Signs Your Hair Needs a Protein Treatment

Have you ever done a protein treatment on your natural hair? Ever since I took out my crochet braids, the best way I could describe the way my hair feels is ‘blah’. I haven’t felt like washing it and when I did, it still didn’t look the way I wanted. This past weekend I decided to do a hair protein treatment using the Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment & Balanced Moisturizer. This treatment was exactly what my hair needed.

Benefits of Protein Treatments for Natural Hair

Our hair is made up of amino acids called keratin. The constant manipulation of the strands, sun exposure, heat damage, and other styles causes the strand of your hair to become weak causing hair breakage. Your hair should have a protein/moisture balance. If your hair is hard that means there is too much protein and it is possible that you may have protein overload.

Dry hair needs moisture. Protein treatments ensure that your natural hair maintains a balance of proteins, natural oils, and nutrients. Benefits of protein treatment include a reduction of split ends, hair loss, breakage, and strengthening the hair strands.

How Often Should You do a Protein Treatment on Natural Hair

Protein hair treatments should be done every 4 to 6 weeks depending on your healthy hair regimen. According to Aphogee, if you apply a protein treatment more often, it’s unlikely that any further benefit will be obtained.

Signs You Need a Protein Treatment

If your hair hasn’t looked or felt its best lately, it may be a sign to add a protein treatment to your hair care routine. Read for tips on how to know if your hair is in need of protein and how to apply a protein treatment on your natural hair using Aphogee products. 

Limp or Mushy Hair

The first time I noticed when washing was it was limp. I’ve been natural for over six years, but I definitely remember the feeling of my hair clumped together after washing when relaxed. It was lifeless and I tried a deep conditioning treatment to no avail. Once I finished the Aphogee protein treatment, my hair came back to life.

Excessive Breakage or Shedding

I also noticed extreme shedding. I decided to trim my hair, but the results on wash day were the same. If your hair is constantly shedding or breaking off, there may be a lack of protein.

Loss of Elasticity

This is also known to many naturals as that “bounce back”. You can do a simple test of your hair’s elasticity by lightly pulling it when wet to see if it retracts to its original form. If it breaks, consider strengthening your hair by applying a protein treatment.

Chemical Treatments

The hair shaft is made up of three layers: the medulla which is the deepest layer of the hair shaft, the cortex which is the middle layer of the hair shaft which provides the strength, color, and texture, and the cuticle which is the outer layer that protects the inside of the hair shaft from hair damage. Applying hair color causes you your hair to break the hair cuticle making it prone to dryness. Apply a protein treatment every 2-3 months to maintain the hair’s protein/moisture balance and you will begin to see and feel a difference in your hair.

Protective Styling

I had my hair in crochet braids for almost a month. After taking it down I used the ORS Hair Mayonnaise, but it didn’t give my hair enough protein as it still felt limp. If you’ve been wearing braids, weaves or crochet braids as a protective style, consider using the Aphogee Protein Treatment after taking it down.

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Doing a Protein Treatment on Natural Hair with Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment

In a recent appointment, Tamika from Wesley Styles discussed the need for me to use a deep conditioner and do protein treatments regularly. I used the Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment & Balanced Moisturizer and it is the best protein treatment for natural hair. There was less shedding, my curl pattern was popping, and I didn’t have dry, brittle hair. If your hair has been giving signs mentioned above, here’s how to use the Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment for Natural Hair.

Step 1: Wash Your Hair

Wash your hair thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo to ensure there is no product buildup on your strands and/or scalp. It is important to make sure it is completely clean and detangled. When you’re done, towel blot the hair to prevent dilution of the protein treatment.

Step 2: Apply the Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment

Use an applicator bottle with a nozzle to section off the hair to apply the Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment. To prevent more tangles after application and distribute the product evenly, use a wide-tooth comb.

Step 3: Dry Your Hair

When you’re done applying the treatment, dry your hair. When the treatment is dried on the hair, it becomes hard. Make sure to handle it carefully lest it breaks off. This step works best with a hooded dryer.

Step 4: Rinse and Apply the Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer

Rinse and re-rinse out the solution with lukewarm water and make sure the Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment is completely gone before the next step. In order to restore softness and shine, you need to add moisture back into your hair with the Balancing Moisturizer. For best results, leave on the hair for a few minutes under a plastic cap before rinsing. You will see and feel a difference with your hair’s elasticity and shine when you’re done.

Before you go, check out these great posts!

Signs You Need to Trim Your Natural Hair

Best Alternatives to Relaxers for Natural Hair

The Best Staple Products for Type 4 Natural Hair

How do you know your hair needs protein?