Protein & Moisture Balance Information (Now I can see the P&M balance in my hair!) "Updated"
Hi Ladies!
I saw this post by Sunshyne, and I thought I'd post it as a blog to remember how important Protein & Mouisture ballance is to our hair! This list is very thorough, and it takes the guessing out of what to use to achieve this balance! :D
Here is a post from Sunshyne explaining how you can tell if you have an inbalance in P&M!
Know your Moisture & Protein Balance!
If you find hairs on your shirt, bathroom floor, sink etc. you most likely have a problem with breakage. Breakage normally occurs when there is an imbalance between your moisture and protein levels
Moisture
Water helps provides the hair with elasticity and the ability to stretch. Water is the ultimate
moisturizer that is why water based products are great for moisturizing the hair.
Good moisturizers will not contain cheap ingredients like mineral oil, lanolin or petrolatum. They do nothing for the hair but sit on top of it. They seal out the moisture. You don't want that.
Protein
Protein gives the hair structure and strength to fight breakage. Protein binds to the hair cuticles to help temporarily rebuild any weakened areas. There are different proteins out there. Some are stronger and milder than other. Daily or weekly use of milder protein treatments can throw off your moisture and protein balance, depending on the individual.
Women with relaxed or color treated hair need more protein than others. These chemical services have broken down the protein bonds within the hair. Some may be protein deficient by nature due to genes or low protein intake so regual protein may be needed to keep the balance in place. Overall, you have to experiment to get to know your own hair.
You just can't have one without the other. Moisture and protein work together in harmony to produce a healthy head of hair. They need each other!! Hair will properly absorb moisture more efficiently with adequate amounts of protein on a regular basis. The water molecules bind easily to the protein structure within the hair.
Here are two situations where achieving the proper balance is essential:
Scenario 1: Kim's hair is breaking like crazy and feels like a brillo pad. It is just plain crunchy and dry! Every time she touches it, pieces seem to just pop right off. Snap, crackle, pop. Combing is impossible without tons of little hairs covering her sink and back. Her hair feels hard and rough even when wet. She's given it protein treatments because the product says it is supposed to stop breakage in its tracks and rebuild the hair. But so far, nothing is working and her problem is getting worse.
Scenario 2: Trina's hair is breaking like crazy as well. Her hair feels dry, looks dull, and is very weak. Her hair is too weak to withstand simple combing. It feels extra stretchy when wet and almost follows the comb as she pulls through to detangle. Her hair is just limp and has no life. She's deep conditioned and done hot oil treatments on her hair once a week. Since her breakage began, she has stepped up the conditioning but her problem has gotten worse.
Same problem different solutions!
Both of these ladies have breakage issues. Both of these situations reveal that there is an imbalance between moisture and protein. Too much moisture can lead to breakage and too much protein can lead to breakage.
Assess your hair (while wet or dry):
(When Wet or Dry) If your hair stretches slightly and returns to its original length without breaking, you are balanced! Stick with maintaining!
(When Wet or Dry) If your hair stretches a little more than normal then breaks, you need more protein in your regimen.
(When Wet or Dry)If your hair stretches, stretches, stretches with no significant breakage yet, add a bit more protein to your regimen.
(Wet) Feels weak, gummy, mushy, or limp, you need to add more protein to your regimen.
(Wet or Dry) Experiences very little to no stretching, and simply snaps or breaks, you need to increase the moisture in your regimen.
(Dry) Feels rough, tough, hard, dry, tangly, brittle, or any combination of those, you need more moisture in your regimen.
Unsure? On the side of caution and give your hair more moisture.
When your hair is thrown off balance by too much protein, it will break easier on wet or dry hair because it lacks elasticity. Elasticity is what allows us to style, stretch, and manipulate our hair without brekage.
Too much protein:
Hair that breaks with a little amount of tension/stress is a sign of too much protein with a
deficiency of moisture. Too much protein and structure makes the hair rigid and stiff lacking
elasticity. which leads to breakage prone hair just like Kim.
Too much moisture:
When our hair is super elastic, it will stretch more because it lacks structure (protein).
Overmoisturized hair is "mushy" and overly soft especially when wet. It will feel weak, limp,
soggy etc. Overly moisutized hair will stretch first and then break due to the overabundance of moisture.
If you find hairs on your shirt, bathroom floor, sink etc. you most likely have a problem with breakage. Breakage normally occurs when there is an imbalance between your moisture and protein levels
Moisture
Water helps provides the hair with elasticity and the ability to stretch. Water is the ultimate
moisturizer that is why water based products are great for moisturizing the hair.
