Can a protein treatment damage your hair?

Author: Caleigh Buckridge  |  Last update: Monday, August 18, 2025

Protein treatments wrap around the exterior of the hair creating external strength to keep hair from getting damaged. This doesn't mean you should saturate your strands daily with a protein treatment, in fact, it can lead to protein overload which can cause more harm than good.

What are the side effects of protein treatment for hair?

Here are the most common protein treatment for hair side effects you should be aware of before proceeding.
  • Protein Overload. ...
  • Dryness and Brittle Hair. ...
  • Hair Breakage. ...
  • Allergic Reactions. ...
  • Scalp Sensitivity. ...
  • Frizz and Texture Change. ...
  • Weakened Colored Hair. ...
  • Hair Thinning.

Does protein cause hair breakage?

Yes, excessive protein can compromise hair health. When there's an abundance of protein, the hair can become stiff, dry, and brittle. This lack of flexibility causes the hair to break more easily. If your hair feels tough, hard, and snaps easily, you might be experiencing protein overload.

What does protein damaged hair look like?

Hair in protein overload will have some distinctive symptoms: If you pull one strand of hair it will have no elasticity, but instead it will snap and break. The hair will feel dry, brittle and stringy, because it won't have enough moisture to stretch and support elasticity. The hair will lose shine and look dull.

How often should you protein treat hair?

One way to minimize the breakage is by nourishing your hair with a protein treatment every 6-8 weeks.

8 Products That Instantly Fix Your Hair in One Use

Does frizzy hair need protein or moisture?

Protein treatments can help strengthen the hair shaft and restore its structural integrity. On the other hand, if your hair feels dry, frizzy, and lacks elasticity, it's likely in need of moisture. Hydration is essential to keep your strands soft, manageable, and resilient.

How to tell if hair has too much protein?

Your hair may feel more coarse and struggle to hold a curl when dealing with protein overload. Too much protein may also cause split ends and breakage, leaving hair to shed more. If you're noticing more strands than usual on your comb or brush, that could be a telltale sign of high protein hair.

Why does my hair feel like straw after protein treatment?

Too much protein in hair:

“If the hair feels like straw, that's a good sign of damage. If there is too much protein deposited in the hair it loses elasticity.

How to tell if hair is over moisturized?

Common signs of Moisture Overload
  1. If you pull one strand of hair it will stretch and stretch without bouncing back, and eventually fall apart and tear.
  2. The hair will feel mushy, limp and excessively soft.
  3. Your curls will struggle to hold their shape, they will have little definition and tend to fall flatter than normal.

Is hair loss a side effect of protein?

Some evidence suggests that certain forms of whey protein may accelerate hair thinning and male pattern baldness. One small 2010 study of 100 men and women found that whey protein isolate caused more damage to hair and aggravated hair loss, while whey protein concentrate aided hair health and regrowth.

Is Olaplex a protein treatment?

While some OLAPLEX products contain some protein, the amounts are minimal and not enough to be considered a protein treatment. Therefore, OLAPLEX is not a protein treatment. OLAPLEX works at a molecular level to rebuild the hair internally. Our hair contains millions of disulfide bonds.

What does moisture overload look like?

Signs that you may be suffering from moisture overload are if your hair feels excessively soft and mushy, if you're noticing that your curl pattern is looser, or if your hair strands stretch but don't revert or bounce back. It can also lead to excessive split ends, limp or dull hair, a lack of volume, and more.

Why is my hair stretchy and falling out?

Chemical Treatments: Procedures such as coloring, perming, and relaxing can break the disulfide bonds, weakening the hair and causing it to become stretchy. Heat Styling: Frequent use of hot tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can damage the hair's protein structure.

How do I fix my hair after protein treatment?

Here are the best tips on how to take care of your hair after a protein treatment. Use a serum or moisturizing creams designed to keep hair moisturized and prevent frizz. You can use Alina Hair Moisturizing Serum - 60 ml . Using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner will preserve the protein longer.

Does hair fall after protein treatment?

Even though protein treatments for hair are done for nourishment, exposing your hair to frequent protein treatments can result in more damage. These treatments can make your hair dry and brittle, leading to more breakage. Excessive use of protein treatments might also trigger hair loss.

What are the symptoms of protein overload?

Consuming more protein than the body needs can cause symptoms such as intestinal discomfort, dehydration, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and more. Chronic protein overconsumption can also increase the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, blood vessel disorders, liver and kidney issues, and seizures.

What does dehydrated hair look like?

Dry hair is hair that's lacking in moisture – it can't retain hydration, and it's not getting enough on a day-to-day basis. Dehydrated hair often looks frizzy and dull – when you touch it, it may feel brittle and straw-like, and flyaways and split ends may become noticeable when you look in the mirror.

What shampoos don't have protein?

I've got you covered.
  • AUNT JACKIE'S GRAPESEED STYLE & SHINE RECIPES POWER WASH INTENSE MOISTURE CLARIFYING SHAMPOO.
  • ORS HAIRESTORE UPLIFTING SHAMPOO.
  • ESSATIONS TEA TREE SOLUTIONS DRY & ITCHY SCALP SHAMPOO.
  • ESSATIONS TEA TREE SOLUTIONS DRY & ITCHY SCALP CONDITIONER.
  • AS I AM HYDRATION ELATION INTENSIVE CONDITIONER.

Can protein treatments cause hair breakage?

Overusing protein-laden products such as bond builders and Keratin-rich masks can often be detrimental, leaving your hair rougher, more prone to damage, and unmistakably drab. “Dull hair is a very common condition I see with clients that use bond builders,” says the prominent New York City colorist Sharon Dorram.

What does over protein hair look like?

Protein overload in hair can be a frustrating issue, often characterized by hair that feels stiff, brittle, and lacks its usual elasticity. The first step in diagnosing protein overload is to pay close attention to your hair's condition. Your hair will feel extra dry, accompanied by breakage and a loss of curl pattern.

How do you fix damaged hair that feels like straw?

What are the best treatments for hair that feels like straw?
  1. Use essential oils to keep your hair moisturised. ...
  2. Choose the right cosmetic products for your hair type. ...
  3. Wash your hair frequently (with gentle products) ...
  4. Avoid heat styling your hair. ...
  5. Use harsh styling products sparingly. ...
  6. Make sure you stay well-hydrated.

Does fine hair need protein?

Regardless of density, if the hair is fine or weak, protein can be beneficial in strengthening the hair strands. Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Extra Curly Hair: All hair types can experience damage and benefit from protein treatments, regardless of their natural texture.

Can too much moisture cause hair breakage?

With moisture overload, however, you may notice excessive breakage, especially when rinsing out your hair in the shower or combing out your curls.

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