We already know how important protein is for black hair but just in case you’ve been living in a cave and didn’t know, here’s some light reading for you here, here and here.
Not all of us however are in a position to purchase Aphogee two step protein treatment, Nexuss Emergencee or other protein treatments. If you are unable to find a suitable one or you are just after a more natural solution, there is a simple recipe that you can use to strengthen your tresses with ingredients you probably already have or can pick up easily at most supermarkets.
It feels wrong calling this a recipe with so few ingredients but what you will need is:
- 1 packet unflavoured gelatin (about 10g)
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or conditioner
Gelatin I hear you ask? Absolutely. If you look at the ingredients on Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment*, you will notice that the second ingredient is Hydrolyzed Animal Protein so vegetarians look away now! Wikipedia has this to say about gelatin:
Gelatin (or gelatine) is a translucent, colorless, brittle (when dry), tasteless solid substance, derived from the collagen inside animals’ skin and bones. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in food, pharmaceuticals, photography, and cosmetic manufacturing. Substances containing gelatin or functioning in a similar way are called gelatinous. Gelatin is an irreversibly hydrolysed form of collagen, and is classified as a foodstuff, with E number E441.
Hydrolysed protein is fabulous for hair because the protein has been broken down and the molecules are able penetrate all layers of the hair better to repair damage and make the hair stronger.
To make and use the protein treatment:
- Shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo* to get rid of build up. Your hair must be clean to absorb maximum protein.
- Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water and mix with your mayonnaise/conditioner until well combined.
- Apply to wet hair combing through to ensure all strands coated.
- Sit under a dryer for 20 minutes to half an hour with your head uncovered
- Rinse the treatment thoroughly with warm water and follow up with a moisturising conditioner.
This treatment is suitable for both relaxed and natural hair. Bear in mind however that this is a ‘hard’ protein treatment and as such you should only use it once ever six weeks or so depending on your hair’s moisture-protein balance.
Hi Alma,
I just LOVE this site!!! it’s helping me on my journey!
since i do not dry my hair (i use to let it dry naturally), after the treatment must I use a hair dryer?
hi alma i was wondering is the protein mixture supposed to be runny? and how munch is 10g i think i had put less than that amount. thanks in advance.
The Real Person!
It should be a bit runny yes but not to watery. Kind of like the aphogee 2 step.
Hi, thanks for the Protein Recipe it really does work! My question is about my edges. I not knowingly let a proffesional hairstylist give me a quik weave. Of course it was with glue. My edges were ripped out. What is your suggestion to regrow edges?
I am a senior and have been natural for about two plus years (not yet three years). I have several (3) textures of hair on my head and am grey/black…..a good more of and even mixture of each. I love my natural hair because God created me with that type of hair. Now, I am wanting to know the best natural way to maintain the moisture, since the grey hair is harder than the black hair. When I wear it without the protective style of two-strand twist, it dries out before the day ends. If I am out socializing I am concerned of the change that will take place before I get home. Please advise to the best of your ability. Thanks in advance for reading this request. PEACE AND LOVE!!
Where can I buy gelatin? Or is there another recipe with more accessible ingredients?
The Real Person!
Gelatine is available at most supermarkets. Check the dessert isle next to jello.
Where can I buy the gelatin? Or is there another recipe with more accessible ingredients?
Alma,
I love your site. I am a pale red head with stubbornly straight and oily hair, and my daughter is a beautiful biracial child. She is 8 years old, and sad to say, I have been failing at trying to care for her hair. It is constantly breaking and sheds all of the time. Would this type of a protein treatment help to begin to repair her hair? Any suggestions would be helpful. I just feel horrible that I have not been able to do better, but I am reading through all of the articles on here and hopefully I can bring health to her hair.
.