Keratin is the protein that makes up over ninety per cent of your hair. If your hair lacks protein, therefore, it’s going to be in poor condition, regardless of what conditioner and shampoo you’re using.
Your hair needs protein to remain healthy, strong and elastic. However, long-term exposure to natural elements like the wind, heat, sun and some chemicals causes the proteins in your locks to break down. Fortunately, your hair can recover from this with the right protein treatment.
Why You Need Hair Protein Treatments
Protein treatments add hydrolyzed proteins to the hair follicle, making your hair strands more elastic and more robust. These treatments fill holes or gaps in the hair cuticle and protect the zone around the hair shaft to prevent future damage.
When To Apply Protein Treatments
You can do the elasticity test to check the protein levels of your hair and determine its ability to stretch without breaking. To do this test, hold a strand of your hair between your forefinger and thumb and then pull it. If the strand stretches but doesn’t return, or it breaks easily, that means your hair lacks protein.
The porosity test provides another way to check the protein levels of your hair. Porous hair absorbs water quickly which can result in breakage. To do the porosity test, place several strands of hair in water. Highly absorbent hair will sink due to holes in the hair cuticle.
Protein treatments will find and fill these holes to produce hair strands with low porosity. If your locks have become fragile and brittle or feel dry, sticky, or gummy when touched, it is another sign that you need protein treatments.
What To Consider When Using Protein Treatments
Protein treatments are ideal for all hair types. They’re particularly useful for those with highly porous, damaged, dry, colour-treated, textured, or dehydrated hair. There are different forms of protein treatments, such as protein hair masks, conditioners and shampoos. You can also make a DIY treatment or buy a more intense deep-conditioning formula.
Another option is to go for salon procedures like cysteine and keratin treatments. These treatments use more potent chemicals so they must be carried out by certified professionals. Since there are so many different protein treatments, it is a good idea to consult your hairdresser before trying anything; many salons provide online consultations.
If you want something you can use at home, you can try leave-in conditioners. These products are particularly ideal for curly hair because they can loosen stubborn knots. You only need to apply the product, and you are good to go.
Benefits Of Hair Protein Treatments
The main benefits of a hair protein treatment are that it helps soften the hair, restore its elasticity and reduce hair breakage. It also makes hair stronger and more manageable by locking moisture into your hair shaft.
Difference Between At-Home And Salon Treatments
Salon protein treatments carry additional health risks because they contain strong chemicals like formaldehyde that can dry and damage hair, especially when combined with heat. For this reason, experts prefer at-home protein treatments.
Protein treatment replaces the protein that has been damaged or lost, which helps strengthen the hair follicle. Protein treatments also improve the hair follicle’s elasticity by boosting the bonds and protein matrix to prevent split ends or breakage.
These treatments lock in nourishment and help prevent transepidermal water loss by sealing and restoring the cuticle. Another benefit is that protein treatments improve the hair’s overall appearance, density, strength and elasticity, resulting in healthier and better locks.
How And When To Use Protein Treatments
You should monitor your locks for protein deficiency to establish whether you need any treatment. At-home treatments can be used weekly or monthly while salon treatments work best as seasonal or annual applications, depending on your scalp and hair condition.
At-home treatments can take the form of hair products or DIY masks that contain protein. You can improve the effectiveness of the treatment by adding heat. Start by applying the product to your hair using a wide-toothed comb or your fingers.
Then, wrap your locks into a bun and put on a shower cap or any covering. Apply heat to the hair with a blow dryer. Remove your shower cap and rinse your hair. You may need to condition and shampoo your hair after the treatment. That depends on the product’s instructions, so make sure to check it out.
Conclusion
Protein treatments can make your hair resilient and more manageable, but the treatments should only be used as directed. Using protein treatments daily can cause more damage to your hair. To be on the safe side, you should talk to a stylist before using any protein treatment.
If you see signs of damage in your hair, you should give Vinci Hair Clinic a call. We’re here to help with all your hair issues. Take advantage of the complimentary consultation offer and book your appointment today.
