Everything You Should Know About Protein Treatments for Black Hair(Types and Benefits)

We’re sure every black woman has heard of a “protein treatment” by now. They are widely discussed and promoted as a surefire way to bring life to dull black hair. We believe in providing your hair with the nutrients it requires to thrive. We strongly advise everyone to incorporate protein treatments at least once every two weeks into their hair care routine. The protein treatment nourishes the hair by deeply moisturizing the strands, allowing the hair to retain moisture more effectively in the future. This can help to prevent breakage and split ends, as well as any other physical damage to the hair. Hence, in this article, I will take you through all you need to know about professional protein treatment for black hair, including the DIY protein treatment for 4c natural hair and hair growth in general

What Are Protein Treatments?

Protein treatments are any products designed to strengthen the hair. Because your hair is made of a protein called keratin, your strands will already contain protein. The protein in the treatment strengthens these strands by attaching itself to the hair follicles and filling in gaps where protein (keratin) is lacking. This strengthens the strands, making them more solid and resistant to breaking.

Furthermore, what you can expect from a protein treatment in terms of ingredients is self-explanatory—lots of protein! Your hair, like your body, requires protein to thrive. Eating protein-rich foods will benefit not only your body but also your hair. Because your hair’s keratin and overall structure are inconsistent, it will allow your new growth to be strong rather than deficient. Inconsistent keratin structure allows your hair to break off and lack elasticity, whereas elasticity refers to your curls’ ability to stretch and bounce back.

Protein treatments contain ingredients such as castor oil, keratin, collagen, and our personal favorite: avocado!

Is Protein Treatment Beneficial to Black Hair?

Protein treatments are an excellent way to keep natural hair strong and healthy. Protein treatments will be extremely beneficial if you have breakage, weak strands, heat-damaged or chemically-treated hair.

Also see: 18 Best Protein Treatment for curly hair( DIY Guide Included)

5 Best Protein Treatments for Black Hair

Protein treatments are an excellent addition to any black haircare regimen. The best protein treatment for black hair will be determined by the state of your hair. Is it thriving and healthy? Then a light protein treatment now and then should suffice. Is your hair in bad shape? The best protein treatment for damaged black hair will be stronger, and also you should include it in your weekly washday routine.

Furthermore, keep in mind that the porosity of your hair influences how well it absorbs and reacts to protein treatments. Not sure which protein treatment is best for you? We have your back! We’re sharing our five best protein treatments for black hair and why we love them.

#1. Aphogee Protein Treatment

This protein treatment is ideal for black hair that has become damaged. It is high in proteins, which hydrate and strengthen the hair. Its sulfate-free formula also prevents your hair from losing its natural moisture and color. The Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment is also designed to rebuild broken, damaged hair in 6 weeks.

#2. Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil Protein Treatment contains black castor oil, cactus oil, pimento oil, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and other natural ingredients. This protein treatment is ideal for those who are new to protein treatments. This protein treatment contains natural ingredients such as essential fatty acids, protein, vitamin E, and minerals.

In addition, these ingredients aid in the repair of damaged and split ends, the stimulation of hair growth, and the penetration and healing of the dry, flaky scalp.

#3. Giovanni Deeper Moisture Conditioner Smooth As Silk

If you’re looking for a low-protein treatment to add to your weekly hair care routine, try the Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner. This product hydrates and also fortifies natural hair.

#4. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment

One of the most intriguing aspects of this protein treatment is the presence of argan oil. Argan oil contains antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, all of which soften and nourish black hair. As a result, the argan oil in the Cream of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment keeps your curls hydrated, silky soft, and super shiny.

#5. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque Strengthen, Grow, and Restore

The Shea Moisture contains natural ingredients. Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Peppermint, Shea Butter, and Apple Cider Vinegar are all ingredients in the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow, and Restore Treatment Masque. Its anti-fungal and healing properties aid in the nutrition, hydration, and repair of dry, damaged hair.

In other words, this is one of the best protein treatments for black hair, which contains Jamaican black castor oil and shea butter, and will keep your curls happy without leaving a greasy residue.

