8 Protein Treatments That'll Give Your Natural Hair Some Extra Love

Published on 5/15/2019 at 3:48 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

If you've noticed that your hair has been feeling extremely dry or damaged lately, or even if it's been a little more prone to breakage than usual, that's a sign that you might be due for a protein treatment. Protein treatments are exactly what they sound like: they're deep conditioners that use proteins (among other ingredients) to strengthen your hair, repair damage, and prevent breakage.

Hair naturally contains a protein called keratin, which can break down with chemical processing, heat damage, and sun exposure. That's why protein treatments are a crucial part of the process of maintaining healthy, natural hair. Of course, you don't have to run to your stylist any time you're in need of one, as you can easily buy one from a beauty retailer or drugstore near you. Protein treatments are usually labeled as "repairing" or "strengthening" hair masks, and they should be incorporated into your routine around once a month or whenever you feel your hair needs it.

If you're on the hunt for a product that can give your hair a little boost every once in a while, then read ahead to shop a few of our favorite protein treatments.

Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment for Damaged Hair

Aphogee's Two-Step Protein Treatment for Damaged Hair ($23) uses a combination of magnesium and modified proteins to restore structure to damaged hair and prevent future breakage.

Aphogee's Two-Step Protein Treatment for Damaged Hair

From

$23

Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak

Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak ($25) works best on hair that needs some extra TLC due to excessive use of chemicals and heat styling. It employs avocado oil, lemon extract, and olive fruit oil to restore shine, deeply moisturize hair, and prevent damage.

Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak

From

$25

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque

Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a favorite for lots of women with natural hair because it helps to moisturize hair and promote growth. This Treatment Masque ($10) from Shea Moisture uses the special ingredient — along with shea butter, peppermint, and apple cider vinegar — to nourish the hair and scalp, giving you the extra boost of moisture that you need.

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque

From

$10

ORS HAIRestore Hair Mayonnaise with Nettle Leaf and Horsetail Extract

ORS HAIRestore Hair Mayonnaise with Nettle Leaf and Horsetail Extract ($8) uses organic amino acids to moisturize and strengthen hair from within the shaft.

ORS HAIRestore Hair Mayonnaise with Nettle Leaf and Horsetail Extract

From

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask ($36) is another favorite among naturals. It uses B vitamins, oils, collagen, and silk to add life to dry, damaged, and overprocessed hair.

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

From

$36

Palmer's Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Protein Pack

You can buy Palmer's Coconut Oil Deep Conditioner ($6) in multiples, or in packs of one for those moments when your hair is in need to a small boost. It works for all hair types and uses coconut milk, keratin amino acids, and hydrolyzed silk proteins to deep-condition the hair and repair split ends.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Deep Conditioner

From

Curls Cashmere & Caviar Hair Masque

Curls Cashmere & Caviar Hair Masque ($20) strengthens hair, promotes growth, and repairs scalp damage using antioxidants, vitamins, and cashmere protein.

Curls Cashmere & Caviar Hair Masque

From

$20

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask ($32) is an intense treatment that uses monoi oil and hydrolyzed silk to help reverse damage and strengthen both the roots and the ends of the hair.

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask

From

$32