What Is New Zealand Sheep Wool Keratin? The Natural Choice for Hair, Skin, and Nails

January 23, 2023|Natalie Harrison

Updated: November 2025

New Zealand sheep wool keratin is one of nature's most complete protein sources. It's been used for decades in beauty and wellness, but what exactly is it, and why is it so much better than keratin from other sources?

Let's dive into what makes New Zealand sheep wool keratin special, why it's superior to generic keratin alternatives, and how it becomes the Functional Keratin™ that powers KiriGlow.

What Is Sheep Wool Keratin?

Sheep wool keratin is keratin derived from the natural fibers of sheep's wool, specifically from New Zealand coarse wool sheep.

When sheep shed their wool naturally (or wool is harvested), the fibers contain high concentrations of keratin, the same structural protein your body uses to build hair, nails, and skin.

Through a proprietary, gentle extraction process, this raw wool keratin is converted into Digestible Functional Keratin™, a bioavailable form your body can actually absorb and use.

Here's what makes this different from synthetic or hydrolyzed keratin alternatives:

Natural source: Derived from renewable, natural sheep wool fibers
Complete amino acid profile: Contains all the amino acids your body needs to synthesize new keratin
High homology: 91% structurally similar to human keratin, so your body recognizes it as compatible
Bioactive: Retains biological activity through gentle extraction, not harsh chemical processing

Why New Zealand Sheep Wool Keratin Is Superior

Not all keratin sources are created equal. Here's why New Zealand sheep wool keratin stands apart:

New Zealand's Unique Sheep and Climate

New Zealand's sheep breeding programs focus on producing coarse wool (which contains higher keratin levels than fine wool). The combination of our warm summers, cold winters, and pasture-fed farming practices creates unique environmental conditions that produce exceptionally potent, high-quality keratin.

Additionally, our sheep are pasture-fed on nutrient-rich grass, contributing to the quality of the wool fibers themselves.

180+ Patents on Extraction

New Zealand innovators have spent decades perfecting keratin extraction technology. We hold around 180 patents covering various aspects of keratin processing, meaning we have proprietary technology competitors simply don't have.

This investment in research and development is why New Zealand keratin is consistently ranked as the highest quality keratin available globally.

Sustainability and Ethics

New Zealand sheep wool keratin is derived from the natural shedding and harvesting of wool that would otherwise be a byproduct. This makes it:

Renewable: Sheep produce new wool every year
Sustainable: Uses agricultural byproducts effectively
Eco-friendly: Biodegradable and doesn't harm the environment
Ethical: Supports rural farming communities

The Science: What Makes Sheep Wool Keratin Work

New Zealand sheep wool keratin contains three key components:

Proteins and Amino Acids

Sheep wool keratin is a rich source of complete proteins, containing all the amino acids your body needs. Most importantly, it's exceptionally high in cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid that's essential for:

Forming strong disulfide bonds (the chemical links that give keratin its strength)
Producing glutathione (a powerful antioxidant)
Supporting cellular repair and detoxification

Minerals

Sheep wool keratin naturally contains trace minerals essential for hair, skin, and nail health:

Zinc: Supports keratin synthesis and immune function
Iron: Supports hair growth and oxygen transport
Copper: Supports collagen synthesis and pigmentation

Keratin Itself

Sheep wool keratin contains high concentrations of the actual keratin protein, which provides direct building blocks for your body to use in repairing and strengthening your own hair, nails, and skin.

How Sheep Wool Keratin Becomes Functional Keratin™

The transformation from raw wool keratin to Functional Keratin™ is critical.

Through a proprietary extraction and processing method developed in New Zealand, raw wool keratin is:

Gently extracted: Using methods that preserve the protein's structure and bioactivity
Never hydrolyzed: Unlike most commercial keratin, Functional Keratin™ retains its long-chain protein structure
Tested for purity: Verified to be free of contaminants and tested for potency
Processed for bioavailability: Made easily absorbable by the body

The result is Digestible Functional Keratin™, 91% homologous to human keratin, which your body can recognize and use immediately.

The Benefits: What Sheep Wool Keratin Does for Your Hair, Skin, and Nails

When you supplement with Functional Keratin™ from New Zealand sheep wool, your body receives:

Hair Strengthening and Growth

Keratin reinforces the protein structure of your hair shaft, making it:

Less prone to breakage and split ends
Stronger and more resilient
Shinier and more vibrant
Faster-growing

Most customers notice visible improvements in hair texture, shine, and strength within 3-6 months.

