Scientists reveal a bizarre cure for tooth cavities: Hair-based toothpaste could end painful dentist visits

If the idea of brushing your teeth with something made from hair makes you squirm, you might want to hear the science before dismissing it. A groundbreaking study from King’s College London, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, has found that keratin — the same protein found in your hair, skin, nails, and even wool — could help naturally rebuild damaged tooth enamel.

And no, this isn’t just about plugging cavities. The research suggests keratin can encourage your teeth to regrow a protective, enamel-like layer — something dentistry has never been able to achieve until now.

From salon floor to smile saver
Keratin works as a kind of microscopic scaffolding. When applied to a tooth’s surface, it interacts with minerals in saliva — mainly calcium and phosphate — to create a dense, crystal-like coating that closely mimics natural enamel. Over time, this layer continues to attract more minerals, strengthening itself and sealing off nerve channels that cause sensitivity.

“This technology bridges the gap between biology and dentistry,” said Dr. Sara Gamea, lead researcher on the project, in the university’s press release. “Keratin offers a sustainable, biocompatible alternative to toxic and less durable dental resins.”

The keratin used in the study came from wool, but researchers confirm human hair could work the same way. That means future toothpaste or dentist-applied gels could, quite literally, come from a byproduct of haircuts — turning waste into a high-value healthcare solution.

Why enamel matters — and why this is a big deal
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but once it’s worn down, it doesn’t grow back. Acidic foods, sugar, aging, and poor oral hygiene all speed up erosion, leading to tooth sensitivity, pain, and eventually decay. Fluoride toothpastes can slow the damage, but they can’t restore lost enamel.

Keratin, however, could change that. By rebuilding an enamel-like layer, it not only halts decay but may also prevent cavities before they start. Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy, senior study author, calls it “a shift from symptom management to true biological restoration.”

The King’s College team envisions two ways to use keratin:

• As a daily-use toothpaste for ongoing enamel protection
• As a dentist-applied gel, similar to nail varnish, for targeted repairs

With further development, the researchers believe keratin-based dental products could reach the public in the next two to three years.

Waste-to-healthcare innovation
Beyond dental care, this discovery taps into a broader push for circular healthcare — finding ways to transform waste into valuable medical resources. Human hair and animal wool, which often end up discarded, could become raw materials for regenerative dentistry.

As Dr. Gamea noted, keratin also looks more natural than existing dental restorations, as it can be matched closely to the tooth’s original color.

It may sound unconventional, but if brushing with a keratin-based toothpaste means avoiding the drill, the whine of the dental chair, and costly restorative procedures, many might soon welcome it into their daily routine.

Gross? Perhaps. Game-changing? Absolutely.