How do I know if the hair needs protein or moisture?

[liljoy]

So I'm confused, I heard that protein is not good for the hair, and that I should keep protein away, then other people say that curly hair needs protein, and not only moisture.
I have 3c hair and I was doing my own research and found out that there should be a balance between protein and moisture, now the question is how do u know when ur hair needs protein or moisture?
I've heard so many things that everything is just floating in my head, lol

 

[Aireen]

Normal rule of thumb is when the hair is gummy, overly soft, and very stretchy protein is needed; when the hair is brittle, snaps, and stiff moisture is needed. Use this as your guide.

 

[beanie44]

You asked a good questions I was doing research and a explaination that made it crystal clear for me was found on the naturallycurly site under hair elasticity.

Elasticity:

Take a strand of hair. I like to use hair that has pulled out from a comb or brush. wet it and hold at both ends. Pull on it.

1. If it stretches about 30-50% without breaking you have normal elasticity. You can use any product.

2. If it doesn't stretch far before snapping you have poor elasticity. This means your hair has too much protein so avoid products with protein and use products with intense moisture.

3. If it stretches a lot, more than 50%, before breaking, then you have very elastic hair. This means you need more protein. Use products that contain more protein

 

[liljoy]

You asked a good questions I was doing research and a explaination that made it crystal clear for me was found on the naturallycurly site under hair elasticity.

Elasticity:

Take a strand of hair. I like to use hair that has pulled out from a comb or brush. wet it and hold at both ends. Pull on it.

1. If it stretches about 30-50% without breaking you have normal elasticity. You can use any product.

2. If it doesn't stretch far before snapping you have poor elasticity. This means your hair has too much protein so avoid products with protein and use products with intense moisture.

3. If it stretches a lot, more than 50%, before breaking, then you have very elastic hair. This means you need more protein. Use products that contain more protein

It made sense thanks

 

[Aireen]

Also, ideally, your hair is supposed to stretch and bounce back in to shape to have perfect elasticity.