Nail Strength and Growth

Nails are almost entirely made of keratin. When you supplement with Functional Keratin™:

Nails become visibly stronger and less prone to breaking
Growth accelerates noticeably
Ridges smooth out
Overall appearance becomes healthier and more polished

Many customers report this as the first visible benefit they notice.

Skin Health and Radiance

Keratin supports the outer layer of your skin (epidermis), helping to:

Maintain elasticity and firmness
Improve hydration and plumpness
Reduce the appearance of fine lines
Enhance overall radiance and glow

Anti-Inflammatory Support

Sheep wool keratin has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help:

Soothe irritated or inflamed skin
Support sensitive skin health
Calm reactive skin conditions
Reduce redness and discomfort

Hydration and Moisture Balance

Keratin helps your skin, hair, and nails maintain proper hydration by:

Supporting the natural moisture barrier
Preventing water loss from strands and nail beds
Reducing dryness, brittleness, and flaking
Maintaining flexibility and resilience

Especially beneficial if you live in a dry climate or use harsh chemicals frequently.

Sheep Wool Keratin vs. Other Keratin Sources

Not all keratin is sourced equally. Here's how New Zealand sheep wool keratin compares:

New Zealand Sheep Wool Keratin (Functional Keratin™)

Source: Pasture-fed sheep in New Zealand
Quality: 91% homologous to human keratin
Processing: Gentle, proprietary extraction preserving bioactivity
Bioavailability: Excellent (your body can use it immediately)
Sustainability: Renewable, sustainable, eco-friendly
Results: Measurable, clinically proven effectiveness

Synthetic or Laboratory-Created Keratin

Source: Chemical synthesis in labs
Quality: Artificial, not structurally similar to human keratin
Processing: Chemical synthesis processes
Bioavailability: Low to moderate
Sustainability: Resource-intensive production
Results: Inconsistent, often ineffective

Hydrolyzed Keratin (Industry Standard)

Source: Often from low-quality sources
Quality: Fragmented, structurally damaged
Processing: Harsh chemical hydrolysis breaks down protein chains
Bioavailability: Low (body can't recognize or use fragmented pieces)
Sustainability: Variable
Results: Slow, inconsistent, or nonexistent

New Zealand sheep wool keratin is clearly the superior choice for real, measurable results.

Why Kiri10 Chose New Zealand Sheep Wool Keratin

When we created KiriGlow, we didn't compromise on the core ingredient. We chose Functional Keratin™ from New Zealand sheep wool because:

It actually works: 91% homology and gentle extraction mean your body can use it
It's scientifically proven: 180+ patents and decades of research back its efficacy
It's sustainable: We believe beauty shouldn't come at the environment's expense
It supports local communities: Sourcing from New Zealand sheep farmers supports rural economies
It aligns with our values: We're committed to transparency, quality, and real results

This commitment to quality is why KiriGlow delivers measurable results that customers can see and feel.

How to Use Sheep Wool Keratin Supplements

Supplementing with Functional Keratin™ is simple:

Daily Routine

Take KiriGlow capsules daily with a meal. Most people take their capsules with breakfast or lunch for consistency.

Consistency Matters

Keratin accumulates in your tissues over time. Take your supplement daily without gaps. Most people see visible improvements by 3-6 months with consistent use.

Support Your Supplementation

While taking Functional Keratin™:

Eat protein-rich foods (eggs, fish, poultry, legumes)
Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water)
Manage stress and prioritize sleep
Use gentle hair and skincare products like Kiri10's Triple-Keratin Complex Haircare
Protect your hair, skin, and nails from harsh chemicals and excessive heat

Realistic Timeline

Months 1-2: Nutrient saturation begins, some initial benefits
Months 3-4: Visible improvements in nails, hair texture, skin clarity
Months 6+: Most dramatic results, noticeable transformation

Sheep Wool Keratin for Different Life Stages

Postpartum

Pregnancy depletes keratin reserves significantly. New Zealand sheep wool keratin supplementation accelerates hair recovery and supports nail and skin health during this demanding period.

Menopause

Declining estrogen means declining keratin production. Functional Keratin™ helps counteract this natural shift, maintaining hair strength, nail health, and skin vitality.

Aging

As keratin production naturally declines with age, supplementation helps maintain the hair, skin, and nail health you want as you get older.

High Stress

Stress depletes keratin rapidly. People under significant stress often benefit from increased supplementation to support hair, skin, and nail health.

Environmental Exposure

If you spend significant time in harsh climates, work with chemicals, or expose your hair and skin to environmental stressors, Functional Keratin™ provides extra support and protection.

