This article explores the reasons for protein overload, the signs, and how to fix it. Keep reading. If you notice a difference in texture, check your hair products to see if they contain any of the following:
Soy protein Silk protein Keratin Hydrolyzed collageni XA functional supplementation food to enhance skin hydration, elasticity, and moisture absorption, mainly for 40-60 years old women. Hydrolyzed wheat protein Hydrolyzed rice protein Amino acids
If you have protein sensitivity, avoid using protein products for a while. Excess protein buildup affects all types of hair, especially low-porosityi XIt is the flexibility to absorb and preserve moisture and other products affected by the outermost layer of the hair. hair (type 3 and 4). Low porosity hair cannot absorb water easily, and using protein-rich products can further prevent water absorption, causing hair breakage. Here are some signs of protein overload in your hair.
5 Signs Of Protein Overload
1. Brittle And Dry Hair
Too much protein makes the hair dry and brittle. Try pulling a strand. If it snaps easily without stretching, it indicates excess protein.
2. Stiff Or Straw-Like Feeling
Run your fingers over your hair. If it feels rough, coarse, and straw-like, it is because of excess protein. Use a deep hydrating conditioner and nourishing oils to moisturize the hair.
3. Radical Change In Curl Pattern Or Hair Texture
If you experience noticeable changes in the hair texture or pattern, it may be a sign of protein overload in your hair. It can involve loss of the natural curl pattern or the usual sheen.
4. Lack Of Shine
Healthy and lustrous hair needs the right amount of hydration. When the hair lacks water due to protein overload, it loses shine. You may notice your hair losing its natural color and becoming dull.
5. Shedding
Though not proven scientifically, excess hair shedding could be one of the signs of protein overload. In the next section, we discuss the solutions for protein overload in hair.
How To Fix Protein Overload
To determine if your hair has protein overload, you may try the hair strand test. Here’s what you need to do:
Take a strand of either wet or dry hair and stretch it gently. If it snaps easily, it indicates protein If it stretches a bit and then snaps, it has the right protein-water balance.
If your hair has excess protein, try the following methods to fix it. Remember, fixing the problem takes time and may take weeks or months.
1. Avoid Hair Products With Protein
Do not buy hair products that have protein. If you are using a protein-containing hair product, stop using it. Some hair care products mention protein as an ingredient, while others mention amino acids, yogurt, and keratin. Avoid using coconut oil as it prevents protein loss from the hair (1). Use hydrating products that contain natural ingredients to revitalize your hair and scalp.
2. Hair Clarifying Products
Get a good deep-cleansing or clarifying shampoo to remove excess protein, sebum, and dirt buildup. Use it once in two weeks and always follow up with a hydrating conditioner.
3. Moisturizer
Your hair needs moisturizing ingredients to cover the moisture loss and regain its natural bounce. Use hydrating hair masks and oils (except coconut oil) to keep the strands hydrated and soft. To increase the moisture levels in your hair, you may follow this hair care routine:
Co-wash and shampoo on an alternate basis. Apply a deep conditioner and wrap your head with a warm towel for better penetration. Use a moisturizing hair mask once a week. Use a natural oil or hair serum to seal the hair cuticlesi XAs the outermost part of the hair shaft, hair cuticles hold a layer of dead cells as a protective layer for the innermost parts. and prevent moisture loss. Try steaming your hair with a steamer. Use overnight masks to moisturize and seal your hair. Cover it with a plastic bag overnight. Your hair should feel hydrated by morning.
These tips can surely help you deal with too much protein in your hair and help it regain its former shine. Does Olaplex help with protein overload? Yes. Olaplex can help eliminate breakage due to protein overload as it strengthens hair by relinking disulfide bondsi XA chemical bond that helps hold the protein structures of the hair shaft together through elasticity and strength. . Is aloe vera good for protein-sensitive hair? No. Aloe vera isn’t good for protein-sensitive hair as its keratin-like compounds may be too big for such hair to absorb. It may make your hair strands bulky, brittle, dry, and prone to breakage.
Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damagehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
