Why You Should Infuse Protein into Your Hair Regimen

For those of us who relax or color our hair, protein treatments are a must. Our hair strands are made up of about 70% keratin protein, so protein treatments help strengthen areas of the hair and build the hair shaft backup that has been weakened by chemical treatments or daily manipulation. Two key signs that your hair needs protein is the loss of elasticity and severe breakage.

Related post: Preventing the Four Common Causes of Hair Damage

(Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission at not extra cost to you should you make a purchase.)

How to infuse protein into your hair regimen

• Protein packs are good for routine maintenance to restore and balance. It's recommended they are used every 4-6 weeks
• Light protein treatments are ideal for regular maintenance and are sometimes packaged as leave-ins or labeled with phrases like “conditioning mask” or “recovery and repair." It's recommended they are used every wash. Do ease off of them if your hair is feeling stiff
• Deep penetrating treatments are intense hydrators and work well on moderately damaged hair. Their recommended use is every other week or every other was
• Reconstructors are often used to repair damage from heat styling or drying effects of color processing. If they are being used to help repair extensive damage use every week or wash
• Homemade treatments using ingredients such as avocado, mayo and coconut oil

Related post: Protein Conditioners vs. Moisturizing Conditioners

Products with protein

Below is a list of some protein treatments that I have seen several other bloggers rave about or use as part of their relaxed hair regimen.

• Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair
• CHI Silk Infusion Leave-In Treatment
• Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Intensive Hair Treatment
• Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor

To know if you are currently using any products with protein look for these types of ingredients: Hydrolyzed keratin, Hydrolyzed silk protein, Hydrolyzed wheat protein.

Keep in mind

A key thing to remember when using protein treatments is to always deep condition afterward to help maintain hairs needed protein-moisture balance. 

Do you use protein on your hair? What protein-based products do you use?