By Sabrina Perkins of seriouslynatural.org
Our hair needs a harmonious balance of moisture and protein to survive and thrive. It’s often a challenge to determine just how to achieve that sweet spot, and even more difficult to maintain it. Our recommendation? Listen to your hair. You must become a hair whisperer! If it is dry, hard, lacking in elasticity, and easily broken, it most likely needs moisture. But if your hair is limp, mushy, lacking its characteristic SPRING, or otherwise scraggly looking, it needs protein; and a protein conditioner is the best way to do it.
But that hair aisle, tho?! It’s stocked to the roof with all types of conditioners, many of them protein or strengthening conditioners, and most with BIG claims of stopping breakage and hair loss in its tracks. Which one is the right one for you? It’s hard to say. Natural hair is like a science experiment. Trial and error is the name of the game. But we want to save you time, money, and hair, by giving you a blueprint to work from! Below you’ll find my Top 5 Protein Conditioner recommendations. All are balanced, gentle, and should be used monthly or bi-weekly.
Alikay Naturals Honey And Sage Deep Conditioner
Alikay Naturals deep conditioner was specifically created for damaged hair, to repair and get strands back on the healthy track. This humectant-based deep conditioner gives maximum moisture and strength with honey and natural proteins. Also, this Black-owned brand has stellar products and always delivers for natural hair.
Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Protein Conditioner
AO’s balancing protein conditioner is my favorite, and I have been using it for years. It smells amazing, gives me all the protein I need and is reasonably priced. Nutrient-rich, protein-based GPB hydrates and re-energizes your hair, strengthens hair fiber, and repairs damage from (salon) treatments to restore softness, manageability and shine.
Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Conditioner
A dual-action shampoo with a plumping formula leaves strands feeling thicker with every use! This volumizing conditioner is specially formulated with an active complex of collagen, B vitamins and biotin to restore bounce and vitality while reparative argan and sweet almond oils hydrate without weighing hair down. Botanical sugars coat each strand to increase thickness for a voluminous head of hair without any stiff, sticky after effects. All you’re left with is the lustrous, lively locks you deserve.
Ouidad Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner
A perfect protein conditioner for the most humid of climates, Ouidad’s defrizzing conditioner defies even the highest humidity, simultaneously detangling and defrizzing curls while promoting softness and shine. Strengthen with proteins and stay frizz-free.
Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner
This amazing hemp conditioner has an incredibly rich array of fatty acids to ensure well-nourished tresses with only a touch of silk protein and a generous dollop of aloe vera gel. Enriched with a powerhouse of ingredients, honey hemp naturally detangles by drenching your hair in pure honey, hemp seed oil, and silk, to nourish and replenish while moisturizing every strand.
Our hair needs a harmonious balance of moisture and protein to survive and thrive. It’s often a challenge to determine just how to achieve that sweet spot, and even more difficult to maintain it. Our recommendation? Listen to your hair. You must become a hair whisperer! If it is dry, hard, lacking in elasticity, and easily broken, it most likely needs moisture. But if your hair is limp, mushy, lacking its characteristic SPRING, or otherwise scraggly looking, it needs protein; and a protein conditioner is the best way to do it.
But that hair aisle, tho?! It’s stocked to the roof with all types of conditioners, many of them protein or strengthening conditioners, and most with BIG claims of stopping breakage and hair loss in its tracks. Which one is the right one for you? It’s hard to say. Natural hair is like a science experiment. Trial and error is the name of the game. But we want to save you time, money, and hair, by giving you a blueprint to work from! Below you’ll find my Top 5 Protein Conditioner recommendations. All are balanced, gentle, and should be used monthly or bi-weekly.
Alikay Naturals Honey And Sage Deep Conditioner
Alikay Naturals deep conditioner was specifically created for damaged hair, to repair and get strands back on the healthy track. This humectant-based deep conditioner gives maximum moisture and strength with honey and natural proteins. Also, this Black-owned brand has stellar products and always delivers for natural hair.
Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Protein Conditioner
AO’s balancing protein conditioner is my favorite, and I have been using it for years. It smells amazing, gives me all the protein I need and is reasonably priced. Nutrient-rich, protein-based GPB hydrates and re-energizes your hair, strengthens hair fiber, and repairs damage from (salon) treatments to restore softness, manageability and shine.
Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Conditioner
A dual-action shampoo with a plumping formula leaves strands feeling thicker with every use! This volumizing conditioner is specially formulated with an active complex of collagen, B vitamins and biotin to restore bounce and vitality while reparative argan and sweet almond oils hydrate without weighing hair down. Botanical sugars coat each strand to increase thickness for a voluminous head of hair without any stiff, sticky after effects. All you’re left with is the lustrous, lively locks you deserve.
Ouidad Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner
A perfect protein conditioner for the most humid of climates, Ouidad’s defrizzing conditioner defies even the highest humidity, simultaneously detangling and defrizzing curls while promoting softness and shine. Strengthen with proteins and stay frizz-free.
Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner
This amazing hemp conditioner has an incredibly rich array of fatty acids to ensure well-nourished tresses with only a touch of silk protein and a generous dollop of aloe vera gel. Enriched with a powerhouse of ingredients, honey hemp naturally detangles by drenching your hair in pure honey, hemp seed oil, and silk, to nourish and replenish while moisturizing every strand.
What’s your favorite protein treatment?! Tell us below!
Sabrina Perkins is an author and beauty blogger of two successful blogs, seriouslynatural.org and naturalhairforbeginners.com. A natural hair expert with over 10 years in the field, her newest book, Natural Hair For Beginners – A Beginners Guide To Going Natural Successfully! has received rave reviews and breaks down the basics of natural hair and how to keep it healthy.