👩🏻🦰Are Protein Treatments Causing Damage to Your lace Wigs?💇🏽♀️ Understanding the Risks👱🏼♀️
- Hairline Illusions
- Jan 13, 2024
- 6 min read
As a wig owner or stylist, understanding the nuances of maintaining and nourishing human hair wigs is essential for their longevity and aesthetic appeal. One of the pivotal elements in wig care is the application of protein treatments.
Protein hair treatments are designed to strengthen and repair damaged hair by adding protein to the hair shaft. However, these treatments can sometimes lead to issues with ventilated knots in wigs or hair extensions, causing them to shed. Here are a few reasons why this might happen:
Over-Strengthening of Hair: Protein treatments make the hair stronger, but too much protein can make the hair stiff and brittle. This brittleness can lead to breakage, especially at the knots where the hair is tied to the wig cap or lace base, making them more prone to shedding.
Altering Hair Structure: Ventilated knots are tied manually in wigs and extensions. Protein treatments can sometimes alter the hair structure, making it harder for the knots to hold, especially if the hair becomes stiff or loses its natural elasticity.
Application Technique: The method of applying the treatment can also affect the knots. If the treatment is applied too vigorously or rubbed into the base of the wig, it can loosen the knots, leading to increased shedding.
Incompatibility with Hair Type: Not all hair types react the same way to protein treatments. Hair used in wigs and extensions often undergoes processing, and the added protein may not always be compatible with this processed hair, leading to weakening at the knots.
Imbalance of Moisture and Protein: Hair needs a balance of protein and moisture. If a protein treatment is not followed by adequate moisturizing, the hair can become too protein-heavy, leading to dryness and brittleness. This imbalance can particularly affect the delicately tied knots.
To minimize shedding, it's important to use protein treatments sparingly and follow them with a good moisturizing conditioner. Also, being gentle during application, particularly around the areas of the knots, can help maintain the integrity of the ventilated knots. If you're unsure about the suitability of a product for your wig or hair extensions, consulting a professional hairstylist or wig specialist is always a good idea.
If the wig hair is healthy, unprocessed, and free of split ends, the need for protein treatments is considerably less compared to damaged or chemically treated hair. Protein treatments are primarily used to repair and strengthen hair that's been weakened, damaged, or over-processed. For healthy wig hair, here are some guidelines:
Infrequent Use: Since the hair is already in good condition, protein treatments might only be necessary occasionally. This could mean using them as infrequently as once every 4-6 months, or even less, depending on the hair's condition and response.
Observation-Based Approach: Monitor the wig for signs that might indicate a need for a protein treatment, such as slight brittleness or a change in texture. However, if the wig continues to maintain its health and vitality, there's no need to apply protein treatments regularly.
Focus on Moisture: Healthy hair typically benefits more from regular moisturizing treatments than from protein. Maintaining a good balance of moisture will help keep the wig hair supple, shiny, and resilient.
Consult Professionals: If the wig is of high value or you're uncertain, consulting with a professional stylist or a wig specialist is advisable. They can provide tailored advice based on the specific type of wig hair and its current condition.
Remember, since a wig doesn't receive natural oils from the scalp like natural hair, it’s generally less prone to damage caused by protein loss. The key is maintaining its condition through proper care and avoiding unnecessary treatments that could potentially do more harm than good.
Protein Treatments on Processed Remi (Remy) Hair
For Remi (or Remy) hair that has been processed, the approach to protein treatments needs to be both cautious and balanced, as this hair type has already undergone significant treatment. Here are some guidelines:
Moderate Frequency: Since Remi hair is often of high quality but processed, it's important to use protein treatments judiciously. A general guideline could be once every 6-8 weeks, but this can vary based on the hair's condition and how it responds to treatments.
Monitor Hair Condition: Look for signs that the hair might need a protein boost, such as increased breakage, dryness, or loss of elasticity. If the hair appears healthy and maintains good texture, you might extend the time between protein treatments.
