Our hair is made of a special protein called keratin; you might recognize the name from the expensive keratin hair treatments they do at salons. Also found in nails and the outer layer of our skin, it protects the cells from damage. If your hair is protein sensitive, you may be dealing with excessive frizz, brittle strands, and split ends. Here’s how to test for protein sensitivity and what to do about it.
Try a simple protein test
You can do this at home with a protein-rich ingredient in your refrigerator. Take an egg or some Greek yogurt and rub it on a small, wet section of your hair. Leave it in for about five minutes, then smooth it off and allow your hair to air dry. If your hair is protein sensitive, it will become very crackly, hard, and crunchy after being exposed to the protein treatment. If your hair feels the same after this test, then it’s probably not protein sensitive.
Protein sensitivity – the next steps
If you find out that your hair is protein sensitive, you just need to be a bit more careful when buying styling products. Check out the ingredients list on hairsprays, conditioners, and other hair products, and avoid the ones that list proteins such as hydrolyzed keratin, wheat protein, silk protein, oat flour, and collagen. That being said, you still want some protein in your hair because that’s what keeps it healthy and strong. About once a month, it’s okay to do a light protein treatment on your hair, such as a mask or conditioning routine. For your daily hair care, stick to products that are purely moisturizing.
Having protein sensitive hair is nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s just a normal trait that lots of people have. The more you know about your hair, the better you can take care of it.
Still unclear on how to tell if your hair is protein sensitive
If you still not sure, then we suggest keep doing research, there are quite a few websites with more information like NaturAll Club. Your not alone and many others wish to know how to tell if their hair is protein sensitive as well. Again you can always try doing a simple home test using eggs or Greek yogurt, of course at your own risk. If you do determine that you are protein sensitive then consider the styling products you use and such ingredients that can damage your hair. If you think this can help others please share, and share with us if you know a better way to tell if your hair is protein sensitive by commenting below.