My discovery

[Patricia]

This is a great thread. As I'm becoming more in tune with my hair, I'm realizing that I have experienced breakage rather than shedding. It's not all over the sink, but I figured out that it's "broken" hair and not "shed" hair by the length.

When I went to my stylist on a weekly basis, she always used a protein/moisture combo as a DC for me. My hair thrived. I want to use the Affirm 5-in-1-Reconstructor that she uses, but I'm having a hard time getting my hands on it since i'm not a stylist. She uses this as a DC after a relaxer. On wash day, she would mix it some Keracare Humecto.

I don't recall every having any breakage then (with the protein/moisture combo).

GLAD TO HEAR

 

[Patricia]

I love protein!
Sometimes I use protein straight (wheat or Soy) after I shampoo.
I just pour t over my hair as a rinse and let it sit for a while. Then I follow up with a moisturizing/protein free conditioner.

Because I use lots of heat, it saves my hair from damage.

Before, I didnt use alot of protein because I was natural, but now that I'm relaxed, its an important part of my reggie.

HEY YOU KNOW I WANT SOME OF THAT GOOD GOOD!
I HEARD IF YOU USE HEAT YOU SHOULD UP YOUR PROTEIN

 

[Patricia]

This is food for thought! thanks ladies!

BEAUTIFUL HAIR SAMANTHA

 

[Patricia]

My hair loves it too, I use Aphogee 2 min every week.

COOL. BTW LOVE YOUR PROGRESS

 

[ebonylocs]

I'm kinda different. From when I started visiting this site, read articles like SistaSlick's etc, I realised that my fine, porous strands need and tolerate quite a bit of light protein. This was even so (but to a slightly lesser extent) when my hair was natural. So since the beginning I've been using Aphogee 2 Min every week *like clockwork*, in addition to a moisturising conditioner.

The thing is, my hair doesn't seem to have a lot of elasticity. It's too brittle for my liking. And one time a few months ago, when I didn't use the Aphogee, my hair was sooo much easier to detangle - it felt a bit weaker, so I was scared of that and did a protein treatment a few days later, but while it lasted I liked the new softness and manageability.

So my question is, what protein conditioners give a super dose of strength, yet leave the hair pliable, elastic, silky and not stiff and brittle and tangly. (Not that the Aphogee is bad - I'm just wondering if it is the best for *my* hair.)

 

[victorious]

*hangs head in shame.*

It took me almost 4 years to realize that.

I recently determined my hair needs more mild protein more often. I'm back to scraggly ends once again, but I'm going to up the mild protein weekly. I'll try the Aphogee 2 min reconstructor next weekend since I henna'ed midweek. I've also added a little leftover Infusium 23 to my spray bottle. I'm still keeping ORS Mayo and their Replenishing Conditioner in rotation.

I tried the 2 step Aphogee and Infusium 23 before joining the forum, and swore my hair hated protein...wrong. I think I went overboard with it in the past. I might not need the 2 step Aphogee if I keep up with the monthly henna.

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

Cholesterol is a special one--I consider this a fatty treatment. You know like when people feel they need more ceramides (which are lipids). Lipids are just as important as protein and moisture, supporting the cuticle layer. They give moisture, but moreso pliability. Some cholesterol treatments contain collagen too, so that's where the strength comes from. So yeah, I consider cholesterols to be in their own category, but hey JMO.

I did my best, but hey, nice explanation. I know you are very knowledge about hair products. And I never knew ceramides were lipids. Learn something new everyday. Do Joico products contain ceramides as well? How do you know when your hair may need lipids?

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

I love protein!
Sometimes I use protein straight (wheat or Soy) after I shampoo.
I just pour t over my hair as a rinse and let it sit for a while. Then I follow up with a moisturizing/protein free conditioner.

Because I use lots of heat, it saves my hair from damage.

Before, I didnt use alot of protein because I was natural, but now that I'm relaxed, its an important part of my reggie.

Where do you purchase your proteins straight-up?

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

I AGREE. That was my problem turning to strickly hard core instead of a moderate dose every week.

I messed up and did the same thing. Then avoided protein altogether. Big mistake.

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE IF YOU FIND IT CAN YOU POST IT OR SEND IT TO ME

OK. Let's try these on for size:

The Fine Art of Protein and Moisture - great article written by our own Sistaslick. At the end of the article are moisture and protein conditioner recommendations.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/278612/the_fine_art_of_protein_and_moisture.html?page=7&cat=69

"To Clear the Air about Protein" - thread started by Supergirl (more great info about protein)
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=20494&

Light and Heavy Protein recommendation thread:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=47732%22

 

[Artemis]

I did my best, but hey, nice explanation. I know you are very knowledge about hair products. And I never knew ceramides were lipids. Learn something new everyday. Do Joico products contain ceramides as well? How do you know when your hair may need lipids?

