If you've been paying any attention in healthy hair school (or the forums), you'll know about the importance of including protein in our regimes. When balanced properly with moisture, protein helps our hair stay strong in order to fight against breakage.
For the last few weeks I've been showering my hair with moisture, spraying it every day with my thirst-quenching S-curl and co-washing regularly. I was loving the effects of super soft and moisturised hair, but recently started to notice dreaded breakage! 
Luckily, I've been monitoring the needs of my hair regularly so I was able to quickly pinpoint when the breakage started and act fast to prevent it further. Instead of the long strands of shed hair I had been getting used to, I was seeing short strands of breakage, which were just a few centimetres in length . 
Coupled with soft, mushy hair I knew I was experiencing a moisture overload! I never understood what 'mushy' hair meant until now because believe it or not, this is the first time I've experienced it on my journey.
Acting quickly, I reached for my bottle of Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor, a protein treatment used to fortify the hair. I mixed it with my usual deep conditioner, and after rinsing, I noticed the effects immediately.
My hair felt stronger - and admittedly rougher - but that's what to expect after a dose of protein. To restore the proper protein/moisture balance, I followed with a quick rinse of a moisture conditioner. 
Reunited with strong but soft hair, this experience has taught me to: 1. Always listen to the needs of my hair 2. Incorporate protein into my regime to avoid this situation again, even if it's in small doses.
While my hair was moisture deprived a few weeks ago, it's not any more. I've learned that it's important to frequently re-asses my regime in order to provide to the requirements of my hair at the time.
Have you ever experienced a moisture or protein overload?
How did you know, and how did you combat it?
Follow my blog with Bloglovin'

It's been such a long time since I last posted. I've been so busy with my last year of university, going on holiday and then starting a new job. But now I'm back to blogging, so I thought I'd start with a post about the Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) I received today.

I blogged about my first BKT here, but I didn't document the second one which I had on 22nd April. I wanted more of a blunt style at the time so my stylist cut off quite a bit, leaving me back at square one in terms of length progress:

22 April 2015

My hair has been doing well since and I can now feel it touching the bottom of my neck - a welcomed indicator that it's gaining length! I don't plan on cutting my hair again unless it's absolutely necessary.

11 July 2015

3rd Keratin Treatment - 11 July 2015

As usual after every treatment, my hair was swinging, shiny and smooth. Now, I'm sure we've been here before (I recognise that tree*), but I'm definitely going to focus on retaining my length. Every three months I'll be taking length pictures to compare my progress.

*For all you Gilmore Girls fans, here's a reference for ya

Hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin, which is what makes our hair strong. While all hair needs protein to keep its strength, relaxed hair often needs a dose more often. This is because the chemicals in a relaxer break down and weaken the protein bonds in the hair, thus reducing strength. 

There are several other factors that reduce the amount of protein within the hair:

• Manipulation of any kind: touching, twisting, coming, washing etc can all reduce protein in the hair

• The elements: harsh weather such as cold winds can reduce the strength in your strands. Protective styles are a great way of keeping your hair- especially the ends- tucked away and shielded. 

• Any form of chemical service 

• Using direct heat not only diminishes moisture with in the hair, but protein also.

More information:

• See: The Brief on Moisture
• See The Science of Black Hair to read all about protective styles