Protein Overload Cure= A Relaxer?

[Luscious Locks]

Hi, everyone.

I've overloaded my hair with too much protein in the past 3 weeks and now it's hard and won't really accept moisture. I did a search already for a protein overload cure and came upon this thread: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=262983

The thread basically said that getting a relaxer will simply just break down the protein on your hair. It is definately a cure geared toward relaxed heads--obviously.

It sounds like a great solution for me especially because I'm 10 weeks into my stretch and will be relaxing at the 12 week mark. My question to you alL, and I hope you will participate in this poll, is whether I should relax with lye or no lye to make sure my moisture levels are set back to normal.

If I do no lye I will be switching from my Optimum Care box kit to Phyto II. Why, you ask? The main reason I wanted to use it is because IT HAS PROTEIN IN THE BASE!!! I figured it wouldn't break down my hair that much if it has proteins right? But now I've got this protein overload, so I'm scared about using Phyto--I personally don't need anymore protein for at least another 6 weeks. (My hair is so hard!--Not breaking yet, praise the Lord, but I'm still afraid)

My lye choice would be Design Essentials. Yes it burns and has always tore up my scalp even when I rinse at the 15 minutes mark, but my hair comes out so soft.

I don't know which to choose. My proteinated hair feels sooo gross, but I've got this feeling that Phyto could be the best perm for my hair ever, and I feel like I've ruined it with all this protein.

HELP ME DECIDED, PLEASE!

 

[SmartyPants]

Hi, everyone.

I've overloaded my hair with too much protein in the past 3 weeks and now it's hard and won't really accept moisture. I did a search already for a protein overload cure and came upon this thread: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=262983

The thread basically said that getting a relaxer will simply just break down the protein on your hair. It is definitely a cure geared toward relaxed heads--obviously.

It sounds like a great solution for me especially because I'm 10 weeks into my stretch and will be relaxing at the 12 week mark. My question to you all, and I hope you will participate in this poll, is whether I should relax with lye or no lye to make sure my moisture levels are set back to normal.

If I do no lye I will be switching from my Optimum Care box kit to Phyto II. Why, you ask? The main reason I wanted to use it is because IT HAS PROTEIN IN THE BASE!!! I figured it wouldn't break down my hair that much if it has proteins right? But now I've got this protein overload, so I'm scared about using Phyto--I personally don't need anymore protein for at least another 6 weeks. (My hair is so hard!--Not breaking yet, praise the Lord, but I'm still afraid)

My lye choice would be Design Essentials. Yes it burns and has always tore up my scalp even when I rinse at the 15 minutes mark, but my hair comes out so soft.

I don't know which to choose. My proteinated hair feels sooo gross, but I've got this feeling that Phyto could be the best perm for my hair ever, and I feel like I've ruined it with all this protein.

HELP ME DECIDED, PLEASE!

I'll pray for you!!!!

Seriously!!!!

I personally think you should do a few deep conditioning treatments with steam (look for the thread on the home grown steam treatment). I would also clarify to strip some of the excess product from your hair and then lay off the protein altogether until it's time for your touch-up.

Whatever you do, STAY AWAY from the DE relaxer. A relaxer should not tear up your scalp!

 

[Lucky's Mom]

From what I understand - Relaxing damaged hair will make the problem worse. I am sure others know better than me,though.

 

[Christelyn]

I'm a natural, but I...have a bad feeling about this too. It's kind of like chopping off your head because you have a headache. That said, if you are already relaxed and due for another, perhaps you can incorporate what another PP said and clarify, deep condition with heat before you relax, and then see how your hair does. I remember back in the day, when I was relaxed, my stylist would recommend only putting a new relaxer in when my hair was in relatively good shape.

 

[Luscious Locks]

I'm a natural, but I...have a bad feeling about this too. It's kind of like chopping off your head because you have a headache. That said, if you are already relaxed and due for another, perhaps you can incorporate what another PP said and clarify, deep condition with heat before you relax, and then see how your hair does. I remember back in the day, when I was relaxed, my stylist would recommend only putting a new relaxer in when my hair was in relatively good shape.

