Keratin treatments for your hair restructure the shaft of the hair, filling it in and improving the health and appearance of your hair. These treatments are designed for severely damaged hair, but milder home products may be used to repair moderate damage. Adding protein when your hair is simply dry may cause your hair to become stiff or brittle.
Function
Protein treatments are used to repair severely damaged hair at home and in the hair salon. The keratin protein in these products fills in the gaps and rough areas in the shaft of the hair, giving it strength and temporarily improving its condition, according to HairFinder.com. Regular protein treatments may reduce split ends and prevent breakage if you have chemically damaged hair.
Types
Mild protein treatments, including daily conditioners, can work well for damaged hair, according to Long-Healthy-Hair-Advisor.com. These are typically safe for regular use and are unlikely to cause damage to your hair. More intensive protein treatments are intended for weekly, every other week, or monthly use. Deeper protein treatments do not rinse out with each use and can have a more significant impact on the hair, reports
Aphogee.com.
Use
Penetrating conditioners and light protein treatments and protein packs are suitable for home use to treat your damaged hair. These may leave your hair stronger, but do require that you follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. Most home use products are applied, then rinsed out. Intensive reconstructing treatments have a more significant effect on the hair, but may leave your hair dry and stiff. These products are allowed to dry on the hair, typically under a hood style dryer and can be used at home, with care, or in the salon, according to Aphogee.com.
Time Frame
The condition of your hair should dictate the frequency of protein treatments. If you have relaxed or permed hair, make time for protein treatments at least monthly, or as often as every other week, suggests Long-Healthy-Hair-Advisor.com. Less damaged hair may benefit from protein treatments every other month. Use a more intensive product if you are experiencing substantial breakage.
Warning
If your hair is healthy or dry, avoid using intensive protein treatments. Dry hair needs moisture, rather than protein, according to HairFinder.com. Excessive protein may make your hair stiff and prone to breakage. Follow any protein treatment with moisturizing conditioners to reduce this effect, recommends Long-Healthy-Hair-Advisor.com.
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