How often should protein be used on natural hair?

Protein and Natural Hair

Jamie of Jackson, MS asks: How often should protein be used on natural hair?

Protein treatments should be used on natural hair when it is needed.  Since the keratin bonds in the hair are not being broken down in order to straighten the hair (which happens with chemically relaxed hair), we naturals do not need to apply protein treatments as often as others.  However, we do need to use some sort of protein in order to maintain the proper balance of protein and moisture that the hair needs.

You may opt to use a light protein such as soy milk or silk proteins that are found in many conditioners.  These light proteins maintain a good balance of protein in the hair andare not damaging when used often.  However, a treatment such as a Reconstructor or Keratin treatment will not need to be used as often otherwise it will cause protein overload.  Note, if you are using more heat on your hair and straightening the hair often, you will need more protein than others.  Excessive heat breaks down the hair over time as well.

Try using something like the ApHogee 2 minute reconstructor maybe once every 4-6 weeks or so.  Assess your hair; only you will be able to truly tell if your hair is lacking protein or not (as I am not able to touch it and see it).  If the hair is mushy, breaking, and your curls are limp, more than likely, the protein-moisture balance is off; go for the protein. HTH!

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