Protein lovers I need your recs!!!!

Cuban-curl-E

So I've been modified CG for about 6 weeks and it's going pretty well. I'm enjoying experimenting and learning about my hair. I've decided to tackle the protein issue (don't know if I'm craving or sensitive...). My hair is not fine, more medium than coarse but my ends are damaged from color and flat irons. My curls USED to be tighter, now looser (3a ish) maybe from pregnancy, age, and misuse. Anyway, I went to Sally and bought samples of all kinds of stuff I've read here. This is what I got:

Ion reconstructor
Ion effective treatment ?
Neutral protein filler
Aphogee 2step protein treatment
GVP conditioning balm (already used it and liked it)

I know I went overboard but it was all so cheap I couldn't resist. So, any advise as to where I should start? Any tips are greatly appreciated!!

bliss611

Since you're not sure whether your hair like protein, I would use one of the protein treatments and follow up with DC and see how your hair reacts.

Don't do more than 1 protein treatment within a week to start. Too much protein will make your hair brittle.

HTHs
Happy experimenting!!

Cuban-curl-E

bliss611 wrote: »

Since you're not sure whether your hair like protein, I would use one of the protein treatments and follow up with DC and see how your hair reacts.

Thanks for advice. I tried the ion effective care and am quite impressed. My droopy ends have much more spring. I left it on for about 5 minutes then rinsed all out. Added KCKT and KCCC to soaking wet hair and MUCH better curl formation.

I'm glad you mentioned doing a DC. Am I supposed to DC everytime? I assumed the Ion products were conditioning too. Did I mess up? Also, any advise on the aphogee 2 step protein?

I think I may be joining the protein lovers!!!

bliss611

That's great!

If your hair feels good - you didn't mess up. Not all PTs need deep conditioning afterwards. I'm pretty new protein myself and all the treatments I've used have been pretty thin and not very moisturizing so I feel the need to DC each time. But there are ones that are conditioning so therefore don't need a DT after.

I have never tried the aphogee 2 step. I do use the Colorful Neutral Protein Filler and even if you don't DT after - you will need to use a moisturizing conditioner after that one.

BekkaPoo

My hair loves protein, can't get enough. I cowash with Mane & Tail because it has a bit of protein. I also add silk amino acids to my moisturizing conditioners if they don't already have protein in them.

Cuban-curl-E

Thanks for replies. I'm liking protein so far. Have a few questions still:

1. I want to try the neutral protein filler. How do most people use it? I know some spray onto hair but is it diluted, rinsed out? Add few drops to rinse out?

2. Anyone with experience or tips on aphogee 2 step protein treatment, help! Is this too heavy duty to take on now?

Thanks in advance.

pedaheh

I'd suggest trying the aphogee 2 step on one small section/curl first. It may be too strong protein wise and the mineral oil in the second step may not agree with your hair. Some hair likes mineral oil, and some hates it. Blow dry or air dry that section before you decide. I didn't realize that the mineral oil made my hair limp until my section was dry. If your hair doesn't like mineral oil, just use your own DT.
While you are testing, store the packets in a cup or something to keep them upright. Mine tipped over and leaked.:crybaby: If you decide you like this PT, try IAgirl's gelatin PT. Both have hydrolyzed collagen as their protein and IAgirl's is not stinky. HTH.

Cuban-curl-E

Thanks Pedaheh. I bought the apoghee only bc I remembered reading that name but didn't really know what I was getting. I'm a little afraid of it bc my hair is not fine and not soooo damaged. I do want to try iagirl's recipe. Will try that next week. 

bliss611

For Colorful Neutral Protein Filler - the directions on the bottle say to dilute it when using as a PT.

It says 2 parts protein to 1 part water. I dilute it depending on how wet my hair is when I am putting it in. On damp hair, I use it as suggested. On very wet hair, I've used straight without any water.

What confused me was that it doesn't say how long to leave it on. I've done everything from 45 minutes to 5 hours. Just needs some extra moisture if you leave it in too long.

EOH

I use the Colorful Neutral Protein filler added to my products. If I'm using a leave in, I'll spray 3 pumps into the leave in and add the rest of my products. I may use some in my rinse out if I fell the need. It's a great cheap way to add protein to your products.

iroc

bliss611 wrote: »

For Colorful Neutral Protein Filler - the directions on the bottle say to dilute it when using as a PT.

It says 2 parts protein to 1 part water. I dilute it depending on how wet my hair is when I am putting it in. On damp hair, I use it as suggested. On very wet hair, I've used straight without any water.

What confused me was that it doesn't say how long to leave it on. I've done everything from 45 minutes to 5 hours. Just needs some extra moisture if you leave it in too long.

I'm pretty sure it says to leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

If I'm using it before I color, I drench my hair with it, full strength, leave on for 20 minutes, then color over it.

If I use it as a protein treatment, I add a little water, and soak my hair in it for at least 20 minutes. Then I add a moisturizing DT for at least 20 minutes.

Sometimes I use heat, sometimes I do not. Sometimes I rinse out in between, sometimes I do not.


Using my iphone. Expect typos.

Cuban-curl-E

long.[/QUOTE]

If I'm using it before I color, I drench my hair with it, full strength, leave on for 20 minutes, then color over it.

Using my iphone. Expect typos.[/QUOTE]

I too color my hair so I have some dumb questions for you. Do you put it in, rinse out, dry hair then do color or just put in for 20 minutes then add color on your wet hair? Does this keep color from fading?

Thanks everyone for all your tips. I just used the ion effective care again (curls were drooping) and much better. 