HairChemistry: Protein Overload

Source: http://www.thenaturalhavenbloom.com/2011/08/protein-treatments-coconut-oil-and.html
Yesterday on DiscoveringNatural Facebook page, we discussed Protein and Natural Hair. The topics ranged from Protein Sensitivity to Protein Treatments to Protein Overload. I have done previous posts on the first two subjects, but wanted to discuss Protein Overload.

What is Protein Overload
In the past, people have thought of Protein Overload as a myth, however, time and time again it has been proven that this situation actually exists. If you have been using protein in your hair without giving yourself a break with a moisture enriched non-protein treatment, and your hair feels dry and brittle, you might be experiencing Protein Overload.

Why we need protein in our hair
Remember, your hair needs protein, therefore there are some types of protein that will attach to the hair and create problems for people that are protein sensitive. Protein helps strengthen the hair and repair damage that has occurred in the hair. Products that contain ingredients such as Hydrolyzed soy protein has the ability to let the protein attach to the hair and provide strengthen properties to the hair strands. There are some other proteins that will do this.

How to reverse Protein Overload
Since Protein Overload can cause severe breakage, it is important to know how to reverse the effect of protein overload.  Here are some steps to take:
  • Clarify your hair with a clarifying shampoo or a sulfate shampoo
  • Use a non-protein deep conditioner (Read the ingredients make sure it contains no protein)
  • Apply a leave in conditioner that does not have any protein
These steps will help you.  Try to avoid using products with protein for at least 2 weeks, then gradually introduce protein back into your "hair's diet".

Have you ever experienced Protein Overload?

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 23, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    Great Post and thanks for posting. No I have not personally experienced protein overload. I don't use lots of protein on my hair, if any. I get my protein internally.

    Thanks for asking, take care!

    Zainab1
    AuNaturale007.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. NappyfuMay 28, 2014 at 7:59 PM

    Nope I've been lucky enough to have a balance between moisture & protein. Still get the equation down but nonetheless working on it.

    ReplyDelete

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