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Moisture vs Protein

What your curls really need

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October 23, 2024 11:14am

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WHAT YOUR CURLS REALLY NEED

Moisture or protein? If you've ever felt like your curls were in need of something but you weren't quite sure what, you’re not alone. Understanding what your curls are craving can make all the difference in your hair’s health and appearance. Let's break it down.

Moisture vs Protein: What's the Difference?

Moisture and protein are the two essential elements your curls need to thrive, but they serve different purposes.

Think of moisture as the hydration that keeps your curls soft, bouncy, and frizz-free.

Protein, on the other hand, strengthens the hair structure, helping to maintain curl definition and prevent breakage.

So, how do you know which one your curls are asking for?

When Your Hair Needs Moisture:

Curls that feel dry, brittle, or extra frizzy are typically in desperate need of moisture. These strands are thirsty, and they need hydration to bounce back to life. Moisture works from within to keep your curls soft and shiny. Without it, hair tends to lose elasticity, making your curls less defined and harder to manage.

Signs you need moisture:

Hair feels rough or dry to the touch
Curls are losing their bounce and spring
Frizz is out of control (and not in a good way)

When Your Hair Needs Protein:

On the flip side, protein is what keeps your hair strong. If your curls feel overly soft, limp, or stretchy, they’re likely in need of a protein boost to restore their structure. Protein treatments reinforce your hair’s natural elasticity, giving you that poppin’ curl definition you’ve been missing.

Signs you need protein:

Curls feel mushy or limp, even after conditioning

Hair stretches like an elastic band and snaps easily

You’ve been using a lot of moisturizing products but still don’t have that curl definition

The Balancing Act: Moisture + Protein

Just like your body needs both hydration and nutrients, your curls need both moisture and protein to stay healthy. Finding the right balance between the two is key. Too much moisture can leave your curls feeling lifeless, while too much protein can make your hair feel stiff and brittle.

Pro Tip: Listen to your hair. If you’ve been focused on one side of the spectrum—whether it’s endless moisturizing or back-to-back protein treatments—it might be time to switch things up and restore balance.

How to Restore Balance:

Moisture Boost: Start incorporating deep conditioners and leave-ins packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe, shea butter, or glycerin. Use a moisture treatment whenever your hair feels dry and frizzy.
Protein Punch: Reach for a protein treatment (like our Repairing Hair Mask) if your curls feel limp and over-moisturized. Ingredients like hydrolyzed keratin or vegetable protein are great for giving your hair the structure it needs without overloading it.
Maintenance Routine: Alternate between moisture and protein treatments. If your hair is healthy and balanced, a moisture treatment every 1-2 weeks and a protein boost once a month can work wonders.

What’s the Verdict?

So, which one do your curls need right now?

If you’re unsure, take a minute to run your fingers through your hair. Is it dry, frizzy, and craving hydration, or is it limp and overstretched, needing a protein reset?

Finding your sweet spot is all about listening to your curls and giving them exactly what they need—when they need it.

More Resources:

Is Your Hair Lacking Protein or Moisture? How to Tell the Difference

How to Tell if Your Hair Needs Protein

Does Your Curly Hair Need Protein or Moisture
Does your Hair Need Protein or Moisture? We Asked The Experts

What Do You Think?
Thoughts? Have you found the perfect balance between moisture and protein? Tell us about your routine in the Sunday Curls Community or reply to this email. We’d love to hear what’s working for you!

Talk soon,
D

PS: Don’t forget to treat your curls with our Repairing Hair Mask—your curls deserve some TLC!

Questions?
Send us a note at [email protected]

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