7 Protein Treatments for Kinky Curly Hair ...

1. Know Your Hair Type

One of the most popular tips for kinky curly hair is to know your hair type. In order to select a protein treatment plan that you’ll benefit from, it’s important to know your hair type to get an idea of how your hair will respond. Is your hair kinky with tight coils? Is it wavier than it is curly? Does your hair get dry really easily? Are your strands fine or thick? Do you relax or color-treat your hair? All of these details are important to consider when finding the protein treatment that’s right for you.

2. Pick the Right Treatment

Once you’ve determined your hair type, it’s time to select the right protein treatment for you. If you have severely damaged hair from relaxing, color treating, or if you tend to style your hair several times a week, schedule a protein treatment every week. Try a deep penetrating protein treatment or reconstructor to bring hair back to health. If your hair isn’t seriously damaged, once a month should be enough to add the protein your hair needs. You can pick up protein packs or light protein treatments at any hair supply store. Whichever you choose, always follow the directions on the package to ensure positive results.

3. Know Your Proteins

Reading ingredients of hair products is a lot like reading ingredients on grocery store items. What’s inside is so important! Learn to look for proteins in your hair products, especially those that claim to build strength and combat breakage. It’s also a good idea to know which proteins perform what actions. For example, wheat proteins help hair retain moisture while hydrolyzed proteins increase shine and build strength. To get the results you’re looking for, do your protein research before you buy.

4. Go the Natural Route

You can mix up a protein treatment in your own kitchen with a few simple ingredients. Try mixing an egg, a few spoons full of plain Greek yogurt, and an oil of your choice. Apply the mixture to your hair, cover with a shower cap and let sit for 5-7 minutes. Be sure not to use heat! Heat will cook the mixture and you’ll have something that smells like rotten breakfast stuck in your curls. This option is wonderful because it includes ingredients you’re likely to find in your kitchen already, and you can save money by skipping the high priced treatments in salons and beauty supply stores.

5. Don’t over do It

It’s possible to have too much of a good thing, and protein treatments are no different. Again, if your hair isn’t very damaged once per month is plenty for a protein treatment. If you’re working your way back to health from damaged hair, be aware of how your hair reacts to the protein treatment each week. The key is finding the balance of protein and moisture. If you’re treating each week and your hair goes from getting healthy to feeling stiff and breaking off again, it’s time to back off on the protein treatments.

6. Seal in the Moisture

The healing doesn’t stop once the protein treatment is done. It’s still extremely important to moisturize your hair. Protein won’t do much to help your strands if they’re thirsty! Water is the ultimate moisturizer, so make sure you’re doing everything you can to seal water into your hair cuticles. A great tip is to apply oil throughout your hair after your final rinse. Good sealing oils are coconut oil, jojoba oil and olive oil.

7. Eat More Protein

Your entire body needs protein to balance out, and this includes your hair! Be sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet. I’m not saying amp up the cheeseburgers. Be smart about adding protein! Keep it lean and healthy for your body type. When talking about foods that promote healthy hair, a good suggestion is salmon. Salmon contains protein as well as a few other nutrients to help with the strength and health of your hair such as Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

Maintaining natural, kinky curly hair is all about balance. Protein treatments can’t do much work without moisture, and it’s pretty impossible to retain moisture when protein is lacking. Get started on a protein treatment regimen and feel your hair get stronger and break less. Have protein treatments worked for you? What are your favorite products/ingredients for protein treatments on natural hair?