All protein treatments are not created equal, despite whatever the packaging may tell you. Curly, coily, and wavy hair relies on a perfect balance of oils, nutrients, moisture, and proteins. Proteins are large molecules consisting of amino acids that our bodies and cells need to function properly, according to the Owner of Medical News Today, Christian Nordqvist. Proteins play a role in virtually every biological process, including hair. Keratin, which hair is made of, is a strong protein that can break down with sun exposure, wind, pollutants, daily maintenance, manipulation, heat tools, and chemical treatments like permanent color. This is where protein treatments help temporarily repair the hair strands rather than just using a standard repairing treatment.
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Protein treatments add strength and resiliency to damaged hair by attaching hydrolyzed proteins directly to the hair follicle and hardening the cuticle layer. If there are holes in the hair cuticle, it will fill those holes or gaps while also placing a barrier around the hair shaft to lessen further damage. Most protein treatments are conditioning treatments. They can come to be a deep conditioner, light, or reconstructor (heavy). Several types cater to your specific needs, but we came up with the top eight that will give you the best treatment for even the worst type of damage.
Read more: 20 Protein Free Hair Products for Protein-Sensitive Hair
1. ApHogee Intensive Two Minute Keratin Reconstructor
You almost cannot discuss protein treatments without mentioning ApHogee. Water, emulsifiers, fatty alcohols, and hydrolyzed proteins make up this hugely popular protein treatment to prevent breakage and lessen split ends while protecting the hair and the body. It is a concentrated blend of keratin amino acids, oils, and vitamins for bleached, tinted, or chemically straightened strands.
2. Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair
Another favorite of curly girls, this two-step treatment will rebuild the hair structure with its unique formula of magnesium and modified proteins. A powerful protein treatment will restore your hair’s elasticity while softening those brittle and dry strands damaged by chemical services and heat. It even helps to remove mineral deposits from swimming pools and hard water.
3. Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil Protein Conditioner
Another favorite, and for good reason, this Black Castor Oil Protein Conditioner will feed your hair with a nutrient-rich formula that will rehydrate and strengthen your damaged strands. This quality treatment restores your hair’s softness, manageability, and shine.
4. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
A deep conditioning protein treatment, Briogeo Don’t Despair gets much love from curly girls. This intensive deep conditioning treatment delivers an optimal blend of nutrients, vitamins, and natural oils that restore and replenish damaged strands with 95% naturally derived ingredients. This mask does not contain parabens, phthalates, sulfates, artificial fragrances, dyes, or gluten.
5. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment
This reconstructor by Crème of Nature is an intensive moisture infuser that strengthens and prevents further hair breakage. Hair is left softer, silkier, and full of body. Perfect for color-treated or chemically-straightened hair.
6. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque
Utilizing ingredients like Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Shea Butter, Peppermint, and Keratin this mask can help restore and grow deeply damaged hair in less than an hour. This mask should be a go-to if you have experienced the backlash of over-straightening and chemical treatment to provide your hair with what it needs to bounce back.
7. tgin Miracle RepaiRx Curl Protein Reconstructor
If you’re looking for a restorative protein treatment to strengthen hair from the inside out, look no further than the Miracle RepaiRx CPR protein treatment. This miracle formula promotes hair growth and a healthy scalp by helping reduce breakage, shedding, and preventing split ends. This can be used over 4 to 6 weeks and can be used on wigs, weaves, and extensions.
8. Ouidad Deep Treatment Curl Restoration Therapy
The Ouidad Deep Treatment Curl Restoration Therapy is an intensive conditioner that restores curl hydration, shine, and health to your strands. Added heat from wearing a processing plastic cap, mixed with the proteins and amino acids drive this formula deep into the hair’s cuticle for serious rejuvenation. Gain bounce, luster, and highly conditioned curls.
Before using a protein treatment, ensure you understand how they can work in your hair.
Read more: How to Fix Protein Build-Up
