Two vital components to have healthy hair are protein and moisture. But which one does your hair need, protein or moisture?
When you have a moisture treatment, you give your hair that extra bounce, while a keratin treatment provides protein to make your hair stronger and more structured.
Still, finding a balance for your hair to thrive would be best. Knowing where to start will help you determine when you need one or both.
It Starts With Your Hair Structure
Every strand on your head comprises three layers: the cuticle (outer layer), cortex (middle layer), and medulla (innermost layer). The innermost layer is the container of the cells holding your DNA.
The other two layers are responsible for protein and moisture balance. Still, the cortex, made of protein, makes up a considerable part of the hair shaft. On the inside of the cortex, disulfide bonds hold the protein together to make it strong and resilient.
The bonds give the hair a natural shape, whether straight or curly. So, to keep the hair texture in the best shape, you need the right amount of protein to hold it together. The outer layer allows moisture in and out.
When the cuticle remains closed or open, it cannot absorb moisture and must be strong enough to retain it. Thus, the ability to seal in hydration keeps hair cuticles healthy.
When Does Your Hair Need Protein?
If your hair does not have enough protein, it will lose its structure and strength, and it will look limp and weak. Thus, your hair will break easily and feel mushy when wet and soft. Hence, the hair is lifeless and lacks elasticity.
The Common Causes of a Protein Deficiency
- Coloring, relaxers, and bleaching are chemical treatments causing the lack of protein.
- The overuse of heat-like styling results in the need for more protein.
- UV rays and chlorinated water to environmental changes.
- Hair care products with harsh ingredients can cause a protein deficiency.
- A medical condition due to a poor diet leads to a lack of protein in the hair.
3 Steps to Test For a Protein Deficiency
There are some simple ways to test if your hair has a protein deficiency:
- While your hair is wet, gather the strands between your forefinger and thumb.
- Now, tug the strands gently away from your head.
- If your hair has some stretch before it breaks, it is healthy; however, if it snaps immediately and is brittle, you lack protein.
When Does Your Hair Need Moisture?
Lack of moisture results when the outer layers shut too tightly or wide open. The vents along the cuticle need to open and close quickly. If not, your hair can change in different ways. Hence, your hair will have a rough texture and look dull and lifeless. The hair also gets easily tangled with a frizz.
The Common Causes of a Moisture Deficiency
- The lack of moisture can result from overusing heat-styling tools.
- Regular chemical treatments.
- Environmental factors like sun exposure and humidity can lead to a lack of moisture.
- The hair becomes dehydrated, or you have pre-existing health conditions.
3 Steps to Test For a Moisture Deficiency
Your hair’s need to retain moisture is called its porosity, which can be medium, low, or high.
- First, take some clean strands of hair and detangle it, dropping it into a glass or bowl of water.
- If you find your hair floats to the top, it means you have low-porosity hair.
- If the hair sinks, it is high-porosity and typically genetic.
How To Balance Protein And Moisture
To keep hair healthy, you need to balance protein and moisture. Protein strengthens hair, while humidity makes it elastic and soft. The one is not more important than the other. So, it would be best to have a balance and follow these tips.
- Incorporate moisture and protein treatments in rotation, such as balancing conditioners with protein and moisture.
- Use moisture-rich products with weekly deep conditioning and occasional protein treatments every three to six weeks.
Suppose you have only one deficiency; address only that area. Still, consider your internal health by eating a healthy protein diet with vitamins and healthy fats.
Choosing The Right Protein or Moisture Products
Products are available to help with your hair care routine, depending on your needs. Using protein—and moisture-rich products sparingly is helpful, as overuse can be harmful. So, look for products that comprise of:
Protein Ingredients
- Keratin makes up 90% of your hair structure, and applying the product will help replenish the hair.
- To rebuild and strengthen hair, choose products with hydrolyzed wheat protein. This fills the weak spots in the cuticle and helps improve moisture.
- Look for products with hydrolyzed silk protein derived from silkworms. This protein binds the hair keratin and rebuilds the protective barrier.
- Products with amino acids will penetrate the hair shaft to rebuild the damaged protein structure.
- Meanwhile, collagen promotes growth and adds a protective layer around the hair strands.
Moisture Ingredients
- Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound in the skin that makes excellent humectants, drawing moisture from the environment into the hair.
- Aloe vera is an excellent natural hydrator. It is about 98% water, so it replenishes your hair instantly.
- Glycerin also attracts moisture to bind to your hair in the air.
- Another natural ingredient to help retain moisture is honey, as it has a high sugar content.
When choosing protein and moisture products, you must choose one that addresses your hair porosity level and not only your hair type.
For instance, low-porosity hair can be moisture deficient and hard to absorb hydration, and you need lightweight moisturizing products.
While highly porous hair is drier and frizzier and needs denser products like hair oils or leave-in conditioners, hair masks are a great option if your hair is protein-deficient.
Wrap-Up: Protein And Moisture What Will it Be
Protein and moisture work together to provide elasticity and strength. If you find signs of a lack of protein or moisture, you can do a quick test to determine your hair’s needs before taking action.
Still, it is worth noting that many factors determine what treatments you will need. But you need not stress if you are uncertain about your hair condition.
Allow our stylists at Haste Hair to give you a hair consultation to recommend the best treatments and products to ensure your hair remains healthy.
FAQ
How do you know your hair needs protein or moisture?
You can test your hair by stretching a dry strand out. If it snaps easily or feels dry, it needs moisture. It needs protein if it bounces back into shape but feels mushy when wet.
Can your hair need both moisture and protein?
Yes, your hair can need both moisture and protein. Moisture helps keep your hair hydrated and flexible, while protein strengthens and repairs its structure. A balanced approach is often best for maintaining healthy hair, as too much of either can lead to issues like breakage or dryness.
When your hair lacks moisture, can it affect the protein?
Yes, when hair lacks moisture, it can affect its protein structure. Hair is composed primarily of a protein called keratin. Without adequate moisture, hair can become dry and brittle, causing the protein bonds to weaken. This can increase breakage and damage as the hair loses its elasticity and resilience.
How can I maintain a protein-moisture balance?
To maintain a protein-moisture balance, drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet rich in proteins and fruits/vegetables, use moisturizers and deep conditioners, avoid overusing protein treatments, and adjust your routine based on climate and how your skin/hair feels.