Thanks, everyone. As for the bolded, I don't know that my hair is necessarily in bad shape. I've been cowashing everyday in an attempt to up the moisture and get rid of the protein. I did a deep condition about a week ago, and when I detangled my hair after I got out of the show I only lost about 1-3 hairs. I watch and I could how much hair I lose. My hair is not breaking yet (I pray it doesn't) but it's hard to the touch.

I clarified with ORS creamy aloe and it stripped all the moisture out of my hair. It's got to different ALSs up in the top 3 ingredients. Is there a gentle yet effective chelating poo that anyone knows of?

 

[Luscious Locks]

Actually, as I'm running my fingers through my hair I'd say that it is in bad shape. Protein overload is damaging, huh?

 

[soulie]

I would not recommend relaxing hair that isn't properly balanced, or otherwise in good condition. Use moisturizing deep conditioners for a few weeks and avoid additional proteins. Then reassess your hair's condition. A relaxer shouldn't be used as a fix to eliminate another problem -- deal with the initial problem first.

 

[Denise11]

You're right Luscious. Relaxing does help. But make sure that it's almost time for your relaxer anyway. Though, you have to do moisturzing DCs first.

Btw, if you're experiencing moisture overload, DO NOT relax, until you've fixed the problem with protein. Your hair will be a gummy mess!! Because it will take away from the little protein you had left!

 

[LaidBak]

I'm super sensitive to protein. I've had protein overload 4 times in 6 months (from Mega Tek, OCT, and Joico). I have a very bad feeling about you using a relaxer to cure it. I normally relax every 4 -5 weeks but I always waited until my hair was back to normal before I did.

What worked for me was this:
After each wash I did a modified 'Kiya Fizzle'. That's about 3 ounces of Motions After shampoo moisture plus condish mixed with about 2 teaspoons of salt (the mix will turn watery). I don't know what it is about that mix but my hair immediately untangles. Its almost scary.
Anyway, I always followed that with a super moisturizing DC mixed with olive oil. SitriNilla, Keracare Humecto, or Joico Intense Hydrator. 15-30 mins, with heat.

It took about 4 or 5 repetitions of this process to get back to normal, with no hardness, tangling, or loss of hair.
Good luck sweetie, and HHG!

 

[Luscious Locks]

I'm super sensitive to protein. I've had protein overload 4 times in 6 months (from Mega Tek, OCT, and Joico). I have a very bad feeling about you using a relaxer to cure it. I normally relax every 4 -5 weeks but I always waited until my hair was back to normal before I did.

What worked for me was this:
After each wash I did a modified 'Kiya Fizzle'. That's about 3 ounces of Motions After shampoo moisture plus condish mixed with about 2 teaspoons of salt (the mix will turn watery). I don't know what it is about that mix but my hair immediately untangles. Its almost scary.
Anyway, I always followed that with a super moisturizing DC mixed with olive oil. SitriNilla, Keracare Humecto, or Joico Intense Hydrator. 15-30 mins, with heat.

It took about 4 or 5 repetitions of this process to get back to normal, with no hardness, tangling, or loss of hair.
Good luck sweetie, and HHG!

OMG 4-5 times! Well if you've rallied back from that then I will trust your advice on the kiya fizzle. It makes perfect sense actually that the salt would soften the hair. It's like a super duper mild relaxer. I totaly forgot about the fizzle. I'll do that first and then follow up with a steam treatment. You really may have saved me. I'm supposed to wash my hair tonight. I'm going to avoide the Joice Intense Hydrator though because it has Keratin and the ph is too low. I may just use my cheapie VO5 that has no proteins.

I'll do this and let you know how it works out.

Any other suggestions are welcome still.

 

[sxytia07]

i would stick to moisturizing treatments with absolutely no protein products. relaxing may help but in my experience, it doesn't CURE the problem. A moisture intense regimen does that.

