How Often Should You Do a Protein Treatment for Hair: Guide
Introduction to the topic
It’s no secret that you’re a fan of playing around with your hairstyles. You’re always experimenting with their appearance by altering their colour or texture. You’re too amazing for “boring” hair! And we’re all for it, too! Your hair must be fit for a queen, whether it is dyed, curly, or straight.
Because of this, if you discover that your hair is limp, brittle, or mushy, it’s time to address your crown. The protein-moisture balance is critical! Protein treatments should be repeated on a regular basis. The protein hair treatment has a stated lifespan of 3-6 months. After a protein treatment, what should you do?
Do you know how to tell whether you’re in need? Are protein masks possible to make at home? What are you waiting for?
How often should you do protein treatment for hair?
This is a hotly debated topic among naturalistas because everyone’s hair is distinct and hence has a different response. Every 4–6 weeks, have a protein therapy, especially a deep treatment, to make sure there is no misunderstanding about what is happening.
There are a number of reasons why protein treatments should be used so sparingly, including the fact that excessive protein application can contribute to hair breakage.
Deep protein treatments should only be used once every four to six weeks, according to ApHogee specialists. Protein treatments may be recommended every three months, which is the same amount of time as regular trims.
It’s critical that you conduct your own research and experimentation, keeping in mind what we’ve discussed thus far. What’s the state of your hair? Is there a need for water or food? Damage and porosity are two factors to consider. A protein mask should be applied to the face at least once each week. When it comes to protein and moisturising treatments, keep the following information in mind as you adjust them:
How can I carry out a protein therapy in my own home without a professional?
You keep your hair follicles unclogged and your scalp clean. To avoid broken ends and knots, apply conditioner. You must ensure that your hair is well sealed to prevent moisture from escaping. However, what gives your hair the appearance of being lifeless, fragile, and lacking in volume? What could possibly go wrong? Protein may be required. You can get a protein treatment in the salon, but you can also restore your hair at home. There are exceptions, but if your hair has been seriously damaged, it’s best to seek the advice of an expert. Make sure you do the following if you’re doing it at home:
- After shampooing, gently condition the hair with a protein conditioner, taking care not to overdo it. Leave the treatment on your hair for around 15 to 30 minutes, then remove the cap.
- Use lukewarm water to rinse, being careful not to overwork the hair.
- Wait 10 to 15 minutes after shampooing before applying a protein-free hydrating conditioner (if your hair type requires it).
- Use cool water to finish rinsing;
- A leave-in conditioner can also be used.
How does a protein therapy work?
Eating protein-rich diets has long been recognised as a way to maintain healthy hair. According to CHI Haircare’s executive master educator and master artist, Joy Williams, protein treatments do all of this and more. According to her, “a great protein treatment can assist to restore severely damaged hair as well as foster new hair growth and penetrate and heal a dry, flaky scalp”.
You still need a healthy combination of moisture and protein to keep your hair strong from the inside out. Protein treatments can cause hair to lose its elasticity, making it dry and brittle, if they are overused. However, how can you tell if this form of treatment is necessary for your hair? Soultanicals’ founder and CEO, Ayo Ogun, says two major culprits are a lack of protein in your diet (or a natural shortage in your hair).
Amino acids are chemical substances that combine to generate protein, in case you’ve forgotten. This is what gives your curls and coils their heft and structure; these are the strands that make up your hair. Hair protein can be changed, resulting in brittle and weak natural hair if these amino acids are depleted.
It’s possible that you’re deficient in protein if your hair is limp, stringy, or sticky. Almond Milk Leave-In Conditioner and Monoi Repairing Leave-In Conditioner are two of the best protein treatments for damaged and overprocessed hair; both include proteins to restore lustre, smoothness, and manageability.
In order to help rebuild and repair natural hair strands, both natural hair products and treatments that raise hair protein levels can be used. Hair that is protein-rich will look and feel its best.
What are the benefits of using protein for hair?
Why is it necessary to use additional protein treatments on hair if it is constituted of protein? In Shamban’s opinion, hair naturally loses moisture and nourishment as it gets further from the root. “The keratinized protein begins to unwind and break down as we lose moisture and nutrients. elasticity, and the linkages become weaker.
Hair and scalp health relies heavily on this protein matrix, which must be rebuilt, supported, and boosted. Home remedies that aren’t as heavily reliant on chemicals are also an option here.”
Hydrolyzed wheat protein and silk amino acids, which are both protein components, adhere straight to the hair follicle and stiffen the cuticle layer, protecting it from injury. According to Ogboru, this creates a barrier around the follicle, preventing further harm.
Replacement of lost or damaged protein at follicle rows away from root helps to strengthen the full length of hair, Ogboru notes.
Boost hair’s elasticity: Hair deficient in protein would frequently stretch further than usual before breaking. When hair loses its elasticity, it loses the ability to stretch and bounce back.
