My discovery

[Spidergul]

I'm about to up my protein usage big-time because I'm experiencing so much breakage. I didn't before because I didn't have a good moisturizing conditioner to combat the stiffness that the protein leaves in my hair. But now that I do, I'm all about some protein!

I am so confused. i have been on this board for a while now and my hair has gone from pretty good to worse after all the products I have purchased over the years. either I am not giving them enough time to work or they are just not for me. My hair has broken off so bad these last few months, I told my husband I will be bald by the end of 2008 at this rate. I have NO IDEA why? Too much protein, not enough moisture, hard water-IDK! My husband says I use way too many products. I have rid my coffers of all products. But I still don't know what direction to take. erplexed But I did think my hair did not need protein. erplexed Back in the day, I used CON the old formula, BB grease, pink lotion and pantene-the one for clear woman and my hair was the bomb, now it is a bomb. They no longer make the perm I swore by from revlon. I can't even remember the name.erplexed Over the holidays, I decided to just cut off the stringy ends and start fresh.

Sorry I hyjacked your thread.I just had to get that off my chest.

 

[Patricia]

I got my first protein treatment last week at the shop because my hair was breaking off and that was not normal. I plan to do the aphogee protein treatment this week. My questions is should I do the Aphogee protein two times a month and the 2 min reconstruction every week when I wash my hair? I am soooo excited about Aphogee now.

I THINK THE 2 STEP APHOGEE IS MADE TO USE EVERY 6 TO 8 WEEKS. USING IT MORE THAN THAT WILL SURELY CAUSE BREAKAGE. I TRIED TO USE THE TWO STEP EVERY MONTH AND HAD A PROTEIN OVERLOAD. MY HAIR WAS BREAKING LIKE CRAZY. THEN I WENT TO THE EXTREME OF NOT USING PROTEIN AT ALL. WORST CHOICE OF ALL. I AM NOW HAVING GREAT RESULTS USING PROTEIN WEEKLY. MIX PROTEIN WITH MOISTURE CONDITIONERS REALLY WORKS

 

[locabouthair]

I got my first protein treatment last week at the shop because my hair was breaking off and that was not normal. I plan to do the aphogee protein treatment this week. My questions is should I do the Aphogee protein two times a month and the 2 min reconstruction every week when I wash my hair? I am soooo excited about Aphogee now.

I think that might be too much protein.

 

[LivingDoll]

I got my first protein treatment last week at the shop because my hair was breaking off and that was not normal. I plan to do the aphogee protein treatment this week. My questions is should I do the Aphogee protein two times a month and the 2 min reconstruction every week when I wash my hair? I am soooo excited about Aphogee now.

The Aphogee 2 step (hard protein) is very strong. I would only recommend it once every 4-6 weeks. I only used it ONCE (it was a disaster like you wouldn't believe)...I never used it again. Be careful and make sure you have something Ultra, ultra moisturizing on hand to use afterward. You'll need it.

 

[natural2008]

should I do the 2 step treatment ever 2 months and the reconstructor every week or two times a month?

 

[LivingDoll]

should I do the 2 step treatment ever 2 months and the reconstructor every week or two times a month?

From what I've researched, a lot of ladies are using it at every other wash (which may be once a week if they wash 2x a week).

 

[Spidergul]

Wow that's funny because I just posted in another thread how I planned on using Joico K pak on my natural hair every week because I'm just realizing that I may have naturally weaker hair that's just more prone to breakage even if I don't relax, use heat,etc. Since using Joico products my hair doesn't feel as delicate, I can only imagine the lengths I'll be able to get incorporating this stuff.

I know what you mean though when I first came here I jumped on every bandwagon and ruined my hair even more I was afraid of the protein overload stories so I steered clear and decided to do low mani instead which was a mistake cuz I had so MANY knots and tangles and I'm thinking "I should be able to comb my hair whenever I want without issues, this is ridiculous!"I know it took 2 years for you but at least you found it, now you can grow to greater lengths!

Hallauiah!!!

 

[Spidergul]

OK Ladies-Help me out with a GREAT moisturing conditioner plz!

 

[Muse]

I am all about Joico Moisture Recovery Balm!

 

[gymfreak336]

I got my first protein treatment last week at the shop because my hair was breaking off and that was not normal. I plan to do the aphogee protein treatment this week. My questions is should I do the Aphogee protein two times a month and the 2 min reconstruction every week when I wash my hair? I am soooo excited about Aphogee now.

