The best proteins for both low and high porosity hair
It is sometimes an art to find the right protein balance for each individual hair type.
We have seen that there is a rather black and white view of large and small proteins, and that large proteins are suitable for high porosity hair, and that a number of types of proteins are linked to it.
We investigated this because we also saw that our protein drops were often recommended by third parties for curly hair with high porosity hair. her.
We've dug in, and these are the scientific findings on proteins.
Low molecular weight versus high molecular weight proteins (not to be confused with large and small proteins)
Many hair care products contain protein ingredients derived from plants, such as hydrolyzing wheat proteins or hydrolyzing amino acids.
The process of obtaining these ingredients varies and their molecular weight and size significantly influence their affinity for hair fibers.
Low molecular weight proteins are smaller and can penetrate deep into the hair structure.
While high molecular weight proteins consist of large molecules that do not allow them to penetrate. Instead, they form a coating over the hair shaft and improve the surface of the hair fibers (often synthetic)
Since these two types of ingredients have different mechanisms of action, they also have different effects on hair quality.
Here is a short list of high molecular weight and low molecular weight proteins:
HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT PROTEINS:
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PG-Propyl Methylsilanediol (Synthetic)
- Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Synthetic)
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol (Synthetic)
- Hydrolyzed Collagen (natural, but high molecular weight and size)
- Stearyldimonium Hydroxypropyl Collagen (Synthetic)
- Albumin (natural, large molecular size and weight)
LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT PROTEINS
- Wheat Amino Acids
- Silk Amino Acids
- Silk protein
- Rice protein
All four of the above are of natural origin.
What specific type of PROTEIN should I use for low or high porosity hair?
The goal is to choose proteins that are light enough for your hair and don't cause protein overload.
Always pay attention to how your hair reacts to the protein. If it does not respond positively, reduce or stop using the product immediately.
It's also worth noting that you may need to use a protein treatment only on your ends rather than all of your hair. This way you can tackle the damaged or weak parts of your hair.
Our ends are the oldest part of our hair and go through a lot of wear and tear, so it's important to give them some extra TLC (tender, love & care).
Best proteins for low porosity hair
The list includes water-soluble proteins obtained and derived from natural plant sources.
- Hydrolyzed keratin
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Hydrolyzed wheat amino acids
- Silk Amino Acids or protein
- Milk protein
Best proteins for high porosity hair
- Hydrolyzed Collagen
- Collagen Amino Acids
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
- Hydrolyzed Brazil Nut Protein
- Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (suitable for both low and high porosity hair)
And this has proven that our protein drops are suitable for both low and high porosity hair. And we disprove that "large proteins" are only suitable for high porosity hair, or you can put it another way, so Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein is not only a large protein, it also contains small proteins because it is rich in amino acids.
In addition to the Hydrolyzed Wheat protein, our drops also contain other proteins, see the product description.
HOW DO WE RECOVER A NEGATIVE RESPONSE TO PROTEIN?
What if after applying protein, hair becomes dry, brittle and feels like straw?
In such cases, the best solution is to follow the steps below:
- Wash your hair immediately with a clarifying shampoo.
- Apply a normal moisturizing conditioner or a moisturizing leave-in conditioner to counteract the negative straw feeling.
- Do not use the protein product. Stop immediately.
Always remember to take your hair as a guide!
Hope this article has been helpful to you.
