Why We Need Protein For Hair?
YOUR HAIR IS PROTEIN!
Our hair is primarily made up of protein, called keratin, and chains of amino acids. We are often exposed to chemicals, harsh weather, pollution, heat, and other factors that can erode the protein in your hair. Just like your body, your hair needs protein in order to stay healthy. If your hair feels limp or weak, it may be a sign that your hair lacks a protein.
HOW? Protein can be restored in many ways. A few common ones listed below. 1. YOUR DIET
Yes, you heard me right. The best way you can add protein is through your food. Honestly, this is one of the best ways, as it repairs internally. Protein infused products to me are like temporary solutions which give you instant TEMPORARY results.
Example of food rich in protein: Egg, Nuts, Seeds, Avocado
2. HAIR MASK, RE-CONSTRUCTORS
They help strengthen the hair if it has been damaged, and fill in gaps between the cuticles. My favourites: - Aphogee two-step protein treatment from Amazon (Watch video here on how to use this) - Tropic Isle Living JBCO Protein Conditioner from @Maneheavensg
3. STYLING PRODUCTS
Works similar to hair masks and treatments. Some of your daily styling products may already have protein infused into them. Take a look carefully and you will find them there.
Some examples of protein you can look out for : - Keratin - Collagen - Wheat Protein - Silk Protein - Vegetable Protein - Milk Protein - Soy Protein - Rice Protein If you purchase products containing protein, look for the word “hydrolyzed” on the ingredient label. This means that the type of protein in the product has been broken down to be small enough to attach to or penetrate the hair shaft. Hydrolyzed ______ protein, amino acids, peptides. These are all proteins. Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed (protein source - wheat, keratin, etc.) and Lauryldimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed (protein source) are proteins which have been modified to be better hair conditioners and bond to hair better, add more softness.
4. DIY PROTEIN TREATMENTS
- Egg and Yogurt Hair Mask - Gelatin Hair Mask - Avocado and Mayonnaise Hair Mask
WHEN? 1) Dry, Dull, Limp hair? Or experiencing Hair breakage? If you have already tried deep conditioning or oil treatment, it's time to try some protein maybe? Because protein helps keep hair hydrated (it slows water loss!), it can help reduce breakage in dehydrated hair by increasing hydration. 2) Chemical or heat treated hair Before colouring or lightening, relaxing or perming hair or after a lot of sun exposure or dry wind exposure hair can benefit from hydrolysed proteins in products.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE: - Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment, if your hair feels very rough and stiff after using protein - Any protein used in excess or at the wrong time when your hair does not need protein, can cause either the too soft or too rough results. TIP: Start with the smaller proteins like keratin, silk if you are unsure. If the results give you less frizz, more shine and bounce that means your hair had a good response. Then go for the larger proteins like vegetable, quinoa and oat protein. Start small and see how your hair responds and proceed from there.
Author:
Viji
Founder @Curlyheavensg
Co Founder @Maneheavensg