Toothpaste made from hair could help repair teeth, scientists say

LOS ANGELES - Toothpaste made from human hair may one day help repair damaged teeth, according to new research from King’s College London.

Scientists discovered that keratin — a protein found in hair, skin, nails, and wool — can form a protective enamel-like coating when combined with minerals in saliva. Unlike fluoride, which slows decay, keratin was found to stop the process entirely in early testing.

How keratin helps teeth

Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but once it’s lost, the body cannot regenerate it. Acidic foods, aging, and poor oral hygiene gradually erode enamel, leading to sensitivity, pain, and eventual tooth loss.

The King’s College London team found that when keratin is applied to the tooth surface, it interacts with calcium and phosphate in saliva