Relaxed hair is a type of hair that has been chemically processed to remove curls and made straighter. It’s called “relaxed” because the process relaxes the natural curl pattern of your hair.
If you have relaxed hair, you know how important it is for your treatment routine to include protein.
In this blog post, we will discuss what protein treatments are best for relaxed hair, when you should do your next protein treatment on your relaxed locks, and many other helpful tips!
Homemade Protein treatment for relaxed hair
Hydrolyzed proteins are by far the most beneficial for hair. Hydrolyzed proteins are also known as water-soluble or pre-dissolved protein solutions that have been broken down into smaller sizes.
Homemade protein treatments made from egg, mayonnaise and avocado are a great way to start, but hydrolyzed proteins are more effective.
Hydrolyzed protein is hydrolysed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Hydrolyzed rice protein, and Hydrolyzed wheat protein, among others.
Homemade Protein Treatment recipe
1% Hydrolyzed Protein
99% Regular deep conditioner
Depending on what you feel will work best with your relaxed locks, these homemade protein treatments can be done on dry or damp hair.
Apply and cover for 30 minutes and rinse off thoroughly. Avoid your scalp during application.
9 Popular protein treatments for relaxed hair
If you would rather use a store-bought protein treatment, here are some popular options on the market.
- Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
- Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Deep Penetrating Hair Masque
- Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Mask
- Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Hair Mask
- Aubrey Organics GPB Protein Conditioning Balm
- Komaza Care Matani Moisture Repair Protein Treatment (PMRT)
- SheaMoisture Yucca & Aloe Thickening Protein Hair Mask
- Alikay Naturals Avocado Cream Hair Mask
- Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment for Damaged Hair with Keratin
How to use a protein treatement
A tip to keep in mind is that your next protein treatment session should be scheduled about every month or so after you finish the initial process of getting a relaxer done on your hair.
While protein treatments will benefit your hair the most, using an occasional deep conditioning session with coconut oil or olive oil can also be helpful.
These oils can penetrate the hair shaft and add moisture while strengthening your roots at the same time!
Last but not least, some people choose to use their regular conditioner in place of a protein treatment mask. This is okay for more mild treatments where you’re simply looking to add moisture or unclog your pores (like with coconut oil).
However, if you want the full benefits of strengthening your hair at its core, then I recommend using a deep conditioning treatment with protein in it.
When should I do my next protein treatment on relaxed hair?
If you notice that your strands are feeling dry, coarse or frizzy, it may be time for another protein treatment.
Once your hair is shedding excessively, you are experiencing consistent breakage, or if your curl pattern has changed, it’s time for a protein treatment.
If you’re still not sure whether your hair needs protein, try this. Take two strands of your hair and rub them together between the palms of your hand.
Do they feel relatively smooth? If so, your hair doesn’t need protein. If the strands feel rough and coarse, you might want to consider a treatment with some protein in it.
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14 tips to grow relaxed hair long
Don’t relax already relaxed hair.
The more you chemically process your hair, the less it can handle.
This doesn’t mean you need to stop relaxing your hair, but only that the more treatments like this you do on the same portion of hair, the more likely it will be damaged.
Always use a leave-in conditioner on your relaxed hair and keep up with regular deep conditioning treatments!
These will help to keep your hair moisturized and strong. Deep conditioners are more intense than leave-in conditioners, so you should only use them once or twice a week.
If you’re looking for a leave-in conditioner, look out for ingredients like silk or quinoa protein. Shea butter is also a great ingredient to look for.
For deep conditioners, ingredients such as shea butter and olive oil are helpful! Look out for silk proteins, milk proteins and keratin.
Don’t wash your hair every day.
This will strip the hair of its natural oils that help to protect it from damage. If you have dry, frizzy hair or regularly experience breakage, washing your relaxed hair every week is a good place to start.
Trim the ends of your relaxed hair at least every six months or so
This will prevent split ends and breakage. Split ends are a leading cause of frizz, tangles and breakage.
If you want long hair, make sure to practice good self-care
This means eating well (nutritious foods), getting lots of sleep, drinking plenty of water and taking time to relax!
At least every four months, do a protein treatment on your relaxed locks
This will help to strengthen your roots and keep them healthy. Protein is vital for relaxed hair because it helps bond the broken pieces of your split ends back together.
Please don’t overdo it with the heat styling.
This will make your hair brittle and lead to breakage. Heat tools like flat irons are best after you have applied a heat protectant to your hair.
Don’t go overboard with the product!
Too much of any styling cream or oil can weigh down your hair and make it look dull.
Excess product that also causes buildup, which can lead to matting, stunted growth and breakage!
Do protective hairstyles.
This means braids, buns or protective styles where you’re not actually styling your hair every day. Protective styles are so beneficial because they protect your hair from the elements and allow it to get all of that much-needed rest.
They also reduce the amount of manipulation exposed to your hair, which means less frizz and breakage.
Be sure to moisturize your relaxed hair!
Moisturizing is key to preventing dryness and damage. There are all kinds of moisturizers on the market, but some examples include heavy creams and deep conditioners.
Only apply a moisturizer to damp hair. Water is a great way to open up the cuticle so that your moisturizer can really penetrate and work its magic!
Regularly deep condition your hair!
If you do this once a week or at least a few times a month, it will help to keep your hair strong and healthy. Every time you shampoo, follow it up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture and protein to your hair.
This will help you grow long, healthy relaxed hair!
Be gentle with your relaxed locks!
When you brush and comb your hair, try and avoid tugging at the roots as much as you can. If your hair is matted, apply a detangler, and gentle finger detangle before using a comb.
When using a comb or brush, start from the bottom and work your way up. This will prevent breakage from the root, which is a leading cause of frizz!
Add a monthly herbal mask to your routine.
Herbs like rosemary, henna, nettle and horsetail are great for hair growth!
Apply your herbal mask to clean wet hair after shampooing. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag and let it sit for at least 60 minutes before rinsing.
After rinsing out your herbal mask, deep conditioner with heat for at least 30 minutes to help the extra moisture really penetrate!
Use a scalp massage oil to stimulate hair growth.
Some of the most effective oils for fast hair growth are rosemary, lavender and peppermint. Dilute essential oils with carrier oils like coconut or almond oil and massage into your scalp.
Apply your scalp massage oil to the roots of your hair before bed or before washing your hair.
Massage the oil into the roots for at least five minutes, and then cover with a shower cap or plastic bag to help it penetrate.
Leave on overnight or at least a few hours before washing out and styling as usual. Try this for one month to see long-lasting results!
Use a satin pillowcase.
The friction from cotton pillowcases can cause breakage and leave you with a bad case of frizzies!
A satin pillowcase will help prevent frizz and breakage, which helps you grow long, healthy hair.
How often do you do a protein treatment? Let me know in the comments.
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