Protein Treatments & Stiffer Hair?

[Aireen]

So I've been using conditioners with protein a little bit more lately and before I O.D., I'm thinking of cutting back, but my hair now "acts" slightly stiffer. What I mean by this is, it's not as bouncy and movable as it used to be.
Q: Has anyone noticed this with their hair when using protein back-to-back for a while?

ETA: In case I'm experiencing slight protein overload I'm going to head to the drugstore tomorrow and pick up a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. The BSS is kinda far for me but if anyone recommends a ridiculously good and moisture-rich product, I'll head that way and pick it up.
Q: Are there any super moisturizing drugstore and/or BSS shampoos and conditioners without ANY protein I can use? Also I was thinking of adding Say Yes to Carrots Conditioner on top of that due to good reviews, so is this product very moisturizing and good enough to help balance out my hair's moisture levels?


Thank you in advance!

-Aireen

 

[Vintageglam]

^^^ Yep you may have slight protein overload. Were there strong proteins or mild ones?

If you want the bounce back then just cut back on the proteins or use mild ones sparingly for a while and DC a little more until the bounce returns.

Also check your other products to make sure they also are not containing protein.

 

[Aireen]

^^^ Yep you may have slight protein overload. Were there strong proteins or mild ones?

If you want the bounce back then just cut back on the proteins or use mild ones sparingly for a while and DC a little more until the bounce returns.

Also check your other products to make sure they also are not containing protein.

Thanks so much!

Yeah I thought I was really tipping the scales to the protein side. I guess I got too excited because I've been doing mild treatments for weeks now. I use mild proteins in general such as silk, collagen, and wheat. These proteins are usually 5th on the list or lower. So far none of my products don't have protein and it feels like my hair wants something UBER moisturizing...

Okay well instead of making a new thread I'll add another question to the list.

 

[LatterGlory]

I know I have been using too much protein when my hair starts to feel straw-like and yes slightly stiffer.

I do use a mild protein almost weekly followed by a moisturizing conditioner to avoid the above.

 

[Aireen]

I know I have using too much protein when my hair starts to feel straw-like and yes slightly stiffer.

I do use a mild protein almost weekly followed by a moisturizing conditioner to avoid the above.

Darn now I'm scared...

 

[LatterGlory]

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[Aireen]

No need to worry just cut back a bit on the protein and up the moisture.

There is a reason it's called a protein/ moisture balance.

Once you find the balance that works for your hair you'll be fine.

Haha, yes, moisture/protein balance. I guess I went a little overboard on the protein.

Any product recommendations?

 

[Vintageglam]

there are so many aireen.....

I think there are whole threads on this. Anyway these are a few I have and like:

Mizani Moisturefuse
Lustrasilk shea butter and mango cholesterol
Matrix biolage untra hydrating balm

 

[Aireen]

there are so many aireen.....

I think there are whole threads on this. Anyway these are a few I have and like:

Mizani Moisturefuse
Lustrasilk shea butter and mango cholesterol
Matrix biolage untra hydrating balm

Yep, I'm looking through the Delightfully Delicious Challenge thread for ideas. I just realized I could use the search after I posted my previous comment. Just a minor slip, but people can still post if they like. The more information the better.

I guess I'll be heading to my local BSS since it sells Mizani. The Matrix balm did nothing for me.

 

[SelfStyled]

YTC is great. Some other "no protein" conditioners are. Aussie 3 minute Miracle, Aubrey's Honey Suckle Rose, and Aubreys' White Camellia.

 

[wannabelong]

If you can find it: Pantene Relaxed and Natural Mask, it's in a brown jar. If you can't find that, Pantene Time Renewal, it's in a white jar (and just as good as the one in the brown jar).

 

[SelfStyled]

Came back to add some more (Copied and pasted from some old threads)

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner....amazing for moisture, especially for a few hours or overnight (or for an hour while working out). Not super slippy but pretty easy to comb through.

Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner....can be doctored up to make it a deep conditioner. Amazing slip and you can leave it in if you want. Perfect for detangling because it's not too thick...that's why it also works as a leave in/moisturizer.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture deep conditoning mask, it comes in a jar (cream with brown writing, great smell). Back when I used it, the slip was really great. It's kind of expenisve for the jar considering I used to cowash with it and it really only lasted for two cowashes (I'm really heavy handed). But, this was before the hair boards and it really had my hair in great condition.

