It's Not Always Good, These Are The Characteristics Of Hair Experiencing Excess Protein

Illustration (Tim Mosshol/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Your hair is made up of 95 percent protein and keratin. Literally protein plays an important role in forming the structure of hair, just like protein in the body that functions to build muscle mass.

Because protein has a huge function for the body and hair, it's no wonder that experts recommend a nutritious and balanced diet to produce healthy and shiny hair strands. Especially if the food is rich in amino acids that can produce keratin.

However, keratin and hair protein can be lost over time due to heat from styling tools, chemical processes such as hair coloring, and physical stress. Fortunately now experts have also presented artificial keratin that can replace damaged hair's natural keratin. You can find replacement keratin easily nowadays in various hair care products.

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Unfortunately, some people often use it excessively without realizing it. "Protein and keratin products are very popular today, but using too much of them can damage the hair's protein and moisture balance," says Miko Branch, hair stylist and founder of Miss Jessie's hair care product. February.

It's quite difficult to balance protein in order to maintain moisture. To prevent breakage, hair, you need the right amount of hydration and nutrition. And of course, everyone's hair has different needs depending on the curl pattern, porosity, and styling habits. All of these can affect how much protein and moisture you should include in your routine.

Think about what happens when you wrap some thick, warm blankets around your body. After a while, the body feels very stiff and heavy, doesn't it? It's the same with hair. When you constantly wrap your hair in artificial protein or keratin products, it can easily become weighed down, which makes it stiffer and more prone to breakage.

"If your hair has too much protein, you can feel the texture of the strands feeling dry, brittle, and rough like straw," explains Baranch. Split ends, tangles, and lack of shine also indicate that your hair may have too much protein. So, you may need to focus on moisture to nourish your cuticles. "When your hair tangles very easily, that's when you know you need a little daily moisture in your routine," adds Matt Newman, a hairstylist from New York.

In fact, a lack of protein also causes dry, split ends, and rough hair just as if your hair has too much protein. The difference is, when there is a lack of protein, the hair feels more brittle. For that, Newman recommends a strength test. Take a strand of hair from the comb and pull it gently. "Hair should have a bit of elasticity and have to withstand your pull," she says.

"But if the hair breaks in half right away, that's a sign the strands may need more protein." "In a perfect and balanced state, the hair should have light elasticity, and should be able to break down well without breaking," he added.