Protein-Moisture Balance: Additional Information and Product Recommendations
By now, you’ve probably seen my video on why curly hair needs both protein and moisture, and how to find the right balance for your hair to maintain its health and elasticity.
If you haven’t, no judgement! Just take a few minutes and watch it here. (add link!!)
Back? Great! As promised, I’m here to help with some additional resources. Let’s start with a quick outline:
PROTEIN!
Needed for structure
Provides shape & strength to the hair shaft
Forms the cuticle
Hair’s protective outer layer
Keratin molecules overlap to protect more vulnerable cortex & medulla
Swells open when in wet/humid conditions to allow moisture to enter, then closes when dry to seal it in
More space between keratin molecules = higher porosity hair
Sources:
Diet!
Product ingredients
Hydrolyzed plant proteins
Keratin
Collagen
Amino acids
MOISTURE!
Needed for elasticity
Provides shine, bounce, resilience against breakage
Fortifies the cortex
Second layer of hair strand beneath the cuticle
Also contains the melanin responsible for hair color
Sources:
Water!
Provides hydration
Emollient ingredients: actually seal hydration into the cortex by closing pores in the cuticle!
Oils (almond, argan, castor, coconut, etc)
Butters (shea, cocoa, etc)
Silicones (YUP that’s why they’re used in products!)
And now for some helpful GRAPHICS!
Originally found here - this site is FASCINATING and worth a visit if you want to go deeper into the science!
OKAY now that we’ve seen some pictures, let’s talk products! I’ve compiled a list of protein-rich and protein-free products and treatments below so you can build your own product arsenal and find what balance of protein and moisture works best for you. Remember, this is to give you a starting place, so don’t be afraid to deviate from the list and read some product labels on your own!
Check it out and feel free to add your own suggestions and favorites in the comments!
CLARIFYING SHAMPOOS & RINSES
Cake Beauty The Sugar Reset
Flora & Curl Coconut Mint Curl Refresh Clay Wash
Renpure Clarify & Shine Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Eva NYC Deeptox Salt Shampoo
PRE-POO/OIL TREATMENTS
Righteous Roots Oil
The Innate Life Herbal Hair Mask
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil
African Pride Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo
African Pride Moisture Miracle 5 Essential Oils
PROTEIN TREATMENTS
DIY Gelatin Treatment: click HERE for the video & recipe!
ApHogee Two Step Protein Treatment
Shea Moisture Yogurt & Manuka Honey Protein Power Treatment
BOND BUILDERS
Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Fanola Fiber Fix
DEEP CONDITIONERS
With Protein:
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Hask Hair Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner
Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner
Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask
Without Protein:
Ecoslay Banana Cream Deep Conditioner
LoveHair UK Intense Moisturising Hair Mask
Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask
Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
PROTEIN-RICH STYLERS
Cake Beauty The Curl Friend
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream and Heat and Humidity Gel
Curls Blueberry Bliss Leave-In and Curl Control Jelly)
Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls
Ouidad VitalCurl+ Styling Gel-Cream
Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel
TreLuxe ReFlex Serum & Hi! Definition Gel
PROTEIN-FREE STYLERS
Curls Creme Brule Whipped Curl Cream
Bounce Curl Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner and Avocado & Rose Oil Clump & Define Cream
Camille Rose Signature Collection (Moisture Milk, Twisting Butter, Curl Maker)
Cake Beauty The Curl Whip
Ecoslay Orange Marmalade (no added protein) and Jello Shot
LUS Brands All-In-One
JessiCurl Spiralicious Gel
So that’s the post! I know finding the right balance of protein and moisture for your curls can be confusing and frustrating, but the more you can identify the signs of what you need and which products work for you to fill those needs, the easier it will get. Thanks for stopping by!
xxx Angela