I believe it is due to patent circumstances, but the "ceramides" in Joico products are actually labeled as "glycolipids".

IME when doing my hair, if protein and moisture balances are ok, and I'm still having issues (such a styling problems), I will add [coconut] oil or a product that contains oils or ceramides to support the other things I'm doing. Either like a pre-poo, mixing it with my dc, or after I'm done styling. Also, I found out that sometimes I don't even need to add moisturizer to my hair in between washes. This is why.

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

I believe it is due to patent circumstances, but the "ceramides" in Joico products are actually labeled as "glycolipids".

IME when doing my hair, if protein and moisture balances are ok, and I'm still having issues (such a styling problems), I will add [coconut] oil or a product that contains oils or ceramides to support the other things I'm doing. Either like a pre-poo, mixing it with my dc, or after I'm done styling. Also, I found out that sometimes I don't even need to add moisturizer to my hair in between washes. This is why.

Hmmmm.... this is really interesting. I wonder if this is why so many of the ladies on the board love using coconut oil? I promise I have tried everything on this board for my hair - randomly but still... Maybe this is why my hair liked prepoos with vatika oil and rollersets (using only water and sealing with coconut oil) so much? And, like you noted, I rarely use moisturizer between washes. Hmmmm.... :scratchch: This is starting to make some sense now. Thanks.

 

[Artemis]

Hmmmm.... this is really interesting. I wonder if this is why so many of the ladies on the board love using coconut oil? I promise I have tried everything on this board for my hair - randomly but still... Maybe this is why my hair liked prepoos with vatika oil and rollersets (using only water and sealing with coconut oil) so much? And, like you noted, I rarely use moisturizer between washes. Hmmmm.... :scratchch: This is starting to make some sense now. Thanks.

YW. Yeah coconut is one of the best things for the hair. It's a natural conditioner.

In fact, let me link you to this article I've posted about before about oiling the hair--why we should do it and how to do it.

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=71

 

[meverllyn1]

tell me........when it comes to protein and moisture, how do you know which one your hair needs. I have notice, since i don't use protein as often as i used to, i have split ends now.....is it because i need more protein or moisture.

 

[Artemis]

tell me........when it comes to protein and moisture, how do you know which one your hair needs. I have notice, since i don't use protein as often as i used to, i have split ends now.....is it because i need more protein or moisture.

This article should explain it for you. The author is a well-respected member of this board (Sistaslick)

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/278612/the_fine_art_of_protein_and_moisture.html

 

[Dposh167]

ive been overly-moisturized 3x in 2008!!!!...all due to me avoiding protein. I only used it in the beginning of a stretch..and towards the end. That regimen held out ok....until i started a new regimen by cowashing 3-4x a week. that much conditioning means more protein needed. I didnt get it until it was too late. Luckily, i was able to get my hair back on track by incorporating light protein conditioners within my cowash regimen. And the reults are GREAT. Stronger hair and less breakage as a result and pays off. Now, i loooove protein conditioners. i think i have more protein products than moisture now

 

[Napp]

yes my hair loves protien. i need to invest in more quality protien treatments. i do them once a week

 

[Patricia]

I'm kinda different. From when I started visiting this site, read articles like SistaSlick's etc, I realised that my fine, porous strands need and tolerate quite a bit of light protein. This was even so (but to a slightly lesser extent) when my hair was natural. So since the beginning I've been using Aphogee 2 Min every week *like clockwork*, in addition to a moisturising conditioner.

The thing is, my hair doesn't seem to have a lot of elasticity. It's too brittle for my liking. And one time a few months ago, when I didn't use the Aphogee, my hair was sooo much easier to detangle - it felt a bit weaker, so I was scared of that and did a protein treatment a few days later, but while it lasted I liked the new softness and manageability.

So my question is, what protein conditioners give a super dose of strength, yet leave the hair pliable, elastic, silky and not stiff and brittle and tangly. (Not that the Aphogee is bad - I'm just wondering if it is the best for *my* hair.)

DUOTEX made my hair strong yet silky. I am really impressed with it.

 

[Patricia]

*hangs head in shame.*

It took me almost 4 years to realize that.

