You’ve probably read many a article about layering products to retain moisture, but did you know the same product which helps to strengthen hair also is also needed for moisture retention as well?
The basis of our hair’s makeup is protein. With time, mechanical wear, daily elements and chemical processes, the protein-rich outer layer (cuticle”> of hair breaks down, making these areas susceptible to damage. This damage can reveal itself as breakage, split ends and simply uncooperative hair.
For instance, you may be a faithful follower of the LOC Method, but one day you notice your hair just is not reacting the same as it did just last week. Though you may have layered your products to prevent the escape of moisture, your hair is still dry as hay, your curl pattern is disturbed and your hair simply looks a mess. How could that be? Your hair may be lacking protein.
Protein Hair Strand Test
Take a strand of shed hair, hold end to end and pull. If your hair breaks immediately, your hair is brittle and is in need of moisture. If the hair stretches a significant distance and/or remains stretched, your hair’s moisture content is too high and protein is needed. If the hair stretches and returns to its original length, then your protein-moisture balance is just right.
How to use Protein-Rich Products
Many stray away from the use of proteins because of the bad rap they get for leaving hair hard. Guess what? That’s what proteins do! Imagine speckling a wall filled with holes — that is similar to how proteins interact with hair strands. Most protein heavy products, especially those labeled reconstructors require an immediate follow-up of a moisturizing conditioner. The moisturizing conditioner helps to balance the protein and moisture.
Protein Conditioners
- Black Castor Oil Conditioner
- Mega-Tek Cell Hair Rebuilder
- Aphogee Two-Step
- Aphogee 2 Minute Keratin Treatment
- Palmers Coconut Oil Protein Pack
- Aubrey Organics GPB Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner
