How to Make Your Own Protein Treatments

By Choya Randolph

Have you been sleeping on protein treatments? If your hair isn’t looking as luxurious as it could, a protein treatment may be the perfect thing to incorporate into your hair regimen. Protein treatments are like deep conditioners on steroids. They make your hair stronger and healthier by binding proteins on your hair cuticles. To get scientific, hair is mostly made up of a protein called keratin. Sometimes we put all that keratin through unhealthy things such as using heat, constant stretching or not keeping our hair hydrated. Protein treatments will give your hair a protein boost while defining your curls. If your hair is damaged from heat, bleach, or breakage, protein treatments could be the best first step to get your healthy hair back.

The word “treatment” can sound intimidating. It has the same energy of a relaxer that is full of ingredients no one can pronounce. When making your own protein treatments, it’s not only inexpensive but all organic. In fact, you may have all the ingredients in your kitchen already. All you need is an egg, yogurt and oil. If you don’t have yogurt, you can use mayo. I don’t encourage that because, gross. 

If you’re like me, you don’t measure. Instead, you listen to your ancestors. When mixing these ingredients, I work to get a creamy texture instead of busting out the measuring cups. But for the sake of the recipe, mix one egg with about two cups of plain greek yogurt and avocado oil. If you don’t have avocado oil, you can use coconut or castor oil. If you’re reckless, use whatever you have. It should be fine. And before you ask yes, use only plain greek yogurt. You better not be using your strawberry yogurt for your treatment.

Mix these ingredients until it’s creamy. This could take awhile so if you’re not looking for an arm workout, get out your blender. Apply to your entire head, roots included. Be generous when applying this treatment to your ends. Our ends tend to need the most TLC. The eggs will provide that much needed protein. Yogurt also has protein but most importantly, it has lactic acid which cleanses and moisturizes your hair. It also makes the treatment easier to apply. The oil gives the treatment that moisturizing boost while also sealing in that protein. After applying to your hair, let it sit for ten minutes then wash out thoroughly.

Though protein treatments are great for your hair, they should be used sparingly. Overusing your protein treatment will overload your follicles with protein which could make your hair vulnerable to the same very breakage you’re trying to combat or fix. If you are trying to fix chemically damaged hair, try this treatment every 4-6 weeks. If you’re using this treatment for just a boost, use it every 6-8 weeks. 

Protein treatments are the perfect pick-me-up for a natural looking to add a little razzle dazzle to their hair care routine. It also could be the hair saver for those with damaged hair. It’s inexpensive, completely organic and super easy to make. These treatments are loaded with benefits such as proteins to strengthen our hair, elasticity to give our hair that healthy bounce, moisture to keep our hair hydrated and more. If your hair is struggling, your crown may be begging for a protein treatment.