Three Signs To Know Your Hair Needs Protein

Hey Naturalistas,

Protein, also called keratin helps to make up the hair strand.  

Depending on your hair care regimen, diet, and lifestyle, lack of protein can translate to your strands.  Healthy hair is ultimately a combination of great protein and moisture balance.

Too much moisture can result in weak, limp hair that is prone to breakage. Too much protein, also known as protein overload, can cause your hair to snap and break as well.

Most of the time, we have no idea if we are using a protein conditioner or a moisturizing conditioner. 

Conditioners with protein will have the following keywords in the title of the product. 

• Repair/Repairing Cream
• Reconstructor
• Balancing Conditioner
• Deep Repair Mask

Conditioners with protein will also have a few of these common ingredients

• Hydrolyzed wheat protein
• Hydrolyzed keratin
• Hydrolyzed silk protein
• Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
• Keratin
• Variations of hydrolyzed collagen
• Variations of hydrolyzed soy protein

However, here are signs your hair might need a protein treatment.

1. Limp curls or weak hair:

Are your curls just not “popping” like they used to and you can’t figure out why? A lot of naturals go through a period where their hair starts acting weird.  Moisture gets pushed down our throats at all time (which is great) but take one weekend to deep condition with some protein and watch your curls snap back. 

2. Consistent shedding/breakage:

Shedding is also a sign your hair needs protein. While lack of protein is not the only reason your hair could be shedding, it could be that your hair is slowly breaking off because it’s not strong. A light balancing protein conditioner will be ideal to whip your hair back into shape.  African Naturalistas deep conditioning mayonnaise is a good one to try.  

3. Long term use of heat:  

Heat damage occurs when the protein bonds in the hair are continually broken down due to extreme heat resulting in the permanent change of the hair follicle. In short, the hair is now permanently straight. In this case, you have no choice but to cut if off and start over.  However, if you haven’t reached the peak of heat damage where the damage is irreversible, a protein treatment should help.

 

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Enjoy the rest of the week darlings.