Proteins: A Necessity for Our Natural Hair

BlogHer Original Post

Does our hair NEED protein? Of course it does! Products infused with protein improve the hair’s natural elasticity and strength properties. Now, how much and how often depends on what you are doing to your hair...


Let's first talk about the different types of protein that can be used on our hair:

Animal Protein
     Repairs damage to the outer layers of the hair.
Collagen Protein
     Increases the elasticity of the hair.
Silk Protein
    Tends to soften the hair.
Vegetable Protein
     Can absorb more easily without leaving a build-up on the hair shaft and can attract moisture.
Wheat Protein
     A moisturizing as well as strengthening protein. Also aids in maintaining moisture levels.

Milder applications of proteins would be in the shampoos and conditioners and can be used weekly.  Where you would find stronger amounts would be in Protein treatments and shouldn't be used as often.  They should state on the products to be used every six to eight weeks.  

So, now let's see who needs just a regular weekly treatment or who may need a more intense six to eight week treatment.  If you do any of these things to your hair:

Heat style

You may need to have the more intense treatments.  All the above mentioned can be damaging to your hair but it doesn't mean you can't do them.  It just means you need to understand using or doing those things to your tresses requires more work in keeping the hair healthy.  Now, having Natural hair doesn't mean your hair is healthier than a relaxed woman's if you don't properly take care of it.  You may not be adding harmful chemicals but you may be exposing it to cotton towels, pillow cases instead of wearing a satin bonnet, or even yanking it out with brushes and combs.  

The bottom line is we need to be good to our hair and adding some sort of protein into your routine is a good idea.  I'm afraid it's really trial and error to find which protein may work better for your hair. 

Stay smart Naturals,