Protein Treatment For Black Hair DIY

If getting protein treatments at a beauty store is too difficult or expensive for you. Instead, you can make a quick protein treatment for black hair DIY. This way, you get fresh ingredients and don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your natural hair healthy.

Hence, to make a protein treatment for black hair DIY, combine a few protein-rich ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen. Honey, eggs, avocado, bananas, coconut milk, shea butter, olive oil, castor oil, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, or Greek yogurt are all options.

What you’ll need for a protein treatment for black hair DIY:

14 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 eggs

How to Make a Protein Treatment For Black Hair DIY

Place the eggs in a bowl.
1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 34 cups of mayonnaise
Mix them thoroughly, or use a blender for a smoother texture.
To begin applying the protein treatment to your natural hair, start with freshly shampooed hair.
To begin, divide your hair into four sections and apply the protein treatment to each section, making sure to coat your ends thoroughly. Massage your scalp as well, and then repeat for each section of hair.
Cover your hair with a shower cap or a plastic bag for about 20 minutes. You can also do this step while sitting under a dryer.
Warm water should be used to rinse off the treatment.

Also see: 15 Best Hot Oil Treatments for Restoring Black hair Shine

Professional Protein Treatment for black hair

If you’d like to avoid the stress of applying protein treatment at home by yourself, you can go for the professional protein treatment for black hair which is done at the salon. You can also select the best professional protein treatment for your black hair. Depending on the state of your hair, a light or moderate protein treatment or an intense treatment may be required. However, we have compiled a list of some professional protein treatment for black hair to guide you.

#1. Light or Moderate Professional Protein Treatments for Black Hair

Light or moderate protein treatments are ideal for people who have healthy hair but want to strengthen it regularly without causing protein overload, which can result in dry, brittle hair. These treatments, which are found in deep-conditioning treatments, leave-ins, and balancing moisturizers, do not harden your hair.

Hence, to help fill in any cuticle gaps, lighter protein treatments should be used no more than twice per month. Try Strengthen, a protein/moisture-balancing deep conditioner with ingredients like hydrolyzed baobab protein and amino acids to repair hair damage and nourish your curls and kinks.

#2. Intense Professional Protein Treatments for Black Hair

Intense protein treatments are recommended for chemically treated, heat-styled, or porous hair. So, if you color, texturize, or heat-style your hair regularly, try an at-home treatment like ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment or Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment every 6–10 weeks to prevent severe breakage and weakened tresses. After intense treatment, use a moisturizing deep conditioner to replenish your hair’s moisture.

How Often Should Black Hair Be Protein-Treated?

Protein treatments, particularly deep treatments, should be performed every 4 to 6 weeks to avoid any confusion. Protein treatments should also be used sparingly for two reasons. The first is that using protein treatments too frequently can lead to protein overload, which causes breakage throughout the hair.

Protein Treatment for 4C Natural Hair

One of the causes of excessive breakage in your 4c natural hair could be a protein deficiency in your hair. Even though your hair is 90% protein, regular manipulation can deplete your hair of some proteins. As a result, you may notice that your hair is losing elasticity, strength, and luster. To address this issue, gradually incorporate protein-containing hair products into your hair regimen.

We are aware that there are hundreds of different hair products to choose from. This is why we’ve compiled a list of protein treatment for 4C natural hair that you can use to combat breakage, improve length retention, and strengthen your hair.

#1. Palmer’s Manuka Flower Honey Protein Pack Deep Conditioner

Palmer’s Manuka Flower Honey Protein Pack Deep Conditioner is thick and creamy. This tiny sachet contains cocoa butter, shea butter, amla oil, manuka honey, and keratin to help restore moisture and shine. It always gives 4c natural hair a much-needed boost and leaves it feeling nourished and smelling lovely.

#2. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Treatment Masque (UK, US) is a 4C naturalist’s best friend and a must-have! It contains nutrient-dense ingredients such as apple cider vinegar (ACV), which has anti-inflammatory properties, exfoliates the scalp, improves shine, soothes the itchy scalp, and stimulates peppermint oil for an energizing experience. It leaves 4C natural hair feeling stronger and restored after leaving it on for up to an hour without heat (you can also leave it on for 10 to 15 mins with heat).

