Protein-Sensitive Members: How do You Combat Breakage?

[justicefighter1913]

Hmm.....have you tried incorporating Red Palm Oil into your regimen? I find that it really helps stop breakage and shedding in its tracks. I don't know what the science is behind it, but it works. I don't think that it's a cure-all, but it's working wonders!

 

[LaidBak]

I am glad to hear you are having so much success!
What products specifically are you using (reconstructor + moisture)?

I use Roux Moisturizing shampoo (619 system), Sallys GVP Joico K-Pak reconstructor, and then one of three moisturizing condishes:
-Humectress
-Mizani Moisturefuze
-Roux Moisture Recovery Treatment (619 System)

Humectress is hands down the best of the three. But I've got to use up the others in my stash.

My hair is soft, strong, and amazing! The only thing its lacking is shine. I suspect that I won't get that unless I figure out how to work some oil into this wash routine. I may add it to my shampoo. I don't have time to DC so that's out.

 

[teacherjess]

Its 30 days since that last post ^^ and I've finally figured out how I can use protein, not have brittle hair, and retain my growth. I just have to use moisture and protein in the same wash, every time. I feel kinda stupid for not figuring it out before. For the last 10 days I have been washing my hair every other day (out of necessity, long story). Normally I would have shed and broken hairs all over the place. My hair is usually weakest when wet. But I started using a recontructor for 3 minutes followed by a moisturizing condish for 3 minutes every time I wash. My breakage has literally STOPPED. There is no hair on my shower wall, none on my back, none in the comb, and none in the sink. Its beautiful! So this is now how I retain length. Protein and then moisture at every wash.

I recently made this discovery as well and have had the same experience, almost exactly to the letter with the exception of using it every wash. I shampoo every 3 days, alternating protein every other wash. I used to think I was protein sensitive, too. My hair has done sooooooo much better after this. I use Aphogee 2 min reconstructor as my protein, then DC for 30 mins w/heat with a mixture of Humecto and coconut oil

 

[naturalgyrl5199]

Since I'm natural, Aphogee is just too much for my hair now...So I alternate between 2 products with mild to moderate proteins:

1. ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner...its about 50/50.
2. Joico Kpax Conditioner (I have the shampoo too)....its more a little more than 50/50...but not harsh.

If I need more protein, I may add a little Joico to the ORS and let it sit for 45 minutes....The ORS is very moisturizing, and if I do an ACV rinse before I have more strength as well as moisture....

I also will add a little Joico to my VO5 Moisturizing Conditioners....and let it sit 45 min or more.....with same results....I never use harsh or heavy proteins...I listen to my hair's needs at the time...For example...I have been in braids 6 weeks. I've been washing and conditioning every 2 weeks, but when I take them down on week 8, I will use the Joico Products to focus more on strengthening, and co -wash 3 days later to add moisture if needed.

 

[sheedahp]

I dont think Im protein sensitive but when I notice too much moisture I use ORS Hair Mayonaise and my hair comes out strong soft and manageable. I love it.

 

[Pink Pearls]

I get my protein through food...egg whites, chicken, etc., henna and small amounts of oat protein in my conditioner.

 

[*Muffin*]

Thanks for continuing to post, ladies. And I'm especially impressed with your experience, LaidBak. I may have to try that. I finally found a reconstructing conditioner my hair seems to like, which is the Millcreek Keratin Conditioner, but I can only leave it in for about 2-3 minutes, then DC with a moisturizing DC afterward. I'll be doing this every two weeks because I usually put avocado oil in my moisturizing DC on my moisturizing days, and that seems to add a bit of strength to my hair as well.

 

[I Am So Blessed]

i slab on some juice



yeah

 

[LaidBak]

Thanks for continuing to post, ladies. And I'm especially impressed with your experience, LaidBak. I may have to try that. I finally found a reconstructing conditioner my hair seems to like, which is the Millcreek Keratin Conditioner, but I can only leave it in for about 2-3 minutes, then DC with a moisturizing DC afterward. I'll be doing this every two weeks because I usually put avocado oil in my moisturizing DC on my moisturizing days, and that seems to add a bit of strength to my hair as well.

I think that was a major cause of my problems in the past. I was DCing with protein--30-40 minutes, with heat. Big mistake for me! Apparently all I need is a few minutes of it on a regular basis.

 

[VictoriousBrownFlower]

At least I'm not the only one whos hair hates protein. Even though I'm relaxed I just cant use it to often and NOTHING too strong.

I find natural proteins do me better than things like keratin collagen and saa...

When my hair needs protein(which isnt often) I use ors hair mayo. I dont have a set time that I do protein instead I listen to my hair. If its not holding curls, looks and feels oily, lays flat and lifeless I get out the ors hair mayo and use it until my hair feels like normal again(one or two wash cycles usually does the trick). I always follow up with a moisturising dc.

Henna is also great for protein sensative hair. It doesnt replace protein but it makes your hair stronger without the side effects. I find that when I dont wash out the henna with shampoo my hair feels dry after no matter how much co washing I do. So I use it as an overnight prepoo. IN the am I wash my hair the way I would normally and dc with a moisturising dc. I never get that dry brittle feeling. I can use henna once a wk without any probs.

Oils with ceramides is a good option too. I never knew I used them until I read in a thread that all of my fave oils have ceramides in them. Avocado oil, coconut oil, wheat germ oil, etc... Maybe thats why I dont need protein very often and I never have a prob with breakage unless I'm using a product with hidden protein in it.

 

[*Muffin*]

I think that was a major cause of my problems in the past. I was DCing with protein--30-40 minutes, with heat. Big mistake for me! Apparently all I need is a few minutes of it on a regular basis.

Me too! I was treating my protein treatments just like regular deep conditioning treatments, but I read on one webpage that your hair can absorb all the protein it needs within a much shorter amount of time (I believe the site said around 5-15 minutes). As for me, my hair can absorb all the protein it needs in a few minutes. I made the mistake of leaving in that keratin conditioner for 15 minutes, and I ended up having to do a moisturizing DC twice because my hair felt a bit brittle after the first moisturizing treatment. It was all good after the second one, though .

 

[LaidBak]

Update: I have been diligently monitoring my hair. It finally got the point where it had its fill of protein. My strands are thicker and my hair loss (during the wash cycle) is at an absolute minimum. For the moment I have gone back to just using moisture, but the minute I think my hair can stand it again I'll go back to my Protein/moisture routine.

 

[LaidBak]

Still using protein on a regular basis. Breakage is still at an absolute minimum. I'm using Sally's GVP Joico, or Roux Mendex treatment as my protein.
I'm hoping that this keep it simple regimen helps me get back to CBL by year's end.

 

[iri9109]

the only protein my hair can take is ORS Replenishing Pak...i havent used any protein condish in a while though, so i hope my hair isnt over moisturized

ETA: to combat breakage i alway seal, and i try not to manipulate much