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Hair is actually just made of protein, and more specifically, keratin. Often our hair can become damaged due to factors like pollution, dyeing, and styling. Even our diet can cause a keratin deficiency in our hair. Lack of protein can cause problems like dry, brittle, and frizzy hair. Losing up to 100 strands of hair every day is considered normal. However, if your hair sheds excessively, it may be a sign that it is lacking protein. Color-treated hair also lacks protein and if your hair has completely lost its elasticity, you should go for a protein treatment. A lot of salons provide professional protein treatments, but these can be expensive. If you are looking for an at-home solution, you have come to the right place. We have prepared this guide to help you choose the top protein treatments for hair in 2024, which will not break the bank.
Keep reading this guide to find out which protein products are best for your hair, tips on using them correctly, and what ingredients to stay away from.
Comparing the Top Protein Treatments for Hair of 2024
Tgin Treatment — Best Overall
Key Features
- To be used after shampooing hair
- Rinse out after leaving it in for 3-5 minutes
- Detoxifies hair and removes product build-up
- Free from sulfates and parabens
- Not tested on animals
The Thank God It’s Natural miracle repairX protein reconstructor is designed specifically for curly, damaged hair. This has to be applied after shampooing your hair. Rinse it out after leaving it in for at least 3 minutes. For maximum results, you can cover your hair with a scarf or warm towel, and then wash it out. It works by detoxifying hair and removing any product build-up in the hair and scalp. It restores protein into the hair and promotes healthy hair growth, making the hair shiny and smooth. It is free from harmful products like sulfates and parabens, and the gentle formula is ideal for curly hair. The product is not tested on animals.
Elizavecca Treatment — Runner-Up
Key Features
- Suitable for all hair types
- Collagen coating treatment
- Repairs hair damaged by heat and styling
- Has to be applied after shampooing hair
- Leave it in for 5-20 minutes before rinsing out
- Convenient alternative to expensive protein treatment from the salon
This is a collagen coating protein treatment for hair and is suitable for all hair types. It is a hair mask that heals hair damaged by excessive heat and styling. This has to be applied after washing hair with shampoo and rinsed out after leaving it in for 5-20 minutes. Covering the head with a shower cap after applying the mask will be beneficial. Make sure to wash your hair with lukewarm water as hot water can dry out the hair. It is a safe, reasonable, and convenient alternative to getting a protein treatment from the salon.
L'Oreal Paris Treatment — Contender
Key Features
- Leave-in conditioner and heat protectant
- Nourishes hair and protects against heat
- Apply a small amount to wet hair and do not rinse
- Includes almond oil and protein
- Repairs damaged hair and makes it more manageable
The L’Oreal Paris Elvive protein treatment for hair is a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant. It is very lightweight and creamy and will not make your hair greasy. It will nourish the hair and protect it from up to 450 degrees of heat. The company claims that hair breakage will reduce by 97%. You can use their Total Repair 5 shampoo and conditioner along with this treatment to achieve maximum results. After shampooing and conditioning, apply a small amount to wet hair and do not rinse it out. It has a very pleasant fragrance so you can easily leave it in your hair with confidence. It repairs damaged hair and makes it silky smooth and manageable.
Hi Pro Pac Treatment — Honorable Mention
Key Features
- Protein hair mask
- Repairs extremely damaged hair
- Has to be applied after shampoo
- Rinse it out after leaving it in for 3-5 minutes
- Detangles and makes hair manageable
- Prevents breakage and split-ends
This protein treatment for hair is also a mask that treats and repairs extremely damaged hair. It has to be applied after shampooing the hair and rinsed out after leaving it in for 3-5 minutes. The formula makes hair stronger and healthier and prevents breakage. It also works by detangling the hair and making it more manageable. The product includes concentrated proteins and active moisturizers which protect and nourish hair. It also has amino acids which make the hair extremely smooth. This deep conditioning mask helps prevent split-ends. It is suitable for all hair types, even extremely curly hair.
Aphogee Treatment — Also Consider
Key Features
- Set includes protein treatment and balancing moisturizer
- Recommended to apply heat to hair after applying the treatment
- Moisturizer has to be applied after the protein treatment
- Ideal for color-treated and bleached hair
- Prevents breakage and frizz
This is a two-in-one set that includes a protein treatment for your hair and a balancing moisturizer. These work well for extremely damaged hair that is in dire need of protein. You need to use the protein treatment first and then the moisturizer. It is recommended to apply heat to your hair after applying the protein treatment. After using the protein treatment, the balancing moisturizer needs to be applied to bring the moisture back to your hair. This is an at-home protein treatment, not a hair mask or conditioner. It is ideal for color-treated or bleached hair that has become damaged and frizzy.
