Heads up: If your natural hair feels brittle, undefined, and tangled, regardless of how many deep conditioners you layer on every week, it might be time to consider trying a protein treatment. Think of a protein treatment as intensive hair therapy—they’re filled with hydrating and strengthening ingredients (like hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids, and natural oils) that help temporarily fill in the cracks and gaps in your damaged hair cuticle so it’s stronger and more resilient. Translation: Protein treatments are really excellent for damaged hair types, whether you’re dealing with breakage, split ends, dryness, or all three.
But according to curl specialist Debra Gomes, it’s v important to keep in mind that protein treatments should only be used in moderation—using too much protein can actually leave you with overly stiff hair (think: brittle, dull, dry, undefined curls that snap and break super easily). “The key is finding a healthy balance between protein and moisture,” she says, recommending you load up on a protein treatment one or two times a month max, making sure to balance it out with weekly moisturizing treatments or masks.
Got it? Cool, now keep scrolling for the 15 best protein treatments for natural hair that’ll help get you back on track (including a couple of Gomes’s absolute favorites, NBD).
This protein treatment from Verb is one of Gomes’s favorite picks—she says she uses it on herself and on her clients—since it’s “packed with lots of nutrients, vitamins, and natural oils that help restore and replenish damaged hair,” she says. Leave it on damp, freshly washed hair for five to seven minutes and the formula’s quinoa protein, green tea extract, and honey will work to hydrate and strengthen.
Hydrating black castor oil and strengthening biotin come together in this protein mask to work wonders on dry, damaged hair. This formula is also a great pick for cutting down on product buildup and feels nice and soothing on the scalp (shout out jojoba and avocado oils). To get the most out of this bb, massage it through freshly washed hair, cover with a plastic cap, and let it sit for three mins before rinsing it out.
Another one of Gomes’s go-tos, this protein treatment will actually transform your dry, thirsty hair. The combo of rosehip oil, amino acids, biotin, and almond oil immediately moisturize your curls and strengthen your hair. “If your curls are lacking definition, adding consistent protein treatments to your routine will really help,” says Gomes.
Strength and shine are the name of the game with this protein treatment for natural hair. With hydrating ingredients (hi, coconut oil and vitamin E) and rich proteins (like hydrolyzed silk and keratin), this formula is a no-brainer for anyone wanting to restore their hair to a super shiny and soft state. It’s v reasonable too: $17 scores you a pack of 12 masks.
This pre-poo treatment is loaded with chia proteins to strengthen, sweet almond oil to hydrate, and a shit ton of superfoods (think: prickly pear, kale, guava, shiitake mushroom, and more) to rehab even the driest, most damaged of hair types. Leave it on your hair for 15 or 30 minutes before you go in with your usual cleanser and conditioner and you’ll immediately get the hype.
Don’t feel like dropping a ton of $$ on your protein treatment? This mask is super affordable without sacrificing on quality, thanks to the formula’s keratin, rice protein, coconut oil, and jojoba seed. Consider it a staple for anyone with weak, color-treated hair.
There’s nothing like trying to run your fingers through your hair and getting caught halfway through. Not only is it awkward, but knots and tangles can also lead to major breakage. Fortunately, this protein treatment is packed with hydrolyzed wheat protein and argan oil to smooth out clumps, so you can finger-comb your hair in peace.
One reason this protein treatment is better than any relationship you’ve been in: You don’t have to compromise. The formula is rich, but it won’t leave behind a coating of grease on your natural hair. It’s also mega-hydrating without weighing down your curls, courtesy of the formula’s olive fruit and avocado oils. I mean, what’s not to love?
This protein treatment for natural hair will legit breathe life back into your hair. Thanks to collagen proteins, this treatment strengthens and hydrates your hair, leaving it baby soft. Oh, and another plus? It’s sulfate-free so it won’t strip or fade your hair color.
This protein treatment for natural hair will have you looking like you just stepped out of the salon. Lipids and babassu oil work to hydrate your hair from the inside out, leaving you with a silky-smooth finish—no unwanted frizz or flyaways included.
Fact: 4C hair need a ton of moisture to be healthy and happy. Thankfully, this protein treatment for natural hair delivers with the help of Jamaican castor oil and shea butter. It’ll give your hair the moisture it needs without making it limp or greasy.
If your hair is in need of some major TLC (maybe after one too many dye jobs), this protein treatment is here for you. It infuses protein into dull curls, repairing even the most damaged of hair. And if you’re into using cruelty-free products, this treatment will fit right into your hair routine.
If you have yet to experience the magic of argan oil, let me introduce you to this protein treatment for natural hair. The MVP ingredient deeply hydrates hair and will give your curls a nice, soft shine without leaving behind any heavy grease.
Try this protein treatment if you want to strengthen your hair and soothe your scalp. Moisturizing avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E repair damage and split ends, while Jamaican castor oil gives dry and flaky scalps a shot of hydration.
A really, really good protein treatment for natural hair doesn’t have to come with an out-of-budget price tag. This olive and sweet orange oil treatment will bring life and bounce back into your curls for less than $10.