Protein in Products. To Use or Not to Use
What is the benefit to our hair?
Proteins in conditioners and shampoos behave as a conditioning and hydrating agents on the product. It leaves the hair softer, flexible, lustrous and it reduces static. Another benefit is that it helps hydrate the hair by slowing down water loss. Hydrated hair results in less frizz, less breakage and longer lasting moisturized strands. But not all hair is receptive to protein in products.
Who benefits from protein in products?
-High porosity hair
.sun or winter damage
.Beach or pool damage
.Chemically treated hair
It fills in the gaps found on porous hair for a healthier appearance.
-Heat Damage
. Hydrolipid layer has been removed due to excessive heat from tools. As mentioned in a previous blog, when this layer is affected the hair strands become thin, dehydrated and lifeless. Small molecule proteins such as hydrolyzed proteins can penetrate the hair to offer more plumpness, more shine and strengthen each strand.
-Chronic dry hair & breakage
.Try oil treatments or deep hair conditioners if the problem isn't remedied the hair may be in need of protein. Proteins offer hydration by slowing the loss of water on the hair. It helps condition the hair by offering more flexibility and softness.
-Fine to medium hair may benefit as it may give the hair more body.
Who should proceed with caution?
-Low porosity hair tend to be protein sensitive, it may have a reverse affect on the hair. Instead of conditioning and hydrating the hair my feel brittle and dry. With that being said I'm a strong believer that one size does not fit all and you wont truly know until you try it. Protein sensitive doesn't mean you should never use protein and it just mean less often.
-Course hair tend to tolerate proteins less often then fine to medium hair. Excessive usage may leave the hair dry, brittle and lifeless.
What are some alternative to proteins?
Vegetable oils and butters offer many natural nutrients and vitamins that penetrate the hair shaft to offer hydration, conditioning, repair, frizz control and shine.
-it can be used as a pre-poo treatment
-styler
-polisher
On a future post I'll discuss the benefit of hydrolyzed protein
