9 Proteins You've Got To Know For Healthy Strong Hair

My hair loves protein but knowing the type of protein your hair love can make a difference between soft silky hair and dry brittle hair that will break if you just think to go near it! Check out this list of proteins and their benefits I did for The COCO Magazine!  

Protein is the building block of hair; it’s what gives hair its strength and structure. Hair is mainly comprised of a protein called keratin. Every time we manipulate our hair it loses some of its protein, this is something that cannot be avoided, for this reason, we need to replenish what we lost through the use of protein treatments and conditioners. Proteins are not only used to strengthen the hair, some proteins act as humectants, they attract moisture to the hair, others also condition the hair. It is in your best interest to pay attention to the type of proteins in your hair products; this can help you determine which type of proteins your hair loves best. You may come across the word "hydrolyzed" in front of a protein name while going through the list of ingredients, this means that the protein has been broken down into smaller molecules to better penetrate the hair. Take a look at some of the most common proteins found in hair products and their benefits.

 

Protein	Benefits
Silk Amino Acids	Increases elasticity Increases shine Smoothes cuticles Helps retain moisture Softens
Keratin	Rebuilds Replaces amino acid cysteine Smoothes cuticles Increases moisture Increases tensile strength Helps shield and protect from wear and tear
Collagen	Increase elasticity Helps retain moisture Increase body
Silk	Increases elasticity Conditions Softens Smoothes cuticle Increases shine
Wheat	Thickens Attracts and retains moisture Increases elasticity
Oat	Thickens Smoothes Softens
Milk	Increases moisture Increases elasticity Conditions
Soy	Helps retain moisture Smoothes cuticles Increases shine
Vegetable	Conditions Increases moisture Increases shine

There is no need to fear the use of protein since it is beneficial to our hair. Always follow the instructions on the packaging when using protein treatments or conditioners. It is also necessary to follow-up with a moisturising treatment when using hard protein treatments.

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Product Review: MoroccanOil Hydrating Mask

I love the MoroccanOil deep conditioners; check out my review on another one of my favourites, the hydrating mask. Read my review over at The COCO Magazine!

Product Review: MoroccanOil Restorative Hair Mask

I’ve been using MoroccanOil products long before I started my hair journey, one of my favourite products in the line is the restorative mask.

Price:

US $34 for 8.5 oz or US $47 for 16.9 oz

 

Claims:

The reconstructive formula, rich in argan oil and vegetable protein, penetrates deeply to rebuild hair’s strength and restore elasticity.

 

Directions:

Apply a generous amount to towel-dried hair and comb through. Let penetrate for 5-10 minutes. Rinse and finish with conditioner. Use 1 time weekly. Less frequently as hair improves. No heat required.

 

What I Think:

I love when my deep conditioners come in a tub or jar rather than a bottle, this makes it easier to get every last drop out of the container. This restorative hair mask is off white in colour and smells like a bag of mixed nuts (the ones with the shell still on), the scent does not linger after use. This product is extremely thick which I also love. When applied it absorbs after a minute or so. Each time I use this deep conditioner, I used it with heat for at least 30 minutes, it rinsed out clean leaving no residue. This conditioner leaves my hair feeling soft yet strong, which helps to keep my hair’s moisture protein balance in check.  I consider this a light protein treatment since I am able to use this weekly with no negative protein effects. I don’t ever feel the need to follow up with a moisturising conditioner. I will highly recommend this restorative hair mask.

 

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan Oil), Canola Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Ceteareth-20, Acetamide MEA, Caryocar Barsiliense Fruit Oil,  Steareth-2, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, PG-Propyl Silanetriol, DMDM Hydantoin, Citric Acid, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Fragrance (Parfum), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Behentrimonium Chloride, Isopropanolamine

 

Read my full review over at The COCO Magazine! 

Know Your Ingredients: Types of Alcohol In Your Hair Products

This is an article that I wrote for Coco Magazine that was published last month, unfortunately I missed it since I am now catching up on my reading. If you haven’t already, read the full article here! Don’t forget to follow the Coco Magazine on facebook, twitter, pinterest, youtube and instagram!

Texlax Your Way To Thicker Hair!

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Benefits Of Using Coconut Oil In Your Hair

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Black Hair Myths!

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Healthy Hair Essentials - Products

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Unhealthy Hair Habits!

 

We have all at some point or the other done our hair a disservice. Bad hair habits are hard to break but if your aim is to have healthy hair there are some unhealthy hair habits that you need to kick.

Beyonce's Sleek Updo

Check out my first contribution in the COCO Magazine! Show some love and support :)