What to Look For: Protein Conditioner

Hi Again,


Here is some more on Conditioners!


Protein Conditioners are often called Reconstructors. They may give the appearance of thicker hair and can fill the gaps in the cuticle if the outer cuticle is damaged adding a smoother shiny look. They do not actually reconstruct the hair. 


Proteins found in popular shop bought Protein Conditioners (curtesy of Naturally Curly):

  • Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed casein, 
  • Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed collagen,
  •  Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed hair keratin
  • Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed keratin, 
  • Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed rice protein
  • Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed silk, 
  • Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein
  • Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein, 
  • Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl silk amino acids, 
  • Cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen, 
  • Cocoyl hydrolyzed keratin, 
  • Hydrolyzed keratin, 
  • Hydrolyzed oat flour, 
  • Hydrolyzed silk
  • Hydrolyzed silk protein, 
  • Hydrolyzed soy protein, 
  • Hydrolyzed wheat protein
  • Keratin
  • Potassium cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen, 
  • TEA-cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen, 
  • TEA-cocoyl, 
  • hydrolyzed soy protein.



Some Popular Protein/Strengthening Conditioners:
Aphogee 2 Step Reconstructor
Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonaise
Joico K-PAK Reconstructor
Ojon SWA Hair Strengthening Conditioner
Jane Carter Solutions Hair Nourishing Serum (strength)
Curls Champagne & Caviar Curl Elixir (Hair Oil Blend for Sheen & Hair Growth)

Jheri Redding Professional Natural Protein Conditioner

I always struggle to find good strengthening and protein conditioner
Still undecided and unsure about what you are looking at why not make your own

How make Homemade Protein conditioner
  • 1avocado (hydrates and nourishes) 
  • 1 egg yolk 
  • 1/2tsp olive oil (conditions) 
  • 2 tbsp castor oil

I sometimes add honey (for shine) and mayonaise for extra protein.
If you know better strengthener or protein conditioners. please post and let us know. 

Looking for ingredients of Moisturising Conditioner or how to balance protein and moisture: See Here!


Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu

What to look for: Moisturising Conditioner

Hi All,


Following on from my last post I thought it might be nice to let you know what you are actually looking for when you choose your Moisturising Conditioner. There are thousands on the market so what are those key ingredients.


LOOK FOR:
  • Fatty Alcoholscetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl or behenyl alcohol. There are generally derived from coconut or palm thicken a formulation, emulsify oils into water or condition the skin and hair, they dont dry hair hair and are slightly moisturising.
  • Humectants - These are used in skin and hair care products to promote moisture retention. They are hygroscopic compounds (ability to absorb water from the atmosphere) which posses a chemical structure that attracts water from the atmosphere and binds it to various sites along the molecule. Examples: GlycerinPropylene glycol, Capryl glycol,  Phytantriol Hexanediol or -triol beeswax, Panthenol, Sorbitol, Elastin, Collagen, Silk, Keratin, Isoceteth-x.
  • Emollients - soften or treat dry hair and skin and aid in their ability to hold water. Some Natural Emolients are Jojoba, Avocado, Rosehip, Shea, Cupuacu, Cocoa, Jojoba Butters, Apricot Kernel Oil, Argan Oil, Avacado Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Castor Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil , Hazel Nut Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Mango Butter, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Rose Hip Oil , Sesame Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Walnut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil. Some Synthetic Emollients are PEG compounds (eg PEG- 45 Almond Glyceride) Synthetic alcohols, Hydrocarbons (eg mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin)  and Silicone Oils. I tend to try to avoid the synthetic ones.



AVOID:
Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Heavy Proteins, Heavy Oils
These coat rather than condition the hair


Some popular Moisturising Conditioners available in the UK:






Still not sure which conditioner is for you? Why not make your own
How to Make a Homemade Intense Moisture Treatment

  • ½ cup peeled and mashed ripe Avocado (hydrates and nourishes) 
  • 1tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil (nourishes and conditions) 
  • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Jamaican Black Castor Oil
You can alter this to include your favourite moisturising ingredients or essential oils.

What to look for in a Protein Conditioner and information on Protein and Moisture



Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu