Having relaxed hair requires a balance of moisture and protein synergistically working together to prevent breakage and minimize shedding.
Because the bonds in my hair have been altered, making them weaker and susceptible to damage, protein aids in restoring it back to it’s normal state. At the same time, my hair also requires moisture to encourage elasticity and hydration.
Through research and trial and error, I’ve mastered a cocktail of ingredients that work for me. I even read product labels and understand that protein products have elements that consist of hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids and silk. Moisturizing products include fatty alcohols, panthenol, behentrimonium methosulfate, stearalkonium chloride aid that help hydrate my hair and increase elasticity.
Knowing this, I crafted a regimen that includes exact days I perform protein or moisturizing treatments. Surprisingly, my hair reacts better to protein in the conditioning-phase of my regimen. If I leave protein in my hair as a leave-in, it starts to feel dry and brittle which causes breakage. I use a protein treatment weekly, which makes it strong and hard at the same time, so I follow my protein treatments with a moisturizing deep conditioner to soften and increase elasticity. As a result, my hair is strong, fortified and soft. Who says relaxed hair can’t be healthy?
Valerie Bremang founded Hairlista Inc. Social Network in 2008 as a platform to educate, inform and encourage women that they can achieve healthy hair.