question about proteins

texasgal71 · 07-28-2007, 09:27 AM

Besides the obvious non-water-soluble cones and harsh sulfates that I know are bad for most curlies, I am on the fence as to whether my hair likes proteins. I never even knew they could be BAD.

So, stupid question here that I know I could google but doubt I could find the info/opinion in the context I need like I could by just asking here:

are amino acids proteins (wheat, soy, silk)? Is Panthenol? Or will a protein just say PROTEIN in an ingredient list? Like one I have says "wheat protein" while others say "wheat amino acids"

I'm basically trying to start from scratch with NOTHING that might irritate my hair and just add on from there to find the culprit(s) and the right concoctions for my hair

FWIW prior to CG I had always purchased poo and condish for dry/damaged/color treated hair for the extra "moisturizing" benefits. But despite a new water softener and all those "hydrating" shampoos and condish, my hair still seemed dry/brittle. And of course looking at the ingredients NOW it seems there are lots of proteins in those products. So now I am just wondering if it was also partly the proteins that were hurting my hair . B/C even now I am on low poo, CG friendly condish and styling prod and still have dryness. I know part is just TIME, but some of my stuff has those amino acids and wondering if that can be hurting my hair???

Thanks

redcelticcurls · 07-28-2007, 09:33 AM

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, so they can act like proteins on the hair. Results as far as buildup vary by individual.

If it says "hydrolized", it is a protein. Hydrolized wheat, milk, oats, pearls, whatver. It's protein.

Panthenol, if I remember correctly is used as a humectant and isn't a protein.

If you have been cg'ing a few weeks at least and still feel really dry, you could eliminate proteins and see if that is the culprit.

echokitten · 07-28-2007, 10:09 AM

Panthenol is a B vitamin that is used as a humectant. I eliminated most, Like 90% of the proteins prods I used and found that was the problem for me. Niw I just stick to 3-4 prods that are pretty much protein free and I am good to go right now. I just am dreading the winter product change though....

FuzzyMonster · 07-28-2007, 10:14 AM

Here is a good article about proteins:

http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlco...s.php?id=10471

My understanding is that they sort of "fill in" damaged hair, if that makes sense. The way I understand it is that if your hair is healthy, you probably don't need proteins. Your hair will start to get buildup because the protein doesn't have anywhere to fill in.

texasgal71 · 07-28-2007, 11:34 AM

Thanks everyone

That helps a lot

Echokitten - I am still cracking up about your "childabuse" photo in your profile. Is that you? (the child) If so I guess you are an '80's baby

BTW your curls are TDF! Love them! I think I can get that curly, but will never ever have the volume or get the styling looks you do - just not enough hair

Plus my ears stick out so the do'rag and the pull backed on the sides claw look won't work - LOL. But you look great!

texasgal71 · 07-28-2007, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FuzzyMonster

My understanding is that they sort of "fill in" damaged hair, if that makes sense. The way I understand it is that if your hair is healthy, you probably don't need proteins. Your hair will start to get buildup because the protein doesn't have anywhere to fill in.

Hmmm, didn't think of it that way. I am not sure my hair is really that damaged - I do heat style (well, did) but only about 50% of the time and my highlights are minimal and infrequent..... so it could be proteins still making my hair feel sort of dry. I think I will eliminate them completely and build from there.

Thanks!