Balance with Moisturizing Treatments: Processed hair often needs more moisture to counteract the effects of processing chemicals. Ensure you're incorporating regular hydrating or moisturizing treatments into your hair care routine.
Gentle Formulations: Choose protein treatments that are designed for processed or color-treated hair to avoid further stressing the hair strands.
Start with Less: If you're unsure about how the hair will respond, start with a milder protein treatment or use it for a shorter duration. You can adjust based on how the hair reacts.
Professional Consultation: If possible, consult with a hair care professional who can provide personalized advice and recommendations, especially since processed Remi hair can vary in its level of processing and overall condition.
Can Protein Treatments Lead to Thin and Limp Hair?
Protein treatments can sometimes cause hair strands to stick together, which might give the appearance of thinner hair. This can happen for a few reasons:
Protein Overload: If too much protein accumulates on the hair, it can cause the strands to become stiff and stick together. Hair needs a balance of protein and moisture; too much protein can disrupt this balance, leading to hair that feels hard and straw-like.
Product Buildup: Some protein treatments may leave a residue that causes strands to clump together, especially if not thoroughly rinsed out. This can give the illusion of less volume and thinner hair.
Change in Hair Texture: Protein treatments alter the texture of hair by filling in gaps in the hair cuticle. If the hair reacts by becoming overly coarse or rigid, it might not separate as easily, leading to strands grouping together.
To avoid these issues, it's important to:
Use protein treatments as per your hair's needs and in moderation.
Ensure thorough rinsing after treatment to avoid buildup.
Balance protein treatments with hydrating and moisturizing hair care products.
If you're unsure about your hair's protein needs, consult with a hair care professional for personalized advice.
Does Protein Treatment Lead to Shedding in Wig Hair?
Protein hair treatments can potentially cause knots in ventilated wigs or hair extensions to slip for a couple of reasons:
Making Hair Too Soft: While protein treatments are generally intended to strengthen hair, if they are overused or if the specific formulation is too intense for the hair type, they can sometimes make the hair too soft. When hair becomes overly soft, it may lose some of its texture and grip, which is essential for holding the knots securely in place. This loss of grip can lead to the knots slipping or becoming loose.
Residue from Incomplete Rinsing: If a protein treatment is not thoroughly rinsed out, it can leave a residue on both the hair and the base of the wig or extensions. This residue can act as a lubricant, making the hair strands slipperier. As a result, the knots that were once secure might start to loosen and slip, leading to increased shedding.
To prevent these issues, it's important to:
Use Protein Treatments Sparingly: Especially for wigs and extensions, as they do not receive natural oils from the scalp like natural hair does. Over-treatment can lead to imbalances in the hair's texture.
Follow Instructions Carefully: Ensure that you're using the treatment as recommended by the manufacturer or your hair care professional.
Rinse Thoroughly: After applying a protein treatment, make sure to rinse the hair thoroughly to remove any residue that could lead to slipping knots.
Balance with Moisture: Always follow up protein treatments with a good moisturizing conditioner to maintain the right balance of protein and moisture in the hair.
Be Gentle: When applying treatments and rinsing them out, be gentle to avoid putting stress on the knots.
In a nutshell:
Virgin Hair: Protein treatments should be used sparingly, typically every 4-6 months, as virgin hair is usually healthy and less in need of frequent protein reinforcement.
Processed Remi Hair: For this type of hair, protein treatments are beneficial every 6-8 weeks, considering the hair has been processed and may need more frequent strengthening.
Poor Quality Hair: This type of hair might require protein treatments more often, about every 3-4 weeks, to help maintain its strength and appearance due to its lower quality and potential damage.
Remember, the goal with protein treatments is to strengthen the hair without overloading it with protein, which can lead to brittleness and breakage. Monitoring the hair’s response after each treatment and adjusting the frequency and type of treatment accordingly is key.
©2024 Hairline Illusions
Comments