Protein is vital in creating beautiful curls and coils; however, too much protein can lead to dry, brittle locks.
To prevent this, it’s crucial to choose products which provide both moisture and protein for curly hair. Our best protein treatments for black hair will revitalize dull curls to give you that “just-out-of-the-salon look!”
Protein Treatments For Curly Hair
Protein treatments can be beneficial for curly hair, especially if it is damaged or color-treated. These treatments help to rebuild the hair shaft from within, strengthening the hair, reducing breakage, and improving hydration.
Proteins temporarily fill in gaps in the cuticle layer of the hair, which can be caused by chemical treatments, heat styling, mechanical stress, and environmental factors. This helps to reduce frizz and make curls look and feel stronger, smoother, and more defined.
Here are some protein treatments that are recommended for curly hair:
- Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment
- Curly Hair Solutions Pure Silk Protein Deep Moisturizing Treatment
- Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
- Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack
- Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor
- Arvazallia Fortifying Protein Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner
- GIOVANNI Vitapro Fusion Protective Moisture Leave-in Hair
- Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve
- EVOLVh UltraRepair deep conditioner
- Aminotouch
It’s important to note that not all protein treatments work for everyone, as everyone’s hair is unique. It’s recommended to try different treatments and see which ones work best for your hair.
Additionally, pay attention to how your hair looks and feels after the treatments to ensure you’re not overdoing it. If your hair feels dry and stiff after rinsing out the treatment, use a moisturizing deep conditioner to restore hydration.

Benefits
Protein treatments can strengthen coils and curls, making them less prone to damage and breakage. But it’s important to use one specifically created for curly hair as not all formulas offer equal results.
Keratin-based products may be popularly associated with straightening hair, but they can also help improve elasticity for curly locks. That is due to the process leaving behind a layer of protein on your shaft which when broken down makes curls more manageable.
Search for products containing ingredients like black castor oil to moisturize and promote growth, and collagen protein blend to strengthen it.
These types of ingredients are easy for curly/kinky hair types to absorb, helping fill any gaps left by heat/chemical damage and prevent over-proteination, which could otherwise lead to dryness and brittleness if overdone; use light/moderate protein treatments every few weeks as a good rule of thumb.
Application
When your curls and coils feel dry and brittle, it could be because they require additional protein treatments to rebalance moisture with protein levels in their cuticle. Protein treatments temporarily fill in any cracks or holes created due to heat or chemical damage or even just insufficient product routine that doesn’t properly balance moisture levels and protein amounts.
Protein treatments can be used as either deep conditioners or leave-in treatments after shampooing and conditioning, but make sure you read and follow all product instructions closely as some professional-grade products contain powerful ingredients that could cause an overload of proteins if overused too frequently.
Curlsmith’s Bond Curl Rehab Salve is an organic protein treatment to restore your hair to its former strength and elasticity. Formulated with sweet almond oil for nourishment and natural preservative, radish root extract as a preservative and collagen proteins to strengthen it further while babassu oil moisturizes it all, this treatment promises results!
Ingredients
Protein treatments designed specifically to restore elasticity, shine and strength to curly locks can restore their elasticity, shine and strength. The best protein treatments for curly locks feature ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein which aids in rebuilding damaged locks; silk amino acids which strengthen cuticle layers against damage; and vitamin E, an antioxidant known to shield curls from free radical damage.
Glycerin can provide your curls with deep hydration without weighing them down, as well as strengthening locks with shea butter – one of the key ingredients used in protein treatments for curly hair.
If you’re uncertain of the state of your hair, or whether a protein treatment or moisture remedy are needed, try stretching an inch of it out. If it stretches and breaks easily, this indicates an insufficient protein supply and requires protein treatment; otherwise if it feels sticky and cotton candy-like then extra moisture might be what your curls need!

Price
Many salon and over-the-counter protein treatments for curly hair can cost hundreds of dollars, but there are products specifically crafted for curly locks which offer similar results at much reduced costs.
Find a formula containing plant proteins as well as moisturizing agents like oils and butters; this will provide your curls with both the nourishment they require without becoming dry and brittle.
If you’re uncertain if your hair requires protein treatment, take this simple test: stretch out a small section of hair and see if it snaps when released – this indicates a lack of protein in your locks and could signal they need protein supplements at least once every week (in more severe cases, more frequent applications may be necessary).
How Often Should You Use Protein Treatments on Curly Hair
The frequency of protein treatments for curly hair depends on several factors. These factors include the type of hair, the level of damage, and the specific product being used. To determine the ideal frequency of protein treatments, one must consider these aspects.
Here are guidelines:
– First month: Weekly treatments restore strength and elasticity.
– After a month: Use treatments once or twice monthly.
– Curly hair: Benefit from treatments every 4-8 weeks, based on damage.
– Observe curls to adjust treatment frequency for porosity levels.
– Avoid protein overload, leading to hair breakage, by not overusing treatments.
– If dry and stiff after treatment, use a moisturizing deep conditioner.
Remember, each hair is unique; try different treatments to find what suits best. Pay attention to the results and avoid overdoing it.
Can Protein Treatments Cause Damage to Curly Hair
Protein treatments benefit curly hair but can cause damage if overused. Ways protein treatments can harm curly hair:
– Excessive protein leads to dry, brittle, stiff hair, causing breakage.
– High-end treatments with natural combinations harden hair, require professional handling.
– Frequent application causes protein overload, leading to widespread breakage.
– Overuse results in protein buildup, making hair sticky, altering curl pattern.
Remember, each person’s hair is unique, try different treatments to find what works best. Pay attention to your hair’s response to avoid overdoing it. If hair feels dry and stiff after treatment, use moisturizing deep conditioner for hydration.
Are There Any Natural Sources of Protein That Can Be Used as a Hair Treatment for Curly Hair

There are several natural protein sources that can effectively serve as hair treatments for curly hair. Allow us to present a few examples:
Gelatin treatment: Gelatin, a natural protein known for its hair-strengthening properties, can be effectively used to improve hair health. To prepare a gelatin treatment, begin by combining 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin with 1/2 cup of hot water.
Allow the mixture to cool before gently applying it onto your hair. Leave the treatment on for approximately 30 minutes to allow ample time for absorption and nourishment. Finally, rinse thoroughly to remove the gelatin residue and enjoy revital.
Eggs, known for their rich protein content, can be effectively utilized as a natural hair mask. To create the mixture, combine 1-2 eggs with a tablespoon of nourishing olive oil and gently apply it onto your hair. Allow the mask to work its magic for approximately 20-30 minutes before rinsing it out thoroughly.
Avocado is a natural protein and healthy fats source that nourishes and strengthens hair. To utilize its benefits, you can mash half an avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture to your hair, leaving it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Coconut milk is a protein-rich ingredient that can be applied to the hair as a nourishing mask. To use it, simply apply the coconut milk onto your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This natural treatment helps promote healthier-looking hair.
Yogurt offers a natural protein source and can double as a hair mask. To benefit from its nourishing properties, apply it to your hair and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Nuts and seeds are a great way to promote healthy hair. They provide your hair with essential protein and nourishing fats. Some excellent options include almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds. By incorporating these into your diet, you can strengthen and nourish your hair naturally.
When considering protein treatments for hair, it’s worth noting that natural options may not match the effectiveness of commercial products. The outcome also depends on factors like hair type and level of damage. To play it safe, it is recommended to conduct a patch test before trying any new treatment to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.