Naturals/Transitioners: Protein Sensitivity?

[PaperClip]

I tried to cowash with Suave Milk and Honey (TWICE) and did not have much success.... Did some searches and came across subjects regarding proteins and protein sensitivity.... Am I overloading on products w/proteins? Is it better to use proteins with shampoos/conditioners or with styling products?

 

[prettywhitty]

What's your routine like? Right now I shampoo, then leave Aubrey's GBP conditioner for three minutes, and then I deep condition with an olive oil replenishing pak. One a month I skip the Aubrey's and use Apoghee for a few minutes. I 've found that I have to balance the protein with moisture in order to keep it strong and moisturized. HTH.

 

[PaperClip]

Can't really say I have a routine, as I am in and out of weaves and braids.... So when I took a weave out this past Monday, I:

1. Pre-pooed (on dry hair) w/a mixture of conditioners (Suave Humectant, Tigi Oatmeal/Honey), jojoba oil and honey. Did this overnight.

2. Shampooed the next morning w/CON (green label)

3. Conditioned w/Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner.

So far, so good up to this point.

A couple of days later, I attempted to condition wash w/Suave Milk and Honey. Hair was hard and seemed like the conditioner (Giovanni Direct Leave-In) did not penetrate the hair. I wanted to smooth down my hair to wear a phony pony (using some Fantasia IC gel). The smooth down came out frizzy after a couple of moments of removing the scarf.

As I'm transitioning out of relaxers, I know my main goal is moisture. I'm trying to locate a protein-free/cone-free conditioner.... My hair is a classic 4a, esp. in the top/crown. Slightly looser around the perimeter.

 

[nurseN98]

Did you clarify after you took it out? When I wore braids, even I had spritzed nothing but water, I clarified to get out my built up dirt and grease.

Since you did a pre-poo either your hair had what it needed or the product residue was heavy so not much else would penetrate. I had the same problem when I started using Kenra MC for co-washing. My hair actually started breaking from using it everyday and my leave-in which would normally soak in just sat on top of my hair.

I think if you clarify you will be ok. As far as protein free conditioners, I don't know any off the top of my head because my hair likes protein in moderation...all my products have a little in them.

 

[PaperClip]

Did you clarify after you took it out? When I wore braids, even I had spritzed nothing but water, I clarified to get out my built up dirt and grease.

Since you did a pre-poo either your hair had what it needed or the product residue was heavy so not much else would penetrate. I had the same problem when I started using Kenra MC for co-washing. My hair actually started breaking from using it everyday and my leave-in which would normally soak in just sat on top of my hair.

I think if you clarify you will be ok. As far as protein free conditioners, I don't know any off the top of my head because my hair likes protein in moderation...all my products have a little in them.

Yes, I did an ACV rinse in the first go-round after I took the weave out....

You make a point about the possibility of the lack of moisture getting in.... So I need to clarify... I believe I read that ACVs do not clarify, yes? So how would I clarify? I read about adding baking soda to shampoo and/or conditioner?

I know...lots of questions.... Thank you for your patience....

 

[Cheleigh]

My hair is not particularly damaged, so I don't need much protein. Too much protein makes my hair brittle and dry. Silk proteins seems to be best for my hair (I can use products that contain them daily), followed by non-animal protein.

Protein products that work okay for me:
VO5 silk experiences (three types)
IC Fantaisia blue gel
VO5 moisture milks (three or four types)

I definately tend to using moisture-based conditioners.

Also, some people find that CON builds up in their hair--it does in my hair, so I can't use it. Suave Humectant contains silicone, which can also be building up in your hair and not allowing penetration.

My favorite cone-free, low protein condtioners are:
Most VO5 (free me freesia, tea therapy, silks, milks)
Trader Joe's Nourish
Freeman Awapuhi & Papaya
Tigi Moisture Maniac
Oyin Honey Hemp

 

[PaperClip]

My hair is not particularly damaged, so I don't need much protein. Too much protein makes my hair brittle and dry. Silk proteins seems to be best for my hair (I can use products that contain them daily), followed by non-animal protein.

Protein products that work okay for me:
VO5 silk experiences (three types)
IC Fantaisia blue gel
VO5 moisture milks (three or four types)

I definately tend to using moisture-based conditioners.

Also, some people find that CON builds up in their hair--it does in my hair, so I can't use it. Suave Humectant contains silicone, which can also be building up in your hair and not allowing penetration.

My favorite cone-free, low protein condtioners are:
Most VO5 (free me freesia, tea therapy, silks, milks)
Trader Joe's Nourish
Freeman Awapuhi & Papaya
Tigi Moisture Maniac
Oyin Honey Hemp

Hi, Cheleigh....

Maybe this is showing me that I need to find a balance. I usually have good success with the Fantasia IC gel, when I get the shampoo/conditioner routine right (but I couldn't tell you what that combo looks like just yet). This morning I used the Moisture Maniac and my hair felt good. I followed that up with some flaxseed gel (from this morning) and part of my hair are still wet. You mentioned silk proteins...maybe I can start there. I also tried to find the Freeman stuff...where did you get it?

Finally, Cheleigh, I tried to look at your album but the password didn't work.... Thanks!

 

[Cheleigh]

You mentioned silk proteins...maybe I can start there. I also tried to find the Freeman stuff...where did you get it?

