How to benefit from protein conditioners

Protein conditioners are important for afro textured hair due to the fact that most women use heat, relaxers, color and heated appliances on a regular basis to meet their styling needs.  These appliances and chemicals weaken and damage the protein structure of the hair thus leaving gaps.  Protein conditioners coat and protect these weakened areas, temporarily giving the hair more strength.

Let's take a further look at protein conditioners and how they benefit the hair.

How do protein conditioners work?

There are various types of proteins found in protein conditioners that strengthen weakened hair.  Protein hardens the cuticle and puts a barrier around weak hair. They also strengthen dry, brittle hair.  They treat damage from heat styling and chemicals, as well as temporarily strengthening split ends.  (Remember though, the only way to cure split ends is to cut them approximately every six to eight weeks).

There are three types of protein conditioners:

Hardcore reconstructors - These are for the hair that has been severely damaged and breaking.  Remember though, these are very strong and must not be used too frequently since, paradoxically, if overused, they can leave the hair brittle and prone to breakage.

Deep penetrators - Not as strong.  Again, they are used in hair that has been weakened but with slightly less damage.

Light protein - Lightest treatment of all. These are good to maintain the hair strength.

How often?

Generally, it is recommended to use protein moisturizers no more than twice a month.  They must also be followed by a moisturizing conditioner due to the fact that, as mentioned earlier, protein conditioners can leave the hair feeling brittle, especially if used too often.  It can't be emphasized enough that with all the chemicals and heat that we apply to our hair, strenghtening protein treatments and subsequent moisturizing is essential to hair health.

Also, please remember that when you condition your hair do not apply the conditioner to your scalp, since the scalp secretes its own natural moisturizer, sebum. Also, coating the scalp with conditioners or hair products containing petrolatum or mineral oil which can block the pores, and this can lead to dryness.

How to know if a conditioner has protein?

If you want to know if a conditioner has protein, look for the following information on the label:

Amino acids

wheat

egg

keratin

collagen

Of course, for natural, homemade conditioners ingredients include common kitchen staples such as eggs, apple cider vinegar, mayo.  Follow the blog for some good recipes posts.