Was your hair breaking before the treatment at the salon hence the reason why you got it done?

If your hair was breaking before the treatment and is still breaking now, you need to do a strand test. From there you can determine what you need. Depending on how bad the breakage was before the first protein treatment, you might not need a very strong protein treatment now. This would be a good time to start using cream reconstructors that are protein based but still have moisturizing qualities.

 

[Spidergul]

I was so depressed cause it seemed like my hair was in better shape before the boards. This experience was a blessing because I now know about my hair. I thought I knew about my hair before the boards. No more bandwagons for me ever ever ever ever.............[/QUOTE]

Again Hallaiuah!! I think I have ruin my daughters hair as well using the indian products. I am so sad sad over this. My hair is one thing hers is...

 

[CenteredGirl]

It took me 6 years! Oh well, that's the way the cookie crumbles. But my hair is really awesome now. Been playing with different types of proteins: eggs, keratin, soy, silk, wheat. Wonderful.

 

[Lucky's Mom]

It took me 6 years! Oh well, that's the way the cookie crumbles. But my hair is really awesome now. Been playing with different types of proteins: eggs, keratin, soy, silk, wheat. Wonderful.

LORD - Where have you been?????????????

 

[bbdgirl]

So what i got from reading this thread is that most of the ladies that use protein often have fine hair.

I have extremely coarse hair, when I used aphogee, the hard one, every two weeks, my became dry and broke off a lot.

From what I understand, fine hair has less cuticle layers, which may be why the fine haired ladies, need more protein..Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Gymfreak, where you at?

I agree I came to that same conclusion myself and I have fine.med hair as well.

 

[sqzbly1908]

This is such a great thread -

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER - GETTING EMPOWERED FOR THE '09!!!

 

[Prose Princess]

OK Ladies-Help me out with a GREAT moisturing conditioner plz!

This may change because I don't like ordering things offline and I need more cost effective products since I've been a PJ for the last 3 months erplexed, but right now I mix:
50% Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose
50% Hairveda's Sitrinillah DC Mask
About 6-8 drops of essential peppermint oil
About 6-8 drops of essential rosemary oil

I apply it to my scalp and new growth first, then to the rest of my hair and sit under the dryer for one hour. Since I started using this mixture my hair has started to accept moisture rather than it just sitting on top of my hair, and I don't get the itchies anymore! I love the tingly feeling too . This mixture is the only thing I have found that really works for my hair, but I highly recommend Giovanni Smooth As Silk also. I could use that straight and it would moisturize my hair pretty well, and add slip. HTH!

 

[ImaBoss]

well being that I just started my healthy hair growth Im not 100% sure what I have discovered about my hair, but what I am sure about is: This is a great thread, This is great board with a lot of good information for newbies like me and i'm so glad I discovered it. Thanks Ladies

 

[Patricia]

I am so confused. i have been on this board for a while now and my hair has gone from pretty good to worse after all the products I have purchased over the years. either I am not giving them enough time to work or they are just not for me. My hair has broken off so bad these last few months, I told my husband I will be bald by the end of 2008 at this rate. I have NO IDEA why? Too much protein, not enough moisture, hard water-IDK! My husband says I use way too many products. I have rid my coffers of all products. But I still don't know what direction to take. erplexed But I did think my hair did not need protein. erplexed Back in the day, I used CON the old formula, BB grease, pink lotion and pantene-the one for clear woman and my hair was the bomb, now it is a bomb. They no longer make the perm I swore by from revlon. I can't even remember the name.erplexed Over the holidays, I decided to just cut off the stringy ends and start fresh.
Sorry I hyjacked your thread.I just had to get that off my chest

You are so welcome to comment. you not hyjacking this thread. I just feel so good I have someone to cry to.
I know how you feel. I cut my hair a few times and my hair is so thin compared to what it should be. It will take a few years to get my thickness back . I guess I can say better late than never. I feel ya

 

[soulie]

Try using a lighter protein every week instead like Nexxus Keraphix. It never leaves my hair hard or stiff.

I just made the protein discovery about a month ago! I bought the Keraphix while I was on vacation and my hair INSTANTLY improved; I've been using it weekly and I think my hair is at its best now. I'm wondering if I even need my monthly Emergencee treatment now.