Finally, Cheleigh, I tried to look at your album but the password didn't work.... Thanks!

The Freeman stuff is hard to find, so I buy multiples when I find it. The product also has coco-betaine, which is a mild surfacant, so I can also use it as a low-poo. I usually find it at Longs or Rite Aid. Walgreens doesn't carry the line, and we don't have a CVS in this area, so I'm not sure. I recall that a curly line, maybe Curlisto, uses silk proteins as a treatment for frizzy and unruly curly hair, so maybe our hair reacts well to this type of protein?

My password, kinky, is for the A Nappy Affair album. I should change my signature to reflect that, I guess.

 

[PaperClip]

The Freeman stuff is hard to find, so I buy multiples when I find it. The product also has coco-betaine, which is a mild surfacant, so I can also use it as a low-poo. I usually find it at Longs or Rite Aid. Walgreens doesn't carry the line, and we don't have a CVS in this area, so I'm not sure. I recall that a curly line, maybe Curlisto, uses silk proteins as a treatment for frizzy and unruly curly hair, so maybe our hair reacts well to this type of protein?

My password, kinky, is for the A Nappy Affair album. I should change my signature to reflect that, I guess.

Thank you!

 

[Cichelle]

It took me a while to realize that my hair does not like protein. There was a point when my hair became very dry and I couldn't understand what was going on. I decided to stop using any products with protein in them. And like magic, my hair drastically improved. Now, I use protein only in my deep conditioner and only once in while. I use AO GPB. I'm due to use it soon. But my everyday products are protein free.

 

[nurseN98]

Yes, I did an ACV rinse in the first go-round after I took the weave out....

You make a point about the possibility of the lack of moisture getting in.... So I need to clarify... I believe I read that ACVs do not clarify, yes? So how would I clarify? I read about adding baking soda to shampoo and/or conditioner?

I know...lots of questions.... Thank you for your patience....

I've used ACV before, it works sometimes but if I used heavier conditioners and leave-in, it never worked well for me. I scrape my scalp with my fingernail and would still get grime. I clarify with Elucence Volume Clarifying and just get it over with. I've never tried baking soda though... I'm just gonna stick with the Elucence. I need to deep condition afterwards but I feel like it get all the crud out.

 

[DelightfulFlame]

Did you clarify after you took it out? When I wore braids, even I had spritzed nothing but water, I clarified to get out my built up dirt and grease.

Since you did a pre-poo either your hair had what it needed or the product residue was heavy so not much else would penetrate. I had the same problem when I started using Kenra MC for co-washing. My hair actually started breaking from using it everyday and my leave-in which would normally soak in just sat on top of my hair.

I think if you clarify you will be ok. As far as protein free conditioners, I don't know any off the top of my head because my hair likes protein in moderation...all my products have a little in them.

This is me...I just figured out that the Kenra was breaking my hair b/c it detangled so well when I conditioned. However, my hair was always crazy dry until the next wash no matter what I put on it. I straightened my hair and then deep conditioned with Luster's shea cholesterol and it worked wonders! Watch the proteins if you have dry hair...they are in ere-thang!

 

[Poohbear]

RelaxerRehab,

After cowashing, you might want to use a moisturizer like S-Curl or Sta Sof Fro plus a dab of oil or mixture of oils (or even grease) to seal in the moisture. The Giovanni leave-in may not be sufficient enough for your hair after co-washing. Hope that helps.

Poohbear

Can't really say I have a routine, as I am in and out of weaves and braids.... So when I took a weave out this past Monday, I:

1. Pre-pooed (on dry hair) w/a mixture of conditioners (Suave Humectant, Tigi Oatmeal/Honey), jojoba oil and honey. Did this overnight.

2. Shampooed the next morning w/CON (green label)

3. Conditioned w/Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner.

So far, so good up to this point.

A couple of days later, I attempted to condition wash w/Suave Milk and Honey. Hair was hard and seemed like the conditioner (Giovanni Direct Leave-In) did not penetrate the hair. I wanted to smooth down my hair to wear a phony pony (using some Fantasia IC gel). The smooth down came out frizzy after a couple of moments of removing the scarf.

As I'm transitioning out of relaxers, I know my main goal is moisture. I'm trying to locate a protein-free/cone-free conditioner.... My hair is a classic 4a, esp. in the top/crown. Slightly looser around the perimeter.

 

[Tene]

I've never had a problem with using protein.

 

[curlilocs]

My hair is not particularly damaged, so I don't need much protein. Too much protein makes my hair brittle and dry. Silk proteins seems to be best for my hair (I can use products that contain them daily), followed by non-animal protein.

Protein products that work okay for me:
VO5 silk experiences (three types)
IC Fantaisia blue gel
VO5 moisture milks (three or four types)

I definately tend to using moisture-based conditioners.

Also, some people find that CON builds up in their hair--it does in my hair, so I can't use it. Suave Humectant contains silicone, which can also be building up in your hair and not allowing penetration.

My favorite cone-free, low protein condtioners are:
Most VO5 (free me freesia, tea therapy, silks, milks)
Trader Joe's Nourish
Freeman Awapuhi & Papaya
Tigi Moisture Maniac
Oyin Honey Hemp

My hair tolerates most low protein conditioners and products too. But if you are using cones then you need a stronger poo than CON. That maybe the source of your dryness, more so than protein sensitivity b/c you don't use that many products on your hair.