Yes, You Do Need Protein

[kathymack]

I read through the threads and most of them are about avoiding protein for the protein sensitive. Lots of people are afraid to use products with protein. In the Spring, Jillipoo discussed the fact that she avoided protein without reason--and then looked to add products with protein.

I have had more frizz of late, no matter what products I've been using--KCCC, WSP, Donna Marie and Innersense QCCC. Even adding gel didn't help. My old HGs just weren't responding as they had--I even removed some from the list! After reviewing the ingredients lists from my more natural products, I figured out that I had gone almost protein free. One product had wheat protein, one wheat germ oil as the the last ingredient before fragrance and preservative.

I it up. The last time I did a protein treatment with Nexxus Emergencee was 7/27/08. Instead of making it a big deal, I did two minutes in the shower as per package directions. I could feel the difference in the shower! My hair is almost dry and I have nicely defined curls, good volume and almost no frizz--also no gel! Today I used Donna Marie CCB and WSP.

Bottom line, if you aren't protein sensitive. Make sure you have it in your regime.

[MimsTX]

very very very true. I accidentally did the same thing for awhile, and ended up overconditioned with limp, lifeless icky hair until I clued in.

So glad you chimed in on this kathymack Might help save another curly several weeks of frustration while they try to figure out what's wrong.

[Curly Girl Fla]

I really think protein has been treated unfairly on this forum, lol! Those that are protein-sensitive bring the issues to the forefront, which is a good thing since others can experience the same problems. But, all in all, I think most people can handle "normal" amounts of protein fairly regularly. There usually just needs to be a good protein/moisture balance. My hair has always loved protein, but I cut back a bit when I started using henna months ago. Henna initially had a drying effect, and I didn't want to exacerbate the situation. A few weeks ago I began using things with different proteins, not all-natural, but good ingredients mixed with natural ones. My hair is loving it ! Good post, as usual Kathymack ...

[onethousandcurls]

My hair does noticably better with KBB Nectar than Giovanni DLI, and I was using Giovanni for a long time, so I think it's the protein. But I should have some protein, even if I might be sensitive to it?

[kathymack]

Originally Posted by onethousandcurls

My hair does noticably better with KBB Nectar than Giovanni DLI, and I was using Giovanni for a long time, so I think it's the protein. But I should have some protein, even if I might be sensitive to it?

I think rcc found that she could reintroduce certain proteins into her regime.

I was having several issues beside more frizz. My curls weren't quite as tight and my crown/canopy was really dry and disgusting. Today, it looks like I got a haircut my curls are so tight and my crown/canopy is fine--no dryness, just nice tight corkscrews.

I might even revisit avocado oil in my soap bars. Maybe that wasn't an issue??

[LoloDSM]

Good thread, Kathy Mack. My hair LOVES protein, so I try to use my protein conditioners once or twice a week. They make a huge difference.

[Curlygoddess]

very true Kathymack
I did not think about how lack of protein can cause frizz
With our hair being made up mostly of protein if we keep depleting it and never adding it our strands will eventually end up falling apart. Frizz probably being the first stage and then eventually leading to beakage.

[msgiblet]

Absolutely ITA!! Protein is important for keeping the hair strong. Luckily, my hair loves it and I always make sure it's somewhere in my routine, although I don't use it daily. I also believe very strongly in doing protein treatments about 10 days before and 10 days after coloring & highlighting whether I think I need a DT or not. Coloring and highlighting is going to cause some damage no matter how careful one is.

[Narnia]

Originally Posted by msgiblet

I also believe very strongly in doing protein treatments about 10 days before and 10 days after coloring & highlighting

What would be something that is considered a "protein treatment," that isn't something I have to order online (I'm feeling like all the good stuff has to be ordered!)

[msgiblet]

Originally Posted by Narnia

What would be something that is considered a "protein treatment," that isn't something I have to order online (I'm feeling like all the good stuff has to be ordered!)

I'm not a good one to ask because I'm using up one I got on-line and haven't tried a local one yet. I think a lot like the one kathymack mentioned above -- Nexxus Emergencee.

[redcelticcurls]

Originally Posted by onethousandcurls

My hair does noticably better with KBB Nectar than Giovanni DLI, and I was using Giovanni for a long time, so I think it's the protein. But I should have some protein, even if I might be sensitive to it?

It depends on the serverity of your sensitivity. You may be able to use the DLI occasionally, but probably not all of the time. You could rotate the KBB with the DLI and see how that works for you.

I can use keratin, and only keratin, once a week, and that's it. My hair is naturally strong and coarse, so it has plenty of its own protein. I don't need to add much. Stereotypically, finer haired curlies will need more protein than coarse haired curlies. YMMV.

Kathymack, wheat germ oil, if it is processed properly, is protein free because it is 100% fat. Fats are protein free.

[starg2008]

is aogpb a protein conditoner? i thought that i was protein sensitive until i started using karen's,my hair got extra mushy then i tried the aogpd and my hair got mushier i was so scared to even touch my hair it was so mushy. so i did a clarifying shampoo and it felt much better. now im confused,should i try a stronger protein treatment when my hair gets like that again.? i may be just sensitive to some ingredients and not protein,sorry to make your heads spin.

[Saria]

It's great you posted this. I do see a lot of new posters thinking/wondering if they're protein sensitive. It does seem like protein gets a little vilified around here.

[redcelticcurls]

IIRC, mushy hair usually means that you need more protein.

GPB is a fairly protein heavy regular conditioner. I don't know if I'd call it a protein treatment per se. It was too much for me.

If your hair is still mushy after protein, you might need a stronger treatment like the Aphogee one.

A more protein tolerant person can answer you more properly. I just watned to chime in about the mushy part.

[kathymack]

I really like the Nexxus Emergencee because it's easy. Not sure if the Aphogee is the one I saw at Sally's or there's a Sally's version. You need to read the ingredients, I know I saw mineral oil when I read the ingredients for one I looked at when visiting Sally's. Just a caution--you still have to be ingredient savvy.

[curlymaybe]

Thank you for this thread. Jillipoo's blog entry made me re-evaluate my haircare routine and my hair has been so happy since I've incorporated protein. Also, the Curl Chemist blog on this site had a great article explaining how protein works.

[redcelticcurls]

I mentioned Aphogee since there was a huge thread over on 4a about how it well it worked, especially for the tighter curl patterns.

I do use a protein tx with mineral oil. I wouldn't recommend it for the mineral oil sensitive, but it shouldn't hurt on occasion for the non-sensitive.

[LoloDSM]

Originally Posted by Narnia

What would be something that is considered a "protein treatment," that isn't something I have to order online (I'm feeling like all the good stuff has to be ordered!)

It isn't a protein treatment per se, but I use Aubrey Organics' GPB conditioner when I need protein and Korres' Color Conserve Conditioner after coloring my hair. They both do the job and are available locally - AO at a health food store and Korres at Ulta or Sephora.

[curlymaybe]

Aubrey Organics Swimmer's Conditioner is a light protein that is vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free for our eco-conscious curlies.

[CurlyHairedFarmer]

I am sensitive to certain proteins. However, I still do a protein treatment every so often because otherwise my hair gets gross feeling and begins to break.