Your hair needs nutrients and vitamins to grow. You need to keep your hair and scalp clean if you want healthy hair. You need to fight tangles in order to prevent breakage and hair loss, and of course, your hair needs moisture to look and feel healthy. You also need to seal moisture into your hair, to prevent it from drying out.

But this isn’t a perfect recipe to healthy hair; it lacks one key ingredient: protein. You may know that protein is necessary for hair growth; you may even incorporate protein into your diet or give your hair regular protein treatments. 

The structure of a hair strand

Your hair is made out of a protein called keratin. This protein provides structure to your hair, giving it its shape and strength. Without protein, your hair is limp, lifeless, and weak, and can fall out or fall apart very easily.

Protein balances the moisture in your hair to keep the hair healthy and strong. If you have enough protein but not enough moisture, your hair will be dry, brittle, and stiff. But too much moisture and not enough protein can leave your hair limp, lifeless, and weak (this is known as hygral fatigue.) You need both moisture and protein to maintain healthy hair, which is often referredto as moisture/protein balance.

Chemical treatments, color treatments, the weather, pollution, washing, drying, styling, detangling, heat, and other factors can erode the keratin in your hair, weakening your hair. In addition, if your diet doesn’tcontain enough protein this can lead to weak hair as well. 

Protein Treatment Q&A

What is a protein treatment? A protein treatment is a product that reinforces the protein structure of your hair. It restores damage, strengthens your hair, and improves elasticity, strength, curl, and bounce.

How do protein treatments work? The proteins in the product attach to your hair follicle, filling in any gaps, hardening the hair cuticle layer, and protecting it from further damage.

Do I need a protein treatment? You can tell your hair needs a protein treatment if it feels weak, limp, and lifeless. Especially if it seems like products aren’tworking and no amount of moisture seems to make your hair look or feel good, it’s time for a protein treatment.

How often should I do a protein treatment? Most naturals benefit from a protein treatment every 4 weeks, depending on hair damage and how much protein is in your everyday hair products. Pay attention to how your hair feels. If it is bouncy, strong, and healthy, you don’t need more protein! But if it is beginning to feel weak and limp, it’s time for a protein treatment. After a while, you’ll notice how often your hair needs protein treatments.