Paging Supergirl-Protein Conditioner

[Aerie17]

Hey there,
Hope you can help me here with a question about conditioners:
I am still trying to get a handle on when to use what type of conditioner. I noticed in another thread you advised that when you notice long strands breaking to use a protein conditoner. What type of protein? Also, if you are noticing broken strands, not long ones, what should you be using, protein, no protein, moisture...or both? What are signs that you are using too much protein? I posted a while back that I thought I might be using too much protein, thus making my hair brittle. I cut down, but sometimes I notice strands of different length breaking. Considering that I have learned to be extra-gentle with my hair, eschew heat and keep my hair protected, no brushing, etc., this is scary. It doesn't happen all the time. I certainly notice it when I haven't washed twice a week. I had a biopsy last week and couldn't shower/shampoo at my normal time and I was miserable. I had breakage after about the 4th-5th day... I usually wash every three days. I have noticed good growth since joining the board and my hairstylist has not had to trim in over three months. However, I don't like the breakage that I sometimes get. Makes me think I am still doing something incorrectly. I am growing out layers cut in June (just before finding this board and deciding to go ahead and grow with the flow) and can't wait for all-one-length hair and then the march down the back. Thanks in advance, for your suggestions and those of anyone else who would care to!

 

[Supergirl]

If your hair is dry and brittle--I wouldn't recommend major protein until it softens a bit. The last time I noticed long hairs shedding, (around early September)--I used Motions Moisture Silk Protein Conditioner, which contains collagen (makes hair flexible& strengthens it) and silk protein. I am learning that silk protein is more potent than I originally believed. You see, silk is a fiber similar to hair and so silk protein adds some nice strength to the hair. Affirm 5 in 1 is a collagen reconstructor and so is Nexxus Keraphix. Keraphix has keratin as well, but the major protein component in it is collagen.

If you are getting broken pieces of hair (not long strands), then a more substantial protein might be the answer if (as stated above) your hair is not dry and brittle. I know that DRC28 and Nexxus Emergencee are like the double hardcore protein types. I personally don't use anything stronger than Joico K-Pak.

Now the tricky part--if your hair is breaking because it is lacking in moisture, guess what? Hair that has substantial protein receives and retains moisture better.

In my opinion, products like Keraphix & Motions Moisture Silk are okay for weekly use. But if you use them weekly--I could definitely see the benefit in following them with a moisturizing conditioner though the directions may not necessarily say to do so.

Another option if the breakage is not major is to use a moisturizing conditioner with a light protein (not keratin or collagen, but perhaps wheat, silk, soy, vegetable) And THEN use a leave-in with a substantial protein such as collagen or keratin. Here are a few:

Design Essentials HCO Leave-In (Collagen)
Motions Nourish (Keratin)
Arosci Intra-Vying (Collagen)

The Arosci is probably my favorite of those three

Girl, I know I've given you more info. than you could've ever hoped for, but I hope that something helps

 

[inthepink]

This info is great. Thanks for the explanation! I was never able to find that Motions Moisture Silk Conditioner!

 

[Supergirl]

Oh, and I forgot--you can try mixing your protein and moisturizing conditioners. Nexxus Keraphix with Humectress is a great combo

I've never mixed Joico's Moisturizing Conditioner with K-Pak, but I bet it's great.

Also, Angie K from the forum created a mixture of Ellucence Moisture Balance, Extended Moisture Repair + Kenra Intensive Emollient. I like this too for moisture and strength.

 

[Supergirl]

Hairlove,

You just have to get some. No joke.

Try www.discount-beauty.com

 

[inthepink]

I will have to keep it on my list to buy in January! I just didn't know where to purchase! Thanks for the website.

 

[sithembile]

Supergirl,
Does the Arosci leave in detangle?

 

[Supergirl]

It is somewhat detangling.

Hairlove,

I am so puzzled that you can't find that Motions conditioner at Sally's. I can't walk into a Sally's without it jumping out at me.

 

[Aerie17]

You have more than answered my questions. Thanks a bunch!!
I will try the recommended strategies and will let you know how they work out. Thanks again!

 

[Aerie17]

[ QUOTE ]
hairlove said:
This info is great. Thanks for the explanation! I was never able to find that Motions Moisture Silk Conditioner!

[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't seen it either, but will look more closely when I go back to Sally's. I am getting to be on a first-name basis in there!!

