Protein Treatments.....What's really required?

Naturally curly hair relies on a balance of proteins, nutrients, and oils to support healthy roots. Your hair is approximately 91 percent protein, and is made up of long chains of amino acids. Harsh chemical treatments, exposure to sun, pollution and lack of proper care can lead to the breaking up of these chains resulting in brittle and dull hair. Since the hair is made up of protein it would only make sense to treat your hair with protein. A protein conditioner could benefit hair that is overly relaxed or brittle. A person with brittle hair should use conditioners that have protein ingredients to help strengthen the hair follicle. These conditioners will add moisture to damaged hair, prevent further damage due to heat styling, and even mend split ends temporarily until the hair naturally repairs itself.

Basics of Protein Conditioners
A protein treatment has different protein properties that attach directly to the hair follicle and harden the cuticle layer. This places a barrier around the follicle, which protects it from further damage. There are four types of protein conditioner treatments: protein packs, reconstructors, deep penetrating treatments, and light protein treatments. The hair's current condition will decide the type of protein conditioner needed for treatment. Use a reconstructor for severely damaged hair. For moderately damaged hair, use a deep penetrating treatment. For slight damage and routine treatments, use protein packs or light treatments. Below is a sample list of each type of protein conditioner.

Protein packs 

• Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack
• Nutress Protein Pack

Reconstructors

• Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstrcutor
• Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor
• K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor
• Affirm 5 in 1 Reconstructor
• Creme of Nature Conditioning Reconstructor

Deep penetrating treatments

• Dr. Miracles Deep Conditioner
• Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonniase
• JessieCurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
• DevaCurl Heaven in Hair
• My Honey Child Honey Hair Mask
• As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner
• Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment

Light protein treatments

• Aubrey Organics
• Neutrogena Triple Mositure Deep Recovery Mask
• Hydratherma Naturals- Protein Leave In

Using Protein Treatments
Some hair types will need more protein treatments than others. For slightly damaged hair, a treatment once per month is more than adequate. For severely damaged hair or hair that is often styled, a treatment once per week will protect the hair follicles from further damage and help repair any current damage. Natural hair that has little to no damage would still benefit from a protein treatment at least once every two months to keep up the hair's natural strength and shine.

Follow the directions listed on the protein treatment's packaging for the best results. Make sure that you buy the type of treatment you need based on the hair's current condition and remember to balance protein with moisture. Too much protein will eventually dry out your hair.