When to Do a Protein Mask Vs. a Moisturizing Conditioner?

Posted by Garonne Decossard on

As more and more of us are resorting to DIY haircare, and learning regimens from social media, it's important to also learn the intricate dos and don't that  often a hairstylist used to take care for us. Today we will talk about protein vs. moisture. 

Curls popping after deep moisture treatment

throwback of my hair after a deep moisture treatment

 

Hair needs the right balance of protein and moisture. Protein strengthens the hair, gives it elasticity and keeps it from easily breaking or splitting. Protein treatments are especially important if your hair is chemically treated or is subjected to heat often. Moisture also protects the hair, making it soft to the touch and beautiful when styled.

your style starts at the shampoo bowl, moisture sets your hair up for a glorious shine and feel

Too much protein will make your hair brittle and dry, too much moisture will also compromise your strands by making them mushy, and prone to breakage and splits. That is why it's important to be able to feel and see what your hair needs and to treat it accordingly. As a general rule, most people won't need more than 1-2 protein treatments in a month. More if you have chemically treated hair ( permed, bleached, dyed,  relaxed etc). 

The more chemicals or heat applied to the hair on a regular basis, the more likely you will need protein treatments to rebuilt the natural keratin loss

A moisturizing treatment should be the final step after every shampoo prior to styling, so really there is not much of a risk in applying a moisturizing conditioner for a minute or 2 prior to rinsing your hair with cool water. Overmoisture however happens when we leave on a moisturizing conditioner on for hours, or overnight. The maximum time you should leave on a moisturizing conditioner on is 15-20 minutes. After that time, your hair is not getting much more benefit, it's just becoming more mushy and weak.  Manipulating your hair in that overly saturated state will cause breakage, literally tearing your hair out. Remember, you hair is at its weakest when it is wet, so steer clear of any rough manipulation. 

Blowdrying hair when it's soaking wet is a no no. I knew my hairdresser cared about hair when she would let me sit under the hooded dryer to remove water from my hair before she would use the blow dryer. which brings me to my next point: 

No matter if you are natural, permed, locced or other, it's important to have a hairstylist who specializes in haircare and is knowledgable.  She will at least check the condition of your hair and recommend what you need. 

We will call him or her our "Primary Care Stylist" who we visit for certain professional treatments, trims and general upkeep. Mine is Candiese of CWillBeaute on StyleSeat. Here's why, as we delve into taking are of our own hair, we lose the fact that product knowledge is actually important to achieving our hair goals. A good hairstylist will educate you on what to do, and not to do based on the condition of your hair and hair goals. She may even recommend products for your routine at home.

Sometimes flying alone, can mean flying blindly. We don't have to know everything about hair, but keep an expert around who will always keep your routine appropriate, fresh and up to date with the best products available.

Try our protein mask below. It has a natural dose of strengthening silica from horsetail and DHT blocking nettle extracts to help your follicles live their best life! Click Below:


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