Also, Supergirl, where would I find the Arosci? I don't think I have seen it.

 

[keylargo]

Supergirl, this is great information. Thanks for posting. What do you think about proteins such as cysteine and algae like you find in aubrey organics products? Do you think they are hardcore? They don't seem to be and I tend to use them weekly. they make the hair pretty soft and smooth.

So, if your hair is soft and moist but starts to break, do you recommend collagen or keratin protein?

 

[Aerie17]

Ooops!! I just went to Discount Beauty and see the Arosci!
Thanks so much for your help..

 

[Supergirl]

[ QUOTE ]
Supergirl, this is great information. Thanks for posting. What do you think about proteins such as cysteine and algae like you find in aubrey organics products? Do you think they are hardcore? They don't seem to be and I tend to use them weekly. they make the hair pretty soft and smooth. Remember to look for the word "hydrolyzed" also.

So, if your hair is soft and moist but starts to break, do you recommend collagen or keratin protein?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm a big fan of the cysteine amino acid

I have noticed that Aubrey products don't harden the hair. If cysteine is a component of a formulation that is really moisturizing (ie: the old Moisturefuse) then I don't see how it could cause problems. I used the old Moisturefuse every week for a year I know and my hair got better, and better, and better...you get the idea.

And yes--if you've got some pretty intense breakage (more than a normal day to day amount) and the hair is soft and well moisturized, I would go ahead and use a Collagen or Keratin.

 

[Aerie17]

Good question, keylargo...I am not noticing that my hair is dry...I work to keep it moisturized, but I am very surprised at how brittle it is sometimes. I don't understand it. I will work with the different proteins until I find out what my hair is asking for.

 

[cutebajangirl]

The Arosci is fabulous, Caramel honee put me on to it. It is not the best at detabgling but it makes your hair feel like silk.

 

[inthepink]

[ QUOTE ]
Supergirl said:
It is somewhat detangling.

Hairlove,

I am so puzzled that you can't find that Motions conditioner at Sally's. I can't walk into a Sally's without it jumping out at me.

[/ QUOTE ]

Supergirl,

It's so annoying! I probably mentioned somewhere that I'd been to 3 different Sally's and searched high and low for this product with no luck. Sally's here also don't carry Fantasia IC hair polisher gel - and that's super popular! I had to buy it online. Strange and annoying! I will purchase the Motions product online in January!

 

[moneychaser]

[ QUOTE ]
Supergirl said:
If your hair is dry and brittle--I wouldn't recommend major protein until it softens a bit. The last time I noticed long hairs shedding, (around early September)--I used Motions Moisture Silk Protein Conditioner, which contains collagen (makes hair flexible& strengthens it) and silk protein. I am learning that silk protein is more potent than I originally believed. You see, silk is a fiber similar to hair and so silk protein adds some nice strength to the hair. Affirm 5 in 1 is a collagen reconstructor and so is Nexxus Keraphix. Keraphix has keratin as well, but the major protein component in it is collagen.

If you are getting broken pieces of hair (not long strands), then a more substantial protein might be the answer if (as stated above) your hair is not dry and brittle. I know that DRC28 and Nexxus Emergencee are like the double hardcore protein types. I personally don't use anything stronger than Joico K-Pak.

Now the tricky part--if your hair is breaking because it is lacking in moisture, guess what? Hair that has substantial protein receives and retains moisture better.

In my opinion, products like Keraphix & Motions Moisture Silk are okay for weekly use. But if you use them weekly--I could definitely see the benefit in following them with a moisturizing conditioner though the directions may not necessarily say to do so.

Another option if the breakage is not major is to use a moisturizing conditioner with a light protein (not keratin or collagen, but perhaps wheat, silk, soy, vegetable) And THEN use a leave-in with a substantial protein such as collagen or keratin. Here are a few:

Design Essentials HCO Leave-In (Collagen)
Motions Nourish (Keratin)
Arosci Intra-Vying (Collagen)

The Arosci is probably my favorite of those three

Girl, I know I've given you more info. than you could've ever hoped for, but I hope that something helps

[/ QUOTE ]
good info

 

[ladylibra_30]

sure is.

 

[senimoni]

bumping for myself

 

[Neroli]

Bumping for myself as well as newbies in the last year. Good info and well worth reading (and re-reading) . . .

 

[morehairplease]

great thread! printing it for my sis.