Whether you are protein-sensitive, have protein overload, or just want to steer clear of proteins, there are options for those wanting to limit their usage. Our hair needs protein, as it is 90% keratin. For healthy hair, we need a proper balance of protein and moisture, and without it, you can cause havoc on the curls, waves, and coils.
According to Medical News Today, “proteins are large molecules consisting of amino acids which our bodies and the cells in our bodies need to function properly.” That includes our bones, muscles, skin, and hair, and despite our strong protein, it can break down. With natural weathering and damage from over-manipulation and chemicals (e.g., color treatments), we need protein treatments to fill in the gaps on the hair strands.
This is just a temporary fix so it must be done regularly but the problem that many curly girls face is using too much protein. Once a month or less is the most anyone needs, but many hair care products we use daily like leave-in conditioners have protein in them. When you start using protein products daily you can cause havoc on your hair and create protein-overload which creates dry, brittle strands that are susceptible to breakage.
It pays to look at the ingredients in your products, so we decided to share nine protein-free leave-in conditions that will leave your hair conditioned and moisturized.
1. Kinky-Curly Knot Today
Image Source: @officialkinkycurly
Knot Today is a favorite among curly girls for two major reasons. It keeps the frizz away and it has massive slip! That slippery elm and marshmallow root are not there for nothing. They aid in detangling like a pro without parabens, protein, or drying alcohols. This natural conditioning treatment is safe and perfect for daily use.
2. Oyin Handmade Hair Dew
A creamy conditioning leave-in that is super popular because it is great for washing day and waking up your curls daily. Second-day hair is a serious concern for many curlies but adding more products can cause hair to feel overloaded, weighed down, or look a mess. But Oyin’s hair dew will refresh the curls even without water because it has water, castor oil, olive oil, and aloe barbadensis leaf juice.
3. As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
Coconut oil, amla oil, and water are the first three ingredients in this natural wonder that will leave your hair softer, shinier, and even more manageable. Detangles like a boss, this leave-in will seal the cuticle, add shine, and prepare hair for styling all without parabens, proteins, or silicones.
4. Curl Junkie BeautiCurls Leave-in Hair Conditioner
A good leave-in is usually used daily so it makes sense why Cur Junkie’s BeautiCurls Leave-in is lightweight, made with herbal botanicals and butters to enhance and not harm your curls. Gain shine and softness with a superior detangling leave-in that smells heavenly.
5. Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray
This NaturallyCurly Editor’s Choice 2015 winner will manage, soften, and pump up your curl’s moisture levels, all while being a barrier to heat. Water, conditioning agents, and coconut oil help make this leave-in give superior nourishment without weighing down your curls. Reduce frizz, UV rays, and bad hair days with this favorite leave-in.
6. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-In Moisturizer
Water, soybean oil, sweet almond oil, and cocoa seed butter make up the top ingredients in this rich, moisturizing leave-in from Carol’s Daughter. Stave off dryness and frizz while defining and moisturizing your coils, waves, and curls. If your hair is thirsty, then this leave-in will give it what it needs for massive hydration and shine.
7. Lottabody, Coconut Oil and Shea Moisturize Me Curl & Style Milk
Coconut and shea oils deeply hydrate hair from the inside out, leaving hair soft and nourished with brilliant shine. Moisturize dry, frizzy hair for springy, hydrated curls. Detangles, conditions, and controls curls while adding brilliant shine, body, and bounce.
8. Camille Rose Honey Hydrate Leave In Conditioner
Camille Rose brings the best moisture for curls and coils with this golden honey syrup leave-in conditioner. The honey transforms into a natural hair softener and smoother. Paired with notes of orange, you are left with a light and lovely aroma that will soften and coat your tresses!
9. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner
A NaturallyCurly Best of the Best winner, Shea Moisture (SM) brings it what is always does with leave-in…excellence. One of my favorite lines by SM, this leave-in will revitalize your curls, waves, and coils. Water, shea butter, argan oil, and coconut oil will restore your hair’s moisture, shine, and softness with a scent that is soothing and calm.
OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.
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