Take a strand of your hair and try stretching it. If it stretches quite far, feels a tad mushy and then snaps, it is indicative of the hair being over-moisturised. You may need more protein to reinforce your hair cuticle. If it feels dry and brittle and snaps almost immediately, it is indicative of a protein overload.
The simplest option is to take a wet or dry strand of hair and gently stretch it. If it barely stretches and snaps, you need more moisture and might have too much protein. Also, if you brush your hair and strands fall out, you need protein. Equally, if your strands feel dry, you are likely lacking moisture.
Your hair may look and feel dry, brittle, dull, and stiff. If you take a closer look at your hair, protein overload may also cause split ends and breakage. It may also shed more. If you're noticing more strands on your comb or brush than usual, that could be a telltale sign of high protein hair.
Limp, gummy, or mushy hair — If your hair feels limp, gummy, or mushy when wet, then that is a strong indication that your hair is over-moisturized.
Dryness: Hair that is lacking moisture may feel dry and brittle to the touch, and may be prone to breakage. Dullness: Hair that is lacking moisture may appear dull and lackluster, with a rough and uneven texture. Fizziness: When hair is dehydrated, the hair cuticles can become raised, leading to frizz and tangles.
Protein Moisture Imbalance
And if it's too moisturized it will also frizz because it needs more protein. When your hair is soaking wet, it should look frizz free like the picture below. If the clumps are frizzy before you even apply styling products, then you have a protein moisture imbalance.
All hair needs both protein and moisture to stay healthy and strong. In fact, protein and moisture can't work well without the other. You need a strong protein structure in order for water molecules to bind with your strands and to keep the water locked inside.
Recovering from protein overload isn't an overnight process, but after taking a few important steps you won't have to wait long before noticing improvement. However, depending on the severity of your protein buildup, it can take a few months to see results. You'll need to focus on how you're moisturising your hair.
The hair will feel dry, brittle and stringy, because it won't have enough moisture to stretch and support elasticity. The hair will lose shine and look dull. You will have more frizz than normal, a wiry, stringy type of frizz. You may notice additional shedding, due to the hair breaking when brushing.
Hair that is stringy, flat, or limp is a definite sign that your hair needs a protein treatment. Normally, hair should be pretty durable and full, so when it starts to droop, take notice. By adding protein back into the hair, you can revitalize your strands and get them to a healthier state.
While some OLAPLEX products contain some protein, the amounts are minimal and not enough to be considered a protein treatment. Therefore, OLAPLEX is not a protein treatment.
However, too much protein can lead to dryness and breakage. It is especially in hair that is already dry or damaged. On the other hand, moisture helps hydrate the hair and prevent frizz. Moreover, making it essential for hair that is dry or lacks shine.
Hair looks limp and stringy.
Dull and limp hair is a sign of protein deficiency. Most clients will think it just needs a bit of hair styling product to bring it back to life, but this practice actually compromises the health of the hair significantly.
You'll want to avoid protein-based products filled with ingredients like amino acids, hydrolyzed collagen, and keratin while you're trying to reverse protein overload, says Schaefering.
' Instead, you're causing it more damage. Everything in moderation is important. If you overdo it, don't fear, you can reverse it. Use a good clarifying shampoo to strip your hair and start over.
While protein is an essential nutrient for hair health, too much protein in your hair can lead to dry, brittle, and dull hair. It may also lead to excess hair shedding and changes in your hair texture.
Moisture helps your hair to retain its length and shine. Protein on the other hand helps your curl elasticity and to strengthen your hair. Preventing breakage and restoring damaged hair.
Very fine or thin hair can also benefit from added protein, which can help make strands look thicker and stronger. If your hair looks stringy or limp, those may also be signs that your strands need more protein.
If you feel like your hair may need both, you could double up by mixing both the conditioner and the protein treatment together and get them done simultaneously. Don't forget though that the protein treatment can only be left on for 20 minutes. This trumps the timing you may have wanted for the conditioning treatment.
Frizzy hair is often caused by dryness, excess friction, heat damage, and dryness. Use our tips to find out what's causing your frizz and how to fix it. Frizzy hair often comes down to a key cause: dry hair.