Image of a protein treatment in a pot. Taken from Pexels

Jul 03, 2024

Trends may come and go, but one thing remains the same—and that’s our relentless pursuit of healthy, luscious locks. In a world where hair transformations take over our social feeds and beauty routines, there's one secret weapon that doesn’t get enough air time—protein treatments.


We’ve all been there, scrolling through your Instagram feed, mesmerized by the ever-changing landscape of hair trends. From sleek bobs to tousled waves, it seems like there's a new style to try every day. But amid the endless options, one thing is pretty obvious, and that is to achieve your hair goal, it all starts from within.


Enter protein treatments—the VIP of hair care. While trends may evolve and fads may fade, the search for strong, vibrant hair will forever be around. And that's where protein treatments come in, offering a tried-and-true solution to nourish, strengthen, and revitalize your locks from root to tip.


So, forget about that endless cycle of hair trends, hair damage, and hair faux pas—and welcome a new era of using a science-backed approach to hair care. When it comes to achieving the locks of your dreams, nothing beats the transformative power of protein treatments, trust us. Get ready to learn about everything you need to know about protein—because healthy, beautiful hair is the best accessory you can have. 

 

Understanding protein treatments

Protein treatments for hair aren't just another new TikTok trend—they're the ultimate game-changer in the wild world of hair care. Forget those scary hair woes and welcome locks that are as strong as they are stunning, thanks to the transformative power of protein treatments.


Picture this—you're standing in the hair care aisle, overwhelmed by the endless options staring back at you. But lost in the sea of products promising miracles in a bottle, there's one star that stands out—protein treatments. These babies aren't just your average hair mask. They're a powerhouse of nourishment, formulated to combat everything from heat damage to chemical overload.


But what makes protein treatments so special? It's all about ‌science, baby. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty of protein treatments for hair and uncovering the secrets behind this hair-reviving magic. From rebuilding damaged strands to infusing moisture where it's needed most, these treatments work their wonders at a cellular level, leaving you with hair that's stronger, shinier, and oh-so-swoon-worthy.


So, whether you're a heat styling addict, a color chameleon, or simply want to show your locks some love, protein treatments are here to save the day.

 

Why your hair needs protein

Alright, let's break it down, girlies. We all know that protein is the building block of life, right? Well, turns out, it's also the building block of fabulous hair. Just like we need protein to fuel our bodies, our hair needs it to stay strong, healthy, and oh-so-gorgeous—talking about a high maintenance queen?


Here's the deal—Our hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which is essential for maintaining its structure and strength. Think of keratin as the scaffolding that holds everything together—without it, our locks would be limp, lifeless, and prone to breakage.

But here's where it gets interesting—Our bodies don't actually produce protein on their own. That's right, we have to get it from the foods we eat. And while chowing down on a steak or munching on some tofu might be great for our bodies, our hair needs a little extra love in the protein department.


That's where protein treatments are your knight in shining armor. These powerhouse products are packed with proteins and amino acids that penetrate deep into the hair shaft, replenishing lost nutrients and strengthening the hair from within. It's like a protein shake for your strands—only way more fabulous, and a whole lot less ‘gym bro’.

 

Types of protein treatments

Protein treatments come in a variety of forms, each catering to different hair types and concerns. Whether you're looking to repair damage, boost hydration, or simply maintain healthy locks, there's a protein treatment out there for you. Let's explore some of the most popular types:


1) Intensive masks: These deep-conditioning treatments are packed with protein-rich ingredients to replenish lost nutrients and strengthen the hair shaft. Perfect for those in need of some serious TLC, intensive masks leave your locks feeling soft, smooth, and shiny.


2) Leave-in conditioners: Ideal for on-the-go hydration, leave-in conditioners provide a lightweight alternative to traditional masks. Formulated with a blend of proteins and moisturizing agents, these treatments nourish your hair throughout the day, leaving it feeling silky smooth and frizz-free.


3) Protein sprays: Looking for a quick fix? Protein sprays are your new best friend. These lightweight mists deliver an instant boost of protein to your strands, helping to repair damage and strengthen the hair from within. Simply spritz and go for hair that's stronger and more resilient with every use.


4) DIY treatments: Prefer to get creative in the kitchen? DIY protein treatments are a fun and cost-effective way to give your hair some extra love. From egg masks to avocado blends, the possibilities are endless when it comes to whipping up your own hair-nourishing concoctions.


With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect protein treatment for your hair has never been easier. Whether you prefer a luxurious mask or a convenient spray, one thing's for sure—protein treatments are easy for everyone.