The Bottom Line: New Zealand Sheep Wool Keratin Is the Natural Choice

New Zealand sheep wool keratin, processed into Functional Keratin™, represents the gold standard in keratin supplementation.

It's:

Natural: Derived from renewable sheep wool fibers
Sustainable: Eco-friendly and supports rural communities
Effective: 91% homologous to human keratin with proven clinical results
Safe: Natural, non-toxic, and suitable for all ages and skin types
Convenient: Simple capsule form that fits any daily routine

When you choose KiriGlow powered by New Zealand Functional Keratin™, you're choosing a product backed by decades of research, 180+ patents, and genuine commitment to your health.

Don't settle for synthetic, hydrolyzed, or low-quality keratin alternatives. Choose the real thing.

Explore KiriGlow and discover what Functional Keratin™ from New Zealand sheep wool can do for your hair, skin, and nails.

References and Further Reading

Scientific Research on Sheep Wool Keratin

Keratin Structure and Bioavailability

Keratin Proteins and Their Functions - National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bioavailability of Sheep Wool Keratin - Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology

New Zealand Keratin Research and Development

Keratin Extraction Patents and Innovation - Lincoln Agritech (New Zealand)
Digestible Keratin Technology - Keraplast Technologies

Functional Keratin Clinical Evidence

Clinical Efficacy of Functional Keratin - Clinical Trial Results
Hair Loss Reduction with Functional Keratin - Journal of Dermatological Science

Related Kiri10 Resources

Product Information

Related Blog Articles

0 comments

Frequently Asked Questions

New Zealand sheep wool keratin is keratin derived from the natural fibers of New Zealand coarse wool sheep. Through a proprietary, gentle extraction process, it's converted into Digestible Functional Keratin™, which is 91% homologous to human keratin. Unlike synthetic keratin or hydrolyzed keratin (which is chemically broken down), Functional Keratin™ retains its biological activity and long-chain protein structure, making it highly bioavailable and effective.

New Zealand holds around 180 patents on keratin extraction and processing. Our sheep breeding programs focus on coarse wool, which naturally contains higher keratin levels than fine wool. Our unique climate (warm summers, cold winters) and pasture-fed farming practices produce exceptionally potent, high-quality keratin. This combination of innovation, natural advantage, and commitment to quality makes New Zealand keratin globally recognized as the best available.

Yes. Sheep wool keratin is a natural protein found in animals and foods. It's non-irritating, doesn't contain harsh chemicals, and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It's generally considered safe for people of all ages. However, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Functional Keratin™ retains its long-chain protein structure through gentle extraction, remaining bioactive and 91% homologous to human keratin. Hydrolyzed keratin is chemically broken down into tiny fragments, losing its structure and bioavailability. Your body recognizes Functional Keratin™ as compatible material and can use it immediately. Hydrolyzed keratin is often poorly recognized and less effective. Functional Keratin™ is the superior choice.

Most people notice initial improvements (less shedding, stronger nails) within 3 months of consistent daily use. Visible transformation in hair thickness, nail growth, and skin radiance typically appears by 3-6 months. The most dramatic results occur after 6 months onwards. Consistency matters more than speed, as keratin accumulates in tissues over time.

Sheep wool keratin is a natural protein. While it's generally considered safe, we always recommend consulting your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding to ensure it aligns with your individual health situation.

Sheep wool keratin has an excellent safety profile with minimal reported side effects. Most people tolerate it very well. It's natural, non-toxic, and suitable for long-term use. If you have any concerns, consult your healthcare provider before starting.

Sheep wool keratin provides the amino acid building blocks your body needs to synthesize new keratin. Biotin facilitates the metabolic processes that convert these amino acids into keratin. Marine collagen provides structural support and triggers collagen expression. Together, these nutrients work synergistically to deliver comprehensive hair, skin, and nail support. This is why KiriGlow combines all three.

Yes. Sheep wool keratin is derived from the natural shedding and harvesting of sheep wool, making it a renewable resource. It's biodegradable and doesn't harm the environment. Additionally, sourcing from New Zealand sheep farmers supports rural communities and sustainable farming practices. It's an ethical choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Hair and nails that have grown stronger won't immediately revert. However, your body's hair and nail growth is a continuous cycle. Your hair follicles and nail matrix need ongoing support to produce strong, healthy new hairs and nails. If you stop supplementing with Functional Keratin™, new growth may be weaker, and benefits will gradually diminish over weeks to months. Consistent use maintains consistent results.