Protein is the number one ingredient you need in your hair regime if you want strong, healthy locks all year round
Hair feeling dry, frizzy and generally deceased? We’re with you, and there's no doubt this time of year is the absolute worst. After a long, hot(ish) summer of sun, sweat and chlorine damage, it’s natural for locks to be looking a little worse for wear. But frankly, finding the right products to give your hair the TLC it needs can be challenging.
Shampoo and conditioner might well cater to different hair types, whether that be dry, greasy, normal, damaged, curly, frizzy and so on, but they definitely don’t address those of us with combination hair. These oily roots are definitely not going to benefit from the moisturising shampoo we’re using for our dry ends. So what’s the answer?
Rumour has it that there is actually a way to help nourish weakened tresses without having to smother your whole head in thick hair moisturisers, and it’s all possible thanks to protein.
Sounds scientific, hey? But seriously hear us out. It must sound all a bit high-tech but the chances are you’re already familiar with the stuff. While you’re likely to have already heard of the protein of the moment, keratin, there’s actually a whole long list of proteins our hair is crying out for. In fact, hair is made up of over 50 different types of natural protein that all work to keep our locks protected from everyday aggressors. But, as with all good things in beauty, as the likes of pollution, heat damage and friction start to take their toll on our strands, the natural proteins start to diminish, leaving hair frizzy, dry and seriously damaged.
Feeding proteins back to your hair through the products you use could make a whole world of difference and save the annoyance of overloading limp locks. But what exactly do proteins do and what should we be looking out for when we’re shopping for shampoo? We caught up with Global Creative Director and Co-Creator of Nexxus Protein Fusion Blends, Kevin Mancuso, to reveal everything you need to know about using proteins to get your hair back on track, and here’s what he had to say…
Protein-infused products are imperative for hair health
“Hair is made up of 95% protein, and unfortunately, everything we do to our hair, even washing and brushing, causes changes to the protein composition, so you can imagine what happens when there’s chemical processes, colouring, bleach and heat damage involved. The more you protect your hair with protein replenishment the more you will help prevent damages from advancing. Some hair care will build up on the hair and mask the problem, leading to deeper damage and compromising the structural integrity that is responsible for strength, flexibility, shine and movement.”
It’s not just a product thing
“Making sure your hair proteins are in tact is also a holistic process - a proper diet and stress reduction will help. However using a range that contains protein and is tailored to your hair type will reduce the damage and help rebuild the hair.”
Brush up on your proteins to know what products to go for
“Elastin is known for making damaged hair look and feel smooth. Keratin can help rebuild the hair's natural protective layer, making it stronger and more elastic while reducing hair breakage and splitting. Wheat proteins repair damage, help to thicken the hair, impart shine and manageability – important for movement and styling. Collagen gives structure to hair. Quinoa is a natural protein known for hair colour retention, conditioning and protection.”
Intrigued? Here is our pick of the best protein-infused hair products out there…
Frizz Defy Shampoo, £13.99, and Conditioner, £14.99, Nexxus
Formulated with the brand’s exclusive PROTEINFUSION blend, containing elastin protein and argan oil, this stuff is anything but weighty. It sorts any kind of frizz out in minutes and leaves hair soft, smooth and sleek.
Living Proof Restore Shampoo and Conditioner, both £24, Living Proof
Wheat protein works to balance moisture levels while the patented Living Proof ‘Healthy Hair Molecule’ OFPMA improves glossiness and protects hair from environmental damage. If you consider your hair to be dry but hate heavy formulas that weigh it down, this is for you.
Elvive Dream Lengths Saviour Mask, £5.10, L’Oréal Paris
A divine smelling concoction, this mask contains an array of vitamins, castor oil and, yep you guessed it, keratin to make it the ultimate hair treat. If you want to detangle, nourish and tame unruly long locks, this budget buy comes with major results.
Repair Shampoo, £22, and Conditioner, £20, Ouai
The fact this stuff smells like actual heaven doesn’t even compare to how amazing it makes your hair feel afterwards. It contains a cocktail of nourishing ingredients including amino acids, tamarind seed, keratin, ama oil, hibiscus and jasmine to take your locks to the next level.
Thick and Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner, both £6.99, OGX
Alongside nutrient delivering biotin, collagen and wheat protein make hair appear fuller, thicker and healthier. Give this duo a go if you’re looking to add some volume to sad-looking locks.
Smooth Shampoo, £36, and Conditioner, £38, Virtue
If your hair is frizzy or even just a little unruly, this stuff is actually clinically proven to smooth hair cuticles and reduce frizz. What’s fancy about this is that it uses Alpha Keratin 60ku®, a patented form of keratin that is virtually identical to its natural form, making it more easily accepted by the hair as a natural extension of itself. Told you it was fancy.
Hydrate Shampoo, £19.95, and Condition, £23.10, Pureology
Before you start massaging this stuff into your scalp, just take a moment to breathe in the relaxing blend of ylang ylang and bergamot. Once you’ve done that, prepare yourself for next level tresses. Using multi-weight proteins of soy, oat and wheat, expect hair to be stronger than ever.