 

The best homemade protein treatments

Alright, girlies. Let's get real. Sometimes our locks need a little extra TLC on a budget, and luckily, protein masks are super easy to whip up. Who needs fancy salon products when you've got kitchen staples that can work wonders for your hair? Get ready to channel your inner DIY queen and whip up some hair magic with these homemade protein treatments:


1) Egg-cellent egg mask: Eggs aren't just for breakfast—they're also the secret ingredient for strong, shiny hair. Crack a couple of eggs into a bowl, give 'em a good whisk, and slather that mixture onto your locks. Leave it on for about 30 minutes (just enough time for a TikTok sesh), then rinse it out for hair that's as smooth as silk.


2) Avocado bliss: Avocado toast, meet avocado hair mask. Mash up half an avocado with a dollop of olive oil and honey, and voilà—you've got yourself a nourishing treat for your tresses. Apply it to damp hair, pop on your favorite face mask, and let the avocado goodness work its magic while you chill.


3) Yogurt honey delight: Yogurt isn't just a snack—it's also a bomb hair treatment. Mix some plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey and slather it onto your mane for a dose of protein and hydration. Leave it on for an episode or two of your favorite Netflix show, then rinse it out for hair that's soft, shiny, and oh-so-sweet.


4) Coconut oil dream: Coconut oil is basically the MVP of hair care, and for good reason. Warm up some coconut oil in your hands, massage it into your scalp, and let it work its magic overnight. Wake up to hair that's hydrated, glossy, and ready to take on the day.


With these DIY protein treatments, you can give your hair the love and attention it deserves—no salon appointment required. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to treat your locks to some girlie goodness!

 

The best protein treatments backed by science  

Got the extra budget for some TLC? Ready to take your hair care game to the next level? Here’s our handpicked selection of top-notch protein treatments that are guaranteed to give you the hair of your dreams. 


1. Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3

This cult-favorite treatment works wonders by reconnecting broken bonds in the hair shaft, thanks to its patented ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. By repairing these bonds, Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 strengthens the hair from within, leaving it noticeably smoother, shinier, and more resilient.


2. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

Formulated with a blend of biotin, rosehip oil, and algae extract, this deep conditioning mask delivers a potent dose of nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting stronger, healthier strands. Biotin, in particular, plays a key role in the production of keratin, the protein that makes up the structure of the hair, resulting in visibly thicker and more voluminous locks.


3. ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment

Designed to restore elasticity and fortify weakened hair strands, ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment utilizes a unique blend of proteins, amino acids, and vitamins to rebuild and strengthen the hair cuticle. By replenishing lost proteins and nutrients, this treatment helps to repair damage caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors, leaving your locks looking and feeling their best.


4. Ouai Hair Mask Treatment

Infused with hydrolyzed keratin, this treatment penetrates deep into the hair shaft, repairing damage and restoring elasticity. Keratin, a naturally occurring protein in the hair, acts as a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and damage from external aggressors. By replenishing keratin levels, this treatment leaves hair smoother, softer, and more manageable.

 

5. Nexxus Emergencee Reconstructive Treatment

Powered by a blend of proteins and conditioning agents, this reconstructive treatment targets damaged areas of the hair, strengthening and fortifying from the inside out. Hydrolyzed collagen and elastin work to rebuild the hair's structure, while wheat proteins help to smooth and soften the cuticle, resulting in visibly healthier and more resilient locks. FYI—this one is a little pricey, but boy does it work!

 

Pack your hair with protein and thank science later 

So now you know—science really does matter when it comes to your hair. Now, you're just a few steps away from achieving hair that's stronger, shinier, and healthier than ever before—all thanks to the power of protein treatments.


So, here's the lowdown on how to make the most of your protein-packed hair care routine:

  1. Apply with love: Start by generously applying your chosen protein treatment or mask to damp hair, making sure to cover every strand from scalp to ends. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product evenly for maximum effectiveness.

  1. Wrap and relax: Once your hair is coated in goodness, it's time to wrap it up and let the magic happen. Pop on a shower cap or wrap your hair into a bun to create a cozy cocoon for your locks. Some treatments may not require covering, so always check the product instructions beforehand.

  1. Blowdry with care: Now, here's the trick to really amp up the benefits of your protein treatment—gentle heat. Grab your blow dryer and set it to low heat, then gently blow dry your hair, moving the dryer consistently around your head to ensure even heat distribution. This step helps to activate the treatment and enhance its effectiveness without risking damage.

  1. Rinse and reveal: After letting your treatment work its magic, it's time to unveil the results. Remove the covering and rinse out the treatment, reveling in the silky smoothness of your newly nourished locks. Depending on the specific product's directions, you may need to follow up with shampoo and conditioner to complete the process.

And there you have it—hair that’s fit for a queen. With just a few simple steps, you're well on your way to hair that's protein-packed and ready to shine the night away. So go ahead, treat yourself to some much-deserved hair pampering. You (and your strands) deserve it!