Which is more important for curly hair: protein or moisture ?

Have you ever awoken with a head of hair that doesn't look like yours? Perhaps your curls appear limp, lifeless, and brittle, or the texture feels dry and brittle... Something isn't quite right, but what is it? It's possible that you have a protein-moisture imbalance on your hands, babe.

Around 90% of your hair strands are made up of fibrous proteins like keratin, which create the hair cortex's center and give your hair its flexibility. Protein also provides your curls power, form, and structure, so they'll seem weak, limp, and lack definition if you don't get enough of it. Protein may be added to your hair by consuming more of it or by applying a protein hair treatment to strengthen your strands.

However, when it comes to protein, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Too much protein and not enough moisture, often known as protein overload, can make your hair stiff, dry, and brittle (read: easily breakable). So, how do you determine whether your hair requires moisture or protein? Continue reading to learn how to get the perfect balance for boss babe curls.

Why are moisture and protein necessary for curly hair?

To keep healthy and strong, all hair requires both protein and moisture. Protein and moisture, in fact, are incompatible without one another. In order for water molecules to interact with your strands and retain the water inside, you'll need a robust protein structure.

Moisture is essential for curly and textured hair, as you probably well know. This means you'll need to make sure your curls are getting enough protein to keep all that moisture in your hair. However, keep in mind that kinky, coily, and textured hair is more prone to breaking than other hair varieties. This is due to the fine hair follicles, which require some strengthening and fortifying in order to avoid breaking. When you wash your hair try covering it with a satin bonnet for curly hair.

What happens if you have too much protein in your hair?

Keratin strengthens the links between the molecules in your hair strands, which is why it's used to coat your strands in many protein treatments. However, these therapies must be used in moderation. Overuse can cause a protein buildup on your hair cuticle, weakening the hair shaft and making your hair heavier. Split ends and brittle, breakable hair can result, in defeating the purpose of using protein in the first place: to strengthen your strands against breaking. See why striking the right balance is so difficult?

If you think your hair has too much protein, consider reducing or eliminating protein-containing products (this is where learning to read labels properly comes in useful) and replacing them with moisture-boosting products. If your hair seems softer and healthier after a few weeks, you've probably simply recovered from protein overdose. To remove any protein product buildup, you might also use a clarifying shampoo.

What are some ways to include protein into your hair routine?

Use light protein products more frequently to enhance the strength of your strands and ensure you're receiving enough protein without overdoing it, this is one of the best frizzy hair solution. (once a week or less). If your curls have been severely damaged, you'll need to employ a more intensive protein treatment to repair and restore them. Always use a deep conditioner after using an extreme protein product to keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from getting brittle.