Curly hair, due to its nature, is constantly changing in texture and appearance as it is sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity from the environment, hair care products, and styling tools. Specific characteristics of curly hair make it distinctive from other hair types, but at the same time, curly hair is difficult to manage and quite unpredictable. According to experts, self-perceived hair concerns arise because many of us don't understand how to read our hair. With time, we can read its subtle yet shocking signals. Knowing whether your curls need more moisture or protein can significantly affect your hair care regime.
To maintain healthy and well-defined curls, you must keep your strands moisturized. But it would help if you don't forget that your hair is made up of a protein called keratin, so protein is equally important as it provides strength to your hair. It would help to strike the right balance between moisture and protein to have structured and well-defined curls. But how to determine if your curls need moisture or protein.
Strand Test Figure Out Moisture And Protein Content
Take one strand of hair and stretch it.
- If it extends pretty far but feels a little soft and snaps later in an instant, it's a sign that the hair is excessively moisturized. Your hair may need additional protein to strengthen its cuticle.
- If your hair feels dry and brittle, it snaps instantly on stretching, it is a sign of a protein overdose. Your hair may need more moisture.
- If it's soft and smooth, expands to a reasonable extent without breaking, and then snaps when pressure increases, this indicates that your hair is in the perfect level of moisture and protein.
Now, as you know what your curls need, start looking for ways to fix them.
How To Fix Overload Of Moisture In Curls?
Too much moisture can make your hair feel limp and heavy. Your curls may become fragile over time due to excessive use of oil-based creams, balms, and mousse. But there are many ways to restore life and shine to your tresses.
You can start clarifying your hair more often and going longer between washes. More washes will result in more product use and more moisture. Avoid heavy conditioners and leave in creams to balance the moisture and give your curls strength and life. Instead, use protein treatments.
Many DIY protein solutions, such as yogurt, eggs, and avocado hair masks, but these molecules are too large to penetrate the hair shaft or repair the existing keratin structure. To counter this problem, you should add products that contain hydrolyzed protein to your haircare routine. This can also be done by taking a short break from moisturizing products. To keep your curls healthy and balanced, take a break from styling products for a few weeks after washing them.
Hygral Fatigue is another undesirable consequence of too much moisture in curls. In this condition, your hair shaft's cuticle expands when moisture gets in and shrinks back to its original volume after drying. Hygral fatigue occurs when too much moisture enters and leaves the hair shaft. This is more common in high porosity hair, allowing moisture to penetrate the hair shaft quickly. Hygral fatigue is a condition that causes hair to feel stiff and brittle. Reduce moisture-containing leave-ins to reduce hygral fatigue and restore protein to the cuticle. To prevent hygral fatigue, don't leave your curls damp for too long. Instead, air-dry them or diffuse them.
How To Fix An Overload Of Protein In Curls?
Overloading of protein in curls can make them feel dry and brittle. This can lead to breakage, hair thinning, and loss of curl pattern. You can add more moisture to your hair and keep it hydrated. Maintain your hair's health by deep conditioning it regularly. Co-washes can be used in place of shampoos to keep your curls healthy and bouncy. Supplying your curls with adequate moisture not only brings back shine but also restores the elasticity of your hair, making it soft, smooth, and vibrant.
What Can Be Done If Your Curls Have Adequate Moisture Level But Low Protein?
You may often find that your curls have the right amount of moisture but not enough protein. Your hair may feel weak or prone to excessive hair loss so it might need some protein. Look for products that mention 'restoring' or 'restrengthening as these contain higher protein levels to repair the hair shaft and balance the protein level.
You can also use rice water to cleanse your hair or apply an ACV-Gelatin mask after shampooing and conditioning. Twice a week, use egg-yogurt hair packs. These simple techniques can bring life back to your curls. Do not skip on moisture. To keep your curls healthy, continue to use your regular moisturizing routine.
How To Balance Protein And Moisture In Curls?
Protein adds strength and vibrancy to your hair; moisture is required to make your curls soft, smooth, and well-defined. For soft, shiny, and well-defined curls, you need to have the optimum protein moisture balance in your hair. Here are some expert-recommended tips for achieving this balance.
- Go for regular protein treatments followed by moisturizing leave-in.
- To keep your curls well-hydrated, make sure all your products have moisturizing ingredients
- Use conditioners or hair masks containing protein and moisture to keep your curls looking great.
Having gorgeous curls is not a meticulous task if you know the trick. Every CG journey has its lessons and experiences. Keep track of your curls and keep on experimenting with your curls until you feel satisfied. A healthy and well-balanced hair feels soft and smooth with better elasticity as it stretches a bit and then returns to its original structure.
It would help to find a routine and combination that works for your curls since they are so different.
Also Read :
Why It Is Important To Balance Protein And Moisture For Your Curls?
Here's How To Make Your Curls Last Longer!
How To Choose Your Curly Hair Products?
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