If you’re new to curl care or simply want to understand what your hair needs, you’ve come to the right place. Finding the right balance between moisture and protein is crucial for maintaining healthy and strong curls. Our hair is primarily composed of protein, which provides strength and repair. However, excessive straightening, colour treatments, and heat styling can break down the protein in our hair. On the other hand, moisture is essential for keeping your hair hydrated and improving elasticity, resulting in bouncy curls.
Protein vs. Moisture
Texture plays a significant role in determining whether your hair needs protein or moisture, rather than just focusing on curl pattern. To understand what your hair needs, take a closer look at your strands before washing or styling, considering factors such as elasticity and porosity:
Elasticity
When your hair is wet, take a strand and stretch it. Lack of elasticity means the strand will snap easily with little effort, indicating a need for moisture. On the other hand, good elasticity means the strand can withstand tension and bounce back without breaking. If your hair doesn’t bounce back but doesn’t break either, it may be absorbing too much moisture from products.
Porosity
Porosity refers to how well your hair retains moisture. Just as you can have combination skin, different parts of your hair may have varying porosity levels. Low porosity hair has a tight cuticle that makes it challenging for moisture to penetrate, often resulting in product buildup. This hair type requires moisture rather than protein. Medium porosity hair allows for a moderate flow of moisture and benefits from both moisture and protein. High porosity hair, characterized by gaps in the cuticle, absorbs moisture easily but releases it quickly. It requires moisture and can benefit from protein treatments to strengthen the hair.
Recognising Moisture or Protein Overload
Protein overload is characterised by hair feeling stiff, crunchy, and rough to the touch, as well as a lack of shine. If your hair is still breaking despite protein treatments, it’s best to pause further protein treatments and focus on deep conditioning with moisturising masks or oil treatments.
Moisture overload occurs when curls won’t hold their shape, and the hair feels weighed down, soft, or fluffy. To address this, opt for a clarifying wash using a shampoo like Inahsi Naturals Mint Clarifying Shampoo (Sulfate Free) and incorporate a protein treatment like Bouclème Protein Booster.
Adding Protein to Your Hair
The easiest and most effective way to add protein directly to your hair is by using a protein treatment specifically designed for curly hair, such as Bouclème Protein Booster. It contains hydrolyzed vegetable protein, which strengthens bonds, improves shine, texture, and moisture levels. The hydrolyzed form ensures better absorption into the hair. Simply add a few drops of the Protein Booster to your cleanser or conditioner to enhance elasticity, protect against breakage, and increase moisture retention.
If You Don’t Need Protein
If your hair primarily needs softening and deep conditioning to combat frizz, moisture is your main focus. Water is hydrating, so make sure you apply conditioners and stylers to wet hair to lock in the moisture. Look for products containing humectants and emollients like aloe vera and argan oil, as they help retain moisture. Bouclème Intensive Moisture Treatment, Bouclème Curl Cream, and Bouclème Curl Conditioner are packed with moisturising ingredients to help you find the right balance for your hair.
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