Q&A How To: Tell Hard Proteins From Soft or Medium

I have decided to document my own questions, that I had as a newbie, in hopes to help some others with the same questions.

Some may or may not know but hair is about 70% keratin protein by nature. Protein is what gives the hair its strength and structure.

There are a wide variety of proteins that serve different functions and roles in hair care. Some enhance elasticity, while others reduce it. These proteins bind to the hair cuticle and help temporarily rebuild any weakened areas. Protein-based products reinforce the hair shaft, and help it remain strong enough to fight breakage.

When choosing a protein product these are the ingredients you may be looking for:


Proteins in Hair Products

Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed casein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed collagen
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed hair keratin
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed keratin
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed rice protein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed silk
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl silk amino acids
Cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
Cocoyl hydrolyzed keratin
Hydrolyzed keratin
Hydrolyzed oat flour
Hydrolyzed silk
Hydrolyzed silk protein
Hydrolyzed soy protein
Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Potassium cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
TEA-cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
TEA-cocoyl hydrolyzed soy protein

But looking at all of that may be like reading spanish if you don't know what any of it means, so here's a closer look at these proteins and their purpose:

Collagen Proteins – known for increasing elasticity in the hair.

Silk Proteins – known for softening the hair.

Wheat Proteins – a moisturising and strengthening protein. Known for increasing the hair’s ability to maintain and receive moisture.

Vegetable Protein – Vegetable protein absorbs more easily into the hair shaft (than animal protein) and does not create build-up, leaves the hair very shiny, radiant and healthy.

Animal Protein – Animal protein breaks down into fatty acids, which coats the hair and can create residual build-up.

Silk Amino Acids/Protein – Natural silk is the strongest, natural fibre known to mankind. Discovered in Japan, it has been used for centuries in all kinds of products that require durability. Silk has a tiny molecule that can penetrate the entire hair shaft deeper than all other proteins without adding any weight and leaving the hair feeling clean and non-greasy.

Keratin Protein – responsible for keeping the hair strong and pliable. This is the strongest of the proteins found in hair products and is actually the one hair is made from. Keratin Protein re-structures hair that has been damaged or broken down by chemicals. It helps to replace the amino acid cysteine which is the main one lost during chemical processing. This is what is known as a heavy duty protein. You can identify it as the following:

* Keratin Protein – this will re-structure and strengthen the hair cuticle.
* Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein or Keratin Amino Acids – this means that the Keratin molecules have been broken down and are small enough to go beyond the cuticle and penetrate the hair shaft. It will strengthen all 3 layers of the hair.
* Hydrolyzed Human Hair Keratin – This is an exact match for the keratin your hair has (or has lost due to chemical processing). This is the highest quality and most potent keratin that can be used in hair products.

Hope you all enjoyed this post and perhaps even found what you've been looking for! Take care and HHJ!!!