Protein Hair Treatments

Q: Is too much protein in your hair bad for it? And can it cause it to break?

A: Protein in hair treatments can lead to the hair feeling stiff and hard when overused, but the hair DOES need protein, especially when damaged. Protein treatments are used to help "repair" damaged hair by filling in the hair shaft and giving it added strength and therefore longevity.

Many women who use high-protein hair treatments report that some of the products made their hair feel "dry" or "hard". This can sometimes be associated with breakage because the hair is more rigid. This is often due to the fact that the women often misuse the products in question. They think that they need a product when they don't or the product isn't suited for their hair type.

The fact is, that too much of any "beneficial" styling product can have negative effects. Deep conditioning treatments using cholesterol are great for very dry, coarse hair types, but will make mildly dry medium hair types feel oily and flat and can make fine hair types just look greasy. Protein treatments are the same. They are meant to bolster the hair that has sustained damage, and generally are not used more than once a week in more severe cases of damage.

If you think you have damaged hair and need a protein treatment, try asking your stylist for a second opinion before you buy some treatment product and self-medicate the hair. You may just have some simple dry hair issues that are better handled by using a moisture-rich treatment or the addition of an anti-frizz serum into your hair routine.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

Damaged hair

Treat damaged hair with re-constructors and protein treatments

Body building tips for hair