Protein overload
Do you find your hair behaving unusually? It might be getting tangled easily, feeling excessively stiff when dry, or appearing dry, fragile, brittle, and weak. These changes could be indicative of protein overload.
Understanding Protein Overload:
Protein overload arises when your hair accumulates an excessive amount of protein. Keratin, a vital protein, imparts strength and luster to your hair. Nevertheless, achieving an ideal balance of both protein and moisture is essential for maintaining the health of your hair.
Consequences of Protein Overload:
When you go overboard with protein, your hair's ability to retain moisture is compromised, resulting in a brittle, straw-like texture.
Addressing Protein Overload:
If you find yourself in this situation, there's no need to fret; the solution is quite straightforward!
Here are a few ways to add moisture back into your hair:
Adding this into your wash day will nourish, hydrate and strengthen the cuticles of your hair. Use a deep conditioning cap for extra moisture!
A clarifying shampoo is perfect for a blank slate and restoring the balance of your curls. This will also remove any product buildup (remember to deep condition after)
Lastly, be cautious about the hair products you use. Check the ingredient lists on your shampoo, conditioner, and styling products to ensure they don't contain protein. Look for words like "hydrolyzed," "keratin," or "collagen," as these often indicate protein content.
Common protein ingredients to look out for:
- Hydrolyzed collagen
- Wheat, quinoa, or soy protein
- Silk protein
- Keratin
- Oat flour
- Amino acids
Remember every hair type is unique, for some, fixing protein overload can take a few days, for some it can take months. Continue assessing your hair daily and look out for the ingredients on your products.