Hey there!
Just to answer your question, there is another Aphogee product. The 2-minute reconstructor isn't the hardcore one. You're talking about the
Aphogee Treatment for Damaged Hair - that's the one that makes your hair hard, smells kinda funky in the process, and you have to follow up with a really good moisturizing conditioner. I recommend only using it once every 6 weeks as the instructions recommend or only for severly damaged hair. That stuff doesn't play, but in my experience, when used correctly, it does what it promises - stops the breakage in its tracks.
As for my opinion, I think that hydolized human hair keratin is supposed to be the best protein for human hair because, well, it's from humans.
LOL No, but really, I read somewhere that the word "hydrolyzed" means that the protein has been broken down as small as possible so that it can be best absorbed by the hair. The same thing with the term "amino acids" - they are extremely small units that absorb the best into the hair cuticles to really provide a deep conditioning, reconstructing effect.
So, human keratin (and keratin amino acids) is the best for reconstructing, next in line is animal protein (since it's close to human protein). And then plant proteins (e.g. wheat protein, egg protein) are going to be the gentlest, sometimes even "moisturizing" proteins for some with less of a reconstructing effect because plant protein isn't consturcted like human/animal protein. By nature, humans just can't absorb plant protein that well. That's what I learned some years ago and, from my own experiences with products, I've found it to be true.
As far as product recommendations for good reconstructors, I recommend:
1)
Dudly DRC-23 (I think that's the number, I'll verify later) as one of the best reconstructors I've ever used. I believe it has human hair protein.
2) I also recommend the
Aphogee Treatment (has animal protein) since the Dudley DRC is hard to come by and expensive. The Aphogee is a great, cheaper alternative than the DRC.
3) Next, for something lighter but still effective,
Nexxus KerpHix has hydrolyzed collagen - which I believe is another term for/form of human hair protein (need to research that again...it's been awhile).
4) Finally, and this is the latest one that I just got around to trying after years of recommendations -
ORS Hair Mayo . It's awesome! It has choleterol (egg protein) and probably some other proteins. I've found it to be gentle, but so effective in strengthening. I love it and can't believe I waited so long to try it. As a tip, for the Keracare Humecto lovers, mix some of your Humecto with the ORS - it's a heavenly mix!!!! My hair loves it!
The lighter proteins can be used more often than the other ones. Currently, I use the DRC once per relaxer cycle (approx. every 6-8 weeks) and I use the ORS Mayo in between time for some extra strength reinforcement, when needed. I have used the Aphogee Treatment and KerapHix as alternates in the past. I haven't tried many other protein products, but I know there's lots of other good ones out there.
Whoa! Sorry....didn't realize I was going to type all that. Hope it helps, though.