I thought I'd write this to further emphasize how careful one has to be with protein. I know some of you have said this, particularly in threads regarding the use of products like K Pak/Aphogee protein treatments. And I was aware of the danger, but I still managed to hurt my hair while trying to make it better (oh the irony).
So basically I tend to do a protein treatment a week with K Pak deep reconstructor. But I generally try to fit in a moisture treatment as well, either right after it, or the next wash. By moisture, I mean something which usually includes honey/aloe vera gel/glycerin or some kind of humectant (either add some up to a classic conditioner or use a conditioner saying it is specifically for moisture). Oils are not moisturising, they act as sealants/protectants to lock in moisture (which is why they're good on wet hair).
So two weeks ago I did my K Pak treatment, without following it by a moisture treatment. After that I was travelling for a week and I only brought coconut oil. Coconut oil is great as it keeps protein from escaping the hair, so I literally did a coconut oiling treatment every wash or coconut shampoo wash.
The result: dry/ brittle hair due to too much protein. As soon as I got back home, I used a Pureology hydracure mask (sample I had lying around) and my hair looked much much better. It felt silky and wonderful.
So the lesson is: yes K Pak is great, and coconut oil too. But always always remember to do moisturising treatments in between or you will end up damaging your hair like I did!
Posted : November 14, 2011 11:59 am
thanks for writing this theodora. you are quite right in pointing this out.
i hope your hair is happy now =)
Posted : November 14, 2011 3:27 pm
Eeeeeek didn't realise this with the coconut oil, please tell me I'm not balding myself :S
Posted : November 14, 2011 10:59 pm
Thanks for posting this, theodora. I think a lot of people don't realise that, like anything else, too much protein/moisture treatments can be a bad thing.
I think as long as coconut sessions are left a minimum of 1-2 weeks in between, it should help stop damage.
Posted : November 15, 2011 7:35 am
I don't want to scare anybody off the coconut oil! Coconut oil won't add any protein to your hair, it just keeps it from escaping (whether from washing/bleaching) and locks in moisture.
It was just in my case, because I only wash my hair twice a week, and I used coconut oil every time, the extra amount of protein from the Joico which my hair didn't need was sticking to my hair and not getting washed out. If I hadn't used coconut oil, the next wash my hair would have been normal, particularly if I'd used a conditioner/moisture treatment. But I didn't want to pack too much so I only packed coconut oil and shampoo on my trip. Silly me!
Posted : November 15, 2011 11:04 am
I was just wondering about this 'too much protein' thing. Pippa was saying she leaves the Joico on her hair overnight, and I was planning on having a pajama day tomorrow, so I was just going to put the Joico on and wrap my hair in cling-film while doing my uni work - but I was just wanting advice on minimum/maximum times to leave it on for? My hair is quite damaged. Pretty dry and frizzy, with slight snappage.
Posted : November 17, 2011 9:34 pm
Heya! So you can definitely leave the K Pak overnight, but do follow it with a moisturising treatment, either right after you've done it (probably best) or the next wash you do. Don't be lazy like me!
Posted : November 18, 2011 10:50 am
I have Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating deep conditioner. Would that count as a moisturising treatment if I leave it in for a while after? 🙂
Posted : November 18, 2011 11:21 am
Yes that is perfect actually, it's a really good moisturising conditioner. Do leave it on for a little while, maybe 20 minutes under a shower cap. Hope your hair feels better!
Posted : November 18, 2011 1:27 pm
Thanks so much for your help. 🙂
Posted : November 18, 2011 1:46 pm
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