Protein is essential for hair health and growth. In fact, our hair is mostly made up of the protein keratin. Protein filled products can help to restore damaged hair and promote healthier, stronger strands. For hair that is bleached, dyed, or regularly heat styled, adding a protein to your hair care routine can help restore your lock’s lustre, elasticity, and overall health. But, too much protein can be damaging! So let’s answer the question on all of our lips, how to tell if your hair has too much protein?
What Causes Protein Overload?
When you overuse hair products containing protein, you will inevitably cause protein overload. You must balance your protein products with moisture or you’re going to have a problem. This does not mean to skip the protein treatments all together as they are a very important part of hair health, simply use them in moderation.
Signs Your Hair Has Too Much Protein
The first major sign of protein overload is a change in texture and look. Has your hair become brittle, dry or still after a treatment containing protein? If so, its time to scale back! Looking more closely at the hair, too much protein can cause split ends, breakage and shedding. If your hairbrush is looking more full than usual after brushing, it could be a tell tell sign of protein bombardment. A final sign is a change in curl pattern and texture. Your strands may feel course and your curls may be struggling to hold shape.
THE TEST
Take an inch of your hair and stretch it, if it doesn’t stretch or breaks, feels dry and rough, it is brittle/damaged and needs moisture treatment. If the hair stretches far and does not return and/or breaks, feels mushy, gummy or cotton candy-like, your hair needs protein.
Prevent Too Much Protein In Your Hair
The easiest way to prevent protein overload is to drastically cut back on the products containing protein. As a general rule, products containing HIGH protein should only be used once per month for healthy hair/curls. If you are unsure on how often to use these products, consult an insight stylist or experiment with timing and the protein test above.
The best way to avoid too much protein in your hair is to use products that have a science led balance of protein to moisture. Insight’s award winning Hair Mask cannot be matched for perfection of balance. Recognised as 2023’s Best Afro Hair Mask and Best Afro Conditioner, it’s no surprise that it’s popping up in salons all over the county!
What to do if your hair has too much protein
So, you’ve just found out your hair already has too much protein, what do you do now? Pre-poo your hair using our Hair Oil, and then use a clarifying shampoo. Next, use our Anti-Frizz Hydrating Mask to inject maximum moisture into your strands. Continue with this routine until hair returns to normal and you are no longer showing the signs of protein overload.
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