Keratin, the primary protein in hair, is indeed composed of approximately 18 amino acids. While the exact proportions can vary, here is a list of the amino acids commonly found in hair keratin:
- Cysteine
- Serine
- Glutamic Acid
- Glycine
- Threonine
- Arginine
- Valine
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Alanine
- Aspartic Acid
- Proline
- Phenylalanine
- Tyrosine
- Methionine
- Lysine
- Histidine
- Tryptophan
Important Note: The amounts of each amino acid vary. Cysteine is particularly important due to its sulfur content, which allows for the formation of disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and structure. Cystine is formed when two cysteine molecules are joined.
