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Healthy hair needs to be cared for and fed well in order to grow and be lustrous. Wind, sun, harsh chemicals and the wrong shampoo can wreak havoc on your locks. Collagen and keratin treatments are great for giving hair a protein boost to keep it shiny and strong.

Collagen Benefits

Collagen is an important protein of the body's connective tissue and is vital to hair's structure and health. As a person ages, the body produces less collagen. Hair can become dry, brittle and coarse, break easily or even fall out. Products containing collagen don't just work on the outside layers of the hair, they work all the way down to the scalp and the hair cuticles. Supplementing it in your hair care routine can help maintain the health of the follicles.

Keratin Benefits

Also essential to maintaining hair's structure and health, keratin is a tough protein that hair and nails are made of. It's used in hair care products to naturally straighten hair—keratin treatments at the salon keep hair sleek and smooth for up to three months.

Treatments

Collagen and keratin in hair care products can make hair stronger, shinier, silkier and more manageable. Treatments are available at salons and can also be done at home.

Collagen and keratin supplements are available and work to improve aging hair. They fight off damaging free radicals that diminish hair's texture, growth and thickness. Bonus: they're beneficial for nails and skin, too.