NoFrizz10
PROTEIN POINT SYSTEM
Does my hair need protein?
What is the perfect protein blend to keep my hair balanced?
Can I use protein if my hair is protein sensitive?
How do I avoid protein overload?
What kind of protein should I use?
You’ve likely heard that hair needs protein and you may have even used an app that tells you if your products have protein ingredients. If so, you’ve learned that reading product labels is not for the faint of heart and knowing what is in your hair products is more important than ever, but what do we do with that information? With all the hair blogs out there these days, I was hoping to find that perfect trick that would work for me everyday of the year and that would still be personalized enough for my Facebook and YouTube followers. l scoured the internet to find answers to two simple questions, “How much protein does my hair need?” and “Is there a way to figure out how much protein is in my hair products?”. Sadly, the answers were unavailable. Something had to be done! That’s when I created the NoFrizz10 Protein Point System, which actually answers many of our common protein questions. Keep reading to unlock a revolutionary method for calculating protein in hair product ingredients and for giving your hair just what it needs.
HERE'S SOME OF MY THOUGHTS ON THIS…
When looking at ingredients, the ones listed near the top of the list are bigger portions than ingredients listed near the bottom of the list. But, what if one of the ingredients is a PROTEIN?
If it's something simple like aloe or if it's something made in a lab like hydrolyzed silk, then how do we know which one actually contains more protein??
Testing proteins isn’t as easy as determining the weight of oil. (see my post here about oils!) So, I devised a numerical Protein Point System. No lab tests or experimentation needed, it's logical. Please note, this unique Protein Point System has been tried and tested by many people over the last 3 years in the curly hair community. It even works for people with straight hair. It has proven to be a no fail system that is safe for all hair types. It helped me sort through the different types of protein too.
We are taught that if an ingredient is natural/non-synthetic, that the protein in that ingredient tends to be larger on the molecular scale. And if an ingredient is created in a lab or processed and has been hydrolyzed, for instance, that it's going to be smaller on the molecular scale. I know what you are thinking. Molecular scale, what?! Why do we care about molecule size? It’s important because the protein molecules are absorbed by the cuticle in the hair and depending on our hair type, the molecular size of each protein can make a big difference. If the protein molecule is too big, it is not going to penetrate the hair shaft of those with low porosity hair for instance. But, if it’s too small, it doesn’t help the cuticle enough at the surface for those with high porosity hair.
Also related, according to “Protein 101 - Lots of Basic Information About Using Protein in Hair Products” blog at http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.com/ “Protein in products can...add a little extra support to hair - which is great if your hair is fine or medium, but can lead to rigidity and breakage if your hair is quite coarse and you use protein too often.” “Smaller proteins should be [chosen]... if you're new to protein or have coarse hair” and, “larger proteins tend to work well for fine and medium hair and even coarse hair occasionally.”
Taking into consideration the protein content of an ingredient, our hair type, our strand density, and the molecular size of that protein, a blend of small and large molecule protein ingredients is generally suggested. I have also concluded that even though a protein ingredient may be listed at the end of the ingredient list, it may actually contain a higher strength of protein than the ingredients listed at the beginning.
HERE’S WHY
Google tells us that aloe contains almost 1 gram of protein per cup. Aloe contains carbohydrates and fats from the whole plant. But, hydrolyzed silk, for example, has been processed to isolate the protein. Can you imagine how much protein is in a whole cup of hydrolyzed silk? I doubt there are even any products that would use that much hydrolyzed silk in a typical 16 oz bottle! Therefore, a product could use a significantly small amount of hydrolyzed silk yet still contain more protein than another product using aloe as the protein of choice.
Still confused? Here’s a simplified example that I think we can visualize easily. A cup of chopped apples contains about 13 grams of sugar. That’s equivalent to a heaping tablespoon of table sugar. The tablespoon of sugar is a much smaller volume than the apple, but they contain the same amount of sugar. That sugar has been processed and isolated from the whole fruit, much like the aloe and the hydrolyzed silk in the example above.
HOW IT WORKS
Taking into consideration how a protein reacts in my own hair, trying it on other people, and hearing other’s testimonials, I can figure that a lab made protein that is near the bottom of an ingredient list contains a medium to high strength of protein even though it’s in a small volume.
Let's look at the ingredients list of this hypothetical 16 oz bottle of hair gel:
water, aloe, glycerin, honey, xanthan gum, hydrolyzed wheat, sodium, and citric acid.
