15 Best Protein Treatments For Natural Hair 2025; Products To Repair & Strengthen Black Hair
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It’s easier than you think for hair to get damaged.
And when it does, you’ll need the right products to nurse your hair back to health.
That’s what a protein treatment is.
Protein treatments help heal damaged hair by increasing its strength, elasticity, and more.
If you’re on the market for a great protein treatment to repair and strengthen your hair, here are a few options.
Contents
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Masque
The first protein treatment on the list is the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Masque.
It has a few benefits that you’ll want for your hair.
First, it restores hair strength.
Second, it helps damaged and chemically processed hair.
Third, it helps promote hair growth.
Not only does this product have Shea butter like many SheaMoisture products, but it also has Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
If you know anything about hair, you know that this one ingredient is known for promoting hair growth.
While it works wonders for your hair internally through all the bonds, it also helps your hair’s outward appearance of breakage and shedding.
A few other beneficial ingredients one would find in this product are coconut oil, avocado oil, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein – a popular ingredient found in protein treatments.
ApHogee Intensive Two Minute Keratin Reconstructor
When it comes to doing our hair, many of us want a quick fix.
The ApHogee Intensive 2 Minute Reconstructor might be as close as you can come to one.
When using this product, one only has to let it sit on the hair for two minutes for maximum penetration.
This product is a combination of keratin amino acids, botanical oils, and vitamins.
These are going to work to restore strength and softness.
It also helps with a number of hair problems.
I can help colored, bleached, or relaxed hair.
It can also be beneficial on hair that has been damaged from heat or otherwise.
Lastly, this ApHogee protein treatment can also help soothe irritated scalps.
Mielle Organic Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner
Another option for an effective protein treatment is the Mielle Organic Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner.
The first thing you might notice about this product is its name.
While we hear about coconut and argan oils commonly, babassu is probably a foreign one to you.
Babassu oil is derived from an Amazonian palm fruit.
The oil is highly effective for moisturizing the hair and scalp.
And that isn’t all that this product contains.
A look at the ingredient list would show a combination that helps to hydrate and replenish the hair.
Also, while this Mielle protein treatment promotes healthy hair, this in turn means it will also help reduce and smooth frizz and flyaways.
ApHogeee Two-Step Treatment Protein For Damaged Hair
The brand ApHogee clearly likes to do things in “twos” with their Two-Step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair.
While some brands come out with protein treatments that can be applied daily, this is one that should only be applied every 4-6 weeks.
Because of the strength of this treatment, overuse can actually damage the hair.
ApHogee highly recommends this product for a number of different hair types.
If you’re someone whose hair is too weak for services like perms, bleaching, or relaxers, using this protein treatment the week before can be very helpful.
This ApHogee product is also recommended for those whose hair is overbleached, breaks when combed or brushed, or has lost its curl pattern.
Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor
Next on the list is the Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor.
While protein treatments can also be used on healthy hair to maintain hair health, this product was specifically made for those with hair damage.
This could be due to overprocessing with products like bleach or even heavily heat damaged hair.
The Giovanni Cosmetics reconstructor does a number of things as well.
Not only does it reenergize damaged hair, but it helps to add thickness and volume by filling in porous hair with rich proteins.
Also with this product having been made by a hairstylist, these products aren’t irritating on the skin and they won’t affect colored hair.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
The Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is another product that has many benefits.
Dry hair? Check.
Damaged hair? Check.
Chemically treated hair? Triple check.
While many protein treatments are something you incorporate into your hair regimen monthly, the Briogeo mask is one that can be applied weekly.
Whether you have colored, relaxed, or keratin treated hair, this product will help strengthen and moisturize hair.
The ingredients of this product make it superior to many others on the market.
It has a series of oils including sweet almond oil and argan oil that are going to help hydrate while vitamin B5 and biotin are meant to protect the hair from further damage.
DevaCurl Heaven In Hair Divine Deep Conditioner
DevaCurl’s Heaven In Hair Divine Deep Conditioner is another protein treatment that can have massive benefits on the hair.
