I'm surprised you fine type 4b's have been able to incorporate protein.. Anytime I use anything with protein in it, my hair just keeps snapping off.
judy4all
Another fine, 4a checking in
!
Have you tried silk protein? I believe a lot of folks that can't tolerate keratin respond well to silk protein and silk can be very strengthening and nourishing for the hair. You can even buy Silk Amino Acids and add the liquid to your shampoo, DC, leave-in, in KCC or other gels, whatever. I have used it this way and
LOVE it (although it can sometimes smell a little "fishy")!
But my fine hair tolerates keratin, too, so I use the Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructerizer after my weekly DCs. I even add a splash in my KCC when twisting my hair. This product has keratin as the second ingredient and SAA as the third and it has completely turned my hair around!
My regimen is the following and I have high porosity hair so it really sucks up products. I try to use products containing citric acid and aloe vera which helps seal the cuticle and seal in moisture:
*Weekly: CW with Trader Joe's Tingle Treat Conditioner
*Weekly: DC on dry hair with heat for at least 30 minutes using Giovanni Nutrafix (protein) and Doo Groo Intense Penetrating Conditioner (moisture). I add glycerin, EVOO, jojoba oil, vitamin oil and coconut oil to the mixture.
*Weekly: spray damp hair with Aphogee Keratin Restructerizer, apply leave-in and let air dry for a few hours before twisting hair with KCC and sealing with grease.
*Daily: KCC in either a gel or using some that I've added Deionized water and glycerin and use as a spray. Seal with grease. Repeat regimen after 7 days.
Using this regimen consistently this year has taken me from SL to APL. I really believe the consistent use of protein and well, consistency has my hair turnt up!
HTH!