It's likely that there is at least ½ - 1 whole cup of aloe in that bottle. So let's tally up a Protein Point Rating for this product as follows: we can say it contains 1 point of protein for the aloe. Rounding up won't hurt. Continuing, Google says that a cup of honey has 1.6 g of protein, but when a lot of honey is used in hair products it makes the hair incredibly sticky and hard so let's reduce that to one quarter the amount, which may still be high, but a little approximation here is fine. That puts the protein points for the honey in this product at about .4 points. And I'm gonna give hydrolyzed wheat 6 points based on the way that people's hair generally reacts to it in products. The remaining ingredients: water, glycerin, xanthan gum, sodium, and citric acid do not contain any protein, so they are given zero points. That's a total of 7.4 Protein Points in this bottle of gel! Protein Points range from 1 - 20 or higher, depending on the protein based ingredients in the products. Why am I using points instead of calling it grams per cup? Because you're not planning on putting a whole cup on your head are you? Maybe? Ha! We can approximate with this and that's OK. It is still very helpful.
Here’s a graph with some typical protein ingredients used in hair products and their Protein Points. There is a more complete list in the next section.
Ingredients such as coconut, rice water, peptides or flaxseed gel that tend to act like a protein in some people’s hair, but that do not actually contain any protein, are not listed here.
WE HAVE PROTEIN POINTS, NOW WHAT?
Have you looked at your products yet? Below is a table with common proteins that I have given points for. Use this information to practice counting the Protein Points in your products at home. Discover how much or little protein you’ve actually been putting on your hair! You may be surprised.
*Tell us how many Protein Points your products have HERE.
*I have calculated Protein Points for many popular hair products at the end of this blog.
*Don’t forget to take a look!
PROTEIN POINTS
Based on grams of protein per 1 cup of ingredient unless otherwise specified, or if asterisked.
*safe amount used in products, not 1 cup.
If you are making DIY treatments at home please consider using the links below.
Still confused? If you need help, I offer a service called "Product Ingredient Analysis" where I can add protein points for you. It’s only $5 for the first product label and $2 for each additional label.
HOW TO USE THE NoFrizz10 PROTEIN POINT SYSTEM FOR YOUR HAIR?
Are you familiar with the Wet Stretch Test? If not, check out my video and my Analyze Your Own Hair Chart. Basically, there are categories 1-5 in the Wet Stretch Test results: starting at category 1 in which the hair HAS too much protein (typically damaged and needs moisture) and it goes all the way up to category 5, in which the hair NEEDS a lot of protein (typically damaged and over-moisturized). With each category, there is a suggestion to use products with a certain number of Protein Points. See bottom of blog.
I can deductively say that if your hair is quickly snapping during your Wet Stretch Test (category 1), then it would be wise to only use products that have 0 points of protein until your hair moves up on my Wet Stretch Test chart. If your Wet Stretch Test result is a category 2, using 1-5 Protein Points may be harmless if you aren’t protein sensitive. Please note that depending on how much protein overload your hair has or how damaged it is from processing it may take a while for hair to heal. For some people, it’s mere weeks, but for some it may be months to give the hair time to repair and sufficiently re-moisturize. Be patient! It didn’t happen overnight and it won’t balance overnight either.
On the other end of the spectrum, if your hair stretches and shrinks back like an elastic rubber band during your Wet Stretch Test (category 3), then using products that have a total of 6-9 protein points would be satisfactory for you. Be sure to incorporate a balance of moisturizing ingredients along with protein. This is very important for hair strength and health. (Learn more on NoFrizz10 Moisture Levels Ranking System here.)
If your Wet Stretch Test results show that your hair is in need of a deep protein treatment (category 5), then you'll want to use a product that has 15-20 protein points. If still experiencing wet frizz and frazzled hair strands, then more protein points may be used as long as you balance it with a proportionate amount of moisture. (Learn more on NoFrizz10 Moisture Levels Ranking System here.)
NoFrizz10 PRODUCTS
To fully simplify our lives, I have created NoFrizz10 products. I highly recommend them because you know exactly what ingredients are in your products and you can "finally get full control over protein in your hair!" Most NoFrizz10 products are even protein-free. Why would I make so many products without protein after all this talk about protein needs and protein points?! Because when hair does need protein, it's so much easier to use NoFrizz10 Concentrated Vegan Protein Drops instead of trying to add up all the protein points in all the products used in your hair.
