Anyone who doesn't use protein AT ALL?

[SweetSpirit86]

I just switched my conditioner...I was using Giovanni Deeper Moisture...but it has protein and my hair doesn't like it. She gets mad and dries up with the feel of a brillo pad lying in the sun. SO! I tried Tresemme's Vitamin E...my hair Love Love LOVES it! I think this is the first time my hair has immediately reacted in a POSITIVE way to a hair product. Usually it takes a few days for me to see results. One use and BAM!

So, I'm wondering...since my hair reacted so badly to the protein, would it make sense to cut it out completely, seeing as I get enough in my diet alone? Or will that hurt my hair in the long run? I think back on wash/cond. my hair when it was relaxed and I hated doing it because my hair always felt so dry. Upon further examination (now that I have a little knowledge thanks to LHCF), almost everything I tried had protein in it. Usually soy protein.

 

[tailormade84]

my hair is protein-sensitive as well, and i avoid all daily styling products with protein in them

but i still find value in bi-weekly (or monthly, depending on the needs of my hair) henna[protein] DC treatments in order to decrease breakage

therefore, at the very least i would suggest you do at least 1 protein DC (followed by a moisturizing DC) a month to help keep your hair in proper balance

 

[Starronda]

my hair is protein-sensitive as well, and i avoid all daily styling products with protein in them

but i still find value in bi-weekly (or monthly, depending on the needs of my hair) henna[protein] DC treatments in order to decrease breakage

therefore, at the very least i would suggest you do at least 1 protein DC (followed by a moisturizing DC) a month to help keep your hair in proper balance

IA. Maybe you should trying using protein bi-weekly or monthly. Try using something else (Joico K pak, ORS or AO). See how your hair responds, but I wouldn't cut protein out of my regimen. Thats what gives us stronger, healthier hair. hth

 

[vkb247]

I don't think that it is necessary to use protein treatments on a regular basis, especially if you are natural. I do yogurt or egg treatments when I feel like it but stay far awayfrom commercial protein treatments because my hair hates them. I use conditioner (for cowashing and as a leave in) that are balanced with protein and moisture and I use gels that have protein in them sometimes. My hair is well balanced like this without me having to have a protein/moisture schedule which is way too much for me.

I have also recently started to use henna.

 

[Christelyn]

I put "other" because I too am re-evaluating my relationship with protein because of breakage issues associated with it. I find my hair tangles and gets brittle after treatments which causes my ends to snap off.

 

[Desarae]

When I was natural, I used protien on an "as needed" basis only.

 

[so1913]

I don't use a protein specific product, just whatever traces of protein are found in the regular products I use seems to be sufficient...I don't find a need to do "protein" treatments.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

Same here. My hair loves moisture and thrives on it. It's gotten me to my current past MBL length (not sure how long past as I haven't measured since the end of Dec and I'm a natural).
I know it's like SHOCKING because I've read so many threads on the need for protein, but I just don't use it. When I do I usually have a set back (a hard protein) even with heavy duty moisture application later.

I've learned the hardway (last year I was almost MBL and had to cut to shoulder after listening to a lady at Sally's w/ 2" of hair tell me I needed a protein pack).

The reason in my case is that my hair requires special consideration because I have thyroid disease.

Either way protein isn't my friend. Some of my moisturizing conditioners have wheat protein, or silk (those my hair can handle), but I make sure to use those once a month or so, whereas I use pure moisturizing conditioners all the time. Even the conditioners with light protein are intended for moisturizing purposes.

 

[SweetSpirit86]

The reason in my case is that my hair requires special consideration because I have thyroid disease.

This runs in my family...and when I was in Basic, my thyroid lvls were messed up. Just something I'm taking note of. There are sooo many things that affect your hair it's crazy.

 

[longhairdreamzz]

Protein is just not my friend. Me and protein don't get along at all. It caused me to have my first and only setback a few months back. At first I thought it was because I didn't balance it with enough moisture but now I'm starting to think that because I have a high protein diet, I didn't really need a protein treatment at all.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

This runs in my family...and when I was in Basic, my thyroid lvls were messed up. Just something I'm taking note of. There are sooo many things that affect your hair it's crazy.

