Keratin makes up your hair. It’s a protein that gives the strands structure and strength. If you want long, luscious locks, the more keratin your hair has, the better!

One way to boost keratin levels is through hair treatments infused with keratin proteins. But here’s the thing: hair-care treatments are all about balance.

Keratin can actually hurt your hair rather than help if you use too much of it. So, how often should you use protein treatments for the best results? Let’s break it down.

What Are Protein Treatments?

Protein treatments are hair-care products that repair and strengthen damaged hair by replenishing lost proteins. These treatments come in various forms—masks, deep conditioners, leave-in treatments, and sprays—all packed with different types of proteins like keratin, collagen, silk proteins, or wheat proteins.

Unlike a basic conditioner that focuses on moisture, protein treatments target the structural integrity of the hair shaft. They work to fill in microscopic gaps and holes in damaged hair cuticles, patching up the strands from the inside out. You’ll find these treatments particularly helpful if you have chemically processed hair, heat-damaged locks, or naturally fragile strands that break easily.

The concentration of protein varies between products, with some offering intensive repair for severely damaged hair, while others provide gentle maintenance for healthier strands.

How Do Protein Treatments Work?

Let’s get into the science of it. Your hair’s outer layer, the cuticle, consists of overlapping scales. When hair has damage, these scales lift, which makes the hair porous and weak.

Protein treatments work by temporarily patching up these weak spots. The proteins in the treatment are small enough to penetrate the hair shaft and bond to the damaged areas. This process reinforces the hair’s structure, which makes it less prone to breakage and split ends.

It’s like applying a patching compound to a cracked wall; the treatment smooths and strengthens the surface. The result is hair that feels more resilient and looks healthier. The effects are temporary, so you need to reapply the treatment periodically to maintain strong and healthy hair.

The Benefits of Protein Treatments

When your hair needs a little TLC, a protein treatment is incredibly helpful. These powerhouse products offer a range of benefits that can transform your tresses from drab to fab. They’re especially useful for anyone with color-treated, chemically processed, or heat-damaged hair.

• Increased strength: By filling in the gaps in your hair’s cuticle, protein treatments reinforce the strand, which makes it less susceptible to breakage.
• Improved elasticity: Healthy hair should have a bit of stretch to it. Protein treatments restore your hair’s natural elasticity, so it can withstand styling without snapping. It’s the difference between a new, stretchy hair tie and an old, brittle one.
• Enhanced shine: Damaged hair has a rough, uneven surface that doesn’t reflect light well. Protein treatments smooth the cuticle, which creates a sleek surface that reflects light beautifully. The result is a glossy, healthy-looking shine.
• Better texture: If your hair feels limp, mushy, or overly soft (a sign of over-moisturizing), a protein treatment can restore its structure and give it more body. It adds a bit of stiffness and texture, so your hair feels substantial and full.
• Optimized manageability: Protein treatments can help with detangling and combing your hair, making it easier to style. They also reduce frizz and flyaways, creating a smoother, more manageable mane.

How Often Should You Use Protein Treatments?

How frequently should you use protein treatments if you want long, strong, luscious hair? Finding the sweet spot for protein treatments depends entirely on your hair type and its condition. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some general guidelines to follow.

If your hair is severely damaged from bleaching or chemical treatments, you might benefit from a weekly protein mask for the first month. Once you see improvement, you can scale back to every two weeks or once a month.

For those with moderately damaged or color-treated hair, a treatment every four to six weeks is usually sufficient to maintain the hair’s strength and shine.

If your hair is relatively healthy and you just want a little boost, a quarterly treatment is plenty. Pay attention to how your hair feels. If it starts to feel stiff or brittle, that’s your cue to ease up on the protein and add more moisture.

What Happens If You Use Protein Treatments Too Frequently?

Too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing, and this definitely applies to protein treatments. Overloading the hair with protein can lead to protein overload, which ironically makes hair feel worse than before.

You have to balance protein with moisture for healthy hair. When that balance wavers, your hair will let you know. Here are a few signs that you’ve gone overboard:

• Dryness: Too much protein can make your hair feel straw-like and dehydrated. The protein buildup blocks moisture from penetrating the hair shaft, which leaves it parched and brittle.
• Brittleness: Instead of becoming stronger, your hair might become rigid and stiff. Lack of flexibility makes the strands more prone to snapping and breaking, even from simple acts like brushing or styling.
• Lack of shine: Instead of a healthy sheen, your hair might look dull and lackluster. The protein buildup creates a film on the hair’s surface that prevents light from reflecting.
• Tangles: Hair that is stiff and dry is more likely to tangle and form knots. You might find yourself struggling with a comb or brush, which can cause even more breakage.
• Lack of manageability: Dry hair can be difficult to style and manage. It may not hold a curl or stay in place when you try to put it up. This lack of manageability can make it frustrating and time-consuming to do your hair on a daily basis.

Achieve Incredibly Strong Hair

When used at appropriate intervals, keratin treatments can help you achieve stronger, longer locks that look and feel healthy. The secret lies in listening to your hair’s needs and adjusting your routine accordingly.

If you want to try a protein treatment for your hair, we’ve got you! IT Hair Products’ hair treatment spray includes keratin and various nourishing ingredients to help your hair repair itself. Shop today and give your strands the protein boost they deserve!