Keratin is a protein that is the primary ingredient in hair. To maintain healthy, glossy, full hair, the body must receive the proper amount of protein internally through a balanced diet as well receive regular treatments of protein from the outside.
Step 1
Eat a diet rich in healthy proteins, such as eggs, lean meats like chicken and beef and green leafy vegetables. Soy and low-fat versions of dairy products keep the body in proper protein balance. The average person should eat between 40 and 60g of protein per day; athletes and nursing mothers require slightly higher amounts.
Step 2
Include complex carbohydrates in your diet to maximize the metabolism of the protein you eat. High-fiber foods such as beans, whole grains, and fresh fruit and vegetables provide the best source of carbohydrates to use protein. A diet rich in vitamin B12, folic acid and minerals such as zinc and iron also is required to process protein and grow the healthiest hair.
Step 3
Stick with natural or organic shampoo and conditioners that contain ingredients such as wheat germ, keratin, jojoba and vitamins A and E. Massage the scalp when shampooing to increase circulation and promote hair growth.
Step 4
Rinse hair after washing and conditioning with a protein rinse. Protein rinses are especially helpful to bring a healthy sheen back to dry, brittle hair and hair damaged by processing and coloring.
Step 5
Make a homemade protein rinse with whey, oatmeal or wheat germ. Put about 4 tbsp. of one of the powdered substances in a muslin bag. Tie the bag and soak is in 1 pt. of water for about three hours. Squeeze the moisture out of the bag and use to rinse hair.
Step 6
Use protein-enhanced shampoos and conditioners to add even more protein externally to your hair. Products such as glycogen protein balanced hair products contain milk protein and glycogen from oyster shells. Most health food stores carry lines of protein-enhanced hair products.
Tips and Warnings
- Apply protein-enhanced conditioner to hair before going into a chlorinated swimming pool to protect hair from the damage caused by chlorine. While dying and relaxing hair, when done properly, does not usually damage hair or strip it of needed protein, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that both procedures should not be performed at the same time. Instead, use a semi-permanent, milder hair color if you also use relaxers on your hair.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Protein rinse
- Whey, oatmeal or wheat germ
- Muslin bag
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