It's definitely true. When I go to my docs, sometimes I'm in the waiting room and you know how people talk or ask questions. Inevitably I'll run into someone at the endocrinologist for thyroid problems be it hashimotos or Grave's (like me). Either way, their hair is tore up. Especially the minorities I meet with hair in the 3's or 4's or white women in the same categories. Probably because most times this hair type is already drier (natural oils have harder time traveling down the hair shaft) and then you add thyroid mess into that.

I know women who keep their hair shaved down.

I myself got so frustrated I did a buzz cut down to 1/4 to 1/2 an inch all over. I got rid of relaxers because I was already fighting graves. Then I proceeded to ignore everyone's advice. You need to strengthen your hair, blah blah. This was even before lhcf. I knew when I looked at my hair that it was PARCHED. So I proceeded to make sure everything I used had moisture, and my hair started to thrive again.

The only thing I credit lhcf with is hairstyles for naturals, and some of the products they recommend. I like the fact that I don't have to "test" a product because hundreds are ready with their opinion. Of course I still have to "test" but it is only on a few products, after researching, versus a hundred or so. I already had good hair advice from my mom like treating hair like silk, using a wide tooth comb, etc. So I was startled when my hair started breaking (before I found out about my thyroid), it was always at least apl. But after my thyroid it broke like crazy, looked thin in places, and I thought I'd be forever at 1/2 inch length or so.

So the thyroid can work a number on not just your hair, but also your body. In addition to my being autoimmune which also wreaked havock (Grave's is a thyroid condition that is autoimmune) on hair.

 

[HeShotMeBangBang]

i only use protein when i'm washing it.(Which shampoo?
motions lavish poo ) Because my hair is protein sensitive and it breaks when i use too much of protein.

 

[Bluetopia]

I'm sooooo happy to see this thread!!

I thought I was alone with my protein weary hair. Which sucks cause Megatek makes my hair simutaneously grow and then fall out

Can you ladies suggest protein free shampoos, conditioners etc?

After having locs for 5+ years Im new too all this and am still trying to figure out how to know if something has protein or not

Like my fave Cantu she butter leave in conditioner is sitting all forlorn on my dresser cause I have no clue if the Cantu shea butter products have protein in them or not

 

[lusciousladie07]

ME ME!!! I found out that im protien sensitive.. the protien in ors pak is enough for me... sometimes too much... my hair just doesnt like it.. i have a high protien diet so that maybe why. When I was relaxed my hair tolerated it but now......nuh uh. I shudder at the thought of aphrogee 2 min or nexxus emergency!

 

[prospurr4]

I voted "Other," because I use protein 4 times a year, during my texlax touchups every 3 months. If I use any more than that, my hair breaks.

 

[SweetSpirit86]

It's definitely true. When I go to my docs, sometimes I'm in the waiting room and you know how people talk or ask questions. Inevitably I'll run into someone at the endocrinologist for thyroid problems be it hashimotos or Grave's (like me). Either way, their hair is tore up. Especially the minorities I meet with hair in the 3's or 4's or white women in the same categories. Probably because most times this hair type is already drier (natural oils have harder time traveling down the hair shaft) and then you add thyroid mess into that.

I know women who keep their hair shaved down.

I myself got so frustrated I did a buzz cut down to 1/4 to 1/2 an inch all over. I got rid of relaxers because I was already fighting graves. Then I proceeded to ignore everyone's advice. You need to strengthen your hair, blah blah. This was even before lhcf. I knew when I looked at my hair that it was PARCHED. So I proceeded to make sure everything I used had moisture, and my hair started to thrive again.

The only thing I credit lhcf with is hairstyles for naturals, and some of the products they recommend. I like the fact that I don't have to "test" a product because hundreds are ready with their opinion. Of course I still have to "test" but it is only on a few products, after researching, versus a hundred or so. I already had good hair advice from my mom like treating hair like silk, using a wide tooth comb, etc. So I was startled when my hair started breaking (before I found out about my thyroid), it was always at least apl. But after my thyroid it broke like crazy, looked thin in places, and I thought I'd be forever at 1/2 inch length or so.

So the thyroid can work a number on not just your hair, but also your body. In addition to my being autoimmune which also wreaked havock (Grave's is a thyroid condition that is autoimmune) on hair.

