Protein treatments are a great way to maintain the strength and health of natural hair. If you’re experiencing breakage, weak strands, have heat-damaged or chemically-treated hair, protein treatments will be very beneficial to you. It’s important to use the right protein treatment for the state of your hair and be mindful of not using it too often. Read on to learn more about protein treatments and how to properly use them for your hair. 


WHAT IS A PROTEIN TREATMENT AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

Protein treatments are formulated to create a layer of protection for your hair. They fill any holes or gaps within the hair’s cuticle which can be damaged from a variety of factors including heat styling, hair color, or constant manipulation. That said, protein treatments are a temporary fix which is why you may have to do repeated treatments throughout the year. 



For natural hair, consistent protein treatments can help improve manageability and strengthen your curls which are more susceptible to breakage and dryness than other hair textures.


 WHAT TYPE OF PROTEIN TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

You must choose the right protein treatment for your hair’s specific needs. Depending on the condition of your hair, you may need a light/moderate protein treatment or an intense treatment.


LIGHT/MODERATE PROTEIN TREATMENTS

Light or moderate protein treatments are great for those who overall have healthy hair but want to routinely strengthen their strands without causing protein overload which can result in dry, brittle hair. These treatments do not harden your hair and can be found in deep-conditioning treatments, leave-ins, and balancing moisturizers. Lighter protein treatments should be used at most 2 times per month to help fill in any cuticle gaps. Try a protein/moisture balancing deep conditioner like "Organic hair protein" which has ingredients like hydrolyzed baobab protein and amino acids to repair hair damage and nourish your curls and kinks. 



RECONSTRUCTORS AND INTENSE TREATMENTS

Intense protein treatments are best for chemically-treated, heat-styled, orhigh porosity hair. If you color, texturize, or regularly heat-style your hair, try an treatment like "Hair Protein - Pinton BOMB" or "Hair Protein - VERA" once every 6-10 weeks to halt severe breakage and weakened tresses. Be sure to follow with a moisturizing deep conditioner after an intense treatment to give your hair a hydration boost. 



FINAL ADVICE ON PROTEIN TREATMENTS

As you begin to introduce protein treatments into your regimen, make sure you are infusing your hair with moisture frequently, preferably weekly deep conditioning treatments to balance your hair’s protein/moisture levels. 


If your hair is in very bad shape – your curls are very limp, your curls are severely damaged, or your hair is constantly breaking, use an intense protein treatment once every six to ten weeks. A light protein treatment can be used once every two weeks to strengthen hair. 



Have you tried a protein treatment? Which ones are your favorite? Comment below and let us know your thoughts.