DIY Protein Conditioner : Gelatin
Tori asks, 'I read your article on hydrolyzed proteins and I see that you do not recommend eggs for a protein conditioner, so what I can I use instead. I am a DIY girl, I do not want to purchase aphogee.'
What are hydrolyzed proteins?
Tori is talking about this article which talks all about proteins and size - Size matters!
What is my suggestion for a DIY protein conditioner?
Gelatin is my suggestion. It is hydrolysed protein (usually pork). The recipe is simple, just make the gelatin up as per the instructions on your pack and apply it to your hair. Gelatin can be tricky to use as it can easily form lumps, use hot water instead of cold to help prevent this and of course allow the mix to cool before using it. Once you are done, rinse and follow up with a moisturising conditioner.
Gelatin is actually routinely used by synchronised swimmers to keep hair from being displaced by the water, the process is called knoxing. Knox is a brand of gelatin in US. I found a video to illustrate it, isn't it fascinating!
You've literally read my mind great post.. I've been wanting to try gelatine in my hair for a while now. How often would you recommend that I use the gelatine as a DIY protein treatment? Once every 6 weeks like the aphogee?
ReplyDeleteI say you should go by the feel of your hair, if you are unable to keep moisture in for atleast 2-3 days at a go, then try the protein treatment that week. If you have breakage, then keep it in regular rotation (every other wash/every 2-3 washes). If your hair is generally ok, then every 6-8 weeks just to balance it up.
DeleteAfter reading your post on Haitian hair secrets, I've been looking for moelle de boeuf but it's far too expensive here in the UK and nowhere seems to sell it on the ground.
ReplyDeleteTried making my own using marrow bone (only £1!) - and I just couldn't apply it to my hair. It had all the bits of dried...er, flesh floating about and it stunk my kitchen out something awful! Do you think beef gelatin would be a nice alternative for muslimahs? I'm not one but it might be nice for them to have a way of accessing it too.
lol! You know you are supposed to boil it, let it cool and form the jelly then scoop the jelly off. You can then use that jelly (but filter it first). Bone marrow soup is quite nice and smells tasty :)
DeleteIt would have to be halal beef gelatin. I don't know how easy that would be to find, but yes if it can be found!
are there any vegan hydrolyzed proteins?
DeleteI really like this treatment. I've been using it for the past 3 months actually. I started using it once a week but that was a bit much so I switched to once every 2 weeks and have now scaled down to once a month (just cause I reduced how often I shampoo).
ReplyDeleteI just melt a small amount (less than a teaspoon) with a little warm water till it's mostly liquid and mix it in with my regular conditioner and a small amount of acv.. I'm not a 100% but I think I read somewhere that it helps the gelatin "stick" to the hair (?? Though I really haven't noticed a big difference either way, I just do it because of habit).
My hair feels stronger, I'd compare it to the aphogee 2min reconstructor actually since it gives me the same feeling.
There must be a vegan alternative for gelatin! Anyone 's help appreciated! JC can you advise?
ReplyDeleteI believe Agar-agar powder is the alternative you are looking for.
ReplyDeleteI add some conditioner to my gelatin, which makes it easier to apply to my hair. Do you think this would improve the action of the gelatin, or impede it?
ReplyDelete