What causes too much protein in the hair?

Author: Dr. Brown Haag  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The biggest culprit of protein buildup is overusing hair care products that contain protein and oversaturating strands with the products. If your shampoo, conditioner, and styling treatments all have protein in them you're probably using too much.

How to fix hair that has too much protein?

The way to fix both is to: 1) clarify your hair to get rid of the extra protein, and 2) use a moisturizing, protein-free deep conditioner to put more moisture back into your hair.

How do you get rid of protein build up in hair?

You can use a sulfate shampoo or another shampoo with strong enough cleansers to break up the buildup, or you can try an apple cider vinegar rinse and massage it into your scalp very well.

How do I tell if my hair has protein overload?

To determine protein or moisture overload, take a few hairs out of your hairbrush or after the shower and pull them between your fingers. If the strand snaps immediately, there's too much protein. If the strand stretches and stretches without really breaking, there's too much moisture.

What are the symptoms of protein overload?

What is protein overload?
  • Dry and brittle hair so it breaks easily
  • Hair feels rough, almost straw-like
  • Extra shedding
  • More tangles than normal
  • Hair is stiff and overall lifeless
  • It lacks shine

10 Hidden Signs of PROTEIN Deficiency (Watch Carefully) 2024

How to restore protein in hair?

A simple protein heat treatment is as follows:
  1. Apply protein treatment or mask to hair from scalp to ends. ...
  2. Wrap hair into a bun and apply a covering, such as a shower cap. ...
  3. Blowdry (on low heat) consistently around your head to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
  4. Remove covering and rinse treatment out.

How do you fix high protein levels?

Here are common treatments:
  1. Lifestyle Changes. Dietary Adjustments: A diet low in sodium, protein, and sugar may help if kidney disease or high blood pressure is the cause. ...
  2. Medication. ...
  3. Dialysis.

What does hair feel like when it needs protein?

Your Hair Feels Gummy

If your hair feels mushy and sticky, it's a sign the protein bonds in your hair have been weakened beyond repair causing it to feel like bubblegum.

What does over-moisturized hair look like?

Signs Your Hair Is Overly Moisturized

Your hair is limp and falls flat. Your hair is dull and flat-looking. Your hair feels spongy and mushy when wet and feels too soft and fluffy when dry. Your hair has low elasticity — stretches when wet but doesn't bounce back when released.

What does hair with too much protein look like?

Too much moisture will leave your hair limp, mushy and lifeless while too much protein can cause it to be brittle and straw-like.

How do you reduce protein buildup?

Replacing some meat with vegetables and grains is an effective way to reduce protein intake. Vegetables and grains should form the main body of meals, with a supplementary protein source.

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.

How to clarify hair?

Wet Your Hair: Start by thoroughly soaking your hair with warm water. This helps open the cuticles and prepares your hair for deep cleansing. Apply the Shampoo: Take a generous amount of clarifying shampoo and apply it directly to your scalp. Focus on the roots, where buildup tends to accumulate the most.

Does Olaplex have too much protein?

There are 2 olaplex products, number 4 and number 6. They contain minimal amount of. hydrolyzed vegetable proteins. And the levels of these proteins are very low, less than 001 percent.

How to spot protein in hair products?

Protein ingredients are easy to spot on a product's label because they commonly include the word “protein.” Sometimes proteins will also show up as collagen or keratin. Examples of common protein ingredients include: Hydrolyzed wheat protein. Hydrolyzed silk protein.

How to tell if your hair has moisture overload?

Hair in moisture overload will have some distinctive symptoms:
  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.

What hydrates ends of hair?

Step-by-Step Guide On How To Moisturize Your Hair Ends
  • Ensure Regular Oiling Of Your Hair. Oiling is one of the proven ways to moisturize the hair. ...
  • Use A High Quality Moisturizing Shampoo. ...
  • Do Not Overwash Your Hair. ...
  • Apply Hair Moisturizer After Every Wash. ...
  • Avoid Heat Styling Tools. ...
  • Apply Hair Masks Regularly.

How do you know if your hair has too much protein or not enough?

Healthy hair will fall slightly. If your hair is limp and flops down it likely needs more protein. If that strand is stiff and does not bounce like healthy hair does, you either have extreme damage or too much protein in your hair.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.

What deficiency causes frizzy hair?

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which is vital for hair strength. A deficiency in Vitamin C can result in weak hair that is more prone to frizz. Zinc: It plays a crucial role in hair tissue growth and repair. Insufficient zinc levels can lead to hair that is dry and prone to frizz.

What are the symptoms of too much protein?

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 protein in urine look like?

Foamy, frothy or bubbly urine.

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