Good moisturizers will not contain cheap ingredients like mineral oil, lanolin or petrolatum. They do nothing for the hair but sit on top of it. They seal out the moisture. You don't want that.
Protein
Protein gives the hair structure and strength to fight breakage. Protein binds to the hair cuticles to help temporarily rebuild any weakened areas. There are different proteins out there. Some are stronger and milder than other. Daily or weekly use of milder protein treatments can throw off your moisture and protein balance, depending on the individual.
Women with relaxed or color treated hair need more protein than others. These chemical services have broken down the protein bonds within the hair. Some may be protein deficient by nature due to genes or low protein intake so regual protein may be needed to keep the balance in place. Overall, you have to experiment to get to know your own hair.
You just can't have one without the other. Moisture and protein work together in harmony to produce a healthy head of hair. They need each other!! Hair will properly absorb moisture more efficiently with adequate amounts of protein on a regular basis. The water molecules bind easily to the protein structure within the hair.
Here are two situations where achieving the proper balance is essential:
Scenario 1: Kim's hair is breaking like crazy and feels like a brillo pad. It is just plain crunchy and dry! Every time she touches it, pieces seem to just pop right off. Snap, crackle, pop. Combing is impossible without tons of little hairs covering her sink and back. Her hair feels hard and rough even when wet. She's given it protein treatments because the product says it is supposed to stop breakage in its tracks and rebuild the hair. But so far, nothing is working and her problem is getting worse.
Scenario 2: Trina's hair is breaking like crazy as well. Her hair feels dry, looks dull, and is very weak. Her hair is too weak to withstand simple combing. It feels extra stretchy when wet and almost follows the comb as she pulls through to detangle. Her hair is just limp and has no life. She's deep conditioned and done hot oil treatments on her hair once a week. Since her breakage began, she has stepped up the conditioning but her problem has gotten worse.
Same problem different solutions!
Both of these ladies have breakage issues. Both of these situations reveal that there is an imbalance between moisture and protein. Too much moisture can lead to breakage and too much protein can lead to breakage.
Assess your hair (while wet or dry):
(When Wet or Dry) If your hair stretches slightly and returns to its original length without breaking, you are balanced! Stick with maintaining!
(When Wet or Dry) If your hair stretches a little more than normal then breaks, you need more protein in your regimen.
(When Wet or Dry)If your hair stretches, stretches, stretches with no significant breakage yet, add a bit more protein to your regimen.
(Wet) Feels weak, gummy, mushy, or limp, you need to add more protein to your regimen.
(Wet or Dry) Experiences very little to no stretching, and simply snaps or breaks, you need to increase the moisture in your regimen.
(Dry) Feels rough, tough, hard, dry, tangly, brittle, or any combination of those, you need more moisture in your regimen.
Unsure? On the side of caution and give your hair more moisture.
When your hair is thrown off balance by too much protein, it will break easier on wet or dry hair because it lacks elasticity. Elasticity is what allows us to style, stretch, and manipulate our hair without brekage.
Too much protein:
Hair that breaks with a little amount of tension/stress is a sign of too much protein with a
deficiency of moisture. Too much protein and structure makes the hair rigid and stiff lacking
elasticity. which leads to breakage prone hair just like Kim.
Too much moisture:
When our hair is super elastic, it will stretch more because it lacks structure (protein).
Overmoisturized hair is "mushy" and overly soft especially when wet. It will feel weak, limp,
soggy etc. Overly moisutized hair will stretch first and then break due to the overabundance of moisture.
"List of Shampoos, Deep Conditioners & Leave-Ins for Healthier Hair"
Having a hair care regimen with both moisture and protein is key to having healthy hair. If you are looking to start a new hair regimen or different products to try, I've complied a list of various shampoos, deep conditioners, and leave-ins to get you started.
You can find these products at your local Beauty Supply Store or Grocery Store.
