What's your favorite protein treatment?

[Ohio Sky]

I've searched the forums but can't seem to find any mention of what people use for protein treatments. I have never done one, but am interested in trying one so what's your favorite?

[Ohio Sky]

Anyone? :confused:

[Dulci]

I haven't done a protein treatment in a looong time, but I liked Ouidad's Deep Treatment a lot. It is best to use as a heated deep treatment.

It is way too expensive to buy a big bottle, but a couple times a year she offers a small $5 bottle.

[trollkjerring]

I love Nexxus Keraphix a lot. It makes my damaged hair so soft and healthy looking. It's a reconstructor and I like that I don't have to follow with a moisture treatment after using it.

trollkjerring

[chrissy-b]

I really like Henna & Placenta. It's cheap and it works really well on my hair.

[nellen]

I like L'anza Hair Repair Reconstructor and if I'm in a serious keratin need, the whole Ultimate Treatment regime done at home has worked wonders for my hair.

[Aelith]

I'll second KeraPhix. I also like Frederic Fekkai's Protein Rx. I use that about once a week.

[Riot Crrl]

If you like SMT then you could just do it with any old high protein conditioner. Or if you don't like the other ingredients, just the conditioner for a DT.

If you need something more intensive and reconstructive than that, head for the beauty supply store. The most hardcore one I have used is the Aphogee two step, but there are others that are not quite so weird.

[harley mama]

I did a protein treatment once with eggs. My hair hated it.
It made my curls a mass of frizz.

[wintersun99]

I've "read" I think on LHC that natural ingredient protein treatments like mayo, eggs, yogurt, etc. don't work well because the molecules are too big to be absorbed by the hair shaft. Any truth to this? I've been using a product the salon recommended (for once, not a product the salon sells) called Biolage reconstructor (I think) got it at Sally's Beauty Supply. I like it, so far as I've liked any other product, also find it works much better than the natural route

[Katja]

I love Joico K-Pak Reconstructor! It leaves my hair very soft and smooth.

[hazelceleste]

Usually, I use clear protein filler from Sally's. I'm not sure how you're supposed to use it, but I mix it into SMT and leave it on for 1/2 hour or so before rinsing.

If my hair needs some serious protein, I use that Aphogee stuff. It's a long, sticky process (which is why I usually only do it on my braid tassel), but it makes my hair feel a lot stronger. It's really strong stuff, so I wouldn't suggest it to someone who's new to protein treatments, but imo, it's the absolute best.

[Ohio Sky]

I ended up grabbing a bottle of the Hask Henna n' Placenta spay leave-in because it was just about the only protien anything I could find at the store here, and I used it last night and didnt notice much of anything.

the ends were a little snarly, but they just are like that sometimes, and my hair felt a little fuller when I put it back up, but thats about it.

So how do you tell if you hair likes protein or not, if it doesnt really do anything?

[dor3girl]

At Sally's they sell two recommended kits: one is by Loreal, and the other is Ion. The Ion is a 3 step process for emergency hair repair--it has very small molecules of protein & is excellent for damaged hair. The Loreal one is a leave-in treatment that I haven't tried (but I bought it & will let you know after I use it)-- The Loreal one is less technical, but if you have had trouble with leave-in protein treatments, you might want to avoid it. . . Good luck!

[Chamomile betty]

I've used Ion Reconstruction and Effective Care Treatments.
Both are very nice but I prefer the Reconstruction one a little better. The smell is divine.

[paprikapapaya]

Redken Extreme Rescue Force deep treatment has worked very well for my hair. Leaves my hair feeling VERY soft. The Redken Extreme line also has a leave-in which I find to be very effective and protein-rich.

[mitabird]

I really like Henna & Placenta. It's cheap and it works really well on my hair.

I use this as well and it's really good. I always follow-up with a moisturizing treatment, since my hair is protein sensitive.

[danacc]

I've "read" I think on LHC that natural ingredient protein treatments like mayo, eggs, yogurt, etc. don't work well because the molecules are too big to be absorbed by the hair shaft. Any truth to this? I've been using a product the salon recommended (for once, not a product the salon sells) called Biolage reconstructor (I think) got it at Sally's Beauty Supply. I like it, so far as I've liked any other product, also find it works much better than the natural route

I'm still piecing the puzzle pieces together on what is known about the application of protein to hair. It appears that applied protein creates a protective film on the hair not unlike 'cones or oils do. Aside from the product-makers who all want to focus on it's strengthening and restorative powers, there are lots of references out there to this filming and moisturizing effect.

In addition to this protective film, if the protein is hydrolyzed to a small enough particle size, it will also enter the hair shaft itself. Naturally occurring protein molecules are too big to enter without hydrolyzation.

See: From Proteins to Peptides—What They Mean to the Dermatologist (http://www.touchdermatologicaldisease.com/articles.cfm?article_id=809&level=2) and Evaluation of the penetration of hydrolysed proteins into human hair & functional implications for their use in hair care formulations (http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=910128)

The bottom line: proteins can help slow moisture loss by forming a film on the hair shaft. Hydrolyzed protein also penetrates the hair shaft, presumably strengthening the hair strand.

[ChloeDharma]

I used to sometimes use this treatment by Lee Stafford, um....something growth treatment, are you taking protection, i think it was called. You used it along with a regular conditioner, after shampooing, then condition afterwards.....but it was lovely, my hair is naturaly soft anyway but this left it like silk. Anyway, that one i'd definately recommend.

