Your Result: Protein
Your hair is asking for strength
Hair is made mostly of keratin, a protein. Chemical services, heat, tight styling and everyday friction wear it down and leave weak spots. Hair that feels limp, overly stretchy or breaks easily often needs those weak spots supported. Protein treatments temporarily reinforce the strand, but they work best when balanced with moisture.
Your four-week plan
- Week 1: Strengthen. Cleanse gently, then use a moderate protein treatment, following the timing on the label. Follow it with a deep conditioner so your hair does not feel stiff.
- Week 2: Moisture only. Deep condition and use a leave-in. Give your hair a break from protein.
- Week 3: Light support. Use a conditioner or leave-in with light protein, or skip protein entirely if your hair feels firm.
- Week 4: Test again. Gently stretch a wet strand. Healthy hair stretches a little and bounces back, without feeling mushy or snapping right away.
Signs you may be overdoing protein
If your hair feels stiff, rough or straw-like and breaks with very little stretch, it may have too much protein. Switch to moisture-only care until it softens.
Protecting your hair from more damage
- Do not overlap chemical services. Never apply a relaxer or color over hair that is already processed, and follow your stylist's schedule for touch-ups.
- Use a heat protectant and keep tools at the lowest heat that works.
- Detangle gently, and sleep in a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase.
Common problems and fixes
- My hair feels gummy or mushy when wet. That usually means it needs protein. Use a protein treatment, then follow with a deep conditioner.
- My hair feels stiff and breaks after a protein treatment. That can mean too much protein. Go moisture-only for a couple of weeks.
- Breakage keeps coming back even with treatments. Damaged sections cannot be fully repaired, only protected. A trim to remove the worst of it, plus a consultation to find the cause, can stop the cycle.
Support your routine
Pair your treatment with Moisturize and restore conditioner and gentle cleansing with Restore shampoo.
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This is general hair care guidance, not medical advice.