Protein — can’t live with it, can’t live without it! Protein is essential to our natural hair care and if you’re like me and like to occasionally use heat or color, you know how important it is to keep our natural hair strong. Here are my three Holy Grails when it comes to protein treatments.
APHOGEE
I feel like I can’t discuss protein without mentioning the “OG” – ApHogee! You don’t even have to be a natural to know that ApHogee’s name holds weight in these streets! This product is very versatile and over the years they have added a variety of products to their line. The ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment is recommended for hair that is too weak or fine to take a perm or relaxer, as well as overprocessed, brittle, or dry hair.
Whenever my hair needs a little pick me up, I reach for this product. While the process of using ApHogee can get messy, my hair LOVES it! Along with the protein treatment, I like to use the ApHogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair and the ApHgoee Balancing Moisturizer. I purchase this dynamic trio from my local beauty supply store for about $30.00; however if you are just looking to purchase the Two-Step Treatment the price can range from $19.00 – $25.00.
CURL HARMONY
If you’re strictly organic, the next protein treatment is for you. Curl Harmony is a natural hair company based out of the UK and their line smells like a magical garden. Since I have low porosity strands, protein is not always a necessity for me. If I want to opt for a treatment that’s not as strong, I go straight to their Intensive Repair Deep Conditioner. As the name suggests, this product is a deep conditioning treatment that strengthens and moisturizes your hair.
The formula is essential for curls damaged by heat styling, coloring, or relaxers. Curl Harmony Intensive Repair Deep Conditioner is enriched with shea butter, coconut butter, and jojoba oil. Perfect for reviving damaged, dull or dry hair! This product can be found on their company website or you can purchase it through Amazon.com. It retails for around $23.00 but you can use my special offer code ‘JORINX10’ at the checkout for a discount!
OUIDAD
My final protein treatment is a bit on the pricey side, but I promise it’s sooo worth it! Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt-Down Extreme Repair Mask is another favorite of mine. This small jar packs a huge punch! When I first saw it in the store I was hesitant (mainly because of the price) but I ended up convincing myself that it was an investment for my hair. I used it that same night and was determined to get my money’s worth.
I was shocked that I could actually finger detangle my hair while I was applying this mask! It includes yummy ingredients like nutrient-rich mafura butter and kalahari melon seed oil that nourish and protect hair. I picked up my jar from my local Ulta for $44.00. I know that’s on the expensive side, but remember this is not a weekly treatment so if you’re not heavy with product this 6 oz. jar should go a long way!
SHOP THE PRODUCTS
Although these are my favorite products, I do suggest to continue doing your research and see what specifically will suit your hair needs. They don’t call this a journey for nothing!
