In my experience, aphogee 2 step worked great when I wasn't using a light protein weekly. Now that I use aphogee 2 min weekly mixed into my DC, I find that using aphogee 2 step protein overloads my hair. I found this out the hard way a few months ago when I decided to aphogee 2 step about 15 weeks into a stretch (because I read on LHCF that many protein treat before/after relaxer). My hair became overly brittle and started breaking. Prior to the 2 step, I think my hair was nicely balanced. ETA: I should have never aphogee 2 stepped but I was being bandwagonish and doing what others do...never again. My hair is still not right and not in balance, in my opinion. You're situation may differ from mine but that's just my experience. Btw, I bonelaxed.