I used to struggle a lot with dry, weak, and breaking hair. No matter how much I tried to take care of it, my hair always looked rough and felt brittle. It was really frustrating to see my hair lose its shine and strength day by day.
Then, I discovered something amazing: protein treatments. They help fix damaged hair by adding strength, smoothness, and shine. These treatments give the hair the missing building blocks it needs to grow healthy and strong again.
If your hair feels tired and lifeless like mine did, don’t worry. In this guide, I will share the top 7 best protein treatments for hair, along with their benefits and a simple guide to use them. Keep reading to learn more.
What are Protein Treatments for Hair?
Protein treatments are like a superhero for your hair! They’re designed to strengthen and repair damaged hair by replenishing the protein that’s been lost. Our hair is primarily made of keratin, a type of protein. Daily styling, chemical processes (like coloring and perms), and environmental factors can strip away this essential protein, leaving your hair vulnerable.
Think of it like this: your hair is like a brick wall. The keratin is the cement holding the bricks together. When the cement crumbles (protein loss), the wall becomes weak and prone to collapsing (breakage). Protein treatments help rebuild that cement, making your hair stronger and more resilient.
Why Do You Need a Protein Treatment?
Many things can damage your hair and lead to protein loss. Here are some common culprits:
- Heat Styling: Frequent use of hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons.
- Chemical Treatments: Coloring, bleaching, perming, and relaxing.
- Environmental Factors: Sun exposure, pollution, and hard water.
- Aggressive Brushing: Using the wrong brush or brushing too hard.
- Diet: A poor diet lacking in protein and essential nutrients.
“Protein treatments are essential for maintaining healthy, strong hair, especially if you frequently use heat or chemical processes.”
Signs Your Hair Needs a Protein Treatment
How do you know if your hair is crying out for a protein boost? Look out for these tell-tale signs:
- Increased Breakage: Hair snaps easily, even with gentle handling.
- Excessive Shedding: Noticeably more hair falling out than usual.
- Sticky or Gummy Texture: Hair feels strangely sticky or gummy when wet.
- Loss of Elasticity: Hair stretches excessively when wet but doesn’t bounce back.
- Flat and Limp: Hair lacks volume and feels lifeless.
- Frizz: Uncontrollable frizz, even with anti-frizz products.
- Dullness: Lack of shine and vibrancy.
If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s a good indicator that your hair is protein-deficient and could benefit from a protein treatment.
The Benefits of Protein Treatments
Protein treatments offer a range of benefits for damaged hair:
- Strengthens Hair: Repairs the hair cuticle and adds strength.
- Reduces Breakage: Minimizes breakage and split ends.
- Improves Elasticity: Restores hair’s ability to stretch and bounce back.
- Increases Volume: Adds body and fullness to limp hair.
- Enhances Shine: Leaves hair looking healthy and radiant.
- Protects Against Damage: Creates a protective barrier against future damage.
- Improves Texture: Makes hair smoother, softer, and more manageable.
Understanding Different Types of Protein Treatments
Not all protein treatments are created equal! They vary in strength and ingredients, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your hair’s needs.
- Light Protein Treatments: These are gentle and ideal for maintaining healthy hair or for those with only minor damage. They often contain hydrolyzed proteins that are easily absorbed. These are good for regular use.
- Medium Protein Treatments: These are a step up in strength and are suitable for moderately damaged hair. They provide a good balance of protein and moisture.
- Heavy Protein Treatments: These are the strongest type of protein treatment and are designed for severely damaged hair. They contain a high concentration of protein and should be used sparingly to avoid protein overload.
Protein Overload: It’s important to note that too much protein can actually be detrimental to your hair. Protein overload can make hair feel stiff, brittle, and prone to breakage. Always follow the product instructions and avoid using heavy protein treatments too frequently.
Top 7 Best Protein Treatments for Hair: My Recommendations
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! Based on my research and personal experience, here are my top 7 protein treatment recommendations, catering to various hair types and needs:
1. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector:
- Type: Bond builder
- Best For: Severely damaged, color-treated hair
- Key Ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
- Why I Love It: Olaplex No. 3 isn’t technically a protein treatment in the traditional sense, but it’s included because it rebuilds broken bonds in the hair, which are essential for strength and integrity. It’s a game-changer for damaged hair. I’ve seen incredible results with this product, especially after bleaching or coloring.
- How to Use: Apply to damp hair, leave on for at least 10 minutes (longer is better!), then rinse and shampoo/condition.
2. Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment:
- Type: Heavy protein treatment
- Best For: Extremely damaged, weak, and breaking hair
- Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed protein, magnesium
- Why I Love It: This is a powerful treatment that delivers intense protein to severely damaged hair. It’s a two-step process that involves applying the protein treatment, hardening the hair, and then following up with a moisturizing conditioner.
- How to Use: Follow the instructions carefully. This treatment hardens the hair, so don’t panic! You must follow with a moisturizing conditioner to restore softness. This is a once-in-a-while treatment ONLY.
3. Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment:
- Type: Medium protein treatment
- Best For: Damaged, dry, and brittle hair
- Key Ingredients: Manuka honey, yogurt extract, baobab oil
- Why I Love It: This treatment combines the strengthening power of protein with the moisturizing benefits of honey and yogurt. It’s a great option for those with dry, damaged hair that needs both protein and hydration.
