
Take for example, the popular eggs and mayonnaise treatments you have probably heard of, maybe even tried.
Many women know and love the egg and mayo treatment because it’s easy, affordable, and it’s a way to get a quick dose of protein. But did you know that the protein in your eggs and mayo don’t work like that?
Hydrolysis is the decomposition that changes a compound into other smaller compounds by taking up the elements of water. In other words, the compound has undergone a chemical breakdown due to a reaction with water, which is conducted by cosmetic chemist in a lab. By hydrolyzing the protein it becomes small enough to fill into the cracks of your hair’s shaft.
90% of your hair is keratin protein. The protein we consume aids in creating keratin protein for your skin and hair, and once the hair emerges from its follicle what you consume no longer affects its appearance. Here’s where we see the damage as a result of our manipulation from styling, maintenance, heat usage, sun exposure, weather elements, and dyes. We can temporarily replace that chipped away keratin using hair products containing the smaller, hydrolyzed proteins that absorb into the hair’s cortex and fills in those chipped spaces.
Keratin is the strongest protein found in hair products and it will strengthen all layers of the hair in the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. Hydrolyzed protein is important because it penetrates the hair shaft and reduces the breakage. Due to the moisture binding capabilities of hydrolyzed keratin protein, your hair’s moisture content increases and restores your hair’s body, luster, and manageability.
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein (most popular in hair products)
- Hydrolyzed oat protein
- Hydrolyzed silk protein
- Hydrolyzed soy protein
- Hydrolyzed quinoa
- Hydrolyzed collagen
Products with Hydrolyzed Proteins:
- Jane Carter Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo
- Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner
- Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
- Karen’s Body Beautiful Hold It Hair Gel w/ Argan Oil
Hydrolyzed Protein Will NOT Repair Your Hair
This isn’t the magic ingredient that will eliminate the need for trims. Also, hydrolyzed keratin protein is not a permanent fix for damaged hair or split ends. The protein is merely temporarily attached to the hair, and will eventually rinse away. These products will only decrease the frequency at which you may need a trim, given the damage does not compromise it’s effectiveness.
Do you use protein treatment? Which ones and how often do you use them?