Have you ever used a product that promised to make your hair healthy and strong, but didn’t feel quite right? There is a popular concept that since protein is good for our body, it must automatically be good for our hair, too. Well, anyone with fine coily hair knows that not all ingredients are made equal, and finding the right products takes some deeper research and experimentation.

Protein sensitive hair, though not scientifically recognized, is a highly reported phenomenon. While protein can leave many hair types reconstructed and strong, some curly hair types may find that protein-rich products leave their coils brittle rather than strong and defined.

Any experienced coily could tell you: protein-sensitive hair is definitely a thing! If you want to know more about protein sensitivity and how to find out if you have protein-sensitive hair and what to do, read on.

Protein and Your Hair

Human hair is made out of fibrous proteins, such as keratin, which gives each strand its shape and strength. Some hair types can benefit from a protein boost to reconstruct and refine its natural shape. While protein is the holy grail of hair strength, having excessive protein on your hair without balancing it with moisture can result in your coils becoming dry, brittle, and stiff.

Do I Have Protein-Sensitive Hair?

Protein-sensitive hair is hair that is ultra sensitive to the strengthening effect of protein. Though protein sensitivity is not tied to a specific hair type, it is more common on low porosity hair.

Because fine type 4 and fine 3c coils are naturally dry, the delicate protein-moisture balance is easy to upset.

The Protein-Sensitivity Test

Before you stock up on protein-rich products, you’ll want to check and see if they’ll actually benefit your hair. Luckily figuring out if you have protein-sensitive hair is easy.

To test for protein-sensitive hair, dampen a section of your hair and apply a protein-rich product, like a protein-enriched conditioner or protein treatment. After your hair has been saturated, all that’s left is to wait.

Once the hair section dries, feel the texture. Though it’s normal for the hair to feel harder, it should be left thick and strong. However, if the hair is quite stiff and breaks, you may have protein-sensitive hair.

Caring for Protein Sensitive Hair

For coilies with protein-sensitive curls, the key to maintaining gorgeous, healthy coils is to be aware of the products and ingredients you put in your hair. In the case of protein-sensitive curls, this means opting for products with no or as little protein as possible.

When trying to get the most out of protein without suffering stiff hair, pairing your treatment with a moisturizing conditioner is a must. Be sure to reach for a conditioner that uses natural oils instead of silicones to lock in moisture. Choose the van + veronica silicone free Conditioner made with natural oils like grapeseed, apricot and argan oil. Our Conditioner is moisturizing, low protein and silicone free- the perfect choice for protein sensitive naturals.

Final Thoughts

If you suspect that you may have protein-sensitive hair, don’t fret. This isn’t a weakness; it’s just another step in your hair care journey! As you learn how to enhance the strength of your fine natural hair, understanding what makes it unique is all part of the fun. 

If protein-based products leave your hair dry and hard regardless of how well you moisturize, then you probably have protein-sensitive hair.

While this may present a challenge in caring for your fine curly hair, no worries, we’ve got you covered. Just follow this link to find our easy step-by-step guide to finding the best products for your uniquely sensitive hair!

The more you know, the better you can take steps to care for your fabulous coils while keeping them soft, nourished and happy.