A Buyer’s Guide for Finding the Perfect Protein Treatments For Hair
Protein treatments for hair are a popular choice for women with damaged, brittle, and frizzy hair. Some women like to go to the salon for a professional protein treatment, but these can be expensive. A lot of brands have started manufacturing protein-infused products that you can easily use at home. These are convenient and do not break the bank.
What Are Protein Treatments for Hair?
Protein treatments for hair are designed to infuse proteins like keratin into the hair. Our hair is basically made of protein, and keratin is the major protein found in hair. When we style our hair, apply excessive heat, and color our hair, the keratin in our hair can begin to break down. This can make your hair brittle and prone to damage. Lack of protein makes the hair frizzy and difficult to manage.
Protein treatments help by infusing proteins back into your hair. These can either be done at salons, or at-home treatments like hair masks and conditioners. They work by attaching proteins to your hair strands and cuticles. This helps to make the hair stronger, healthier, and extremely smooth. Other advantages include preventing split-ends, removing tangles, and making the hair much more manageable. However, it should be kept in mind that if used in excess, these treatments can damage the hair by making it stiff and dry. This is why it is important to use a deep conditioner to retain the moisture in your hair.
Are Protein Treatments for Hair Suitable for Everyone?
Protein treatments for hair have a lot of benefits because they nourish the hair and make it more manageable. However, not everyone needs it. If your hair already has ample protein, and you add more to it, chances are you will do more damage than good. It is important to examine your hair carefully and then make a decision whether or not you need a protein treatment. Here are a few signs that your hair is in dire need of a protein treatment. If you are still unsure, consult a stylist and get your hair examined by a professional.
Loss of elasticity
Strands of hair are typically elastic. To check for yourself, wet a strand of your hair, while it is still attached to your head, and stretch it. If it comes back to its original shape, your hair is elastic. However, if it breaks or remains stretched, your hair has lost its elasticity. That means that your hair needs more protein.
High porosity
Porous hair means there are gaps in the strands of hair, which make it vulnerable to damage and frizz. If you notice high porosity in your hair, it means your hair needs a protein treatment. It will work by strengthening your hair and filling in those gaps.
Colored hair
Bleaching and coloring your hair excessively can cause a lot of damage to your hair. Split-ends form and the hair becomes dry and brittle. If you have colored your hair several times, you may need a protein treatment to bring nourishment back to your hair.
Excessive breakage
If you have recently noticed that you are shedding a lot of hair, it may be a sign that your hair lacks protein. Losing up to 100 strands of hair is considered, but if you are shedding hair excessively, you may want to consider getting a protein treatment for your hair.
How Long Does a Protein Treatment for Hair Last?
This will depend on the kind of protein treatment you are getting and the type of hair you have. If you are getting a professional keratin treatment from the salon, it can last from about three to six months. However, you need to take special care and use a sulfate-free shampoo along with a protein mask. This will keep your hair nourished and will increase the life of your protein treatment.
At home protein treatments are different. Some are in the form of conditioners and hair masks which can be applied regularly, whenever you shampoo your hair. Some brands recommend that you use their product once a week. Some are in the form of leave-in conditioners and heat protectants. Since these do not have a huge amount of protein, they can be used once or twice a week. Also, they contain moisturizers that nourish the hair and prevent it from drying out excessively. Therefore, whatever protein treatment you opt for, make sure that you follow the instructions given by the brand.
How to Pick a Quality Protein Treatment for Hair
When browsing for a protein treatment, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first and most important feature is the ingredients list. Make sure the product you are buying has necessary proteins like keratin, collagen, creatinine, and vitamin B-5. Also, make sure that the product will moisturize your hair. If you use a protein treatment that does not condition your hair, it is bound to become dry and frizzy. With these treatments, you need to buy a moisturizer to keep your hair nourished and healthy. Also make sure that the product does not have harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicone, and isopropyl alcohol. These ingredients make the hair dry and brittle and strip the hair of natural oils.
When browsing products online, make sure you keep an eye on customer reviews because they will give you an idea about the quality and functionality of the product. Also, try to buy from companies that provide good customer service. Always compare the features and prices of different companies before making your final decision, so you can make sure you get value for the price you pay.
