5 Great Protein Treatments for Natural Hair

Many do without, but for some of us, protein treatments are a necessity.  Protein treatments work by attaching protein directly to the hair follicle and hardening the cuticle layer, placing a barrier around the follicle, protecting it from further damage.  Consider these common reasons you may want to try one out.

If you use direct heat, your hair may be damaged and a monthly or bi-monthly protein treatment may help, especially if you use direct heat regularly.  Using a protein conditioner directly before using heat will help your hair sustain the manipulation.

If you find that your hair cannot stretch under normal conditions without breaking, you may need a protein treatment.  Try the elasticity test: stretch a strand of wet hair and see if it snaps back easily without breaking.  If it breaks, try a treatment.

If your hair is chemically colored or bleached, you should definitely try a protein treatment to allow your hair to retain more moisture and to strengthen it.

If your hair is very thin or fine, consider a regular light protein treatment since your hair is more prone to damage.

If your find that your ends are always frayed, damaged, split or breaking, it’s time for a protein treatment, and probably also a trim. The ends of your hair are the oldest, most worn part of your hair, and thus the most prone to damage.

For severely damaged hair, protein treatments probably won’t hold off the inevitable.  You may need to cut your hair and start over again.

Here are some really effective protein treatments that you can try out.

Giovanni Smooth As Silk Xtreme is ideal for dry and damaged hair, containing shea butter and macadamia and kukui oils.

Organic Root Simulator Hair Mayonnaise Treatment is a deep penetrating, moisturizing and conditioning treatment for weak and damaged hair.  This treatment contains olive oil and egg protein.  You can use this with heat or without.

Aubrey Organics GPB Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner uses only natural and organic ingredients.  It is full of nutrients and milk protein to strengthen your hair.  This treatment contains amino acids that strengthen and mends damaged areas.

Queen Helene Cholesterol Cream is an intensive cholesterol conditioner that is able to penetrate into dry, damaged and chemically processed hair.

Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor is a heavy duty protein treatment.  It is appropriate for severely damaged hair.

You can also try to make your own protein treatment at home.  Take three eggs and 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.  Mix them together in a bowl, part your freshly washed hair and apply the mixture from root to tip.   Sit under a dryer set to low for at least 15 minutes, and rinse with conditioner.

You want a head of healthy hair, but conditioning and moisturizing isn’t always enough.  Regular protein treatments are worthwhile for many naturals.  In addition to your natural hair protein treatment, make sure that you’re getting enough protein in your diet and that you’re exercising enough.

Do you have a special protein treatment you would like to share? If so, please share below 🙂