Treatment FAQ

how to tell if you need a protein treatment in hair

by Elvie Renner Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Here are 5 signs that your hair is crying out for a protein treatment:

  • Your hair has lost its elasticity. One of the clear signs that your hair may need a little protein help is the loss of elasticity. ...
  • Your hair is color-treated. Chances are that, if your hair has seen an excessive amount of hair dye, it could use a little more protein. ...
  • Breakage and shedding. While losing up to 100 strands a day is completely normal and shouldn’t ring any alarm bells, excessive shedding can be a sign that your hair lacks ...
  • Your hair is limp and stringy. Dealing with hair that’s flat, limp or stringy is another sign that it may need some protein love. ...
  • High porosity. If your hair is highly porous, it’s likely that there are gaps and tears in the strands that make it more vulnerable. ...

5 Signs You Need a Protein Treatment
  1. Your Hair Has High Porosity. When your hair has high porosity, there are gaps and tears in the hair strand that allow too much water to be absorbed. ...
  2. Hair Has Lost Its Elasticity. ...
  3. Your Hair Is Stringy and Limp. ...
  4. Your Hair Feels Gummy or Sticky. ...
  5. You Recently Colored Your Hair.
Dec 12, 2020

How to know if your hair needs moisture or protein?

Maintaining a Balance

  1. Separate about 10 strands of wet hair. For best results, make sure the hair is well saturated⁣ ⁣
  2. Hold hair firmly between both hands.⁣ ⁣
  3. Gently but firmly pull the section of hair away from your head. Ensure you pull with enough tension to assess if the hair strands stretch. ...
  4. Repeat this with tiny sections from different areas of the head⁣.

Does my natural hair need protein?

Protein treatments are good for your hair, so there is no harm done is using them as a part of your hair regimen. In fact, I encourage everyone to give them a try, especially if you are a naturalista who frequently uses heat or is color treated. Protein enriched products help to strengthen the hair follicle.

Does my hair need moisture or protein?

However, some forms of damaged hair will only benefit from protein-based products, whereas other kinds of hair damage actually require moisture. Some hair moisturizers come in the form of fatty-acid rich oils and butters. These ingredients penetrate the hair shaft and restore dry hair with much-needed moisture.

Does natural hair need proteins?

Having fine natural hair can make you feel like there’s no hope for growing your own long hair. Hogwash. Fine natural hair is indeed naturally vulnerable but using protein in your hair regimen can do wonders. As a matter of fact, in order to grow longer strands, using protein is a requirement.

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How do I know if hair needs protein?

So how can you tell if you need moisture or protein? The simplest option is to take a wet or dry strand of hair and gently stretch it. If it barely stretches and snaps, you need more moisture and might have too much protein. Also, if you brush your hair and strands fall out, you need protein.

How do you know if you need a protein treatment on natural hair?

You can tell your hair needs a protein treatment if it feels weak, limp, and lifeless. Especially if it seems like products aren't working and no amount of moisture seems to make your hair look or feel good, it's time for a protein treatment. You also need a protein treatment if you have over-moisturized your hair.

How do I know if my hair is protein damage?

The tell-tale signs of protein overload seem to be split ends and limp strands. Hair that feels brittle or sheds more than is normal for you can also be signs that your tresses have been exposed to too much keratin.

Are protein treatments necessary for hair?

When do I need a protein? Protein treatments should be applied as needed. If you are attaining protein through diet and you have keratin in your moisturizers, conditioners and shampoos and your hair is healthy there will be no need for specific protein treatments.

Do my curls need moisture or protein?

Why protein and moisture is important for curly hair. All hair needs both protein and moisture to stay healthy and strong. In fact, protein and moisture can't work well without the other. You need a strong protein structure in order for water molecules to bind with your strands and to keep the water locked inside.

How do you know your hair porosity?

Another way to check your hair porosity is to drop hair that's been shed as a result of combing into a glass of water. If it floats, your hair is low porosity. If your hair sinks slowly, it has normal porosity, and if it sinks immediately, your hair is high porosity.

