How can you tell if your shampoo/conditioner has protein in it?

[SopphireGem]

I've seen people on here writing about protein in their hair products, but I don't know if my hair products have protein in them! How can I tell?

[wendylai]

Good question!

This is something I would like to know too, as I have started to think protein may no to be good for my hair as for example egg treatment made my hair dry and fizzy.. so protein is something I should probably steel clear of.. :eyebrows:

[Roscata]

"Proteins
Humectants, conditioners:
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed casein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed collagen
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed hair keratin
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed keratin
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed rice protein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed silk
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl silk amino acids
Cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
Cocoyl hydrolyzed keratin
Hydrolyzed keratin
Hydrolyzed oat flour
Hydrolyzed silk
Hydrolyzed silk protein
Hydrolyzed soy protein
Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Keratin
Potassium cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
TEA-cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
TEA-cocoyl hydrolyzed soy protein"

Identifying Proteins and Humectants in Hair Products (http://www.curlynikki.com/2009/01/proteins-humectants-and-conesoh-my.html)
Ingredients commonly found in hair care products (http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/ingredients-commonly-found-in-hair-care-products)

[Amanah]

I think that if the product claims to strengthen your hair it usually contains protein.

[fridgee]

Anything that says 'hydrolyzed' is probably protein on the ingredient list. Ditto if there is wheat, silk or keratin on the list :flower:

[spookyghost]

This is all good to know because Im pretty sure my hair does not like protein either at least from what I can tell. So for now I would like to stay away from it because my hair tends to revolt if protein is anywhere near it!:lol:

[pepperminttea]

Thanks for the list Roscata, I'm bookmarking it. :D

[swearnsue]

It's good to have one conditioner on hand that has protein to use as needed, but for me I really don't like using it every time. It's hard as heck though finding even a shampoo without stupid protein in it!

[spidermom]

It's pretty easy. Read the ingredients list.

[Roscata]

Thanks for the list Roscata, I'm bookmarking it. :D

You're very welcome! :)

[gogirlanime]

My list as well watch out for these:

anything that is "L-(something)" that is an amino acid which is protein like L-arginine. Anything that is a food with high amounts of protein like milk or soy milk or almond puree.


Soy
Wheat
Whey
Silk
Soymilk
Soy protein
Wheat protein
Whey protein
Silk protein
Collagen
Keratin
Casein
Rice
Rice protein
Amino Acids

[hairconvictions]

I've been reading so much about people who put protein in their hair ON PURPOSE (ie: eggs, etc). So why would you want to avoid it in shampoo and conditioners??

[hairconvictions]

I should clarify, that wasn't supposed to be confrontational- I'm actually wondering some of the reasons!

[SilverDoe]

I've been reading so much about people who put protein in their hair ON PURPOSE (ie: eggs, etc). So why would you want to avoid it in shampoo and conditioners??

Everyone's hair reacts differently to protein.
Some love protein in their "daily" products for every wash, others only use protein occasionally & must follow up with a moisture treatment to avoid dryness & crunchy hair.
Some need to avoid it like the plague due to extreme dryness & frizziness.

Most need to balance protein with moisture. Check when your hair is wet, pull a strand slightly between your fingers.
If it snaps without stretching - you need moisture. If it stretches alot without snapping, or has a hard time pulling back to it's original state - you need protein.
Color treated, bleached & damaged hair often has more luck with protein treatments. Some can only handle certain types of protein, where it's important to figure out & recognize which one.