Best Protein Treatments for 4C Natural Hair
Did you know your hair is made of a protein called keratin? Our hair strands can become depleted of protein from day to day styling and maintenance, sun exposure and heat tools so it’s important to do a protein treatment every now and again to help protect our hair.
You'll need a protein treatment if you find your hairstyles aren’t turning out the way you want them to and not staying moisturised - these are usually a sign that your hair needs more protein.
Protein treatments are essentially strengthening treatments with ingredients like Keratin, Hydrolyzed Protein and Amino Acids - they attach these ingredients to the hair follicle to fill in any gaps and harden the cuticle layer to temporarily repair hair and help make it more resilient to damage.
Additionally, there are two main types of protein treatments i.e. heavy protein treatments (for example a reconstructor like Aphrogee Two Step Protein Treatment for damaged hair) and light protein treatments deep conditioners - I tend to opt for the latter.
4c natural hair is tightly coiled, delicate and so prone to breakage, protein treatments are key to help protecting hair and are an essential on your hair journey. During my natural hair journey I’ve tried a number of protein treatments on my 4c hair and the ones below are my go-to’s…
Best Protein Treatments for 4C Natural Hair
Palmer’s Manuka Formula Manuka Flower Honey Protein Pack Deep Conditioner
Key ingredients: Manuka Flower Honey, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Amla Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Palmer’s Manuka Flower Honey Protein Pack Deep Conditioner
Palmer’s Manuka Flower Honey Protein Pack Deep Conditioner has a rich and creamy texture. It's one of my OG products from the start of my natural hair journey… This lil sachet is packed with cocoa butter, shea butter, amla oil, manuka honey and keratin to help restore moisture and shine. It always gives my hair a much needed boost and leaves it feeling nourished and with a sweet floral scent. I usually leave it on for 35 minutes before rinsing but you can leave it on overnight.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque
Key ingredients: Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Peppermint Oil, organic Shea Butter, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Treatment Masque is life and a staple for many naturals! I love the thick texture and the scent. It's got some great nutrient rich ingredients like apple cider vinegar (ACV) which has anti-inflammatory properties, exfoliates the scalp, enhances shine and soothes itchy scalp, plus stimulating peppermint oil for an invigorating experience. After leaving it on my hair for up to an hour without heat it leaves hair feeling stronger and restored (you can also leave it on for 10 to 15 mins with heat). For me it works especially well after the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo with ACV which also has apple cider vinegar (shampoo faves coming soon!).
Activilong Actiforce Black Castor Oil Fortifying Care Masque
Key ingredients: Shea Butter, Black Castor Oil, Sapote, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein.
Activilong Actiforce Fortifying Care Mask
The word fortifying in the product name suggests this mask has a good level of protein in the formula, the product label highlights that it contains plant proteins. My hair loves this mask and I've shared my thoughts on it in an Activilong Actiforce Black Castor Oil review previously. Activilong Actiforce Black Castor Oil Fortifying Mask is always on my repurchase list and is one of my go-to’s because of the very creamy consistency, great slip and because a little goes a long way due to the rich ingredients. I usually get four uses out of the tub (could probably get more if I wasn't heavy handed with product lol…). Plus, I usually leave this Activilong Fortifying Care Mask on for at least 30 minutes.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Protein Pack
Key ingredients: Coconut Milk, ethically and sustainably sourced Coconut Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Protein Pack
Another thick, creamy mask from Palmer's with a lovely coconutty scent which can be left on for 10 to 20 minutes or overnight is the Coconut Oil Protein Pack. My coils are always popping after using this Palmer’s Protein Pack and they are left feeling super soft! It has coconut milk in the formula too and if you know me I am obsessed with all things coconut... Coconut Milk contains lauric acid (known to have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties), a high protein content and is loaded with beneficial vitamins, very moisturising and helps support fragile or damaged hair.
Best Protein Treatments for Natural Hair
I’ve found these strengthening protein treatments all work well - the one I use generally depends on what's in my natural hair product stash when my hair is in need of this type of treatment. I'd recommend using these protein conditioners at least once or twice a month depending on your hair health. Stronger protein treatments like Aphrogee should be used less often i.e. once every 6 to 8 weeks and followed with a moisturising conditioner. However, remember to listen to what your hair needs and don’t forget one of the keys to healthy 4c hair and any hair type for that matter is having the right moisture protein balance. Lastly, I’d recommend making a note of when you use any strengthening protein treatment in your diary/calendar so you don’t overload your hair with protein.
Have you tried any of these protein treatments? Do you have any other recommendations? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for stopping by!
Kx
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Healthy and clean scalp is the foundation for healthy hair and to help you get the best results from your conditioners, protein treatments and stylers. So, if your goal is to retain length and to have healthy, nourished hair, shampooing regularly is essential.