What does over moisturized hair look like?

Signs that you may be suffering from moisture overload are if your hair feels excessively soft and mushy, if you're noticing that your curl pattern is looser, or if your hair strands stretch but don't revert or bounce back. It can also lead to excessive split ends, limp or dull hair, a lack of volume, and more.

Can excess protein cause frizzy hair?

However, as essential as protein is, too much of it can be a bad thing. Hair protein treatments and products can be a great addition to your natural hair care routine, but when you go overboard, it can have adverse effects. Protein buildup can lead to dry and dull hair that might feel stiff or break easily.

Is Olaplex a protein treatment?

While some OLAPLEX products contain some protein, the amounts are minimal and not enough to be considered a protein treatment. Therefore, OLAPLEX is not a protein treatment. OLAPLEX works at a molecular level to rebuild the hair internally. Our hair contains millions of disulfide bonds.

Which is better protein or keratin treatment?

While they both treatments bring life to dull and lifeless hair, a keratin treatment also enhances the health of your hair as it is a protein-based treatment. Hydrolyzed keratin penetrates deep into the cuticle and bonds with it during treatment, strengthening your hair from within.

Does high porosity hair need protein?

High porosity hair also needs lots of protein. "High porosity hair usually needs more protein or oil to help seal in moisture. Some conditioners have more protein in them, so look for conditioners with keratin, wheat, or silk protein for added strength," she explains.

Does protein help split ends?

Help to eliminate breakage and split ends: In improving the strength and elasticity of hair, protein treatments help eliminate breakage and split ends. Ogboru adds that this can give the appearance of hair growth, as protein treatments prevent weak, brittle hair and stronger hair breaks less.

When should you use protein hair treatment?

Hair that is stringy, flat, or limp is a definite sign that your hair needs a protein treatment. Normally, hair should be pretty durable and full, so when it starts to droop, take notice. By adding protein back into the hair, you can revitalize your strands and get them to a healthier state.

Does 4C hair need protein treatment?

4C hair means your hair is curly, wavy, and coiled. This hair type requires a perfect blend of proteins, moisture, nutrients, and oils. Protein treatment helps to create this balance and adds strength and resiliency to 4C hair.

How often should you do a protein treatment on black hair?

once every six to eight weeksProtein Treatments for Serious Damage These treatments are designed for severe breakage. They should not be used more than once every six to eight weeks. Do not be tempted to do it more often because they will likely only damage your hair more. Track your treatments on a calendar and be patient.

Does high porosity hair need protein or moisture?

proteinHigh porosity hair also needs lots of protein. "High porosity hair usually needs more protein or oil to help seal in moisture. Some conditioners have more protein in them, so look for conditioners with keratin, wheat, or silk protein for added strength," she explains.

What is protein treatment for hair?

By receiving a protein treatment prior to chemically treating your strands, you are helping to strengthen the base of your hair and are essentially making it a healthier canvas for your color.

Why does my hair need protein?

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 needs a protein treatment. Protein treatments boost the hair with a variety of nutrients and proteins to help reconstruct and strengthen hair strands. Having protein-packed strands is an amazing way ...

What does it mean when your hair is stringy?

Your Hair Is Stringy Or Limp. Hair that is stringy, flat, or limp is a definite sign that your hair needs a protein treatment. Normally, hair should be pretty durable and full, so when it starts to droop, take notice. By adding protein back into the hair, you can revitalize your strands and get them to a healthier state.

How to give your hair a better base for color?

In order to give your hair a better base for your haircolor, ask your stylist for a protein treatment before the color application. By doing this extra step, you can help to ensure that your strands stay strong during the chemical service.

Why does my hair have a high porosity?

Hair with high porosity often has tears and gaps in the strands that make it more susceptible to damage. These gaps and tears allow the hair to absorb too much water, which can cause frizz, tangles, and even color loss on color-treated hair. In order to fill in the gaps, you need a protein treatment to strengthen your strands. The treatment works by nourishing the hair with vital proteins that help seal those gaps and create a stronger canvas for styling.

