Protein treatments are often recommended for natural hair, because they can help to repair damage and restore strength. If your hair is in a highly porous state due to colour, chemical or heat application on the hair, protein treatments can help return your cuticle closer to medium porosity. Protein helps the cuticle to properly open and close, allowing for water to enter as well as stay within the strand. There are a number of different protein treatments available, each with its own unique benefits.

One of the most popular protein treatments is a keratin treatment.

Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in the hair, and it helps to give the hair its strength and structure. Keratin treatments can help to repair damage and restore the hair's natural protein levels. Within your products, you can actually see "keratin protein" listed as an ingredient. Purchase product such as the Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor that contain this protein as a main ingredient to reap its benefits. Follow the directions on all protein treatments as too much protein on the hair can disrupt the natural moisture-water balance.

Another protein treatment that is gaining in popularity is a biotin treatment.

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to nourish the hair and scalp. Biotin treatments can help to improve the health of the scalp and hair follicles, which in turn can lead to stronger, healthier hair. Biotin treatments are often used to help treat conditions like hair loss and dandruff. You can find biotin protein contents inside of products like the Mielle Organics Rosemary and Mint Hair Strengthening Shampoo, Masque and Oil, as well as the Taliah Waajid Protective Styles Bamboo and Biotin Growth Oil.

Here's a list of popular proteins that you may see within your natural hair products:

• Hydrolyzed (wheat, oat, soy) protein
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
• Hydrolyzed keratin
• Hydrolyzed collagen
• Amino acids (Silk, milk, wheat, etc.)
• Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol (Derivative of keratin protein)
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol (Silicone modified wheat protein)
• Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Quaternized wheat protein)
• Biotin or Vitamin B6

It's normally recommended to apply protein treatments once or twice a month.

If you feel your hair needs protein more frequently, try protein-rich deep conditioners and products that contain protein. Always follow up your protein treatments with a moisture (deep conditioner) treatment to ensure your hair doesn't become protein overloaded. Pay attention to your hair's porosity level, as well as how it responds to protein in order to determine how often you should be using your treatments. As always, reach out to our Curly Hair Help team chat for any questions that you have around protein or maintaining your natural and curly textured hair. We're here to partner alongside you on your curly hair journey.