I recently determined my hair needs more mild protein more often. I'm back to scraggly ends once again, but I'm going to up the mild protein weekly. I'll try the Aphogee 2 min reconstructor next weekend since I henna'ed midweek. I've also added a little leftover Infusium 23 to my spray bottle. I'm still keeping ORS Mayo and their Replenishing Conditioner in rotation.

I tried the 2 step Aphogee and Infusium 23 before joining the forum, and swore my hair hated protein...wrong. I think I went overboard with it in the past. I might not need the 2 step Aphogee if I keep up with the monthly henna.

I know how you feel. Seem like forever. Yeah we need to rethink this protein thing and not be afraid to use it.

 

[Patricia]

ive been overly-moisturized 3x in 2008!!!!...all due to me avoiding protein. I only used it in the beginning of a stretch..and towards the end. That regimen held out ok....until i started a new regimen by cowashing 3-4x a week. that much conditioning means more protein needed. I didnt get it until it was too late. Luckily, i was able to get my hair back on track by incorporating light protein conditioners within my cowash regimen. And the reults are GREAT. Stronger hair and less breakage as a result and pays off. Now, i loooove protein conditioners. i think i have more protein products than moisture now

Me too! I have more protein products.

 

[Patricia]

yes my hair loves protien. i need to invest in more quality protien treatments. i do them once a week

Yep once a week for me too

 

[kblc06]

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

Even though I'm natural, I can't go more than 2 consecutive washes without protein; my hair gets stretchy and uber-fragile (more than it already is). If I had listened to people who said your hair only needs moisture and very little protein, I wouldn't have any hair on my head. DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!

 

[Patricia]

I believe it is due to patent circumstances, but the "ceramides" in Joico products are actually labeled as "glycolipids".

IME when doing my hair, if protein and moisture balances are ok, and I'm still having issues (such a styling problems), I will add [coconut] oil or a product that contains oils or ceramides to support the other things I'm doing. Either like a pre-poo, mixing it with my dc, or after I'm done styling. Also, I found out that sometimes I don't even need to add moisturizer to my hair in between washes. This is why.

Girl you know everything about haircare. I'm about to stalk you, I mean check out your fotki. Thank you for this good info

 

[Patricia]

Even though I'm natural, I can't go more than 2 consecutive washes without protein; my hair gets stretchy and uber-fragile (more than it already is). If I had listened to people who said your hair only needs moisture and very little protein, I wouldn't have any hair on my head. DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!

You right. I think It will be a couple years before I'll see my thickness again.

 

[Patricia]

Hope this thread helps someone out there with hair issues

 

[Poodlepizzared]

Yep once a week for me too

Once a week for me too!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Lovestyr]

i have always been a protein eater , i have actually never done a protein teatment however my hair is thick regerplexedardless. i eat protein every day and sometimes i wil drink a protein shake just for the heck of it . everyone is different i guess . i am curious about doing a protein treatment i asked my beautician once and she said that was for people whose hair was severly damaged and since was hair was healthy that i did t need one.

 

[Poodlepizzared]

i have always been a protein eater , i have actually never done a protein teatment however my hair is thick regerplexedardless. i eat protein every day and sometimes i wil drink a protein shake just for the heck of it . everyone is different i guess . i am curious about doing a protein treatment i asked my beautician once and she said that was for people whose hair was severly damaged and since was hair was healthy that i did t need one.

I drink protein shakes too. Your hair doesn't necessarily have to be damaged to get a protein treatment. My hair isn't damaged and I do a protein prepoo every week or every other week.

 

[MizzBrown]

What about TIGI Dumb Blonde Reconstructor?

Is this considered light, medium or heavy? Do i need to use it like a mask and then follow up with a moisturizing condish?

The first time i tried it alone, it worked well...second time, hair was a little stiff and not that easy to detangle.

 

[Ivy Santolina]

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

Congratulations on your hair-discovery. I just recently learned too that my hair needed a better balance of protein and moisture. After reading Audrey Sivasothy's article on protein/moisture balance I instantly saw what I was doing wrong. I was over moisturizing my hair to offset applying MegaTek on my scalp 3 times a week. I wanted to ensure I didn't have protein overload but I made my hair too mushy. I had the epiphany that the protein was only being applied to my scalp so there was no need to add extra moisture to the length of my hair. So to correct my mistake I used the Nexxus Emergencee reconstructor as a pre-texturizer and pre-neutralizer protein treatment. My hair responded very well to it. Since those 2 protein treatments I have a lot less breakage even though I applied the texturizer when my hair wasn't in its strongest form. BTW I got the idea to apply the protein prior to neutralizing my texturizer from Audrey too. Here's a link to her article: Guide to Safely Applying Chemical Relaxers