How to tell if hair is elastic?

To find out just how elastic your hair is, take a strand of your hair (that’s still attached to your head) and wet it. Once the strand is wet, stretch the hair. If the hair bounces back to its original length without breaking, then your strands are balanced. However, if the strand doesn’t bounce back, looks limp, or breaks, ...

What is the protein in hair?

Well, human hair is made out of tough, fibrous proteins like keratin that help keep it strong. When hair lacks this protein, it can start to rebel and look lifeless. By restoring those building blocks in your hair, you can help treat some of your top hair concerns. Here are five signs that your hair is crying out for a protein treatment.

What is the protein in hair?

Protein and How It Affects the Hair. Our hair is primarily made up of chains of amino acids and proteins called keratin. Think of the hair as a building with keratin as the bricks. Because of overstyling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors, keratins become worn out, creating gaps in the hair which eventually leads to damage ...

What does it mean when your hair stretches and doesn't return?

If it stretches and doesn’t return or stretches and breaks, then chances are your hair is missing protein .

Why does my hair lose hair?

Note: increased hair loss could be caused by many things: a hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, stress, auto-immune disorders, medications, chemotherapy and more . It’s important to thoroughly consult and analyze the scalp and hair before deciding a lack of protein is the culprit.

Why does my hair get frizzy?

Highly porous strands have tears and gaps in the hair, exposing the cortex to stressors. This causes the hair to absorb and release moisture faster than normal, leading to frizzy, tangled hair.

Does bleach damage hair?

Hair has been colored recently. Hair color, bleach, and treatments contain chemicals that alter the bonds of the hair, leading to damage. These chemicals elevate the pH of the hair and causes the cuticles to rise.

What is the protein in hair?

Hair is largely made up of a protein called keratin, and there are factors that contribute to protein loss that you may not be aware of. While it’s not hard to tell when your hair is thirsty, you may not be quite sure when your hair is in need of protein.

Why is it important to treat color treated hair?

Color Treatments. We know how important regularly moisturizing and deep conditioning color-treated hair is to prevent hair breakage, but protein is especially important for hair in this state as well. Color-treated hair is highly porous and more susceptible to damage.

Why does my hair lose elasticity?

A loss of elasticity can also be a consequence of over-moisturizing the hair. Again, while moisture is important, there needs to be a balance of moisture and protein, especially with curly hair. Healthy hair strands will return to their natural state after being stretched. If you find that your hair doesn't spring back to its normal state, ...

How many strands of hair can you lose in a day?

As you may know, shedding is a natural part of the life of hair. We can lose up to 100 strands per day naturally. But if you find that you're losing hair that isn't coming from the root (has a white bulb at the end), then this is breakage, and it needs attention if you want to preventhair loss.

Is moisture good for hair?

Within the natural hair world, we tend to talk a lot about moisture. And yes, moisture is very important for textured hair, especially tighter curls and kinks. But we don’t want to rule out another factor in the health of your natural hair: protein.#N#Hair is largely made up of a protein called keratin, and there are factors that contribute to protein loss that you may not be aware of. While it’s not hard to tell when your hair is thirsty, you may not be quite sure when your hair is in need of protein. If you have asked yourself, “Does my hair need protein or moisture?” you have come to the right place. To help you out, we've listed five signs that you need to include a protein treatment in your hair regimen.#N#To help you out, we've listed five signs that you need to include a protein treatment in your hair regimen.

Does almond oil help with hair porosity?

A protein treatment can help to temporarily fill in those gaps to strengthen the strands and allow them to hold moisture longer. The almond component of our Mint Almond Oil is a protein that binds to the hair strand and seals in moisture, making it perfect for hair with high porosity.

What happens when hair lacks protein?

As you already know, proteins are the building blocks of our body. Protein deficiency in the body can lead to brittle bones and increases the risk of infections and illnesses. Proteins are also essential for healthy hair growth. Protein-deficient hair becomes limp and weak, it loses its normal texture and becomes sticky and difficult to manage.

