Protein question: stylers

jaclyn15 · 11-19-2012, 11:42 AM

I have a protein question - when you use protein in your stylers, does that add protein to the hair the same way a protein treatment would? Does it have a lasting effect? Or does it rinse out when you wash?

I find my hair needs moderate protein but not too much, so I have never actually done a PT. But my hair does seem to like some protein in the style regimen. I'm still trying to figure out this balancing act!

Thanks in advance!

Starmie · 11-19-2012, 09:59 PM

My hair doesn't like too much protein, I never do pt's as it's just too much and find I can manage with a protein co. once a week or so (it's often less than that). That said, I seem to be able to tolerate protein in stylers ok, I don't know whether that's because they absorb differently (or at all?) or whether they're different somehow, or it's just my hair being weird! Another of those trial and error situations.

jaclyn15 · 11-20-2012, 10:17 AM

Hm glad to know I'm not the only one. I've been CG for over a year now but protein is the one thing I can't seem to understand. If I don't use any my hair seems a little flat but definitely not bad... But it springs to life with a protein styler and looks even better. BUT THEN it can feel a little dry with that styler. And if I use a RO condish with protein it doesn't seem to hydrate enough as my non protein condish.

I just don't know what I'm doing with protein lol

tricello · 11-20-2012, 10:53 AM

I have been wondering this too. I like my hair with protein in stylers but it does dry it more than non-protein stylers. So I wondered how the hair reacts to a true protein treatment versus a styler. Like, would it be better to do a PT followed by a DT for curl health versus just getting protein from a styler? Does a PT last longer? Is my styler protein just getting washed down the drain at every wash?

I notice we are all 3bs here too, I wonder if protein is quirky on 3bs in particular. (though I know everyone says hair type matters more).

jaclyn15 · 11-20-2012, 11:17 AM

Good question about protein affecting 3b curls! My hair is sort of in between - I definitely need tons of moisture, but I also need hold. I think lots of 3bs may be in this situation just from what I've observed.

I have also wondered whether it is better to PT and follow with a DT, but I am scared of turning my hair to straw so I never try it! Especially since my hair has gotten dry before from protein stylers.

Has anyone else experimented with this successfully? Are there products/conditioners with moderate protein that work best?

triple_spiral · 11-20-2012, 12:16 PM

My hair does not react well to protein. I find that I have *better* luck with regular PTs rather than using protein in my stylers or leave-ins. The only PT I use is Repair Me, which is not drying or tangly at all....I'm not sure how my hair would react to something cheaper or homemade because I haven't done that in two years.

kathymack · 11-20-2012, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tricello

I have been wondering this too. I like my hair with protein in stylers but it does dry it more than non-protein stylers. So I wondered how the hair reacts to a true protein treatment versus a styler. Like, would it be better to do a PT followed by a DT for curl health versus just getting protein from a styler? Does a PT last longer? Is my styler protein just getting washed down the drain at every wash?

I notice we are all 3bs here too, I wonder if protein is quirky on 3bs in particular. (though I know everyone says hair type matters more).

My hair is corkicelli. Very similar to the young lady on the cover of the CG Book. It never met a protein it didn't like. I do at least one PT a week and use a lot of products with protein. Also use some of the milder PTs as my leave in. I find that protein tightens my curl and cuts down on frizz.