#3. Activilong Actiforce Black Castor Oil Fortifying Mask

The word “fortifying” in the product name implies that the formula contains a high level of protein, and the product label emphasizes that it contains plant proteins. Because of the very creamy consistency, great slip, and rich ingredients, Activilong Actiforce Black Castor Oil Fortifying Mask should be every 4c natural’s go-to.

#4. Palmer’s Protein Pack

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Protein Pack is another thick, creamy mask with a lovely coconutty scent that can be left on for 10 to 20 minutes or overnight. It also contains coconut milk in the formula. Coconut milk contains lauric acid (which has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties), a high protein content, and is rich in beneficial vitamins. It is also very hydrating and can help support fragile or damaged hair.

You may want to see: 18 Best Protein Treatment for Natural Hair and their Benefits

Protein Treatment for Hair Growth

A protein treatment for healthy hair growth can also be purchased. This protein treatment for hair growth generally works by nourishing the outside of the hair and strengthening strands to help prevent breakage. Protein treatment for hair growth can only do so much if the hair follicles are not nourished from within. However, if your diet is complete and you take a hair growth vitamin supplement, but you want to do more to protect against hair breakage, you could incorporate protein treatments for hair growth into your beauty routine.

There are four different types of protein treatments for hair growth.

Protein packs are for less severe damage. They are suitable for regular maintenance every 1-2 months.

Light treatments are for hair that is slightly damaged. They are ideal for routine maintenance and are frequently referred to as a “conditioning mask” or a “leave-in conditioner.”

Deep penetrating treatments are best for hair that is moderately damaged. They are extremely moisturizing and should be used every two weeks.

Reconstructors are best used every 1-2 weeks for severely damaged hair caused by heat styling or hair color treatments. Consider an egg mask or a coconut oil treatment with coconut oil or coconut milk and extra virgin olive oil as home remedies.

Lastly, choose your protein treatment wisely based on your hair type and perceived level of hair damage (coarse or fine, dry or oily). Overuse of protein conditioners or treatments may cause stiff hair and buildup or residue on the hair.

Conclusion

Hair is mostly composed of proteins, the most common of which is keratin. Hence, because hair is constantly growing and being damaged by everything from chemicals to air humidity, it requires constant replenishment. Protein treatments, which attach hydrolyzed proteins directly to each strand, are an excellent way to ensure that demand is always met. These proteins are taken up by the hair, follicles, and scalp.

Protein treatments are also available in a variety of forms. Some are repeated every six weeks, while others are wash-in/wash-out solutions. They are effective for all hair types, though tailored treatments are available for black hair. They’re mostly safe, but common dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde should be avoided.

Protein Treatment for Black Hair FAQs

Does protein treatment promote hair growth?

Protein treatments help to eliminate breakage and split ends by improving the strength and elasticity of hair.

How can you tell if you require a protein treatment?

Stretch an inch of hair; if it doesn’t break and feels dry and rough. Then it’s brittle and needs moisture treatment. Your hair needs protein if it stretches and doesn’t return, breaks, or feels mushy, gummy, or cotton candy-like.

What happens after a protein treatment?

If you use an intense protein treatment, you must use a deeply moisturizing conditioner afterward. “You can’t have one without the other,” explains Rutlin. This is why some people’s hair is brittle and damaged.

References

naturalgirlwigs.com-best-protein-treatments-for-your-natura
naturallclub.com-protein-treatments-everything-you-need-to-know
michebeauty.com-why-protein-treatments-are-essential-for-healthy-natural-hair
greatist.com-protein-treatment-for-hair
instyle.com-best-protein-treatments-for-natural-hair
guardian.ng-protein-treatments-for-natural-hair

Everything You Should Know About Protein Treatments for Black Hair(Types and Benefits)

What Are Protein Treatments?

Is Protein Treatment Beneficial to Black Hair?