I think I need protein, but what kind and how much?

BotticelliBabe · 10-07-2008, 11:31 PM

I use honey every time I wash/cowash, and I've noticed some dryness lately, but only when I brush out before I get in the shower. I was thinking maybe I should do a protein treatment, but the more I looked into it, the more confused I was. I've become a pro at oils, but there are so many different types and concentrations of proteins that I just don't know where to start! I was going to get some LeKair Cholesterol, but when I read the ingredients, I saw a cone, so I put it back (I'm trying to go mod CG again for the winter).

So, if I'm getting dryness and dullness and my hair is getting a little flyaway, what kind of protein treatment should I do, and how should I do it? I'm so confused!

kathymack · 10-08-2008, 04:27 AM

Nexxus Emergencee is CG and very easy. I think you only need to keep it on a few minutes. Since going "natural," I haven't felt the need for protein or cassia treatment in two months.

andrabell · 10-08-2008, 06:21 AM

My hair loves protein and my holy grail hair care is by Cocoa Pink: www.cpsoap.com

It's all handmade, no premade bases and free of parabens and either very low in dimethicone or totally silicone free.

The Soulmate and Hydration hair masks are wonderful as deep treatments. You can order sample sizes, which is always a good thing. The shine these products give my hair is unreal.

*I'm not affiliated in any way with CP, just a fangirl.

CalamityM · 10-08-2008, 08:53 AM

My hair dresser told me that curly hair is naturally a little dry. I was trying all these different treatments on my hair, but it made the curl sort of fall out. He said that it's okay if it's a little dry. My curls form better like this. Once I put my curl keeper in, and style my hair, it doesn't feel dry at all. It's only a bit crunch if it let it dry naturally, and then brush it. Then I can sort of feel that it's not silky smooth, like when I used to use silicones.

You have lovely hair by the way!

SunshineGrrl · 10-08-2008, 09:11 AM

Calamity! I haven't seen you around lately! I thought about putting you on the MIA list, but didn't know if it was just me not seeing you posting.

Anywho, back to the question. I like me some Joico KPak conditioner. Mainly the knockoff because I'm a cheapskate. Found it at Sally's. I like it because it's actually comprised of Keratin, which is what out hair is. It's easier for the hair to absorb and people tend to have less problems with sensitivity to it.

Arjae · 10-08-2008, 09:15 AM

Hi CalamityM! I haven't seen you and your beautiful hair in a while.

I have a question for you...you said "It's only a bit crunch if it let it dry naturally, and then brush it". Does that mean you brush your hair dry? Or you occasionally do?
And BB, do you brush your hair dry before getting in the shower?
Sorry for the bit of guano, but I just had to know.

CalamityM · 10-08-2008, 09:45 AM

To answer your question, I NEVER brush my hair if I have put gel in it, and I'm wearing it curl. I comb the gel into my hair, scrunch, and diffuse my hair, the let it dry naturally.

If I'm lazy, and don't feel like doing anything for a few days, I wash my hair, put nothing in it, and wear it wavy. I'll comb it out when it's dry, and pull it back into a ponytail, or clip it up. It looks a bit frizzy and dry when I go this route, but sometimes I just can't be bothered with my hair. When it's like this, I will comb it to get the tangles out.

(Thanks for welcoming me back guys! I've been away for a while, and didn't have time to check this forum! )

BotticelliBabe · 10-08-2008, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathymack

Nexxus Emergencee is CG and very easy. I think you only need to keep it on a few minutes. Since going "natural," I haven't felt the need for protein or cassia treatment in two months.

Hmm - there's an idea. And I think my Wal Mart carries Nexxus, too. Just as soon as I can afford it, I'm getting three or four things from KBB as well - I'm fairly certain that's the answer for me, too - I just can't afford it yet! Which reminds me - didn't they have a free shipping deal?

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrabell

My hair loves protein and my holy grail hair care is by Cocoa Pink: www.cpsoap.com

It's all handmade, no premade bases and free of parabens and either very low in dimethicone or totally silicone free.

The Soulmate and Hydration hair masks are wonderful as deep treatments. You can order sample sizes, which is always a good thing. The shine these products give my hair is unreal.

*I'm not affiliated in any way with CP, just a fangirl.

