Having the correct moisture and protein balance is key to Healthy relaxed or chemically treated hair. Protein makes the hair strong, but too much protein can cause breakage. The same goes for moisture, we need moisture for our hair as well, but too much moisture can make the hair very elastic and soft which can lead to breakage. The way I balance out my protein and moisture is that I use primarily moisture based products, but once a week, sometimes every other week, I will do a mild protein deep conditioning treatment. Or once or twice a week I use a protein based leave in conditioner(Aphogee Pro-Vitamin Leave-In).
So, let me break protein down for you a little bit.
What is Protein- Protein is what makes hair strong and structured. Hair is mostly Keratin a kind of protein. When hair undergoes any chemical service or damaged by misuse of heat tools, protein is lost so the hair loses some elasticity or strength.
Why do we need Protein- Black hair which is usually very curly/kinky tends to be dry and somewhat fragile even when natural. So by coloring or relaxing the hair, it becomes even weaker.Also, if you are a natural and constantly use heat, protein may be your friend.
Depending on the condition of your hair or the strength of the relaxer treatments, you may need more or less protein. Protein will strengthen the hair and make hair stronger.
Ok, so I'm going to try and make this as simple as possible.
When do you need Protein- If your hair is very mushy, it's breaking easily, too soft, and it just feels like it's going to snap when you touch it...You need protein.
Just so you understand the difference between moisture and protein...You would need moisture, if your hair feels dry and brittle.
Best ways to Incorporate Protein in a Regimen- With a Deep Conditioner or Reconstructer.
A reconstructer is a light protein treatment which you would normally leave on hair for 3-5 minutes after washing then you would rinse out.Those who relax should always use a reconstructer before neutralizing.
For really damaged hair lacking protein, Aphogee has a 2 step system which should be used once every 2 months which I read various reviews stating it works really well.
Examples of Protein Based Products I have uses
Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructer
Aphogee Pro Vitamin Leave-in Conditioner
Joice KPak Reconstructer
ORS Hair Mayonaise( Mild Protein Deep Conditioner)
ORS Replenishing Pak (mild protein, but moisturizing too)
1 Egg (mixed in Conditioner or ORS Hair Mayo)(this is a mild treatment if used with a moisturizing conditioner and a medium-strong treatment if mixed with ORS Hair Mayo)
There are so many others out there
My advice when it comes to using Protein- Go with how your hair feels. If your hair feels like it needs some protein and your hair is fairly healthy, do a mild protein deep conditioning treatment. With Protein, you don't really need to use based on a schedule...You use Protein based on the health of your hair
Here are 2 must reads if you want more info on Protein or Protein/Moisture Balance
Why Does Black Hair Need Protein
Fine Art of Protein Moisture Balance
Monday, August 9
Wednesday, August 4
Jennifer Hudson
First off, I want to say that Jennifer Hudson looks fabulous! I was watching the Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig commercial(forget which one she's on) and she stated this is the smallest she has been in her adult life. That's a big accomplishment and not only does she look really good, but I bet she feels great too.
Anyway, in the InStyle interview, JHud stated she was thinking about shaving her hair off. I can't imagine her with such a short cut..but I bet she would still be beautiful!
“I am actually thinking about shaving my head…because I feel I’ve got a good structure. My cousin’s a beautician and she’s always saying, ‘You could wear any hairdo,’” Jennifer added. “So I’m thinking, what if I shave my hair? Not completely off, but low. I think that would be so hot. With my diamond studs? But with a cut like that, your face has to be made up at all times.”
Tuesday, August 3
Prep For a Relaxer
I found this great article by Sistalick about how to prep hair before getting a relaxer and I wanted to pass this on.
A relaxer touch-up is a very critical step in hair care...one wrong move and all of your progress can go down the drain. I'm still a little nervous about doing my own touch-up...but I'm also nervous about going to the salon. No-one is more gentle with my hair then myself. So...I'm still pretty sure I will self-relax.
At first, I was going to wash, do a protein treatment, detangle and so forth a week before my relaxer. But now, I will be doing that 3 days before. This is probably better for me, because my newgrowth is getting tangled very easily, so I could just imagine the tangles I would get on relaxer day if I waited a week before the touch-up to detangle my hair. Also, I want to work out and not mess up my whole fitness routine :-)
Getting Ready to Relax_How to prepare
Brief Summary
Prepping the Hair:
First and foremost, only begin the relaxer process with hair that is in tip top shape. Many of us say: Oh my hair is breaking...or shedding let me go ahead relax it! But, you must understand that you are taking a huge gamble with your hair health by proceeding with a chemical relaxer application on compromised hair.
Never relax your hair to "solve" a hair problem. You should always correct the problem first with the proper treatment.
Your 4 Step Pre-Relaxer Game Plan
Preparing your hair for a relaxer is one of the best things you can do for your hair heath.You can follow these pre and post relaxer strategies whether you self relax or see a stylist for your chemical treatments. Ensuring your hair is in top physical condition prior to the relaxer service will give you better results with the finished product.
A relaxer touch-up is a very critical step in hair care...one wrong move and all of your progress can go down the drain. I'm still a little nervous about doing my own touch-up...but I'm also nervous about going to the salon. No-one is more gentle with my hair then myself. So...I'm still pretty sure I will self-relax.
At first, I was going to wash, do a protein treatment, detangle and so forth a week before my relaxer. But now, I will be doing that 3 days before. This is probably better for me, because my newgrowth is getting tangled very easily, so I could just imagine the tangles I would get on relaxer day if I waited a week before the touch-up to detangle my hair. Also, I want to work out and not mess up my whole fitness routine :-)
Getting Ready to Relax_How to prepare
Brief Summary
Prepping the Hair:
First and foremost, only begin the relaxer process with hair that is in tip top shape. Many of us say: Oh my hair is breaking...or shedding let me go ahead relax it! But, you must understand that you are taking a huge gamble with your hair health by proceeding with a chemical relaxer application on compromised hair.
Never relax your hair to "solve" a hair problem. You should always correct the problem first with the proper treatment.
Your 4 Step Pre-Relaxer Game Plan
Preparing your hair for a relaxer is one of the best things you can do for your hair heath.You can follow these pre and post relaxer strategies whether you self relax or see a stylist for your chemical treatments. Ensuring your hair is in top physical condition prior to the relaxer service will give you better results with the finished product.
Sunday, August 1
One More Time- Bantu Knots
It was so beautiful out this morning, that I decided to take a 2 mile run. It felt great,but I was sweating like crazy.haha. So, I washed my hair when I got back home and did some bantu-knots. When my hair was about 90% dry, I moisturized in sections, sealed with oil and did about 16 knots, 8 on each side. I'm 18 weeks post relaxer,so the curls aren't layin down the way I would like, but I still like them.
P.S- They look so much better in Person
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