What I learned About Protein For Natural Hair

Everything I thought I knew about natural hair is being challenged.  I recently came to the realization that despite the controversy surrounding protein treatments for hair, there is no reason that I should consider it a foe. As curlies we are taught to fear protein because it can be harsh for your tresses, and eventually lead to breakage. So I avoided it like the plague. Every single step of my hair regimen contained moisture- loaded products. After six years and 4 times of on and off-again natural hair journeys, I have come to understand that protein is actually a friend of mine.

I was determined to avoid protein whenever possible, aside from occasional hard protein treatments like Aphogee or Organic Root Stimulator’s Hair mayo. And by occasional, I mean every few months or so. My hair was “mushy”, lacked elasticity, and was shedding like crazy. I was definitely over-moisturizing. I started researching the role of protein for hair, and how to keep a healthy protein moisture balance without tipping too heavy onto one side of the scale. What I found made so much sense.

I learned that the finer your hair strands are, the more protein your hair needs, to replenish its lost strength.  Hydrolyzed silk protein, keratin protein, vegetable protein and wheat protein are the types that I’m interested in learning more about. The word “hydrolyzed” before the type of protein is important because it means that it is small enough to bind to your hair cuticle/ shaft and aid in repairing it. Naturallycurly.com even got in on the action when they posted about hygral fatigue and sure signs that you may need more protein in your regimen.

So I started incorporating light protein products into my daily/weekly hair regimen and I’m eager to take note of the change in the way my hair behaves. Including protein in my hair routine wasn’t difficult at all, because there are so many products that contain at least some form of protein in them. V05 moisture milks conditioner has always been a favorite of mine for cowashing, which is great because the conditioner contains biotin and soy milk proteins. I’m also making an effort to perform a protein treatment every other week, or as needed- on wash day, which could range in strength from my DIY greek yogurt treatment to a stronger treatment like Curl Junkie’s deep fix treatment or Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner. Of course everything in moderation, and I definitely plan to maintain a balance with moisture to protect my curls, but I’m so happy that I’m a step closer to understanding the needs of my hair. I am in no way shape or form implying that protein will be my curl savior– I’m just happy that I no longer fear it.