When my hair gets dull and difficult, I always try two things: clarifying with Cider Vinegar, and a protein treatment. Protein makes my hair noticeably hair softer and shinier, and helps with more volume too.
The thing about protein is that not everybody´s hair likes it. It´s also easy to overdose on it, since a lot of shampoos, conditioners and serums contain it (here is how you can find that out). If you´re not sure whether you need protein, try this test. Or just try this treatment
Here is a simple moisture treatment I do at home once a month.
Home made Protein Conditioner
You will need:
- Half a ripe avocado (keep hard avocados wrapped in paper in a cupboard to ripen)
- 1 Tbs organic Cider Apple Vinegar or Lemon juice (for pH balance)
- 1 Tbs of honey (for moisture, prevents crunchyness) or aloe vera gel (pure)
- Water or organic yoghurt (for the non-vegans)
How to prepare:
Mix the ingredients together. How much water / yoghurt you use depends upon the length of your hair. You want the mixture to be runnier than a typical conditioner, but not too runny. Blend it all in a blender. If you don't have one, squeeze the avocado through a sieve. The avocado needs to be a smooth paste, not a pulp with chunks (that's hard to wash out !).How to use:
Apply on hair, and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Cover with a shower cap, or wrap with cling film (protein treatments do not need heat, but avocado can be messy !)Rinse out well, and shampoo as usual.
Adding honey to this treatment means you don´t have to follow-up with a moisture treatment. The honey is very moisturising and counteracts the protein crunch.
I have re-written this post, to explain the improved version of this treatment.
I have re-written this post, to explain the improved version of this treatment.
