Friday, May 6, 2011

Hair Diaries: Protein & Moisture Balance

The Hairy Truth

To keep hair healthy it is essential to maintain a moisture and protein balance. Sounds a bit odd, I know. Each strand of hair is composed of protein bundles which can be broken and manipulated through chemical treatments such as relaxers or simply straightening or curling your hair. Lack of protein creates breakage but so does excessive protein. Hair also needs moisture to stay healthy and just like protein levels, excessive moisture can also cause breakage. Healthy hair has a balance of both moisture and protein.
Without getting scientific read on...

Hair Me Out 

To have healthy hair your strands need to be replenished with protein. To balance out protein your tresses also need moisture to prevent dryness. 

To add protein or moisture back into your hair you can use a protein or moisturizing conditioner, shampoo, moisturizer or spray-leave-in. Some of my favorite products include:


Protein: Motions CPR Treatment Conditioner, Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor Treatment, Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer Spray
Moisture: Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Conditioner, Hairtrition Color Protect Leave-In, One 'N Only Argan Oil Restorative Mask, Curl Junkie Beauticurls Leave-in Hair Conditioner

TIP: Hair with proper protein levels maintain moisture levels better, which = BALANCE :)

But you ask, HOW do you know whether you need a protein or moisture treatment. If you are experience breakage majority of the time protein is needed. To be more accurate, conduct a strand test on wet hair. 
When you hair is wet, take a shedded strand from the root and pull on it from both ends. 
1) If the hair breaks immediately and is usually dry and brittle when not wet, you need a moisture treatment.
2) If your hair stretches and breaks, or stretches excessively you need a protein treatment.

note: You hair should have some elasticity, but should not stay stretched out when pulled on, it should revert.

How does you hair feel today, do you need moisture or protein? Leave me any questions below!

xo.




8 comments:

  1. I think I'll be needing some Moisture!
    lol
    Thanks for the tips

    http://www.lovelustcovetwant.blogspot.com

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  2. moisture! x and bundle of it alothough i think i may go for a full head weave. x

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  3. hey, good tips. what shampoo and heat protectant do you use??

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  4. No problem Melody, get that moisture!

    Yemi, get that moisture too, even if you opt for a full weave.

    Elusivebabe, I currently use One n' Only Moisture repair Shampoo and use Tresemme Heat Tamer Protectant spray. But I don't use heat often so I don't use it too many times.

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  5. hey! I'm from Paris and I love your blog. I would like to know how you do to have that movement in your hair. They look so natural and not greasy at all.

    Thanks for your blog and your advises.

    Mélanie!!

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  6. No problem, I'm glad I can help. The movement from my hair is from using minimal products when blowdrying and flat ironing. The more product you use the more you hair is weighed down and the less movement you achieve :)Hope that helps x

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