
How many of you hear that there are ingredients in hair? Well, this time it’s a little more complicated, but let’s study the components of our hair and get to work on that hair regrowth!
What are the main components of hair?
If you have ever accidentally burned your hair, you know that it smells like sulfur from a hot spring. This is because 99% of hair is composed of “keratin” (a general term for proteins containing sulfur).
What is Keratin?
Keratin is a component that forms not only hair but also nails and the stratum corneum of skin, and is a general term for proteins made up of 18 types of amino acids bound together. It is a long, fibrous protein with elasticity and moisture content. It is divided into hard keratin for hair and nails and soft keratin for the stratum corneum of the skin according to the ratio of amino acids it is composed of. Keratin is characterized by the presence of 14-18% cystine, which is rarely found in other proteins such as silk and fibers.
Cystine and methionine in keratin
Cystine, one of the sulfur-containing amino acids (amino acids with sulfur components in their molecules), is also synthesized from methionine, which is found in hair, but methionine is one of the essential amino acids that is not synthesized in the body. It is necessary to consume it from our daily diet such as soybeans, wheat flour (whole grains), milk, liver, eggs, meat, and fish.
Essential amino acids: A general term for amino acids necessary for animals to maintain life, which are not synthesized in the body and must be obtained from food. The number of types varies from animal to animal, and in the case of humans, there are eight types in adults. Also called essential amino acids.
Zinc is also important for keratin synthesis
Zinc synthesizes cystine, which is carried by the bloodstream to the hair matrix cells in the scalp, into keratin. Furthermore, zinc is said to have the effect of inhibiting the action of 5-alpha-reductase, which is the cause of male pattern baldness (AGA), and can be expected to prevent and improve male pattern baldness (AGA).
Supplements are also recommended
We have told you that cystine, methionine, and zinc are especially important for the synthesis of keratin, the main component of hair, in the body.
Ideally, you should consume them in your daily diet. However, if there is a deficiency, it may be a good idea to supplement.
summary
Lack of keratin, the main component of hair, and nutrients to synthesize it, can inhibit hair growth and cause hair to become thin, dry, and wavy.
For the health of your hair, and ultimately your body, try to eat a well-balanced diet and supplement as needed.