I saw their stuff last week, and now they are on my list of stuff to try! Now I just have to decide what to get. *lol*

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalamityM

My hair dresser told me that curly hair is naturally a little dry. I was trying all these different treatments on my hair, but it made the curl sort of fall out. He said that it's okay if it's a little dry. My curls form better like this. Once I put my curl keeper in, and style my hair, it doesn't feel dry at all. It's only a bit crunch if it let it dry naturally, and then brush it. Then I can sort of feel that it's not silky smooth, like when I used to use silicones.

You have lovely hair by the way!

Welcome back, Calamity!! We missed you! (and thanks for the compliment - that means a ton coming from you!)

And Rose J, I do always dry brush with a goody ouchless paddle brush before I get my hair wet. If I don't, I just wind up welding the tangles into a big knot that can't be resolved without scissors.

redcelticcurls · 10-08-2008, 10:44 AM

Just to take things on a different track, if you are getting dryness, maybe you are having too much protein? Honey contains amino acids, so you are already getting a protein shot every time you use it. Granted, its a small shot, but it could build up over time.

Have you considered a low/non protein moisture treatment to see if that helps?

BotticelliBabe · 10-08-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redcelticcurls

Just to take things on a different track, if you are getting dryness, maybe you are having too much protein? Honey contains amino acids, so you are already getting a protein shot every time you use it. Granted, its a small shot, but it could build up over time.

Have you considered a low/non protein moisture treatment to see if that helps?

I had thought about that too, but after searching through ingredients on just about every bottle I have, I've come to the conclusion that I'm already on a low/non protein regimen. And last week, I did a 48 hour ABUHO DT under a shower cap and didn't see any noticeable difference, which I figured I should after that long. So, I figured I must need some protein.

I'm confused though - after reading the curl chemist article on honey, I gleaned that honey, if used often (like I use it), actually takes a little bit of protein out of your hair. Did I read that wrong? Because that's certainly possible, too. I'm no scientist!! *lol*

Help!

DEL2C · 10-08-2008, 02:26 PM

Hey Babe

I don't understand about the LeKair Cholesterol? Did they change the formula? I got my own tub and read each ingredient and there is NO cone in this one? Mine is orange and it says PLUS

is this the one you were looking for??? I didn't realize that we were getting Protein in our honey that's new to me! I really like this stuff when my hair is super dry which hasn't been since the Winter. Oh and the Long Hair forums really like this stuff too!

islandmixed · 10-08-2008, 02:35 PM

I still dont understand what the difference is when using protein or not LOL...i dont see any difference when i use my co washes.

So honey has protein in it? i never knew that and i add honey & shea butter to my conditionor for my co washes...works so good. i dont have dryness at all, only the crunch when i apply my styling product.

DEL2C · 10-08-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by islandmixed

I still dont understand what the difference is when using protein or not LOL...i dont see any difference when i use my co washes.

So honey has protein in it? i never knew that and i add honey & shea butter to my conditionor for my co washes...works so good. i dont have dryness at all, only the crunch when i apply my styling product.

If you don't notice the difference than your locks aren't protein sensitive, that's a good thing!! I find that if I use Protein on a regular basis such as in Leave ins or Styling my hair becomes like STRAW, very yucky!

BotticelliBabe · 10-08-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEL2C

Hey Babe

I don't understand about the LeKair Cholesterol? Did they change the formula? I got my own tub and read each ingredient and there is NO cone in this one? Mine is orange and it says PLUS

is this the one you were looking for??? I didn't realize that we were getting Protein in our honey that's new to me! I really like this stuff when my hair is super dry which hasn't been since the Winter. Oh and the Long Hair forums really like this stuff too!

I think they did change the formula. Why does everybody have to do that?! Yeah - same tub, and I saw a cone for sure...can't remember if it was cyclomethicone, dimethicone, or cyclopentasiloxane. I think it was one of those three, anyway. Positive side though, MIL has a tub she's giving me that's almost full from years ago...I bet it's the old cone-free formula!

DEL2C · 10-08-2008, 03:07 PM

Wow that BLOWS! I only got my tub last Winter! I can't believe they changed it. You might be able to find ithe older version in a Drug Store if you like the Swapped one. Walmart probably goes through their stock faster!