[Kirin]

I ended up grabbing a bottle of the Hask Henna n' Placenta spay leave-in because it was just about the only protien anything I could find at the store here, and I used it last night and didnt notice much of anything.

the ends were a little snarly, but they just are like that sometimes, and my hair felt a little fuller when I put it back up, but thats about it.

So how do you tell if you hair likes protein or not, if it doesnt really do anything?

There's more protein out there than you probably realize. The lables don't usually read easily "With Protein!". Actually the market is flooded with protein. Things that are protein to look for in ingredient labels would be, Hydrolized -anything-, amino acids, silk, egg, milk, soy, panthenol and the like.

Typically you can guess there's protein in it by the lable "restoring, stronger hair, rejuvinating, strengthening, or repairing". If those are on the label, its guarenteed there's protein of some sort in it.

Hask spray on leave in (or liquid leave in) isn't very powerful of a protein treatment, however overuse of protein can make hair dry, tangly, snarly and miserable. I have never found anything protein laden to be very moisturizing, at least not on its own.

[Shermie Girl]

Joico K-Pak is my fave deep protein treatment. I use VO5 Champagne Kiss for SMT and so forth, as it also contains protein. Nexxus Color Ensure is a terrific conditioner and also is rich in protein. My hair loves protein, so I use a lot of products that contain it. :D

[pariate]

I love the L'anza Reconstructor treatment that someone else mentioned on page 1. LOVE the stuff, smells like bananas! Sometimes I'll mix it with some jojoba oil and glycerin to give a moisture boost at the same time. Lovely stuff.

[prettykitty]

My hair digs protein. I sometimes use Redken Extreme Anti-Snap as a leave in, but it has cones I think so I use it sparingly. I plan to test drive the Hask and Placenta gear too. In Australia it comes in these little vials.

[BohoClassic]

As a newbie,could anyone recommend to me a cone free protein treatment thats available in the U.k please? Also, when will i know my hair needs a protein treatment? I have never done one before!:eek:

[ellen732]

I have used Millcreek Keratin conditioner on and off for years. I usually mix it with a moisturizing conditioner when I use it.

[jujube]

I used the Aphogee two-minute reconstructor. I just wish it didn't have cones.

[allmixedup88]

I like aphogee (sp?) they sell it at sally beauty for about 3 bucks.

[kidari]

I also love the ones by Joico!

[CrystalStar]

When my ends are feeling a bit sorry for myself I occasionally do a mayonaise treatment followed by an SMT. Cue soft, shiny, strong hair! :p I have to admit though, ever since the window cleaner saw me applying mayonaise to my hair through the window I havn't been so inclined to do it! :laugh:

[Aredhel77]

When my ends are feeling a bit sorry for myself I occasionally do a mayonaise treatment followed by an SMT. Cue soft, shiny, strong hair! :p I have to admit though, ever since the window cleaner saw me applying mayonaise to my hair through the window I havn't been so inclined to do it! :laugh:

LOL @ CrystalStar.

I'm in the UK, but I'm not sure about cone-less protein treatments. I am usually non-cone but I don't mind making an occasional exception if I find a product my hair likes. I have tried the following


Good old eggs, either as a shampoo or as a pre-shampoo. Worked OK for me
ApHogee 2-min keratin treatment - my hair loved this, and I would buy it again. Left my hair feeling really full and was moisturising enough that I didn't need a moisture treatment afterwards. This is not the extra-strength 2-step treatment, which I haven't tried
ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea reconstructor spray - also seems OK, I have it at the moment but I haven't used itregularly
and Motions CPR collagen treatment conditioner. I am not sure about this, it is very heavy on mineral oil. It looks and smells a bit like it has mashed banana in it (i.e has 'bits' in it). I will use it up but not buy again.I bought all of these on either Amazon UK or Ebay UK.


Re: the Motions CPR treatment - I just checked the ingredients list and there doesn't appear to be mineral oil in it. However it looks like it's cone-heavy. I don't mind cones to some extent but I just tried the Motions conditioner again and my hair feels 'built up' (AND I clarified first). So I guess this one just isn't for me :shrug:

[Safira]

Aphogee 2 Step, KeraCare SuperReconstucter, Tigi Oatmeal and Honey.

I liked Joico Reconstructer, but it has mineral oil, and last winter I suffered a major build-up, so I´m scared to use it.

[BohoClassic]

LOL @ CrystalStar.

I'm in the UK, but I'm not sure about cone-less protein treatments. I am usually non-cone but I don't mind making an occasional exception if I find a product my hair likes. I have tried the following


Good old eggs, either as a shampoo or as a pre-shampoo. Worked OK for me
ApHogee 2-min keratin treatment - my hair loved this, and I would buy it again. Left my hair feeling really full and was moisturising enough that I didn't need a moisture treatment afterwards. This is not the extra-strength 2-step treatment, which I haven't tried
ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea reconstructor spray - also seems OK, I have it at the moment but I haven't used itregularly
and Motions CPR collagen treatment conditioner. I am not sure about this, it is very heavy on mineral oil. It looks and smells a bit like it has mashed banana in it (i.e has 'bits' in it). I will use it up but not buy again.I bought all of these on either Amazon UK or Ebay UK.
Thanks for the info! I dont need any encouragement to go on ebay.... lol. How will i know if/when my hair needs protein?

[LunaMoon]

I use Aphogee 2 minutes conditioner. I leave about 10 minutes and follow for a deep conditioning treatment. I don't use any heat.
I don't have a protein treatment routine, just use it when my hair needs (It is too mushy or stretching a lot, for exemple).
I purchased the 2-step aphogee as well, but is too strong and I am not going to use it I guess.