 

[jumpingjax1906]

I just experienced a protein overload. My hair was a tangled mess, wouldn't hold a style and would break and if I combed it at all. I clarified with Sauve (not sure which one, it was a clear blue color) and shampooed twice with a very moisturizing shampoo (KeraKare) and followed with a DC using Sustenace by KeraKare and use Nairbo SoftFinish leave-in and did a roller set. My hair is MUCH softer and manageable and full of body and volume. (I'm 8 weeks post relaxer).

 

[audacity.]

i think i need to go back and read the initial post, cause i'm confused

you say your hair won't "accept" moisture and that a relaxer is the solution to hair that is overloaded with protein/damaged??????

 

[Luscious Locks]

i think i need to go back and read the initial post, cause i'm confused

you say your hair won't "accept" moisture and that a relaxer is the solution to hair that is overloaded with protein/damaged??????

correct. I feel like my hair won't soften up no matter how much I co wash it. It feels soft when I put conditioner on it, but then it dries sooooo crunchy and coarse.

 

[natural2be]

I'm a natural, but I...have a bad feeling about this too. It's kind of like chopping off your head because you have a headache. That said, if you are already relaxed and due for another, perhaps you can incorporate what another PP said and clarify, deep condition with heat before you relax, and then see how your hair does. I remember back in the day, when I was relaxed, my stylist would recommend only putting a new relaxer in when my hair was in relatively good shape.

I agree with this as well.

 

[LushLox]

Try and do a steam treatment if you can. It will quickly restore moisture levels and soften it.

 

[Cleve_gryl]

I'm not sure why a relaxer would correct anything?!

If cowashing isn't helping to restore your moisture balance, you should definitely try doing some serious DC's (preferably with steam) to restore your balance.

I've had protein overloads before, and sleeping overnight with uber moisturizing conditioners like AO HSR mixed with EVOO for a couple nights bounced me right back!! Yes, relaxed hair needs protein to stay strong, but it will break off if it's not balanced properly. Good luck!

 

[lonelysky]

I'm gong to say to clarify, clarify, clarify! Make a paste out of your clarifying poo with some added baking soda. Lather it up and let it sit for a minute.

Rinse it out and mix a good DC iwth lots of evoo. Let it sit under a cap.

I'm going to say that at this point you really can't get too much moisture.

 

[Spidergul]

I'm gong to say to clarify, clarify, clarify! Make a paste out of your clarifying poo with some added baking soda. Lather it up and let it sit for a minute.

Rinse it out and mix a good DC iwth lots of evoo. Let it sit under a cap.

I'm going to say that at this point you really can't get too much moisture.

This sounds good.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

IA: You have to find "Your" Protein/Moisture Balance or you will just keep trying to cover up The Problem with Another Problem.erplexed

Unfortunately, A relaxer is Not a "Cure All." Without knowledge of your Protein/Moisture Balance your Healthy Hair Journey will be in Vain, and All your "Progress" will be short-lived.

No Relaxer Right Now. Clarify first and begin to build your hair back up weekly with Good Moisturizing Conditioners. And seek "Balance"in your Regimen.

Meanwhile, just take some time to really get to know your hair, by experimenting to Restore the proper levels of Protein and Moisture. So that, 3-6 months from now, you won't be experiencing the same thing.

 

[C@ssandr@]

I was just about to ask this!!!
My hair is a mess. I dn't mean to jack your thread but I have a question...
I have the same protein issue (even considered a relaxer since I'm 7 weeks post+last relaxer was underprocessed). I did a DC last night with ORS but it's still hard...Is it ok for me to co wash agin tonight?

 

[sqzbly1908]

I would have go with the majority of the board - get your hair back in shape with moisturizing deep conditioners. If you relax your hair in the state that it is in - you will have smooth roots and rest of the hair will still be tangled as you are not applying relaxer to the already relaxed part (ya follow me)

I would do moisturizing dcs for about a couple of weeks and about 3-4 times a week (when this happened to me - this is what I did) you may also want to try some porosity control before the conditioner as well as this helped me out tremendously

HTH - Good Luck Friend!!!