Boost hair strength and elasticity: Protein treatments help prevent breakage and split ends by enhancing hair’s elasticity and strength. Additionally, protein treatments can make hair appear to grow because they prevent brittle, fragile hair and make hair more resistant to breakage.
Improves the appearance of hair as a whole: “Hair’s density, elasticity, and strength will all be affected by the amount of protein in it. Additionally, they’ll aid in the prevention of breakage and split ends, as well as allowing hair to grow to its fullest diameter “In Shamban’s explanation, he explains.
How can I tell if I need protein or moisture?
The difference between healthy hair and scalp and damaged, dry hair is determined by determining if hair need moisture or protein. The atomic level of protein and moisture isn’t something to get too excited about, but it’s worth noting. Disulfide bonds hold each strand in place. Proteins will strengthen these linkages, making hair more resistant to harm and reducing the risk of hair loss. Water moisturises the links in your hair, giving it a softer, smoother finish.
So, how do you know if you require protein or moisture? Stretching a strand of hair, whether it’s wet or dry, is the most basic method. Your protein content may be too high if the fabric barely stretches and snaps. Hair that breaks off when brushed indicates a lack of protein. In the same way, if your hair feels dry, you may be deficient in the necessary moisture.
The brittleness of your hair can be reduced and the flexibility of your hair increased with the help of moisture, which helps to protect your hair from damage. To restore the hair’s softness and smoothness, moisturising treatments can be used. Your hair is likely suffering from moisture loss if you’ve been overusing relaxers, highlights, and heat tools. Weak curls and coils that are easily knotted can be seen here.
Hair that is dull and brittle, as well as unable to withstand heat, is a sure symptom of dehydration. If your hair lacks moisture, you should establish a regular hair care regimen that includes pre-shampoo conditioning treatments twice weekly and deep conditioning treatments once weekly. This will help you bounce back and build muscle mass.
If your hair is porous, limp, has low elasticity, sheds, or has recently been coloured, you’ll want to add protein to it. Tears and holes in the hair of high porosity strands expose the cortex (outer layer) to external stresses. Sadly, this results in more knotted and frizzy hair since the hair absorbs and releases moisture more quickly than it should. Strengthen your hair by using a hair protein treatment to fill in the gaps and rips.
If your hair appears lifeless and brittle, you may be suffering from a shortage in protein. If you increase your protein consumption, your hair will become more elastic, resulting in a more manageable, fuller head of hair.
Furthermore, chemical straightening and colouring of the hair weaken the hair’s connections, causing breaking. Cuticles will thicken and pH will rise as a result of these chemical treatments. The cortex of the hair is more vulnerable to protein and moisture loss if the cuticles are elevated.
The texture of your hair can also be altered by a change in hair colour. If you like to dye your hair, you should use a natural protein treatment on your hair first to strengthen the strands so that the dye doesn’t weaken them.
DIY protein therapies for your hair
Homemade protein treatments can also be made with natural components. Keep in mind, however, that you may not achieve the same effects as a professional therapy. ”
To discuss with your dermatologist, consider the following home remedies:
- A hair mask using coconut oil
- Excessive amounts of Avocado Oil
- Olive oil derived from the argan tree
- Hair mask with bananas and honey
- Whites of eggs
What are the ingredients to look for while getting a protein treatment?
In protein therapies, the following are things to look for:
There are some things to bear in mind while looking for a protein supplement that may help you narrow your search:
- Keratin
- Collagen
- Creatine
- Yoghurt
- The vitamin b-5 (pantothenic acid)
You may want to chat to your doctor about your diet because your hair is a good indicator of your general health. Maintaining a balanced, protein-rich diet is vital for healthy hair growth, and not consuming enough protein can lead to hair loss, says Palep, a dermatologist in New York City.
How can I know if my hair is overloaded with protein?
In the case of protein for hair, too much of a good thing might also be harmful. In order to manage hair without causing breakage, the hair must have enough elasticity.
And yes, it’s clear to us. If you’re unhappy with the condition of your hair, applying natural hair protein treatments or hair moisturisers may help you feel better about it. However, adding extra products to hair that is already fragile will only weaken it further, raising the question of whether or not too much protein might cause hair loss. Protein overconsumption isn’t always the cause of hair thinning and balding, although it can.
Because protein overload can be transient, it should go away as soon as the product has been washed away completely.
Watch When to do protein treatment on natural hair | Video
Top 5 FAQs and answers related to How often should you do a protein treatment for hair?
With protein treatments, should you use heat?
How can I know whether my hair is deficient in the protein?
After a protein treatment, should I wash my hair?
When should I apply a protein treatment for my hair?
Is it possible for a protein hair treatment to cause hair damage?
Verdict
As long as you use protein treatments in moderation they can help to keep your hair from drying out and becoming damaged. There are exceptions to this rule, though.
Your hair will become overly weighed down if you use a protein treatment every day.
The five protein treatments we recommend are a good place to start if you’re looking for a treatment for damaged hair. Get an expert opinion on your hair, especially if it is thin, fine, or coloured.
