Protein Treatment For Hair: Benefits & More

Protein treatment for hair is very important for your mane and there are many benefits of protein treatment for natural hair. Your hair goes through a lot of damage during everyday activities. Product buildup, environmental damage - like heat and sun exposure - and frequent styling can all lead to damage. This is mainly because of the protein loss from the hair fibre, leading to frizziness, roughness, split ends and dry ends, especially in curly hair. So, protein treatments target this particular protein loss and help lock in keratin and amino acids in the hair fibre to keep them free from breakage. Let’s talk about protein treatment for hair benefits. 

1. Strengthens hair 

Replacement of lost or damaged protein at the follicle rows away from the root improves the health of the entire length of the hair. 

2. Prevents hair damage 

Several protein ingredients, including hydrolyzed wheat protein and silk amino acids, harden the cuticle layer, preventing further damage to the hair follicle. 

3. Eliminates breakage and split ends 

Hair strength and elasticity are improved by protein hair treatment for damaged hair. It can give the appearance that hair is growing as stronger hair breaks less than weak or brittle hair. 

4. Improves elasticity of hair 

Hair lacking protein will often bend more than normal before breaking, but a protein treatment will restore its elasticity and allow it to bounce back more easily. 

5. Improves the overall appearance of hair 

Besides helping hair grow faster, stronger, and more lustrous, proteins also eliminate breakage and split ends. They'll also make the hair appear thicker, thicker, and longer. 

Best Options for Protein Treatment 

Each protein treatment is designed for a different hair type and texture. There are many options to choose from so you can select the best protein treatment for hair. 

Hair straightening 

When it comes to hair straightening, there are two types of products to choose from - ley and non-ley formulations. These formulas work by reforming the keratin structure in your hair and giving them a smoother, straighter look. The best way to settle on one is to get your hair technician to test out both products on small sections of your hair, post which they will be able to recommend the one best suited to your hair fibre. Hair straightening can transform the look of your hair but also leads to breakage. So, make sure you consider all the pros and cons before going in with this option, especially when there are other, gentler protein treatments available to choose from. 

If you love frizz-free straight hair, use the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo which is infused with Keratin oil and Argan oil to give you frizz-free, smooth and straight hair for up to 72 hours.  

Follow it up with the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Conditioner that makes your hair visibly straight and smoother. With its dual action, the conditioner helps you get up to 100% smoother hair with more shine. 

Keratin treatment 

You can also use the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Deep Smoothing Mask which is a deeply nourishing hair treatment specially formulated to moisturise tresses while helping to control frizz for up to 3 days. This moisturising hair mask packs five smoothing benefits into one: fights frizz, detangles knots, boosts shine, adds softness and tames flyaways. 

Cysteine treatment 

Keratin treatment, also known as 'hair smoothening', helps reform the keratin bond inside your hair fibre and keeps it closed and intact for a smooth texture. Make sure you opt for formaldehyde-free options and choose an experienced hair technician to avoid causing heat damage to your tresses. The keratin protein treatment for hair also uses heat straightening to seal your hair fibres with the solution and avoid protein loss in the future. It does so by resurfacing the protein bonds in your hair and strengthening them from within. 

Some of the side effects of keratin treatments include scalp irritation, stinging or itching eyes, runny nose or throat irritation. Some women have also complained of coughing or chest tightness during the procedure. So, weigh out your options before going in for one. 

Cysteine treatments work exactly like keratin treatments, but without the added chemicals and formaldehyde, or its substitutes. It uses a cysteine complex, which is a form of non-essential amino acid, to replenish dull hair, rid it of excessive frizziness and treat dryness in your tresses. They result in a more natural-looking mane and do not leave your hair in a curly mess after wearing off. They can also be done more often, without the fear of damaging your tresses too much or affecting your scalp. New hair growth in cysteine treatments also leaves the look of your mane unaffected as the effects of cysteine treatments wear off in less than three months. 

FAQs about Protein Treatment for Hair Benefits   

1) Can protein treatments cause hair fall? 

A. According to Dr. Aravind, it is the lack of post-treatment hair care that can lead to breakage, rather than the protein treatment itself. So, make sure you use the right products to take care of treated hair - shampoos, conditioners and serums infused with soy protein, whey protein or even keratin and cysteine itself, can get the job done. These products also make protein treatments last longer and help with uniform wearing off of the same. 

2) Can protein treatments hurt my scalp? 

A. Yes, most protein treatments for hair in salons and the products used have some form of chemical in them. Make sure you avoid contact with these products with your scalp as much as possible, as it can lead to burning, sensitizing your scalp, increase dandruff, and cause hair fall. 

3) How often can I get a protein treatment done? 

A. When it comes to protein treatments done at salons, once every six months, to avoid excessive chemical exposure. When it comes to protein treatment for hair at home using at-home hair masks by DIYing them you can do them as and when you feel your tresses are in need of added TLC. 

4) Are non-formaldehyde-based keratin treatments damage-free? 

A. Contrary to popular opinion, non-formaldehyde-based keratin treatments can also be damaging to your tresses. This is because running a hot iron rod through your hair can still produce traces of formaldehyde, plus, the heat itself can be very damaging. So, make sure you follow proper post-treatment practices to maintain the integrity of your hair.