So Fine Natural Hair- Part 7

A few So Fine’s ago, I used my Sponge Theory to explain how protein interacted with hair cuticles to produce both awesome and horrible results depending on your fine hair porosity. Conditioners, as you are all well aware, are key to any hair regimen, and also a great place to get your protein fix (if that’s what you need). Here’s a round up of some of my favorite protein-based conditioners for fine hair.

Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner

Aubrey Organics’ Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner is great for maintaining a good protein level in the hair (hence the name). The smell is a bit strong and is definitely not anything in the realm of some of the flowery, desserty, herbal scents you might be used to. I love this stuff because you can get it on the ground (at Whole Foods or a local health store), it’s reasonably priced, and using it as a quick conditioner AND a deep conditioner really makes my curls pop!

Curl Junkie Repair Me! Reconstructive Hair Treatment

Let’s just get this out there that this is a *strong* protein conditioner, but it does a bang up job of providing both a good dose of protein and conditioning. Some keratin-based protein treatments do not include enough conditioners and will leave your hair hard in the process of conditioning, but we have the opposite here as this one combines stronger proteins with top notch conditioners. The keratin is also good for repairing any damage or brittle ends. I find that this one is strong enough to work great as a quick conditioner as well as a deep conditioner.

Yogurt!

Sometimes you’re low on goods and are using your back up conditioner, but need to add a touch of protein because thats what your hair likes. My suggestion is to add a dollop of yogurt to the mix! Its not a terribly potent source of protein (about 3%), but it is certainly a good option for enriching a regular old standby conditioner. If you want to concoct a something more rich, may I suggest the Cherry Lola Treatment, which is 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/8 cup Amino Acids, 1/8 cup baking soda. Leave the mixture on about 5-10 minutes, gently rinse and voila!

Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner

Slip! Moisture! Protein! Oh my! This conditioner has it all. Featuring a moderate dose of hydrolyzed silk protein, this is a great conditioner for using as your regular rinse out conditioner.

Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle

This one is a staple people, a true staple and can work for almost everyone. I love using this one as a detangler and as a base for making other conditioner concoctions (such as adding oils or yogurt to it). I think it’s because its $4 and I can get it at a local grocery store so I’m more willing to mess around with this one. This is another conditioner with a smaller amount of protein. Did I mention that its $4? Oh I did? Well let me say it one more time: this conditioner costs $4.

Komaza Care Protein Hair Strengthener

Yes, I know this isn’t a conditioner, but I needed to give a shout out to this product in this round up. This. Is. Pure. Protein. There are no conditioners in it and as such it has a very specific use: to strengthen hair. You apply this treatment, let it dry, rinse it out, then deep condition your hair. It’s a lengthy process, but is well worth it to get a dose of protein. I especially like this one because there’s no fluff to it, no additives. Its all natural and all protein.