Combining Protein AND Moisturizing into One DC?

[afiya27]

Hi,

Does any one do this? I'm considering a winter routine in which I plan to wear a twist + cornrow style, and wash my hair every third week. Given the harshness of winter, I want to maximize moisture. But I don't want to do so at the expense of strength (protein). I have Aphogee 2-Step. But have never used it. The reviews on YouTube were mixed and/or veered to the negative side in the reviews that I saw. But I think a variation of the routine could prove useful. Plus, I don't want to sell it, nor do I want it to go to waste. Could a few drops of the concentrated proteins in my Aphogee 2-Step be added to the (mostly moisture-focused) DC concoction I plan to make/use for the winter? The DC treatment would be composed of:

1) Elasta QP - the deep moisturizing DC (~ 2-3 tblspns)
2) Trader Joe's moisturizing conditioner (~ 2-3 tblspns)
3) Giovanni Deep moisturizing conditioner ( ~ 1-1.5 tblspns)
4) Melted Coconut Oil ( ~ 1/2 tblspns)
5) Olive Oil (~ 1/2 tblspns)

AND (possibly)

6) Aphogee 2-Step (High) Protein Treatment (~ 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoons)

I know that it's wise to be VERY careful with highly concentrated protein. But would such a small dose really hurt? I would like to kill ~ 2 birds with one stone basically (strengthen AND moisturize). I might have missed it, but I haven't seen a thread on this yet.

Thanks!

 

[afiya27]

Oh! And I'll probably also add some of the Balancing Moisturizer that the 2-step directions said to use afterwards...I don't want anything to go to waste!

 

[sheba1]

I am a fan of mixing moisturizing and protein DCs. One of my favorites was Sally's GVP Joico K-Pak reconstructor. I now use a dominican product called whale sperm conditioner.

I've heard of others using mane n tail conditioner added to their DCs for light protein. I love this conditioner but choose to use it alone (rather than mix) in my rotation of conditioners for cowashes.

I am a natural experimenter and you may be just fine adding the hard protein in the 2 step to your conditioning mix, but I wouldn't recommend it. I am a fan of the aphogee two step treatment but I feel it is to be used per instruction and carefully.

EmpressiRi had a fabulous tutorial in her fotki but it looks like it's closed now. I still have the text of her instruction and I hope it's ok that I repost the text for you here.

I think I would do a protein treatment like the 2 step (if you are not protein sensitive and have been experiencing shedding or overly moisturized hair) before my braids. And then focused on moisturizing and doing mixes of light and medium proteins into my moisturizing DCs while I was in the braids.

First...some guidelines MissEmbrya from nappturality shared with me...

I use it every 6 weeks as a prevention tool on my ends. Every since I BC and immediately began using Aphogee (upon the suggestion of my line sister), I've had zero breakage, and I'd like to keep it this way. yes.gif

First you need to figure out if your hair is sensitive to protein or not. Mix half a capful of the Aphogee with a creme protein conditioner (e.g. Nexxus Keraphix or Joico K-Pak) and see how your hair responds. Rinse it clean and follow up with a super moisturizing DT mixed with olive oil. If this works, you can start using Aphogee.

Start off by detangling your hair with conditoner. Then proceed to -->

Step 1: Clarify your hair completely. I recommend using a sulfate shampoo from a drugstore --> some of the harsh stuff. (For Aphogee to work, it needs to be able to penetrate the hair shaft. Buildup from other products or conditioner washing will prevent this.)
Step 2: Let your hair stay wet. Put on gloves if you have a cut on your hand and avoid getting the product in your eyes 'cause it will burn worse than shampoo.
Step 3: Separate your hair into 6 sections and clip them.
Step 4: Since you have long hair, I recommend putting Aphogee into a small styrofoam cup and adding water to it. (About 1/2 and 1/2.) Take one section and dunk your ends into it. Then apply some straight from the bottle to the shaft and smooth. DO NOT COMB THROUGH!
Step 5: Sit under the dryer for 15 minutes without a plastic cap or anything on. I have to clip the back of my hair up so it'll all fit under there.
Step 6: Rinse with warm water for awhile.
Step 7: Use Cream of Nature Shampoo (green bottle) to wash the Aphogee out. If you don't have this, do not use any other kind of shampoo. Instead, use one of the Suave condtioners and wash.
Step 8: Mix together a hot oil treatment and a DT. Cover with plastic cap and sit under dryer for 20 minutes.
Step 9: Rinse out and put in your hair products. However, do not use any styling products --> no gels, no activators, no serums, etc. because they actually prevent moisture from penetrating your hair. And your hair is going to already be dry due to the Aphogee. I suggest using a light leave-in and a butter on top of that --> something like Curl Junkie or Oyin's Whipped Pudding. I know Spiral will suggest Blended Beauty.

 

[Jazala]

The two step treatment makes the hair very hard when used according to directions. It binds a coating of protein to your strands. Not sure it would even be effective if mixed with other products.

 

[Nightingale]

Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm, no mixing necessary. Love that stuff.

 

[Angel of the North]

Why not try mixing your DC with a lighter protein like aphogee 2 min reconstructor? I did this a couple of weeks ago and my hair loved it. I don't think it's something I will be doing every week but maybe every couple of weeks or once a months.

