Hair needs nourishment from time to time, but you probably never knew DIY protein hair treatments are very much part of the nourishment needed. We all know hair is made of keratin, a protein type, so why don’t we look at proteins when we find hair lacking?
Let’s learn more about how proteins play a role in hair health when to resort to protein treatments, and what can help nourish hair when it is lacking in protein, etc. So, shall we get started?
Our hair is made of a chain of amino acids and a protein called keratin. So, even as we care for our hair day in and day out, there are times when we can’t know when our hair needs specific nutrition. It’s often a protein that’s required because that’s what our hair is mainly composed of.
However, when you don’t know whether your hair needs a protein treatment or not, watch out for these protein deficiency signs:
Your hair becomes highly porous
Hair loses its elasticity considerably.
Hair is limp and sags down.
Hair breaks easily; in other words, it is brittle.
The hair looks duller.
Hair gets tangled quite easily.
But the truth is, it’s easy to confuse the need for hydration or protein, as both have similar issues, and dryness is rampant when there’s a lack of moisture or protein. A simple test can clear the doubt!
Take a strand of hair; it could dry hair or wet hair. Now, gently pull it. If it snaps without stretching much, you need moisture, but there’s excess protein. But if you brush your hair and hair falls out a lot, you need protein. On the other hand, if your hair feels dry, you need moisture.
Also, protein and heat treatments can leave your hair lacking proteins. Now, you have a fair idea of how to confirm when your hair needs a protein treatment due to a lack of protein. So, let’s learn how to get back the lost protein through natural protein treatments.
Also, if you’ve recently done any chemical or heat treatment, like coloring your hair – including bleaching, straightening, or other treatments that alter hair texture, you surely need a protein treatment.
Let’s take a look at a few protein treatments so we can get healthy hair at home. It’s a bonus that these protein hair treatment recipes also promote hair growth, besides dealing with other hair issues like frizzy hair, hair fall, etc.
A very simple and straightforward way to add protein to your hair; you don’t need to go hunting for anything else. Yes, all you need is coconut milk for this hair treatment.
You can use fresh or canned coconut milk for this recipe. Heat up 1/4 cup of coconut milk or more if needed.
Remove it from heat and apply it to your hair and scalp once it begins to curdle in low heat. Massage gently and comb through to make sure you’ve covered everywhere.
Wrap your head with a shower cap and let it sit for a few hours or overnight before washing off.
This also promotes healthy hair growth besides nourishing your hair.
You can add olive oil or other carrier oils to coconut milk.
If you are not looking for a vegan or vegetarian option, this pack is one of the best. Not only is it affordable and uses few ingredients, but it’s also quite effective, and you can see the change immediately. It’s also great at promoting healthy hair growth.
Add in the yogurt and rice water, slowly whisking.
Once fully combined, it’s ready for use.
Apply the pack to your hair and scalp using a coloring brush.
Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
Shampoo and condition, as usual.
Rich in amino acids, rice water adds a healthy dose of amino acids and moisturization.
You can do this once or twice a month.
You can also add coconut milk and oil in a spoon each to this pack.
This recipe uses honey for added moisturization and nourishment. Again, the ingredients aren’t many and quite easy to prepare.
Now, add in the honey and almond oil.
Whisk to combine.
Apply this protein treatment with a coloring brush to cover all your scalp and hair.
Wrap your head with a shower cap and let it sit for 15 – 20 minutes.
Rinse off and wash your hair.
Honey can bleach or lighten your hair if left for a long. So tick to 20 minutes if you don’t want that.
You can also add Glycerin if you’re looking for hydration.
You can use this pack twice a week, but if you have oily hair, don’t use this pack.
In this pack, You can use coconut or olive oil instead of sweet almond oil.
Not just proteins, but this pack replenishes other nutrients like vitamins A, B & E and improves hair’s health. It is also richly moisturizing, leaves your hair shiny, and promotes hair growth.
Mash it with a fork or run it in your mixer for a fine paste.
Add in the coconut milk and coconut oil and whisk to combine.
Apply the hair pack using a coloring brush and wrap your head with a shower cap.
Wait for at least 30 minutes before washing off.
NOTES
You can use this protein treatment twice a week.
You can add aloe vera to this pack for added hydration.
Combine the goodness of banana and avocado, and you have a mask that will leave your hair nourished, pampered, and shiny!
Scoop out the flesh from the avocado and mash it with a fork.
Alternatively, you can run it in your mixer for a fine paste.
Transfer to a mixing bowl and add in the oils.
Stir to combine.
Apply the pack to your hair and scalp using a coloring brush.
Cover your head with a shower cap and wait at least an hour.
Wash and condition as usual.
You can use this protein treatment once a week or twice for dry or weak hair.
You can use this mask as long as your hair is not oily.
The frequency truly depends on your hair’s requirements. A rule of thumb is to do it no more than once a week.
A protein treatment should be done once every 4 – 6 weeks when stronger ingredients are used.
When protein treatment is done right, you should see the following benefits:
Stronger and healthier hair.
Increased hair elasticity.
Protection from hair damage and reversal of hair damage.
Reduction in split ends and hair breakage.
Improvement in hair growth and regrowth.
Shiny, soft, and frizz-free hair.
Always follow the frequency given in the recipe without going overboard.
Don’t let it soak in for more than the recommended duration.
Along with a topical protein treatment, consider eating a balanced diet and don’t skip protein-rich foods.
Don’t use harsh shampoos or ones that contain sulfates.
Reduce or avoid coloring and other heat or chemical treatments for your hair whenever possible.
So, now we know more about what protein does for hair and some natural DIY protein hair treatments that can be tried at home. Try out these hair recipes and see what works for you best. DIY involves trial and error, but the efforts do pay off well, and once you find a rhythm, you’d never want to make the switch back to commercial products.
These hair treatment recipes are easy and need very few ingredients, most of which are already available in our pantries. They’re easy to whip up real quick, natural, and pocket-friendly, and you can start seeing changes right after the first treatment. However, if you don’t have the time for DIY or are uncomfortable going that route, we have a range of hair cosmetics from Vitamins Revive. Do check out their online store to learn more about their premium vegan products and see if there’s something you’d like.
As always, keep us posted with your results if you have tried one of the protein treatment recipes listed here. We love hearing from you. Do write back to us with any questions, feedback, or requests. These recipes are beginner-friendly, so you could get your DIY journey started with these.
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