 

[Moniquenuss]

Im gonna pray for you!

But this happened to me a few weeks ago! I got a little happy with the silicon mix and my aphogee leave ins! I was using them every wash and my hair was feeling like straw! Then It all turned around when I began cowashing 2-3x a week and DCing and moisturizing daily. I also clearfied my hair and now.... 2 weeks later my hair is back to normal! well better than normal its a whole lot softer! Good luck hope this may help you out a little!

oh and keep us posted!

 

[Patricia]

Try deep conditioning with moisture. Do a couple cowashes with moisture conditioner. That should do it

 

[sqzbly1908]

I was just about to ask this!!!
My hair is a mess. I dn't mean to jack your thread but I have a question...
I have the same protein issue (even considered a relaxer since I'm 7 weeks post+last relaxer was underprocessed). I did a DC last night with ORS but it's still hard...Is it ok for me to co wash agin tonight?

Hey Keya - yes you can co-wash but don't use anymore protein until your hair gets manageable again- ORS is a protein condish - use moisturizing condishes such as Silk Elements MegaSilk, Kenra MC, Nexxus Humectress, AO GPB (the last three I use all the time) - you can do a search on moisturizing DCs if you don't already have one

HTH

 

[25Nona]

I agree with the rest of the ladies, I think right now you should stick with the moisture to get your hair back in shape..

 

[LaidBak]

OMG 4-5 times!

Yeah Girl. In fact I am dealing with it now. My hair was getting mushy so I tried to give it a bit of protein via Joico Kpak reconstructor 2 days ago. Turns out its too strong for my hair. I got out my trusty fizzle kit and followed that with the Joico intense hydrator mixed with Kenra MC. With the addition of some ayurvedic moisturizers I now have soft hair. I know it will still be hard when I wet it again, but I've got some Banana Brulee on standby for the next few DCs.

I was just about to ask this!!!
My hair is a mess. I dn't mean to jack your thread but I have a question...
I have the same protein issue (even considered a relaxer since I'm 7 weeks post+last relaxer was underprocessed). I did a DC last night with ORS but it's still hard...Is it ok for me to co wash agin tonight?

Are you referring to ORS replenishing pak? I've used this and found that it made the problem worse. I didn't understand the whole protein/moisture thing at the time. I was just panicking and using every conditioner I had in my stash.

 

[RadiantBeauty]

Hey girl, I am very sorry to hear that this happened to you. I agree with the previous posters about using a clarifying shampoo, and stepping it up on the DCs. I also heard that relaxing your hair, (THATS IF YOU ARE DUE FOR A RELAXER) can help with correcting protein overload because the relaxer breaks down the protein bonds in our hair.

 

[Luscious Locks]

IA: You have to find "Your" Protein/Moisture Balance or you will just keep trying to cover up The Problem with Another Problem.erplexed

Unfortunately, A relaxer is Not a "Cure All." Without knowledge of your Protein/Moisture Balance your Healthy Hair Journey will be in Vain, and All your "Progress" will be short-lived.

No Relaxer Right Now. Clarify first and begin to build your hair back up weekly with Good Moisturizing Conditioners. And seek "Balance"in your Regimen.

Meanwhile, just take some time to really get to know your hair, by experimenting to Restore the proper levels of Protein and Moisture. So that, 3-6 months from now, you won't be experiencing the same thing.

LoL at the beating. I'm going to go wash and deep condition with the home growth steam treatment right now. It's been a long day for me, but I'll report back asap. Probably at 11:30 after GH is over on soapnet and I've washed the conditioner out.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

LoL at the beating. I'm going to go wash and deep condition with the home growth steam treatment right now. It's been a long day for me, but I'll report back asap. Probably at 11:30 after GH is over on soapnet and I've washed the conditioner out.

Thanks for the advice.

Good Girl.

Don't get discouraged. Find your Balance and You will turn it around quickly......wait and see.