Hair contains protein, which is an essential component that can be harmed by a variety of things you encounter on a daily basis. Protein treatments, which are frequently included in hair care products, are intended to strengthen and restore damaged hair. But how can you tell which protein-promoting products are best for you when there are so many on the market?
What are Protein Treatments?
Keratin, a protein that is securely bonded and necessary for hair, is what builds up hair strands.
You can avoid protein loss from the hair fiber by using protein hair treatments. Frizz, roughness, split ends, and dry ends can result from protein loss, particularly in curly hair. These treatments restore lost protein and give damaged hair a break by locking in keratin and amino acids.
Why Does Our Hair Need Protein?
A crucial component of skin, hair, and nails, keratin is necessary for our overall wellness. It is frequently utilized for keratin treatments because of its strength, which keeps it from dissolving in acids, alkalis, solvents, or water. It is also unaffected by other bodily substances.
The Benefits of Protein to Hair Health
Increased Hydration
Protein treatments improve moisture retention, which benefits hair health. They keep hair nourished and hydrated by sealing the cuticle. People with dry or frizzy hair and those who live in arid or humid conditions may especially benefit from this.
Frizz Control
By filling in the cuticle’s rough areas and gaps, protein treatments can make hair smoother, more humidity-resistant, and less prone to frizz. When applied to unruly, frizzy, or dull hair, these treatments help improve manageability and shine.
Strengthens Hair
Protein treatments lessen hair brittleness and breakage by restoring its elasticity and strength. They restore the internal structure of the hair, giving it greater strength and elasticity. These treatments minimize damage from brushing, styling, and normal wear and tear, making them especially helpful for chemically treated or heat-damaged hair.
Reduces Breakage
Protein treatments are necessary for strengthening the hair shaft, increasing its resilience to breakage, and preventing additional damage. The key to longer, healthier hair is protein treatments, which fortify the structure of the hair, encourage hair growth.
What Type of Protein Does Our Hair Need?
As mentioned earlier, keratin is the primary type of protein that makes up hair strands. Aside from the hair, keratin is also the main kind of protein that makes up the nails and epidermis.
Surprisingly, your body contains 54 kinds of keratin, namely:
Type 1
Your body contains twenty-eight type I keratins. Of those, 11 are keratins found in your hair, and 17 are keratins found in the skin cells (epithelial). Low-weight, acidic proteins make up the majority of type I keratins, also known as cytokeratins. Among their various roles is the defense of cells against internal forces (mechanical stress) in the body.
Type II
Type II keratins make up the remaining 26 types in your body. Six of those are keratins found in hair, while twenty are found in skin cells. They are made up of high-weight, basic-neutral proteins. Their basic-neutral pH helps to control cell activity and balance type I keratins.
The Form of Keratin Found In Humans
Alpha Keratins
Alpha-keratins are the fibrous and helical form of keratin found in humans and other mammals’ wool. They are found in hair, epidermis, horns, and nails, and can be classified as type I or type II keratins.
How Can You Tell If Your Hair Needs Protein?
As previously stated, a lack of protein in hair can result from a number of things, such as regular wear and tear, chemical treatments, and hair dye. Hair requires proteins as building blocks, and when the body lacks them, it puts body processes ahead of healthy hair growth, which weakens follicles and makes hair more brittle.
Hair is limp
Protein-deficient hair will not look as voluminous and bouncy as it usually does. It will be stringy, dull, and lifeless.
Hair lacks elasticity
Make sure your hair is dry and gently stretch a strand. When released, healthy hair should bounce back and have some elasticity. Split-end hair is prone to breaking or snapping without being stretched.
Irregular hair shedding
Losing up to 100 hair strands per day is common. If you’re losing more, you ought to seek help right away because it may indicate a protein deficiency.
How Do Protein Hair Treatments Work?
Protein treatments are essential for hair care, replenishing lost protein, and strengthening the hair shaft. They range from deep conditioning to keratin therapies, each tailored to address specific hair concerns.
These treatments deliver essential proteins like hydrolyzed keratin, collagen, or silk proteins directly to the hair shaft, strengthening hair, improving elasticity, and enhancing appearance. They temporarily fill in gaps caused by stressors that lead to protein loss, fortifying the hair’s structure.
How Often Should You Use Protein Treatments?
The frequency of protein treatments varies depending on the hair type and treatment type. While more intensive treatments should be used less frequently, usually every 4 to 6 weeks, gentler treatments can be used more regularly, like once a week.
To find out how often protein treatments are suitable for your hair type, it’s crucial to speak with a qualified hair care practitioner to avoid damaging your hair.
Possible Side Effects and Protein Overload
Although protein therapies have many advantages, they can also have negative effects if used excessively or incorrectly. Before beginning any protein therapy, it is important to be informed of these potential side effects.
Protein Overload
A common side effect of protein treatment for hair is protein overload, which makes the hair dry, stiff, and brittle. This may lead to more breaking and shedding, a straw-like texture, and a loss of natural bounce. Protein treatments must be balanced with moisturizing conditioners to prevent protein overload, which can cause hair to become less flexible and more prone to breaking.
Dryness and Breakage
Protein treatments can help repair damaged hair but can also lead to dryness and brittleness if not paired with the right moisturizing products. Excessive protein buildup can cause hair to become fragile and snap easily, especially when used excessively. Prevent breakage by spacing out protein treatments; this allows hair to recover and rehydrate between sessions.
Sensitive Scalp and Allergic Reactions
Some people may experience allergic reactions to protein therapy. Symptoms might include itching, rashes, redness, and developing a sensitive scalp. The harsh chemicals used in the treatment can cause dryness, flakiness, and irritation by removing the scalp’s natural oils.
Before receiving a complete protein treatment, it is important to perform a patch test and seek professional advice in order to prevent adverse side effects.
Are Protein Treatments Worth It?
Protein treatments can help weak or damaged hair become stronger and more resilient. However, damage and stiffness can result from excessive use. With this in mind, and weighing the pros and cons of it, protein treatments are an excellent addition to one’s regimen, since they can enhance hair quality when used properly.
Summary and Conclusions
Protein treatments are crucial for hair health, restoring and strengthening damaged hair. They work by delivering essential proteins like hydrolyzed keratin, collagen, or silk proteins to the hair shaft, improving elasticity and appearance. However, excessive use can lead to damage and stiffness, so it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before choosing the best protein-promoting products.
