The main ingredient of hair is a protein known as keratin. It makes up about 90% of hair and gives it strength and shape. Keratin helps hair resist damage and breakage. Hair also has other elements like water, fats, and colors, which make it moist, bendy, and colorful.
How to know does my hair need protein or moisture? Both are essential for hair strength, shine, and growth. Protein treatments add protein to the hair strands and are beneficial for hair, significantly when damaged. Moisture treatments hydrate hair and add moisture. So whether your hair needs more protein or moisture depends on your hair type and condition.
How to know does my hair need protein or moisture?
The best way to determine if your hair needs more protein or moisture is to do some tests: stretch a strand to check for elasticity (protein) or see if a strand sinks or floats in water (moisture).
Several signs can indicate whether your hair needs protein. Here are a few to look out for:
Excessive Breakage
If your hair appears to be breaking more than usual or if you notice a lot of split ends, it may be a sign that your hair is lacking in protein.
Lack of Elasticity
Healthy hair should be able to stretch without breaking and return to its original shape. If your hair feels brittle or snaps easily when pulled, it may be a sign that it needs protein.
Weak or Limp Hair
If your hair feels weak, limp, or lacks volume, it may require protein to help strengthen its structure.
Overly Porous Hair
If your hair is highly porous, meaning it absorbs water easily and dries quickly, it may be a sign that it needs protein. Overly porous hair can result from damage to the hair’s protein structure.
How to treat damaged hairs
Keratin protein
Certain types of hair, like color-treated hair, chemically processed hair, or heat-styled hair, can benefit more from protein. Keratin protein treatments, for example, are famous for adding strength and resilience to damaged hair. According to research studies, keratin treatments can reduce breakage by up to 80% and make hair more manageable.
Other sources of protein for hair include ingredients like hydrolyzed silk protein, rice protein, etc. Products like protein masks, shampoos, and leave-in creams can help boost hair’s protein levels.
Moisture treatments
For dry, curly hair, moisture treatments are essential. Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, etc., help draw moisture into the hair and keep it hydrated. According to science, humectants like glycerin can absorb atmospheric moisture and deposit it into the hair.
Moisturizing masks, conditioners, and serums can provide deep hydration for moisture-deprived hair. Some people may need a combination of both protein and moisture for their hair type.
Also read about: Can Constipation Cause Chest Pain?
FAQs
Conclusion
Your hair needs protein and moisture to stay healthy, strong, and beautiful. But each can vary depending on your hair type and condition.
Dry, brittle, or breaking hair may need more moisture. Moisture keeps the hair soft, hydrated, and flexible, which prevents breakage and split ends.
Limp, weak, or undefined hair may need more protein. Protein strengthens the hair and improves its shape, making it more resistant to damage and giving it more definition.
But be careful not to use too much protein or moisture on your hair. Too much protein can make your hair stiff and breakable, while too much moisture can make your hair limp and shapeless.
To keep your hair in its best shape, you need to figure out how much protein and moisture your hair needs and use the right products and treatments. You can also ask a hair care expert for advice on what’s best for your hair.