This list is just an example of possible products you can use on your hair.Moisturizing Shampoos:
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo Design Essentials Moisture Retention Shampoo Creme of Nature Conditioning/Detangling (red, green & blue label) Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo Vatika Conditioning shampoo Jason Sea Kelp Shampoo Abba Pure Moisture Shampoo AtOne Botanical Hydrating Shampoo Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo Nexxus Therappe Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo Motions Weightless Conditioning Shampoo Motions Lavish Shampoo Mizani Botanifying Shampoo Silk Elements Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo Silk Elements MegaSilk Olive Shampoo Mane N Tail Deep Moisturizing Shampoo Hydratherma Naturals Moisture Boosting Shampoo
Clarifying Shampoos:
Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo Design Essentials Organic Cleanse Deep Cleansing Shampoo KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo Kenra Clarifying Shampoo Pantene Pro-V Purity Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo Avalon Organics Lemon & Shea Butter Shampoo Ion Clarifying Shampoo Nexxus Aloe Rid Elasta QP Scalp Stimulating Shampoo VO5 Herbal Escapes Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo Hydratherma Naturals Herbal / Amino Clarifying Shampoo Herbal Essences Drama Clean Degunkify Tingling Deep Cleaning Shampoo
Neutralizing Shampoos:
Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo Silk Elements Neutalizing Shampoo Creme of Nature Neutralizing Shampoo
Moisture Based Deep Conditioners:
Elasta QP DPR-11 Elucence Moisture Balance conditioner Motions Moisture Plus Conditioner Kenra Deep Penetrating Moisturizing Conditioner Mizani Moisturefuse Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner Silk Elements MegaSilk Moisturizing Treatment Silk Elements Mega Cholesterol Conditioning Treatment AtOne Botanicals Reconstructor KeraCare Humecto Creme of Nature Nourishing Conditioner Creme of Nature Moisture Extreme Conditioner Joico Moisture Recovery Pantene Relaxed & Natural Breakage Defense Mask Nexxus Humectress Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner Aveda Dry Remedy Conditioner Miss Keys 10 en 1 Queen Helene Cholesterol Redken All Soft Paul Mitchell Super Charged Moisturizer Deep Brilliance Moisture Biolage Ultra Hydrating Balm Lustrasilks Shea Butter and Aloe Vera Cholesterol's Hydratherma Naturals Moisture Boosting, Deep Conditioning Treatment Alter Ego Garlic Treatment Bed Head's Moisture Maniac Ion Color Defense Hydrating Moisture Treatment Frederick fekkai's shea butter moisturizing conditioner Abba Pure Moisture Conditioner Abba Pure Color Protect Conditioner
Protein Based Deep Conditioners:
light = can be used 1x/week medium = 1-2x/month heavy = every 6+ weeks
Vital Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise (light) Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus, Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment (light) Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Pak Conditioner (light) Creme Of Nature Conditioning Reconstructor (light) Motions CPR Protein Reconstructor (light) Mane N Tail Original Conditioner (light) Lekair Cholesterol Plus (light) Africa's Best Organics Hair Mayonnaise (light) Elasta QP Fortifying Conditioner (light) Elasta QP Breakage Control Serum (light) Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor (light) Creme of Nature Reconstructor (light) Aubrey Organics GPB (light) Ultra Black Hair conditioner (light) TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal and Honey Conditioner (light) TIGI Dumb Blonde Reconstructor (light) Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayo (light/medium) Motions Moisture Silk Protein Conditioner (light/medium) Joico K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor (medium) Design Essentials 6 N 1 Reconstructive Conditioner (medium) Ion Repair Solutions Hair Reconstructor Treatment (medium) Vitale Reconstructor (medium/heavy) Affirm 5in1 Reconstructor (medium/heavy) Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment (heavy) Nexxus Emergencee (heavy) Nexxus Keraphix (heavy) Mizani Kerafuse (heavy)
Moisture Based Leave-in Conditioners:
Sunsilk TLC Cream Lady Fior Olive Oil Leave-in Design Essentials HCO Leave-In Conditioner Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner Aussie Leave-In Conditioner Creme of Nature Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-in Sebastian Potion 9 Lite Sebastian Potion 9 Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-in Creme Rusk Sensories Smoother Elasta QP H-two Leave-in Spray Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-in Herbal Essences Break's Over Strengthening Leave-in Creme Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness Leave-in Nexxus Humectress Lacio lacio leave-in SCurl No Drip Activator
Protein Based Leave-in Conditioners:
Nexxus Headress Weightless Leave-In Conditioner Hydratherma Naturals Protein Balance Leave-In Conditioning Treatment Infusium 23 Original Aphogee Green Tea Reconstructerizer Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Creme Salerm 21 Kenra Daily Defense leave-in Motions At Home Nourish Leave-in Conditioner Africa's Best Organics Leave-in Liquid Mayonnaise Redken Anti-Snap Leave-in Chi Keratin Mist Mane N Tail Original Conditioner (can double as conditioner and leave-in) *This list will be frequently updated*
You can find these products at your local Beauty Supply Store or Grocery Store.