There are a few key ingredients in the product that DevaCurl emphasizes.
One, cacao seed butter helps smooth follicles in the hair.
Two, murumuru butter is an ingredient that helps moisturize.
Third, cupuacu butter helps hydrate dry hair.
A popular black hair care brand, this product was formulated for those with curly and kinky hair.
This is one protein treatment that is recommended for use one to two times a week.All you need is 15-30 minutes for the DevaCurl protein treatment to soak into the hair, and you’re good to go.
Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Protein Conditioner
If you can believe it, the GPB Balancing Protein Conditioner was the first product created by Aubrey Organics.
This protein treatment is popular for a few reasons.
One, we always love a hair product that smells good, and the hints of vanilla balsam make this product smell great.
Outside of the smell, there are also many benefits to this particular protein treatment.
Aubrey Organics promises that their protein treatment will not only strengthen hair fibers with glycoprotein, but it will also restore the softness and manageability of the hair.
Plus, this product contains aloe and Shea butter which both help to soothe, nourish, and hydrate the hair.
Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil Protein Conditioner
Tropic Isle Living is another brand that is using the benefits of castor oil for their Jamaican Black Castor Oil Protein Conditioner.
First and foremost, this product is filled with beneficial oils that are going to help the hair maintain its strength, hydration, and health.
In addition to the castor oil that promotes growth, this Tropic Isle Living protein conditioner is also infused with avocado, almond, jojoba, and grapeseed oil.
While this product is meant to strengthen and repair over-processed and damaged hair, it is also meant to decrease hair breakage while increasing moisture retention which is crucial for high porosity hair.
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment
Creme of Nature is another popular hair care brand among black women which is why this list would be incomplete without their Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment.
Argan oil itself has many benefits which include helping hair’s moisture and elasticity, combating frizz, and protecting hair from damage.
This particular product can be used weekly to help reconstruct the hair while also leaving it soft, silky, and full of body.
Lastly, this Creme of Nature product is going to leave the hair smooth, silky, and shiny.
ORS Olive Oil Strengthen & Nourish Replenishing Conditioner
ORS is another popular hair care company that many black women flock to.
Their Olive Oil Strengthen & Nourish Replenishing Conditioner is one reason that many people come back.
As part of their popular “Olive Oil” line, this conditioner is also infused with sweet orange oil and marine proteins which is going to help balance the moisture and protein levels within the hair.
In addition to this, the product also balances the pH of hair while also strengthening and bringing about the natural shine in hair.
While it’s suitable for all hair types, this ORS product is mostly beneficial for those with chemically treated hair.
Hair Chemist Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Masque
The Hair Chemist Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Masque is the perfect protein treatment for those with dry, damaged hair.
Not only does it have macadamia oil as one of the main ingredients, but it is also infused with argan oil which as we mentioned previously is a well-known ingredient for moisture.
These ingredients are able to deeply penetrate the hair to help reconstruct the strands and leave your hair healthier and stronger.
More so, the Hair Chemist repair masque will help you define your texture by helping to balance the protein in the strands.
Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Cantu is another popular hair care brand among black women.
Their Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque is among a few products in their line that includes the moisturizing ingredient shea butter.
While it can work well on all hair types, it is once again formulated to help hair that is either dry or has been damaged through overprocessing and heat.
This deep treatment from Cantu is going to increase hair elasticity and reduce breakage through its ability to boost moisture retention.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack
We all know Palmer’s for their cocoa butter, but you’ll soon know them for their Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Pack.
Whether your hair is damaged from color treatment, heat damage, or anything else, this product can help bring it back to life.
Not only is it formulated with organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, but it also has Tahitian Monoi which is one lesser known oil with a host of benefits that include preventing dandruff, preventing split ends, and treating hair loss.
This Palmer’s product is one to try especially if you’re looking to transform dull, dry, and weak hair.
Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt Down Extreme Repair Mask
Last, but not least, we have the Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt Down Extreme Repair Mask.