 

[kandegirl]

Great post. I've been using the hard core Aprhogee for years every 6-8 weeks but I would still get some breakage. I find my hair is doing better using the 2 minute aphogee every week and still use the hard core one every few months. The weekly protein is rebuilding my hair and a hair dresser told me once when I got highlights to use a recontructor every week to rebuild my hair for two months. Now I'm following that age old advice again!

 

[Muse]

The people at Joico said the Kpak reconstructor can be used 2-3xs per week? Whose hair can take that much? Are they aware of protein overload? I mean even if you have the most damaged hair isn't 2-3xs/wk a lot?

I am the type to follow directions to a T when it comes to how I use the product and how long I use them, so when I read 2-3xs/wk and they sent me an email restating this I almost started to do it that often but I backed off and just did once a week because of overload.

Does anyone agree with Joico and think that 2-3xs/wk is ok? I assume Joico knows their stuff when it comes to hair so maybe it's ok...

 

[Golden75]

Does anyone agree with Joico and think that 2-3xs/wk is ok? I assume Joico knows their stuff when it comes to hair so maybe it's ok...[/quote]

Guess it depends on the hair, its tolerance, and the strength of the protein. Never heard of protein overload til I got here, and I think I was infected! My hair was snap, cracking, and popping. When I thought about the products I've used over the years (and there were plenty) they were all protein based. Why? Cuz I read protein is good for hair, but the second part of moisture was not attached to those statements. So since I have been watching my protein intake and upping moisture my hair is doing so much better. I usually use a moderate protein DC 2x per month (when I clarify & one if I'm experiencing extra breakage). But I am also using MT which is protein. So I think once you find that balance, you won't need protein as often. Is K-pak considered a heavy protein? I would think 2-3x a week is excessive if its hardcore and your hair is not necessarily damaged.

 

[natural2008]

Hello GymFreak,
My hair was not braking before getting the protein treatment. I noticed the breakage after I got my texturizer touched up. My hair has never broken/shedd like that and I was going crazy.

 

[Muse]

Does anyone agree with Joico and think that 2-3xs/wk is ok? I assume Joico knows their stuff when it comes to hair so maybe it's ok...

Guess it depends on the hair, its tolerance, and the strength of the protein. Never heard of protein overload til I got here, and I think I was infected! My hair was snap, cracking, and popping. When I thought about the products I've used over the years (and there were plenty) they were all protein based. Why? Cuz I read protein is good for hair, but the second part of moisture was not attached to those statements. So since I have been watching my protein intake and upping moisture my hair is doing so much better. I usually use a moderate protein DC 2x per month (when I clarify & one if I'm experiencing extra breakage). But I am also using MT which is protein. So I think once you find that balance, you won't need protein as often. Is K-pak considered a heavy protein? I would think 2-3x a week is excessive if its hardcore and your hair is not necessarily damaged.[/quote]

I think it would go in the moderate category. I'm going to call Joico and ask them.

 

[naturalgurl]

After being on the boards about 2 years and obsessing with hair care. Guess what I found out?
ALL I NEEDED WAS PROTEIN!
Darn shame. plenty days of not combing cause my hair would break and come out. No detangling in shower cause of excessive hair loss. Cutting hair repeatly cause it was growing back thin. Cutting back to neck length.............. You know that song.YOU JUST DO YOU , I MA DO ME, I MA DO ME, IMA DO ME. That should have been out when I first started my journey. I made so many mistakes listening to people who swear protein is the enemy! My hair paid the price. I'm good now cause I have been rebuilding my hair every week with a good dose of protein reconstructor of some type in my mane and tail. The results has been strong hair that don't break and its not fragile anymore. I'm not afraid to put in a ponytail or style anymore.
Anyone else abused their hair by not using protein?
How long did it take you to figure it out?
Thanks

I've learned that here as well. People raved about how certain products brought their hair back to life. Me, like a fool was out buying this stuff in BULK and left with hair in the sink STILL! Needless to say, I found what MY hair likes and we've been friends again ever since!(I'm a high moisture/low protein gal) Glad to know you figured yours out. We can't be afraid to go off the path and see what OUR needs are versus what others need.

 

[JerriBlank]

Wow!I'm just seeing this thread,but i have pretty much been having the same issue.This is why i bought some MOP extreme protein,because its time for my hair to get a good dose(and aphogee was not doing it for some reason).

I'm dc'ing with this today,followed by a cheapie coconut dc i picked up,or some Tigi Oatmeal and honey treatment,and a rollerset.
I hope this works,because i know my hair needs the protein.

