From early childhood education, we’ve been taught much about proteins. About how important they are for our bodies, why we should always eat them, and their amazing benefits to our health. When discussing the benefits of proteins to our bodies, people usually do not even think about their hair. But guess what? Proteins are essential for your hair. In fact, hair itself is made up of proteins. It is the hair strand’s primary component, forming the hair’s structural building blocks.
What Proteins does for your hair
Proteins cannot be underestimated in the pursuit of healthy and luscious hair. Proteins provide strength and resilience to hair. Adequate protein intake supports hair growth, repair, and overall health, helping to prevent breakage and maintain shine and elasticity. Also, proteins help maintain the hair’s natural moisture balance by forming a protective barrier around the hair shaft, preventing excessive moisture loss and reducing frizz.
Incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet or using protein-based hair treatments can significantly improve the health and appearance of your hair, promoting shine, smoothness, strength, and manageability.
Any hair lacking proteins will break easily, appear weak, begin to thin, and lose its elasticity. A lack of protein can weaken hair, leading to issues like hair breakage, thinning, and loss of elasticity. Incorporating proteins into the hair regimen can treat many hair issues people face.
How to supply proteins to your hair
Now that you’ve learned about the benefits of proteins for your hair, your next question may be, ” How exactly can I get proteins into my hair?” You can give your hair adequate proteins either by using a store-bought protein product or simply making your own protein pack and incorporating it into your hair care regimen.
Benefits of a DIY Protein Hair Pack
Numerous protein-enriched hair products are available in various cosmetics shops worldwide. They come in different shapes, sizes, and labels from different brands, each promising the best results.
Choosing any of these products could be an excellent choice, except for the fact that they can be very expensive. Also, many commercial products are laden with chemicals and artificial additives, which may do more harm than good in the long run. In addition, some people may be allergic to some of the ingredients used in the formulation of the product.
This makes homemade alternatives a more economical option and a safer and healthier choice for your hair. A DIY hair protein hair pack can be made from the comfort of your home using simple ingredients. Some of which can be readily available in your kitchen.
10 Effective Homemade Protein-Rich Hair Packs
Egg and Yogurt Mix
Eggs are a great source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that nourish and strengthen the hair follicles while yoghurt nourishes and adds shine to hair. To create this Protein pack, you will need eggs and of course, yoghurt.
Method:
- Mix the egg and yogurt until smooth.
- Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the roots and tips.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
Avocado and Banana Mix
Avocado contains healthy fats, vitamins, and proteins that moisturize and strengthen hair, while bananas provide protein and boost elasticity.
Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, 1 ripe banana
Method:
- Mash the avocado and banana together until a smooth paste forms.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair, covering from roots to ends.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
Coconut Milk and Honey
Coconut milk contains protein and essential fats that nourish and repair damaged hair, while honey helps to add moisture and shine to hair.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup coconut milk, 2 tablespoons honey
Method:
- Mix the coconut milk and honey until it is well combined.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair and massage gently.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse out with lukewarm water.
Greek Yogurt and Honey
Greek yogurt is rich in protein and probiotics, which strengthens hair and improves scalp health. Honey helps to add moisture which is very important for hair health, and helps bring a balance between proteins and moisture.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey
Method:
- Mix the Greek yogurt and honey together in a mixing bowl until it becomes smooth
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, focusing on the roots and ends.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Mayonnaise and Olive Oil Mix
Mayonnaise contains egg protein and oils that hydrate and strengthen hair, while olive oil adds moisture and promotes scalp health. This protein pack can be used as a prepoo treatment.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons olive oil
Method:
- Mix the mayonnaise and olive oil until well blended.
- Apply the mixture to dry or damp hair, covering thoroughly.
- Leave it on for 30-45 minutes
- Rinse out with lukewarm water
Milk and Honey Mix
Milk is rich in protein and vitamins that strengthen hair and promote growth, while honey adds moisture and shine.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup milk, 1 tablespoon honey
Method:
- Mix the milk and honey until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, and gently massage it.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Soy Milk and Aloe Vera
Soy milk is a plant-based source of protein that strengthens hair and prevents breakage, while aloe vera acts as a moisturizer and also soothes the scalp.
Ingredients:1/2 cup soy milk, 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
Method:
- Mash the aloe vera until it is smooth
- Mix the soy milk and aloe vera gel until well combined
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, focusing on the scalp and ends.
- Cover your hair with a heat cap
- Leave it on for 30 minutes
- Rinse out with cool water
Rice Water and Green Tea
Rice water is very popular in the natural hair world. It contains amino acids which helps to strengthen hair and improve elasticity, while green tea is rich in antioxidants that promote scalp health and stimulate hair growth.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rice water, 1/4 cup brewed green tea (cooled)
Method:
- Mix the rice water and green tea.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair
- Massage it properly into your hair, gently.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes
- Rinse out with lukewarm water
Almond Milk and Oatmeal Protein Pack
Almond milk provides protein and essential fatty acids that nourish and strengthen hair, while oatmeal soothes the scalp and enhances moisture.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/4 cup oatmeal (ground into a fine powder)
Method:
- Mix the almond milk and oatmeal powder until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair, focusing on the roots and tips.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes
- Rinse out using lukewarm water
Mayonnaise and Avocado mix
Mayonnaise contains eggs packed with proteins that nourish your hair. This pack contains fatty oils that will condition your hair while nourishing it. Using this hair pack will make your hair smooth and shiny. Note that you should not use this hair mask if you have oily hair.
Ingredients: Mayonnaise, ripe avocado.
Method:
- Mash the avocado, and add the mayonnaise.
- Mix until it is well combined.
- Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in for an hour.
- Rinse it out with cool water.
With these ten homemade protein-rich hair packs, you can nourish, strengthen, and revitalize your hair without breaking the bank or exposing it to harmful chemicals. You can also choose to use them as a pre-poo treatment, hair mask, or conditioner. Do what works for your hair.