Homemade caramel treatment (honey, banana, olive oil, blackstrap molasses, wheat germ oil, acv). Great great great moisturizing treatment for dry hair. Elongates the curl a bit too. Not super slippy (depending on how much of each ingredient you put in) but I LOVE it on my hair, especially after I've allowed my hair to airdry into a shrunken fro every day for a week. Search for the "Yum...Caramel" thread and use the recipe posted by SamanthaJones67. Oh and blackstrap molasses isn't a protein but it does mimic one. It's not super strong (it's great for stopping breakage) but I suppose you could leave it out if

Jessicurl weekly deep conditioning treatment

Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol
* GVP Conditioning Balm
* Pantene Relaxed&Natural Mask
* Proclaim Shea&Aloe Deep Conditioner

Matrix Biolage Ultra Hydrating Conditioning Balm

Kenra MC
Redken All Soft Heavy cream
Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat

MOP Extreme Moisture

Phyto Jojoba Mask

 

[Thiends]

Aubrey Organic's Honey Suckle Rose: Softens VERY VERY well. The best DC I have used. Smells TERRIBLE and the smell lingers. It reminds me of the Buckley's ad: "It tastes awful. And it works." This stuff smells awful and it works.

Giovanni's Smooth as Silk: Softens well. The second best DC I have used (but the gap between this and Honey Suckle Rose is great; Honey Suckle Rose is much better). Smells wonderful!

 

[ms.blue]

I use a protein deep conditioner every week b/c I use heat (blowdrying) and I use a moisturizing deep condition (right now I haven't found the one I like) but I make sure I don't use any type of leave in/moisturizer w/ protein in them during the week.

 

[JJamiah]

I use a protein deep conditioner every week b/c I use heat (blowdrying) and I use a moisturizing deep condition (right now I haven't found the one I like) but I make sure I don't use any type of leave in/moisturizer w/ protein in them during the week.

Which Deep protein Conditioners do you use and what do you follow that up with as far as your moisturizing deep conditioners?

 

[ms.blue]

Which Deep protein Conditioners do you use and what do you follow that up with as far as your moisturizing deep conditioners?

I use palmer's deep penetrating protein conditioner, hask placenta olive oil n henna (i stooped using that out of fear), palmer's coconut protein conditioner pack, shescenit fortifying hair masque and recently aubrey organicS GPB I use them for 15-20 mins w/ heat. Then I use lustrasilk organic argan oil cholestrol or elasta qp instense conditioner (new or old b/c to me it works the same) for about 30 -60 minutes. I'm looking for a good moisturizing deep conditioner though.

 

[RossBoss]

I like the stiffness that comes with a protein treatment, but I know you are talking about extreme stiffness. Like other posters said just find the right balance. I find that an egg/mayo/olive oil mixture gives me just the right of protein and moisture. But everybody's hair is different so it's all about finding what works best for you. Good Luck!

 

[LaidBak]

NEXXUS HUMECTRESS

I can't stress enough how well this stuff works to combat protein overload.
You don't even have to leave it on for a long time. 5 minutes and you hair will be much softer.

 

[Aireen]

Well thanks everyone so much for your detailed responses on moisturizing conditioners! All I need now is a shampoo but I might just re-buy my CON Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo. I've looked at other threads and so far I'm leaning towards Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol or Proclaim Shea&Aloe Deep Conditioner to balance out my hair. You're still welcome to post though because I'm still lurking through old threads to find more suggestions. I hope to find the most hair-drenching and penetrating products.

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I like the stiffness that comes with a protein treatment, but I know you are talking about extreme stiffness. Like other posters said just find the right balance. I find that an egg/mayo/olive oil mixture gives me just the right of protein and moisture. But everybody's hair is different so it's all about finding what works best for you. Good Luck!

I don't mind the stiffness because to me it seems like my hair is strengthened to a certain degree but now it's just getting odd... for lack of a better word. My hair still moves a lot but sometimes it would seem oddly stiff. erplexed

NEXXUS HUMECTRESS

I can't stress enough how well this stuff works to combat protein overload.
You don't even have to leave it on for a long time. 5 minutes and you hair will be much softer.

That's another one I saw that everyone liked! Although, it seems to be a bit pricey. I'll check it out again along with other choices and make a decision as to what to buy. I could always buy it afterwards to try something different.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

Haha, yes, moisture/protein balance. I guess I went a little overboard on the protein.

Any product recommendations?

A really good balanced one would be: Aubrey Organics GPB. You will find both the strength and the moisture you need in this one product and it's Natural.