There are a number of benefits that this product boasts.
One, it restores elasticity and manageability.
Second, it leaves your hair soft, shiny and vibrant.
Lastly, it envelops the hair in protective moisture.
This Ouidad repair mask can be used twice a week or even as a weekly conditioner.
How Do You Know You Need A Protein Treatment?
The great thing about protein treatments is that they only benefit the hair.
Whether you need it or not, protein treatments are a good product to adopt into your hair care regimen.
Even so, there are a few signs to be mindful of that could point to needing a protein treatment.
First, have you recently colored your hair?
If you have, you most likely need a protein treatment.
Hair dye, especially bleach, can break hair bonds and cause damage.
A protein before hair coloring can be beneficial, but you can still apply afterwards to undo some of the damage.
A second reason you might need a protein treatment is if your hair feels “weird.”
You can normally tell when something about your hair feels off.
It feels extra dry or even sticky.
This is the result of damaged hair.
Doing a protein treatment on your hair can help strengthen the hair.
Another reason that you might decide it’s time for a protein treatment is if your hair is losing its texture.
If you notice that your hair is starting to lose its tight texture, this could be due to damage over time.
The best way to determine this is while your hair is wet.
If it bounces back, then the strand health is good, but if it’s still a looser texture, it’s time to do some correcting.
A protein treatment can also help your hair regain its elasticity.
Lastly, one reason you might need a protein treatment is if you have high porosity hair.
This type of hair has tons of breaks and tears making it easy to absorb water but hard to retain it.
Because of this, high porosity hair is prone to breakage and frizz.
If one has high porosity hair, a protein treatment should become a holy grail product.
How Often Should You Treat Your Hair With Protein?
All protein treatments aren’t created equal.
You might think the length of time applies to all products, but this isn’t true.
There are some protein treatments that you could get away with applying weekly.
Others, not so much.
What most stylists will tell you is that protein treatments should be applied every 4-6 weeks.
Why?
You’ve heard that too much of one thing is bad.
The same applies for protein treatments.
If you apply them too regularly, they could actually have the opposite effect by causing breakage.
When applying protein treatments, it is especially important to make sure you’re using a heavily hydrating and moisturizing conditioner afterwards.
The Benefits Of Protein Treatments
Now, as I mentioned before, using a protein treatment too often can damage your hair.
Alternatively, when you apply it as recommended, they can have many benefits.
One, protein treatments add protein back to the hair.
Keratin is a protein and the key structure of hair, so a protein treatment can replenish protein that your hair might be missing.
Another great thing about protein treatments is that they nourish and soften the hair as well.
If you want soft, luscious locks, a protein treatment can help encourage that.
A third benefit to protein treatments is that they can add body and volume to your hair.
They also help keep your hair strong by preventing breakage and split ends.
Lastly, another important benefit of protein treatments is that they help your hair retain its balance.
Our hair is filled with proteins, oils, and nutrients, and for hair health, they need to maintain a certain level.
Overall, protein treatments help promote hair health, but they can also work in conjunction with other products.
From shampoo to conditioners, there are a number of products that make your hair healthier instantly.
How Do You Know If A Product Contains Protein?
There are a few ways you can identify protein in a hair product.
First, there are types of products that commonly contain protein.
In addition to protein treatments, you’d find protein in volumizing shampoos and conditioners, leave-in conditioners, setting lotions, and gels.
There are even a few keywords to be mindful of when purchasing products.
You’ll see words like “strengthen,” “nourish,” and “repair” on many products that contain protein.
More so, you can identify protein through a series of ingredients that include: amino acids, animal protein, casein, keratin, milk protein, and more.
Best Protein Treatments for Natural Hair Conclusion
Protein treatments are a great way to repair and strengthen hair.
Any one of these products can help whether your hair has been affected by color, heat damage, or more.
Experimenting with your hair can be fun, but there’s no reason to let your hair suffer from it.
Add a protein treatment into your hair care routine and you’ll see a transformation to strong, healthy hair.
