3 Effective Protein Treatments for Curly Hair

Most curly hair has been through it all; from chemical damage thanks to straighteners and relaxers to everyday wear and tear like sun damage and tight up-dos. In order to return essential strength and shine where breakage occurs, protein treatment for curly hair should become a part of your routine.

When To Use A Protein Treatment for Curly Hair

Protein treatments are a given if you’re transitioning your hair from chemical processing to its natural, curly texture. If the hair feels particularly dry and prone to breakage, it’s time for a protein treatment. When wet, hair has a natural stretchy elasticity. If missing, this can serve as another indicator.

However, these treatments should be used sparingly because the same strengthening ingredients can dry hair out. You’ll know you’ve overdone it if hair suddenly feels brittle and straw-like. In this way, it’s critical to always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.

Many get confused but note that protein treatment is different from cholesterol hair treatment. Below are our top three protein treatments, from medium to light and DIY to save you a buck or two.

1. Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

At $6, the Cantu Shea Butter Masque is a must-have for your bathroom. Made with organic shea butter, this protein treatment for curly hair locks in moisture bonds on your hair shaft to restore that iconic bounce to your curls. To apply, massage from scalp to ends and wait 15 minutes.

2. ApHogee 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor

Not all hair is in serious need of repair. Light protein treatments for curly hair help with overall up-keep, and our favorite is by ApHogee. Look out for ‘keratin,’ which is a structural protein perfect for giving hair a boost.

Use after every shampoo until you start to experience less breakage, then incorporate once every few weeks as needed. ApHogee also makes a two-step protein treatment if you’re in need of stronger restoration.

3. Egg + Yogurt DIY Pack

An egg and yogurt pack is the perfect natural protein treatments for curly hair. Rich in protein, eggs make hair smooth and shiny. Plus, they are cheap! Yogurt also contains protein, as well as lactic acids that cleanse the scalp. Look for additive-free, plain greek yogurt for best results.

To make, beat one egg and two tablespoons of yogurt in a small bowl to form a paste (dry hair should use the yolk, oily, the egg white, and combination hair the whole egg). Apply the mixture to hair and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water and shampoo and condition as normal.

Benefits of Protein Treatments

• These treatments bind proteins to the cuticle layer of your hair shaft to restore damage and elasticity by making them stronger and less subject to future damage.
• Products or natural ingredients rich in botanicals, oils, and vitamins will restore essential strength, moisture, and promote hair growth.

As long as you don’t overuse protein treatments for curly hair, then incorporating them into your hair routine will change your curls forever. Whether you use a light, medium, or natural product, this repair will bind proteins to the hair shaft and return strength and shine to your bouncy curls.

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