food gelatin, water and, if you wish, your favorite balm or hair mask. The mixture is heated until the gelatin is completely dissolved, then applied to the hair and left for a certain time, creating a deep moisturizing and nourishing effect.

Here's a simple recipe to make gelatin lamination at home:

Necessary ingredients:

• Food gelatin (usually one bag of about 10 grams);
• Water (about 3-4 tablespoons to swell the gelatin);
• Shampoo or conditioner (about 1 tablespoon);
• Warm water for dilution (about half a cup);
• If desired: a few drops of essential oil for fragrance and extra nourishment for the hair.

Instructions for use:

Swelling of gelatin:

• Stir the gelatin into the cold water and let it stand for about 30-60 minutes to swell.

Warm-up:

• Once the gelatin has swollen, place it in the microwave or on a water bath until dissolved, avoiding boiling.

Adding shampoo or conditioner:

• Add shampoo or conditioner to the warm gelatin solution and mix thoroughly. This will make the mixture less sticky and easier to apply to the hair.

Application to hair:

• Apply the mixture to damp, clean hair evenly over the entire length, avoiding the scalp. For convenience, you can use a hair coloring brush.

Creating a greenhouse effect:

• Wrap your hair in food film or put on a shower cap. Then you can wrap your head with a towel to create additional heat, which will increase the effect of the treatment.

Dwell time:

• Leave the mixture on your hair for about 30-60 minutes.

Flushing:

• Rinse the mixture off thoroughly with lukewarm water without shampooing so as not to wash out all the nutrients.

After lamination, the hair should dry naturally, without the use of a hair dryer, so as not to disturb the film formed. The result is smoother, shinier and seemingly thicker hair due to the formation of a gelatin film around the hair shaft.

Remember that the results may vary depending on the type of hair, and to maintain the effect, the procedure will have to be repeated regularly, as the effect of the gelatin mask is temporary.

Other gelatin lamination recipes

Gelatin lamination at home can be customized and enriched with different ingredients, depending on your hair type and desired results. Here are a few variations of gelatin lamination recipes:

To moisturize and nourish:

• With milk and honey:

• Replace the water needed to make the gelatin with milk, which will add extra nutrition and moisturization.
• Add a tablespoon of honey to the dissolved gelatin to enhance the nutritional properties.

To stimulate hair growth:

• With aloe and vitamins:

• Add a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and the contents of one vitamin E capsule to the gelatin mixture to help stimulate hair growth and strengthen the hair structure.

To add shine:

• With egg and olive oil:

• Add one beaten egg and a tablespoon of olive oil to the gelatin to make your hair shinier and softer.

For damaged hair:

• With banana and avocado:

• Mash half a banana and half an avocado, add this mixture to the dissolved gelatin. These ingredients are rich in nutrients that will help repair damaged hair.

To enhance the effect:

• With apple cider vinegar:

• Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the gelatin mixture, which will help close the hair cuticles and enhance the shine of your hair after lamination.

For the added fragrance and beneficial effects of essential oils:

• With essential oils:

• Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to the final mixture, such as lavender oil for relaxation or rosemary oil to improve scalp circulation.

For easy flushing:

• With air conditioning:

• Add a bit of your regular conditioner to the mixture, making it easier to rinse the gelatin out of your hair and adding extra softness.

Remember that all additional ingredients must be fresh and of good quality, and make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients before using them. As with any home remedy, results can vary greatly and it's always worth starting with a test on a small section of hair to make sure the mixture is suitable for your hair type and scalp.

The scientific side of the process

When gelatin is applied to the hair, its molecules penetrate the porous areas of the cuticle, the outer layer of the hair. Under the influence of heat, they swell, which leads to thickening and thickening of the hair structure. At the end of the procedure, a protective layer is formed, which gives the hair additional volume, shine and softness.

Although gelatin hair lamination gives the visual effect of improving the appearance of hair, you should not forget about the internal care of hair and scalp.

-The importance of a balanced diet

• Hair beauty and health starts from the inside out, so you need to make sure your diet contains adequate amounts of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. B vitamins, especially biotin (B7), vitamin A, vitamin E, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium are especially important for maintaining healthy hair.

-Regular hair care

• Gelatin lamination can enhance the effect of hair care, but will not replace it completely. Using gentle shampoos, conditioners and hair masks that are suitable for your hair type will help keep your hair in good condition.

-Avoidance of harmful influences

• Heat from blow dryers, flat irons or hair irons, as well as chemical treatments such as coloring or perms, can damage the hair structure. Using heat protectants and minimizing chemical treatments will help keep your hair healthy.

-Precautions when laminating hair with gelatin

• Remember to perform an allergy test before using gelatin, especially if you have not used gelatin-based hair care products before. Apply a small amount of gelatin mixture to the skin behind the ear and wait 24 hours to make sure there are no unwanted reactions.

-Alternative methods of care

• If you're not ready to do gelatin hair lamination, there are plenty of other ways to improve the condition of your hair, such as professional salon lamination, using hair serums and oils, and natural masks made from avocado, honey, and egg.

Gelatin hair lamination at home is a budget-friendly and effective way to give your hair a healthy shine and additional protection. It is based on the principles of proteins and amino acids, providing hair restoration and protection. However, it is worth remembering that even the most beneficial procedures require moderation, and to maintain healthy hair requires a comprehensive approach that includes proper nutrition, protection from external influences and regular care.