keratins
Nail and horn
Keratins are fibrous proteins that form the structural basis of hair, nails, horns, feathers, and the outer layer of skin.
They provide toughness and water resistance to these tissues.
The word appears most often in cosmetic and hair-care contexts: a keratin treatment to smooth frizzy hair.
Fibrous scalp covering
- nailsMetal fasteners, finger coverings
- skinBody's outer layer
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
hooves · horns · claws · beaks · talons · epidermis · follicle · cuticle
Very thin thread
- cytoskeletonInternal protein support structure
- coiled-coilHelices twisted together
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
Maintaining scalp and strands
- shampooLiquid hair cleanser
- conditionerHair-smoothing product
- silkySmooth and lustrous
- glossySmooth and shiny
salon · stylist · nails · cuticle · manicure · pedicure · cosmetology · blowout
Structural body protein
- elastinProtein enabling tissue recoil
- silkFine woven insect fiber
- woolSheared animal fiber
- spider silkArachnid-produced protein fiber
fibrin · chitin · myosin · actin · biopolymer · scaffolding · matrix · connective tissue
Obstruction preventing passage
- waterproofImpervious to moisture
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- armorProtective combat covering
- shieldingProtecting from harm
carapace · exoskeleton · insulation · resilience · toughness · durability · strength · flexibility
hair
Fibrous scalp covering
scales · hooves · horns · claws · beaks · talons · epidermis · follicle · cuticle · cortex
filament
Very thin thread
- cytoskeletonInternal protein support structure
- coiled-coilHelices twisted together
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
amino acids · cysteine · molecular · sequence · dimer
haircare
Maintaining scalp and strands
- shampooLiquid hair cleanser
- conditionerHair-smoothing product
- silkySmooth and lustrous
glossy · salon · stylist · nails · cuticle · manicure · pedicure · cosmetology · blowout · highlights
collagen
Structural body protein
spider silk · fibrin · chitin · myosin · actin · biopolymer · scaffolding · matrix · connective tissue · fibroblast
barrier
Obstruction preventing passage
- waterproofImpervious to moisture
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- armorProtective combat covering
shielding · carapace · exoskeleton · insulation · resilience · toughness · durability · strength · flexibility · hardness