how does protein work

[Budgie]

I'm sorry this probably sounds like a dumb question, but how does protein work in conditioners? Wouldn't there have to be amino acids instead so it can bond to the hair better? I'm just confused at how the hair actually takes in the protein. I understand Keratin treatments, because those involve heat and a very specific protein, but I don't understand using egg whites on hair.

[durgidog]

Everything I've read about protein treatments indicates that only amino acids and hydrolyzed proteins are small enough to penetrate hair. So you're correct that eggs are not an effective protein treatment. Both the Science-y Hair Blog and the Natural Haven blog have some great articles on protein.