Protein free shampoos and protein free conditioners can be difficult to find, but they are out there.
Many shampoos and conditioners for curly hair contain some form of protein, which helps strengthen your curls. But what if you don’t want to use a shampoo or conditioner with protein in it?
Are there any good options out there that are protein free? Find out what you need to know before you make a purchase.
Curly hair needs moisture and protein to look its best, but too much protein can cause negative effects.
It is important to find a balance between moisture and protein in order to keep your curls looking healthy and hydrated.
Why Use Protein Free Hair Products
There are a few reasons why you might want to use protein free hair products, such as your hair being protein sensitive, or you want to prevent protein overload.
If your hair is protein sensitive, you may want to avoid products that contain protein or use them sparingly.
Protein overload can happen if you use too many products that contain protein, if you use the wrong type of protein for your hair, if you use protein at the wrong time, or if you leave protein treatments in your hair for too long.
It can also cause your hair to feel stiff, dry, and straw-like, and eventually lead to breakage.
How Do I Know If I Have Protein Overload?
One way to tell if you have protein overload is by doing a simple strand test.
To do a strand test, take a small section of clean, dry hair and stretch it out. If the hair stretches out and then snaps back into place, your hair has enough moisture.
If the hair doesn’t stretch or breaks before snapping back, you may have protein overload.
Another way to tell if you have protein overload is by the way your hair feels.
If your hair feels dry, brittle, or straw-like, it may be a sign that you are using too much protein.
How Do I Get Rid of Protein Build Up?
If you have protein build up, you can try a clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse.
If you have a lot of build up, you may need to do this treatment more than once.
Make sure to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner or deep conditioner to add hydration back into your hair.
Protein Has Benefits
Protein is essential for hair because it’s one of the main components of hair.
For years, hydrolyzed proteins have been used in hair care products. It can make a significant difference in hair products, even in small amounts.
Hydrolyzed proteins:
- Add support to hair.
- Slow water loss by forming a film over the hair.
- Keep hair hydrated by penetrating below the cuticles.
- Protein temporarily repair damage in hair by filling in the holes and gaps along the cuticle.
- Is used as a conditioning agent.
- Is also important for strength and hydration.
- Helps reduce breakage.
Using Too Much Protein
Proteins are not evil and your hair does need some protein to stay healthy, but too much of anything is never a good thing.
Oftentimes, we are unaware that the hair products we use on a daily basis contain protein.
When you use too much protein or use it too often, you may notice your hair becoming tangly, rigid, dry, and stiff.
If your hair is feeling brittle or dry, using a product without protein can help to restore moisture and elasticity.
Protein free products are also ideal for people with sensitivities or allergies to proteins.
Identifying Proteins
Proteins can be found in shampoos, conditioners, stylers, and treatments, and many products do not mention the protein on the front of the package so you have to know how to identify the proteins.
The easiest approach to be sure you aren’t getting more protein than your hair requires is to read the ingredients on the product label. That is by far the best way to know for sure.
Common protein words
On the ingredient list, you can see how much protein is in the product by looking at where it’s listed on the product label. If there’s protein in the first 5 to 6 ingredients, that means the product has a lot of protein.
If protein is listed further down the ingredient list, that means there’s not as much.
To identify proteins in hair products look for words such as:
- Hydrolyzed collagen
- Keratin
- Hydrolyzed silk
- Hydrolyzed wheat
- Amino acids
- Peptides
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Soy
- Vegetable
- Hydrolyzed oats, oat flour, etc.
Protein Free Shampoos
Now that you know all about proteins and why you might want to use a protein free shampoo, let’s take a look at some of protein free shampoos on the market!
Make sure to follow the instructions carefully so you get the most out of your shampoo.
Alikay Naturals Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo
Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Oh So Clean!
Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Gentle Cleansing Shampoo
CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo
EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Moisture Shampoo
Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat Shampoo
Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo
Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo
TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo
Uncle Funky’s Daughter Rich & Funky Moisturizing Cleanser
These are just a few of the protein free shampoos, so be sure to do your research to find the best one for you.
Now that you know what to look for when identifying proteins in hair products, we’ll share some of our favorite protein free conditioners with you.
Protein Free Conditioners
Why would you want a protein free conditioner? Protein free conditioners are preferable for giving your hair optimal moisture without inundating your hair with too much protein.
So, if you have low porosity hair or are struggling with protein sensitivity, using a protein free conditioner could be the answer to your prayers. Trust me, your hair will thank you!
Protein free conditioners are also great for those who want to extend the time between washes, as they will help to keep your hair moisturized without causing protein overload.
There are a number of protein free conditioners on the market, here are our picks.
Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Conditioner
As I Am Olive & Tea Tree Oil Conditioner
Bouncecurl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner
Cantu TXTR Leave-In + Rinse Out Conditioner
Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Conditioner
Curl Junkie Beauticurls Argan and Olive Oil Daily Hair Conditioner
Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating/Calming Conditioner
Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat Conditioner
Mielle Organics Mongogo Oil Hydrating Conditioner
Mill Creek Tea Tree Conditioner
NaturAll Hydrating Avocado Conditioner
The Mane Choice Soft as Can Be 3-in-1 Conditioner
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