Goodness. And that's how my hail feels a lot of the time. I drink SO MUCH water...soda and things don't even enter the picture...the only thing that wiggles its way in is tea. I started trying to eat better because of the fact that I'm blessed enough to have a heads up on what runs in my family, and know what I need to avoid and what I need more of. But now it's playing with my hair, and I don't like it.

I used to use the ORS relaxer..and my hair would be soft. Then I'd use that replenishing pak and it would go hard, lol...now I know why. I think what I'm going to do is just pile on the moisture. If I start to see my hair isn't taking to it well, then I'll throw some protein in. I like to see what other people have to say, but in the end the "person" with the most influence on my hair is my hair itself. Right now she's telling me to get the protein AWAY!Hair's growing like a weed, so hopefully soon I'll have more hair to take a look at and see what's up as opposed to these beady bee's I've got up here.

 

[SweetSpirit86]

I'm sooooo happy to see this thread!!

I thought I was alone with my protein weary hair. Which sucks cause Megatek makes my hair simutaneously grow and then fall out

Can you ladies suggest protein free shampoos, conditioners etc?

After having locs for 5+ years Im new too all this and am still trying to figure out how to know if something has protein or not

Like my fave Cantu she butter leave in conditioner is sitting all forlorn on my dresser cause I have no clue if the Cantu shea butter products have protein in them or not

I was looking at Cantu earlier because I had seen some raving about how good it is. Then I pulled out my magnifying glass and started getting all detective-like on the ingredients...saw something about egg and put it back on the shelf, lol.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

Goodness. And that's how my hail feels a lot of the time. I drink SO MUCH water...soda and things don't even enter the picture...the only thing that wiggles its way in is tea. I started trying to eat better because of the fact that I'm blessed enough to have a heads up on what runs in my family, and know what I need to avoid and what I need more of. But now it's playing with my hair, and I don't like it.

I used to use the ORS relaxer..and my hair would be soft. Then I'd use that replenishing pak and it would go hard, lol...now I know why. I think what I'm going to do is just pile on the moisture. If I start to see my hair isn't taking to it well, then I'll throw some protein in. I like to see what other people have to say, but in the end the "person" with the most influence on my hair is my hair itself. Right now she's telling me to get the protein AWAY!Hair's growing like a weed, so hopefully soon I'll have more hair to take a look at and see what's up as opposed to these beady bee's I've got up here.

Co-sign to bolded. That was my plan when I started my moisture routine. I think my little silk protein stuff in my moisturizing conditioners are enough for me. I only use those every once in a while. Otherwise it's shescentit.com's avocado conditioner. I use it and add coconut oil to it, mix it up and dc with it. It's to my hair with the added coconut oil.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

I'm copy and pasting what it says. It says it's for overprocessed or fried, mine is NEITHER (I'm a natural), but it works for me.

shescentit
Nourish, moisturize and tame dry frizzy hair. This conditioner is specially formulated for hair that's been fried and over-processed. Avocado Oil Nourishes strands. Castor oil adds shine and luster, while grapeseed helps to detangle.

Available in sizes 250 ml/8 oz and 500ml/16 oz

Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Vitamin E, Grape seed oil, Castor Oil, Glycerin, cetyl alcohol, Coconut oil, citric acid, Germaben, Aqua, Stearalkonium Chloride (plant derived), phosphoric acid, fragrance, color.

 

[Ramya]

my hair doesn't need it and does fine without it. I don't have breakage or splits so why rock the boat? It just seems unnecessary especially now that I'm natural.

 

[brownbeauty196]

ME ME!!! I found out that im protien sensitive.. the protien in ors pak is enough for me... sometimes too much... my hair just doesnt like it.. i have a high protien diet so that maybe why. When I was relaxed my hair tolerated it but now......nuh uh. I shudder at the thought of aphrogee 2 min or nexxus emergency!

My hair is the same way. I use ORS but thats about it. I scared to try something hardcore like aphogee, my hair would be a tangled , hard mess.

 

[msa]

Well, I don't use any protein treatments. I use Oyin Honey Hemp which has silk protein, but that's actually a moisturizing one.

I look at it this way. I don't use heat, I don't use any chemicals, and I'm pretty gentle with my hair. I also use coconut oil which helps to slow down protein loss. Therefore, I don't feel like I need any external proteins. Especially since most of them can only provide a temporary effect.

