Most curly hair has been through it all, from chemical damage thanks to straighteners and relaxers to everyday wear and tear like sun damage and tight up-dos. To return essential strength and shine where breakage occurs, protein treatment should become a part of your curly hair routine.

The protein treatment deep conditions your natural hair and straightens each thread. Black hair tends to become coarse for several reasons: bleaching, color treatments, irons that straighten or curl the locks, or too much styling. Many of us want to change our hair color any now and then, but this is quite damaging for the hair if we don’t use quality hair dye or apply products that protect the thread during the process.

Why Use A Protein Treatment for Curly Hair

Protein treatment for curly hair with shea butter

Protein treatments are a given if you’re transitioning your hair from chemical processing to its natural, curly texture. If the hair feels particularly dry and prone to breakage, it’s time for a protein treatment. When wet, hair has a natural stretchy elasticity. If missing, this can serve as another indicator.

However, you should use these treatments sparingly because the same strengthening ingredients can dry hair out. You’ll know you’ve overdone it if hair suddenly feels brittle and straw-like. In this way, it’s critical to always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.

Different Protein Treatments for Naturally Curly Hair

Many get confused but note that protein treatment is different from cholesterol hair treatment. Below are our top four protein treatments, from medium to light and DIY, to save you a buck or two.

1. Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

At $6, the Cantu Shea Butter Masque is a must-have for your bathroom. Made with organic shea butter, this protein treatment for curly hair locks in moisture bonds on your hair shaft to restore that iconic bounce to your curls. To apply, massage from scalp to ends and wait 15 minutes.