- How to Use: Apply to clean, damp hair, leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
4. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask:
- Type: Light to medium protein treatment
- Best For: All hair types, especially dry, damaged, and color-treated hair
- Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, argan oil, algae extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Why I Love It: This mask is a cult favorite for a reason! It’s deeply hydrating and contains hydrolyzed vegetable protein to strengthen and repair hair. It’s a great option for those who want a balance of protein and moisture.
- How to Use: Apply to clean, damp hair, leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
5. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner:
- Type: Light protein treatment
- Best For: Fine to medium hair, dry and damaged hair
- Key Ingredients: Babassu oil, mint, hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Why I Love It: This deep conditioner is infused with babassu oil and mint to hydrate and revitalize hair. The hydrolyzed wheat protein helps to strengthen and repair damage without weighing hair down.
- How to Use: Apply to clean, damp hair, leave on for 15-20 minutes with a heat cap, then rinse thoroughly.
6. Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment:
- Type: Light protein treatment (leave-in)
- Best For: Weak, damaged, and breakage-prone hair
- Key Ingredients: Protein, ceramide, Interlock Protein Network
- Why I Love It: This leave-in treatment is a convenient way to add protein to your hair routine. It helps to prevent breakage, strengthen hair, and add shine.
- How to Use: Apply to damp hair after washing and conditioning, focusing on the ends. Do not rinse.
7. Design Essentials Milk & Honey 6N1 Reconstructive Conditioner:
- Type: Medium protein treatment
- Best For: Dry, damaged, and chemically treated hair
- Key Ingredients: Milk protein, honey, shea butter
- Why I Love It: This conditioner combines the strengthening properties of milk protein with the moisturizing benefits of honey and shea butter. It’s a great option for those with dry, damaged, and chemically treated hair.
- How to Use: Apply to clean, damp hair, leave on for 15-20 minutes with a plastic cap, then rinse thoroughly.
Here’s a quick summary table:
| Product | Type | Best For | Key Ingredients |
| Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector | Bond Builder | Severely Damaged, Color-Treated Hair | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
| Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment | Heavy Protein | Extremely Damaged, Weak, Breaking Hair | Hydrolyzed Protein, Magnesium |
| Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Protein Treatment | Medium Protein | Damaged, Dry, Brittle Hair | Manuka Honey, Yogurt Extract, Baobab Oil |
| Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask | Light to Medium Protein | All Hair Types, Especially Damaged, Color-Treated | Rosehip Oil, Argan Oil, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein |
| Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner | Light Protein | Fine to Medium Hair, Dry and Damaged Hair | Babassu Oil, Mint, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein |
| Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment | Light Protein (Leave-In) | Weak, Damaged, Breakage-Prone Hair | Protein, Ceramide, Interlock Protein Network |
| Design Essentials Milk & Honey Conditioner | Medium Protein | Dry, Damaged, Chemically Treated Hair | Milk Protein, Honey, Shea Butter |
How to Choose the Right Protein Treatment for Your Hair
Choosing the right protein treatment depends on your hair type, the level of damage, and your personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- Hair Type: Fine hair generally benefits from lighter protein treatments to avoid weighing it down. Thicker hair can handle heavier treatments. Curly hair often needs a balance of protein and moisture.
- Level of Damage: Severely damaged hair needs a stronger protein treatment, while mildly damaged hair can benefit from a lighter treatment.
- Ingredients: Look for treatments with hydrolyzed proteins, which are more easily absorbed by the hair. Also, consider other ingredients like moisturizing oils and humectants to balance the protein.
- Reviews: Read reviews from other users to get an idea of the product’s effectiveness and potential side effects.
How to Use Protein Treatments Properly
Follow these tips to get the most out of your protein treatment:
- Read the Instructions: Always read and follow the product instructions carefully.
- Start with Clean Hair: Apply the treatment to clean, damp hair.
- Apply evenly: Distribute the treatment evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the damaged areas.
- Use a Heat Cap (Optional): Applying heat can help the treatment penetrate deeper into the hair shaft.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the treatment thoroughly with cool water.
- Follow with a Moisturizing Conditioner: Protein treatments can sometimes leave hair feeling dry, so it’s important to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
- Don’t Overuse: Use protein treatments sparingly to avoid protein overload.
How Often Should You Use a Protein Treatment?
The frequency of protein treatments depends on your hair type and the level of damage. As a general guideline:
- Light Protein Treatments: Can be used every 1-2 weeks.
- Medium Protein Treatments: Can be used every 2-4 weeks.
- Heavy Protein Treatments: Should be used only when necessary, typically every 4-6 weeks or less frequently.
Pay attention to how your hair feels after each treatment. If it starts to feel stiff or brittle, reduce the frequency.
DIY Protein Treatments (Proceed with Caution!)
While there are many DIY protein treatment recipes available online, I generally advise caution. It’s difficult to control the concentration of protein in DIY treatments, which can increase the risk of protein overload. However, if you’re determined to try a DIY treatment, here’s a simple recipe:
Yogurt and Egg Mask:
- Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 egg
- Instructions: Mix the yogurt and egg together. Apply to clean, damp hair. Leave on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
Important Note: Always do a patch test before applying any DIY treatment to your entire head.
Final Thoughts
Protein treatments can be a lifesaver for damaged hair. By understanding the benefits, choosing the right treatment, and using it properly, you can restore strength, elasticity, and shine to your locks. Remember to listen to your hair and adjust your routine as needed. With a little care and attention, you can achieve the healthy, beautiful hair you’ve always dreamed of!