I try to make sure I get enough protein in my diet and I use things on my hair that can penetrate and condition it from the inside out. That seems to be enough for me.

 

[zenith]

. I also use coconut oil which helps to slow down protein loss.

Really?! I learn something new everyday.

 

[Coco*Colada]

I don't use any protein at all . I'm not even sure i get the correct amount in my diet although I try. I use heat about once a week . I think its okay that you don't use it as long as you try to get enough in your diet

 

[LaidBak]

I use it VERY sparingly. I must have more than enough in my diet because my hair cannot tolerate a lot of topical protein. I use a reconstructor ONLY when I relax. I use very small amounts of liquid protein sources in my leave ins. And really only becasue I need to use up my stash of experimental stuff.

 

[~NanCeBoTwin~]

My stylist and I had this conversation a couple of weeks ago. I'm stretching so I don't see her as often. Unlike many stylist, my stylist is all about the overall health of your hair and wanting to see it grow, she fully supports my stretch and is pushing me to stop relaxing period...anyway.

Me: "I've noticed you've never given me a protein treatment. The more I think about it none of my stylist have EVER given me a protein treatment or suggested it. Why?"

My Stylist: "First and foremost you don't need one. Protein treatments should be used if you are noticing breakage and if you have damage. Every time you've come to me with noticable damage or breakage you immediately tell me to cut your hair.."
(the damage and breakage wasn't her fault, I never went to any stylist regularly starting in my college years up to about 3-4 yrs ago. All the breakage and damage was my fault each time.)

Me: "So I don't need to ensure I keep my protein moisture balance in check? Shouldn't I do them regularly, every two weeks or at least once a month."

My Stylist: "Of course there needs to be a balance, however, no you should not do them every two weeks or once a month. You should only do them if you are noticing a problem. Your hair loves moisture, why would I give it something it's not craving. I have clients who do require them because of what they do at home, but I don't just suggest anyone do them regularly unless there is a need."

I went on to tell her about my use of 100% AVJ in a homemade glycerin mix I use, she almost had an issue until I told her I add water, at which point she was cool. I didn't tell her but I have tried Henna, I'm thinking of trying it again soon.

I have tried Joico K-Pak, did it every 2 weeks for about 3 or 4 months (when I wasn't seeing a stylist), it resulted in MADDDD breakage for me, so I feel my hair can be protein sensitive.

At the end of the day listen to your hair, it will tell you what you need or don't need...
(sorry I hijacked your thread)

ETA: I voted 'other'..........

 

[wheezy807]

I use it every now and then. I use it when i want to, i never feel like my hair NEEDS it. Hard to explain...

 

[msa]

My Stylist: "Of course there needs to be a balance, however, no you should not do them every two weeks or once a month. You should only do them if you are noticing a problem. Your hair loves moisture, why would I give it something it's not craving. I have clients who do require them because of what they do at home, but I don't just suggest anyone do them regularly unless there is a need."

Your stylist is right. Just like Gymfreak, Miamori, and others always say, things like protein treatments and clarifying shouldn't be done on a schedule. Assess your hair and then decide what you're going to do. Pay attention and use common sense.

I'm glad your stylist is not making things more complicated than they need to be. She sounds great.

I have tried Joico K-Pak, did it every 2 weeks for about 3 or 4 months (when I wasn't seeing a stylist), it resulted in MADDDD breakage for me, so I feel my hair can be protein sensitive.

I don't think your hair was necessarily protein sensitive. It probably just didn't need all that protein for such a long period of time. That's normal. My hair doesn't "need" protein and if I started using it and I got breakage, it's not because my hair is protein sensitive, it's because I was using products it didn't need at the time.

 

[La Colocha]

I don't use protein hardly at all. When i do its only a little mayo from the fridge and that is enough for my hair. I have been eating alot of chicken and fish lately and i think its helping to keep my hair strong.

 

[that_1_grrrl]

I had no idea Giovanni's Deeper Moisture had protein in it. Hm. I don't use protein on a consistent basis either. If I use a conditioner that has both moisture and protein, like Giovanni's, my hair is okay with that. When I use something that is pure protein, my hair gets really dry and sometimes, brittle.

I used CHI Keratin Mist the day before yesterday for the first time in a long time. It made a great detangler but after a few minutes, my hair got really dry, and there were knots coming out the wazoo.