Protein shampoos: Reconstructive Overkill?

Believe it or not, some shampoos can serve as protein reconstructors in place of conditioning treatments.  This AG shampoo has a pH  of 4.5 to 5.5 which is a normal pH for hair and skin.  The hair seems to be able to absorb protein no matter if it is supplied through the shampoo or the conditioner.  It seems odd but even after rinsing shampoo or conditioner out of the hair; the hair absorbs what it is craving.

Careful, if your hair is compromised due to heat damage or mechanical damage it may absorb too much protein too quickly and you may need to soften it with a conditioner that has no protein.  Some moisturizing conditioners still have low levels of protein.  Bee Mine Products has a conditioner specifically designed without protein.

As far as other protein enriched shampoos, be careful of  "Cleansing Creams" for curly, natural hair.  KeraCare Cleansing Cream can be protein overkill for relaxed hair.  Although, it is a sulfate-free product, it still is better for chemical free hair.  Even KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo - Classic has some protein in it but less than the Cleansing Cream.  Relaxed hair seems to remain strong and detangled with the use of the KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo.  Typically, clients who keep their hair 70% to 85% relaxed will find that the KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo is sufficient for their overall hair needs.

So if you are short on time but need a reconstructor, consider adding a protein enriched shampoo to your shampooing step followed by a pure moisture conditioner.  Please see the article on the Ultra Sheen Protein shampoo that was advertised in the 1970's on this blog as well.

Best Detangling Shampoo for Overprocessed Hair

Every so often I get a client to come in where my high-end Pureology shampoos just does nothing for the hair. This is when I pull the Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo - Classic out. It is my last resort, and it always saves the day!

Most of the time, the client would have tried everything at home to get the hair under control, but it just becomes a tangled mess when wet. So they then make a call to a professional.

The typical history of the hair that falls into this category is hair that has been colored or highlighted one too many times or bi-racial hair that is too fine to be relaxed, yet, it has a natural frizziness to it.

The KeraCare Hydrating Detangling shampoo - Classic does contain sulfates, but it has been the "go to" shampoo for probably a decade when all else fails. I started studying the ingredients because I was amazed that this shampoo could deliver the control over the hair that seems to be unmatched. I discovered that this shampoo has a hydrolzed wheat protein. I had an "aw haw" moment. This shampoo is a protein based shampoo. It coats and fills the desensitized hair shaft causing it to detangle. Amazing.

I have another protein based shampoo by AG that I may use on the next customer that comes in with past due, challenged hair to see if it is the protein that indeed makes a difference, but I am going to keep my KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo - classic available in case all else fails!

NOTE: The KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo does come in a sulfate-free formula in which Avlon discontinued their original formula. However, many professionals enjoyed the results of the original formula so Avlon brought the original formula back as the "classic" line.

Product Review: Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner

The Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner is like heaven! The shea butter and the Rosa Mosqueta oil instantly softens and detangles without any heat. If you need an extra moisture boost layer the Onesta moisture binding conditioner on top of it imparts shine and brillance through the hair. Just massage through the hair concentrating on the hair ends and just rinse out. Voila!

So if you need fabulous hair without sitting under a heated dryer because you are short on time, then this conditioner is the "go to" conditioner!

You can purchase from "organic specialty stores" such as Healthy Home Market, Vitamin Shoppe, and Earthfare.

I tried out the Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose moisturizing shampoo as well, but found it to contain too much soy protein. I plan to stick with the conditioner in this line versus the shampoo.

Reflecting on Ultra Sheen products from the 1970's

Protein shampoo is nothing new. Ultra Sheen's protein Shampoo concentrate was marketed for curly, color-treated or damaged hair.
Conditioner and hairdress were one in the same. There was not a separate rinse out conditioner. It was interesting to look at these old commercials which were highlighted in the "Soul Train" dvd collection.