How do I know if my hair needs protein or moisture?

Hair that lacks moisture and hair that needs protein can have similar problems: hair feels gummy, it's dry, frizzy, and brittle. Therefore, it can get very confusing to figure out whether your hair needs more protein or you need to use products that help retain moisture in the hair shaft.

How can I add protein to my hair naturally?

You can, of course, always go for a keratin treatment. However, if not properly done, this type of treatment can further damage your hair. Therefore, the best recommendation is to maintain a protein-rich diet. Include more eggs, legumes, dry fruits, and nuts, especially almonds, milk, broccoli, and other protein-rich foods in your diet.

Are there any hair products that can help me get protein-rich hair?

Besides going for a protein-rich diet and trying DIY protein hair masks, you can also try to include in your hair care routine a shampoo & conditioner that are rich in proteins and which can help improve the quality and texture of your hair shaft, giving you glossy, soft, and smooth hair.

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Why is my hair lacking in protein?

When hair is lacking in protein, it can start to feel and look lifeless, limp, and unhealthy. Protein treatments nurture the hair with vitamins, proteins, and nutrients that helps to reconstruct and strengthen the hair strand. However, there are products that can add too much protein to your hair. This can result from the over-use of protein-based products or an over-deposit of protein into the hair. As always, consult with your stylist to make a game plan to get your hair to the next level, but here are five signs your hair needs a protein treatment.

What to do if your hair feels flat?

Normally, hair should be durable, and strong. Adding protein back into your hair, you can revitalize your strands and get them to a healthier state.

What happens when your hair has high porosity?

When your hair has high porosity, there are gaps and tears in the hair strand that allow too much water to be absorbed. This will result in frizz, tangles and breakage. A protein treatment will help fill those gaps and allow your hair to be a more ideal canvas for styling.

Does hair color cause split ends?

When you color your hair, the chemical formula of the hair color actually changes the chemical makeup of your hair, changing the texture. Do this enough times, and the bonds can actually split and cause split ends. Protein treatments allow you to build the hair strands and binds to a healthy and strong enough state to be able to handle the chemical in hair color.

What is the purpose of protein in hair?

Type of ingredient: Strengthener. Main benefits: Improves hair elasticity, strengthens the hair follicle and improves the overall appearance of the hair. Who should use it: Protein has proven reparative benefits but may not be necessary for those with strong, shiny, and thick hair.

How to use protein heat treatment?

A simple protein heat treatment is as follows: Apply protein treatment or mask to hair from scalp to ends. Comb through with fingers or a wide-toothed comb to ensure even application. Wrap hair into a bun and apply a covering, such as a shower cap.

What is the benefit of protein treatment?

The key benefit of a protein treatment is the ability for the protein ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein or silk amino acids to attach directly to the hair follicle and harden the cuticle layer. This places a barrier around the follicle, which protects it from further damage, Ogboru explains.

What happens when hair gets farther from scalp?

As hair gets farther from the scalp, the feast "diminishes"—entree turns to appetizer size, and by the time we are down the shaft towards the ends, there are bare crumbs left to nourish the hair. As we lose moisture and nourishment, the keratinized protein begins to unravel and break down.

How to get rid of hair burns?

Wrap hair into a bun and apply a covering, such as a shower cap. Using your blowdryer (on low heat), apply heat to the head. Consistently move the dryer around the head to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning. Remove covering and rinse treatment out.

Is protein treatment safe for hair?

While there is no harm in at-home protein treatments, they may not be necessary for those with healthy, shiny, strong, and thick hair. Shamban cautions that there has been a history of high-intensity chemically fortified keratin treatments in salons, although alternatives may now be available.

Is keratin good for hair?

It is important to note that when both experts discussed the benefits of protein treatments for hair, they typically referred to the benefits of an at-home treatment. In-salon keratin and other protein treatments have been found to have some serious health risks, including exposure to formaldehyde.

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