Natural Hair & Protein Treatments??

[AtlantaJJ]

Forgive me if this has been posted before, I welcome links if they are available.

There are a lot of newly natural ladies on the board that I think may benefit to know when should protein be used on natural hair?

When I was relaxed I knew to do a protein treatment before a retouch and after but now I don't have any indicator to tell me that I need protein. I am not combing my hair a lot so I'm not getting any breakage. I only comb when it's wet.

Is there a rule of thumb for protein use? Are there any tell-tale signs that indicate our natural hair needs a dose of protein? What are the better proteins for natural hair? (Wheat, animal, keratin, egg, etc.)

Oh I henna every 3 weeks or so...does that count as protein?

TIA for your answers

 

[JustKiya]

Ooh, good question.

I use protien (light only) on a schedule (every 4 weeks, I think), along with henna every 6-8 weeks. Before each scheduled time, I check in with my hair to see if it can handle the protien - if it's been the least bit dry/brittle/stiff, I skip the protien. If it's been staying pretty moisturized, and hasn't been breaking much, then I'll do the protien.

So, it's more about when NOT to use protien, for me.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Ooh, good question.

I use protien (light only) on a schedule (every 4 weeks, I think), along with henna every 6-8 weeks. Before each scheduled time, I check in with my hair to see if it can handle the protien - if it's been the least bit dry/brittle/stiff, I skip the protien. If it's been staying pretty moisturized, and hasn't been breaking much, then I'll do the protien.

So, it's more about when NOT to use protien, for me.

That makes perfect sense to me. It seems that moisture is my primary focus since I've gone natural.

I'll be so glad when its long enough to make nice twists like yours