Protein Points are essential when looking through all your store bought hair products though, for sure! They can even be added to your products at home to increase Protein Points.
Here’s a general table to reference for how to use these simple protein drops for our hair in conjunction with your Wet Stretch Test Results.
NoFrizz10 Protein Points System CHART
Needs based on Wet Stretch Test Results
*Add Concentrated Vegan Protein Drops to a cleanser, hair cream, or styler. Rinse out or leave-in.
Be sure to consider how many Protein Points may already be in the products you’re using.
I hope this helps sort out the complicated world of protein and provides those long awaited answers to all of your important protein questions found nowhere else but NoFrizz10!
The things we do for our hair, right?! Let me know what you think!
Share your experience of using NoFrizz10 Protein Point System with us!
Suggested products and their protein points already figured out for you below!
* PRODUCT LINKS...
Clicking on the links provided in this article is a very easy way for everyone to help, and if you want to try something new. LOOK BELOW!
*SUGGESTED PRODUCTS FOR EACH CATEGORY
Selections below are designed to offer you a full routine that will work well together for each category. Some may be used successfully for more than one category depending on need and duration used - specified.
CATEGORY 1
Too much protein in your hair? Just starting the Curly Girl Method? Hair full of build-up?
Shampoo for clarifying 0 Protein Points
Protein Free Deep Conditioner 0 Protein Points
Totally Twisted Sculpting Gel 0 Protein Points
or
NoFrizz10 Detox pH 9 Shampoo 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Deep Conditioner 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Fenugreek Primer 0 Protein Points
CATEGORY 2
Hair needs moisture and no-low protein.
Garnier 1 Minute Mask 0 Protein Points
Not Your Mother's Styler 0 Protein Points
Aussie Instant Freeze Gel 2.6 Protein Points
or
NoFrizz10 Level 2 Conditioner 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Level 2 Vanilla Gel 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Level 2 Mousse 6 Protein Points/Custom
CATEGORY 3
If you choose to use products with protein, these products will keep your hair's elasticity balanced. Other wise you may alternate between these (contain protein) or the protein free products with our Protein Drops.
Volumizing Shampoo 0 Protein Points
Maple Holistics Conditioner 7.4 Protein Points
Biotera alcohol Free Gel 12.5 Protein Points
Eco Olive Oil Gel 6.0 Protein Points
or
NoFrizz10 Moderate Low-Poo 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Anti-Frizz Liquid 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Plain Slip Primer Gel 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Flaxseed Cream Gel 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Protein Drops Mix-In 0-40 Protein Points (Use as needed)
CATEGORY 4
Medium Protein. Your hair likes protein. You need a little protein boost but don't have time for a treatment.
Maple Holistics Shampoo 6 Protein Points
Curl & Style Leave-in Milk 12 Protein Points
LA Looks Tri-Active Gel 14 Protein Points
Suave Kids Hairspray 12 Protein Points
or
NoFrizz10 Detox pH 5 Shampoo 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Souffle' Curl Cream 12 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Hard Hold Gellie 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Orange Hairspray 0 Protein Points/Custom
NoFrizz10 Protein Drops Mix-In 0-40 Protein Points (Use as needed)
CATEGORY 5
Your hair needs High Moisture and High Protein. You may use a combination of products from category 4 and 5. Also, use our Protein Drops for a custom routine.
Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo 27 Protein Points
Strength & Restore Conditioner 15 Protein Points
Curl Talk Sculpting Gel 28 Protein Points
Bounce Curl Cream Gel 25 Protein Points
or
NoFrizz10 Deep Low-poo 0 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Herbal Moisture Mist 0 Protein Points/Custom
NoFrizz10 Souffle' Curl Cream 12 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Level 3 Mousse 12 Protein Points
NoFrizz10 Vegan Protein Drops 0-40 Protein Points (Use as needed)
Is WET FRIZZ a really big problem and nothing will help your hair? Try this if you know that protein is safe to use on your hair, and likely if you have damaged hair from salon chemical processing.
40+ Protein Points
* All suggested products have been tried and tested in my curly hair community and are known for being effective and are favorite products on the market for these specific hair concerns.
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Written By, Athena Padilla, LLC.
Edited by Shelby Barker and Phillip Padilla
Thank you!