This week I did an aphogee 2 step (first one), the instructions said not to cover hair with a shower cap (they must know why the state this) I think this would make it difficult to DC with or without heat. Someone on another thread said that if you do not cover your hair with a cap whilst DCing that your hair will dry hard. HTH

 

[msa]

Aphogee 2 step needs to be used according to the instructions. Learn from other people's setbacks and don't go down the same path. If you want to mix a protein with your moisturizing dc, go ahead, but don't use the 2 step to do it.

 

[afiya27]

Thanks for your advice ladies,

It looks like most of you would err towards caution with the 2-step treatment. I'm sure you're probably right...But, just to be thorough (stubborn? ), I thought I'd inquire at the Aphogee website to make sure...I was hoping someone on here had actually tried it...But it looks like no one has yet claimed to have done so...So hopefully Aphogee will be frank with me...Knowing product companies though, they probably don't take too kindly to 'coloring outside the lines' like many of us on here tend to do (i.e. mixing products, extending recommended DC times, etc.)...We'll see!

I'll update you all on what they say!
Peace.

 

[longhairlover]

sebastian has a 2+1 moisturing treatment 2 parts moisture and 1 part protein pack. it's hard to find because I think they no longer make it but there are still some vendors that have it online, that way you avoid from overload.

 

[GoldenBreeze]

Thanks for your advice ladies,

It looks like most of you would err towards caution with the 2-step treatment. I'm sure you're probably right...But, just to be thorough (stubborn? ), I thought I'd inquire at the Aphogee website to make sure...I was hoping someone on here had actually tried it...But it looks like no one has yet claimed to have done so...So hopefully Aphogee will be frank with me...Knowing product companies though, they probably don't take too kindly to 'coloring outside the lines' like many of us on here tend to do (i.e. mixing products, extending recommended DC times, etc.)...We'll see!

I'll update you all on what they say!
Peace.

I use the 2-step, and have been using it for more than 10 years. However, I use it exactly as the directions say. Additionally, I follow with a moisturising DC after using their balancing moisturizer. When I used to heat straighten my hair weekly, I used the 2-step every 6 weeks. Now I only use the 2-step about every 12 weeks. I would never add it to my regular conditioners.

ETA: Ultimately, you will need to listen to your hair. If it starts to break due to protein overload, then stop using protein until you have the moisture back under control.

 

[FluffyRed]

YES!!! Mixing it is the only way for my fine hair!!

But I don't use Aphogee. I mix Redken Real control or Garnier L&S with a moisture con, 50:50 ratio.

 

[afiya27]

Hi All,

Well, as predicted, they stuck 'by the book'...The Aphogee company's formal response is as follows...I pretty much told them my regi (see original post) and asked about adding a LITTLE of their 2-step. Here's what they said:

"Unfortunately, we recommend that ApHogee products be used as directed. The Balancing Moisturizer is used as the second step of the Two-Step Protein Treatment. In addition, it can be used as a rinse out conditioner.

Regarding the Two-Step Protein Treatment, we only recommend that this product only be used when your hair is experiencing the following conditions:

1. Hair breaks when combed or brushed.
2. Hair is mushy when wet and brittle after drying.
3. Hair will not hold color (Use one week before color application).
4. Hair is over-bleached.
5. Hair is too weak or fine to take a perm or relaxer (Use one week prior to service).

If your hair is not experiencing the above, we do not recommend using it.

Thank You."

...Whatever...They're pretty much legally bound to give that response...I'm just going to go for it (just a little in the mix--mind you) and see what happens...I don't have/want much hair anyways (I have a TWA of ~ 2+ inches, and I don't plan on going past 4 MAX)...I'm on here to learn how to maximize sheen/health. But, if I make a mis-step in that regard (i.e. with this treatment) it won't be as big a deal as it might be for some of you BSL etc. folk! I'll probably report the results!

Peace.

 

[msa]

...Whatever...They're pretty much legally bound to give that response...I'm just going to go for it (just a little in the mix--mind you) and see what happens...I don't have/want much hair anyways (I have a TWA of ~ 2+ inches, and I don't plan on going past 4 MAX)...I'm on here to learn how to maximize sheen/health. But, if I make a mis-step in that regard (i.e. with this treatment) it won't be as big a deal as it might be for some of you BSL etc. folk! I'll probably report the results!

Well I guess a setback wouldn't be that much of a loss for you since you don't want much hair.

I hope it works out!

 

[hothair]

My hair protein. Sometimes I add the hard protein to my regular DC and it works amazingly well...

 

[frizzy]

I mix a capful or two of the 2-step with other protein conditioners and have had no problems. I decided a while back that my hair doesn't need the heavy protein of the 2-step as is, but I do benefit from a medium protein treatment.

I have never mixed the 2-step with a moisturizing cond., but not for any particular reason.


ETA- I do follow up with moisture, and sometimes I mix a regular protein conditioner and a moisturizing cond. with no problems.

 

[MonPetite]

I put neutral protein filler or Aphogee Two-Step in my DCs as needed. Saves time, trouble, lowers the risk of too much protein and my hair is better for it. I've done it relaxed, natural and texlaxed for years without issue, only healthy hair.

 

[afiya27]

It looks like I have to agree with the last two posts. I tried a moisturizing DC + Aphogee 2-Step and my hair came out fine!...

 

[GoldenBreeze]

It looks like I have to agree with the last two posts. I tried a moisturizing DC + Aphogee 2-Step and my hair came out fine!...

As long as you are happy, and your hair is healthy that's all that matters. Many of us ladies use products in unconventional ways with no ill effect. If you have any problems with protein overload in the future, you know what to do.