How to Use Protein for Hair at Home and in the Salon

Many people suffer from dry and damaged hair, leading to loss of shine and vitality. Fortunately, using protein for hair offers effective solutions to such problems, as it contributes to rebuilding and strengthening hair strands, making them softer and easier to style.

Protein is an essential component of hair strands, constituting approximately 90% of its composition. When hair loses this protein, it becomes dry, brittle, and more susceptible to breakage and loss. Therefore, using protein products helps compensate for this deficiency, enhancing hair health and improving its appearance.

In this article, we will explore step by step how to use protein for hair in both salon and home settings. We'll learn about the benefits of protein for hair and the best types of protein.

Types of Protein for Hair

Hair is primarily composed of protein, especially keratin, which provides strength and structure. When hair is damaged, it loses protein, resulting in weakness, brittleness, and frizz. There are various types of protein used in hair care products to strengthen and repair damaged hair. Here are the most important:

Keratin

Keratin is the main protein in hair, strengthening it and making it more resistant to damage. It's commonly found in many hair care products, including shampoo, conditioner, and masks.

Hydrolyzed Keratin

Hydrolyzed keratin is a form of keratin broken down into smaller molecules, making it easier for these molecules to penetrate the hair shaft and repair damage. It's often found in deep conditioning lotions and hair serums.

Collagen

Collagen protein can improve hair strength, texture, and growth by providing structural support to hair follicles. It contains substances that aid in hair growth and prevent hair loss, while also reducing the appearance of gray hair, adding thickness, and enhancing its appearance.

Elastin

Elastin adds elasticity to hair, helping it withstand stretching and bending without breaking. It maintains moisture balance, reduces dryness, and adds shine and radiance.

Wheat Protein

Wheat protein, derived from wheat, provides high levels of glutamine to the hair, strengthening it and making it more manageable. It's commonly found in various hair care products, including shampoo, conditioner, and styling products.

Soy Protein

Soy protein is another excellent source of protein for hair. It strengthens hair strands and adds desired shine, often included in natural hair care products.

How to Use Protein for Hair at Home

Using protein treatments for your hair at home can help strengthen and repair damaged strands. Here's a general guide on how to use protein for hair at home:

1. Choose the Right Product: Select a protein treatment or mask suitable for your hair type and needs. You can find protein treatments in the form of conditioners, masks, or standalone treatments.

2. Shampoo Your Hair: Start by shampooing your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove any buildup or impurities. This will prepare your hair to better absorb the protein treatment.

3. Towel Dry Your Hair: Gently towel dry your hair until it's damp but not dripping wet. Excess water can dilute the protein treatment, reducing its effectiveness.

4. Apply the Protein Treatment: Follow the instructions on the product packaging for the recommended amount and application method. Typically, you'll apply the treatment evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, which tend to be the most damaged.

5. Massage and Comb Through: Once the protein treatment is applied, gently massage it into your hair, ensuring thorough coverage. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly and detangle your hair.

6. Leave-In or Rinse Out: Depending on the product instructions, you may need to leave the protein treatment in your hair for a specific amount of time (usually 5-30 minutes) before rinsing it out. Some protein treatments can also be left overnight for deeper penetration.

7. Rinse Thoroughly: After the recommended time has elapsed, rinse out the protein treatment thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure to remove all traces of the product to prevent buildup.

8. Follow with Conditioner (Optional): If your protein treatment doesn't contain conditioning properties, you can follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration and softness to your hair.

9. Frequency: It's essential to follow the recommended frequency for using protein treatments, as overuse can lead to protein overload and make your hair feel stiff or brittle. Typically, once or twice a month is sufficient for most hair types, but adjust based on your hair's needs.

How to Use Protein for Hair in Salons

In a salon setting, protein treatments for hair are typically administered by professional hairstylists or trained cosmetologists. Here's how the process typically unfolds:

1. Consultation: Your stylist will begin by discussing your hair concerns and goals with you. This consultation helps them determine the best type of protein treatment for your specific hair type, texture, and condition.

2. Hair Analysis: Before applying any products, your stylist may conduct a thorough analysis of your hair to assess its current condition, including its elasticity, porosity, and level of damage. This analysis helps tailor the treatment to your hair's unique needs.

3. Preparation: Your hair will be shampooed with a clarifying or protein-enhanced shampoo to remove any buildup or residues that may hinder the effectiveness of the treatment. Towel drying may follow to remove excess water.

4. Application of Protein Treatment: Depending on the chosen treatment, your stylist will apply the protein product evenly throughout your hair, focusing on areas that are particularly damaged or weak. They may use a brush or applicator to ensure thorough coverage.

5. Processing Time: After applying the protein treatment, your stylist will allow it to penetrate your hair shaft for a specified period. This processing time can vary depending on the product used and your hair's condition but typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes.

6. Rinse Out and Conditioning: Once the processing time is complete, the protein treatment will be rinsed out thoroughly with lukewarm water. Depending on the treatment, a moisturizing conditioner may be applied afterward to restore hydration and soften the hair.

7. Post-Treatment Care: Your stylist may provide you with aftercare instructions and recommend follow-up treatments or home care products to maintain the results of the protein treatment.

8. Follow-Up: Depending on the condition of your hair and your stylist's recommendations, you may be advised to schedule follow-up appointments for additional protein treatments or other salon services to continue improving the health and appearance of your hair.

In Conclusion

Incorporating protein treatments into your hair care routine can significantly improve the strength, health, and appearance of your hair. Whether you choose to use protein for hair at home or seek professional salon treatments, the benefits are undeniable. By replenishing lost protein, strengthening hair strands, and enhancing manageability and shine, protein treatments offer effective solutions for addressing dry, damaged, and brittle hair. With the wide range of protein types available, from keratin to collagen and beyond, there's a suitable option for every hair type and concern. 

References

• Proteins and Hair Health

• The Essential Guide to Hair Protein Treatments – EUROPE

• Protein Treatments for Hair: Benefits and How to Use Them at Home

• Protein Treatments Rebuild Hair From the Inside-Out—Here’s How to Use Them