 

[JerriBlank]

This may change because I don't like ordering things offline and I need more cost effective products since I've been a PJ for the last 3 months erplexed, but right now I mix:
50% Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose
50% Hairveda's Sitrinillah DC Mask
About 6-8 drops of essential peppermint oil
About 6-8 drops of essential rosemary oil

I apply it to my scalp and new growth first, then to the rest of my hair and sit under the dryer for one hour. Since I started using this mixture my hair has started to accept moisture rather than it just sitting on top of my hair, and I don't get the itchies anymore! I love the tingly feeling too . This mixture is the only thing I have found that really works for my hair, but I highly recommend Giovanni Smooth As Silk also. I could use that straight and it would moisturize my hair pretty well, and add slip. HTH!

What are you getting off the internet hun?
I see that you're in ky,and you could pick all of these up,except for the Hairveda,from Whole Foods.

 

[Artemis]

The people at Joico said the Kpak reconstructor can be used 2-3xs per week? Whose hair can take that much? Are they aware of protein overload? I mean even if you have the most damaged hair isn't 2-3xs/wk a lot?

I am the type to follow directions to a T when it comes to how I use the product and how long I use them, so when I read 2-3xs/wk and they sent me an email restating this I almost started to do it that often but I backed off and just did once a week because of overload.

Does anyone agree with Joico and think that 2-3xs/wk is ok? I assume Joico knows their stuff when it comes to hair so maybe it's ok...

2-3x/week on a damaged hair (bleached, melting off) until you don't need it anymore, ie, until your hair is no longer damaged. Most reconstructors are like that. It really isn't as hardcore as you think.

Edit: Also, if you are using a product consistently, and you notice your hair changes in texture and elasticity, why wouldn't realize that discontinuing use of said product is a viable option. Not trying to be glib, but the phrase "protein overload" bothers me to no end b/c it is preventable and it takes a lot of effort to achieve. No one should be passive enough with their own hair to let protein (or even moisture) overload occur, esp. with the plethora of knowledge out there. Yeah I know it happens, but IMO it shouldn't if you learn how to spot trouble early and just pay attention. I dunno, call me an idealist

 

[locabouthair]

2-3x/week on a damaged hair (bleached, melting off) until you don't need it anymore, ie, until your hair is no longer damaged. Most reconstructors are like that. It really isn't as hardcore as you think.

Edit: Also, if you are using a product consistently, and you notice your hair changes in texture and elasticity, why wouldn't realize that discontinuing use of said product is a viable option. Not trying to be glib, but the phrase "protein overload" bothers me to no end b/c it is preventable and it takes a lot of effort to achieve. No one should be passive enough with their own hair to let protein (or even moisture) overload occur, esp. with the plethora of knowledge out there. Yeah I know it happens, but IMO it shouldn't if you learn how to spot trouble early and just pay attention. I dunno, call me an idealist

I feel you but when it happened to me, I ddidnt know anything about my hair. I was teen still relying on my stylist to tell me everything. I dotn even think LHCF existed then.

I know a girl who used the hard core aphogee every week or two weeks, something like that and her hair did grow. I thought that that was OD but she insisted that that was how you were supposed to use it. Now that I think about she came back from summer vacation with longer hair, it could have been the summer growth spurt or maybe she needed protein idk. I'm not sure if her strands were fine or coarse.

 

[Artemis]

I feel you but when it happened to me, I ddidnt know anything about my hair. I was teen still relying on my stylist to tell me everything. I dotn even think LHCF existed then.

I know a girl who used the hard core aphogee every week or two weeks, something like that and her hair did grow. I thought that that was OD but she insisted that that was how you were supposed to use it. Now that I think about she came back from summer vacation with longer hair, it could have been the summer growth spurt or maybe she needed protein idk. I'm not sure if her strands were fine or coarse.

Yeah, that's different. If it's due to ignorance (b/c nobody told you), IMO you get a pass. And I'm sure eventually, she decreased the frequency of that product as her hair got better.

I shake my head at my "not-knowing" self when I realized how overmoisturized my hair was when my stylist put DRC 28 on my hair and then followed it up with Affirm (I a/b died), but then when my hair was soft yet durable, I just had to find out why. Maybe that's just me...

There are ppl out here who just don't want to know why, or don't care. They can stay in the dark if they like, but trust, that won't be me.