This list is just an example of possible products you can use on your hair.Moisturizing Shampoos:
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo Design Essentials Moisture Retention Shampoo Creme of Nature Conditioning/Detangling (red, green & blue label) Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo Vatika Conditioning shampoo Jason Sea Kelp Shampoo Abba Pure Moisture Shampoo AtOne Botanical Hydrating Shampoo Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo Nexxus Therappe Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo Motions Weightless Conditioning Shampoo Motions Lavish Shampoo Mizani Botanifying Shampoo Silk Elements Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo Silk Elements MegaSilk Olive Shampoo Mane N Tail Deep Moisturizing Shampoo Hydratherma Naturals Moisture Boosting Shampoo
Clarifying Shampoos:
Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo Design Essentials Organic Cleanse Deep Cleansing Shampoo KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo Kenra Clarifying Shampoo Pantene Pro-V Purity Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo Avalon Organics Lemon & Shea Butter Shampoo Ion Clarifying Shampoo Nexxus Aloe Rid Elasta QP Scalp Stimulating Shampoo VO5 Herbal Escapes Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo Hydratherma Naturals Herbal / Amino Clarifying Shampoo Herbal Essences Drama Clean Degunkify Tingling Deep Cleaning Shampoo
Neutralizing Shampoos:
Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo Silk Elements Neutalizing Shampoo Creme of Nature Neutralizing Shampoo
Moisture Based Deep Conditioners:
Elasta QP DPR-11 Elucence Moisture Balance conditioner Motions Moisture Plus Conditioner Kenra Deep Penetrating Moisturizing Conditioner Mizani Moisturefuse Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner Silk Elements MegaSilk Moisturizing Treatment Silk Elements Mega Cholesterol Conditioning Treatment AtOne Botanicals Reconstructor KeraCare Humecto Creme of Nature Nourishing Conditioner Creme of Nature Moisture Extreme Conditioner Joico Moisture Recovery Pantene Relaxed & Natural Breakage Defense Mask Nexxus Humectress Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner Aveda Dry Remedy Conditioner Miss Keys 10 en 1 Queen Helene Cholesterol Redken All Soft Paul Mitchell Super Charged Moisturizer Deep Brilliance Moisture Biolage Ultra Hydrating Balm Lustrasilks Shea Butter and Aloe Vera Cholesterol's Hydratherma Naturals Moisture Boosting, Deep Conditioning Treatment Alter Ego Garlic Treatment Bed Head's Moisture Maniac Ion Color Defense Hydrating Moisture Treatment Frederick fekkai's shea butter moisturizing conditioner Abba Pure Moisture Conditioner Abba Pure Color Protect Conditioner
Protein Based Deep Conditioners:
light = can be used 1x/week medium = 1-2x/month heavy = every 6+ weeks
Vital Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise (light) Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus, Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment (light) Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Pak Conditioner (light) Creme Of Nature Conditioning Reconstructor (light) Motions CPR Protein Reconstructor (light) Mane N Tail Original Conditioner (light) Lekair Cholesterol Plus (light) Africa's Best Organics Hair Mayonnaise (light) Elasta QP Fortifying Conditioner (light) Elasta QP Breakage Control Serum (light) Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor (light) Creme of Nature Reconstructor (light) Aubrey Organics GPB (light) Ultra Black Hair conditioner (light) TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal and Honey Conditioner (light) TIGI Dumb Blonde Reconstructor (light) Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayo (light/medium) Motions Moisture Silk Protein Conditioner (light/medium) Joico K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor (medium) Design Essentials 6 N 1 Reconstructive Conditioner (medium) Ion Repair Solutions Hair Reconstructor Treatment (medium) Vitale Reconstructor (medium/heavy) Affirm 5in1 Reconstructor (medium/heavy) Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment (heavy) Nexxus Emergencee (heavy) Nexxus Keraphix (heavy) Mizani Kerafuse (heavy)
Moisture Based Leave-in Conditioners:
Sunsilk TLC Cream Lady Fior Olive Oil Leave-in Design Essentials HCO Leave-In Conditioner Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner Aussie Leave-In Conditioner Creme of Nature Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-in Sebastian Potion 9 Lite Sebastian Potion 9 Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-in Creme Rusk Sensories Smoother Elasta QP H-two Leave-in Spray Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-in Herbal Essences Break's Over Strengthening Leave-in Creme Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness Leave-in Nexxus Humectress Lacio lacio leave-in SCurl No Drip Activator
Protein Based Leave-in Conditioners:
Nexxus Headress Weightless Leave-In Conditioner Hydratherma Naturals Protein Balance Leave-In Conditioning Treatment Infusium 23 Original Aphogee Green Tea Reconstructerizer Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Creme Salerm 21 Kenra Daily Defense leave-in Motions At Home Nourish Leave-in Conditioner Africa's Best Organics Leave-in Liquid Mayonnaise Redken Anti-Snap Leave-in Chi Keratin Mist Mane N Tail Original Conditioner (can double as conditioner and leave-in) *This list will be frequently updated*
Loving your blog, please i have a question about a product. Is africa's best organics olive oil deep conditioner a protein or moisture based conditioner. Tnxxx
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