Not everyone’s hair responds well to protein (I’m one of them!), and it can be a fine balance to hit that sweet spot. However, even if your hair doesn't tolerate products with a lot of protein in it, it’s important to remember how crucial protein is and the role it plays in keeping curls healthy and strong. I’ve found ways to ensure my hair still gets the protein it needs without compromising how it looks and feels.
To break it down, hair is primarily composed of a potent, fibrous protein called keratin. Keratin and other protein forms help strengthen hair strands, retain moisture, and repair damage by filling in gaps in the cuticle. Therefore, promoting healthier, more resilient curls. However, too much can lead to "protein overload," resulting in stiff, brittle, and dry hair, which can have the opposite effect and cause breakage and loss of curl pattern. The struggle is real!
Here is how I incorporate protein into my routine after years of trial and error:
CONDITION WITH PROTEIN - My hair responds well to using a conditioner with protein. I think this is largely down to the hair absorbing only what it needs from the nutrients provided, protein being one of them. There's no doubt we curlies like a large helping of conditioner, however, as we rinse out most (or all) of it, it stops the risk of keeping too much protein in the hair. (Too Shea is my favourite!) This isn’t as easy with something like a gel containing protein, especially if we are heavy-handed!
FIND A PROTEIN ALTERNATIVE - My hair doesn’t respond well to protein ingredients like keratin, collagen, hydrolysed wheat, hydrolysed silk, and soy protein. These are on the stronger end of the protein chart, and I find them too heavy for my strong, coarse hair. Flaxseed has been a game changer for me as it mimics protein, but I still get all the benefits, such as structure, frizz reduction, and it improves my hair texture without leaving it in that wirey/straw-like state! I think it also helps that products like Rockin Ringlets or Gelebration Spray, which are flaxseed-based, can be mixed with gels so you can tailor the potency to your liking.
So, if you're finding it difficult to manage, don’t give up on it altogether. Your hair needs it! Find a way to make it work for you to maintain healthy, well-balanced curls.
Love Claire x
To learn more about our Chief Educator click here