If you suffer from protein sensitive hair, castor oil could be a great way to combat the dryness in your hair.
You may already know that protein is beneficial for hair, such as its ability to strengthen the hair and promote hair growth. But what happens if your hair doesn’t react to protein the way it should?
In this article, we’re going to explore how castor oil is suitable for protein-sensitive hair.
Castor oil is an excellent choice for those with protein-sensitive hair as it is made up entirely of fats and contains no protein. Unlike many protein products on the shelves, Castor oil is natural and contains essential vitamins and fatty acids that contribute to shiny, healthy hair.
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100% pure unrefined, cold pressed castor oilWhat is Protein Sensitive Hair?
Protein-sensitive hair is when the hair has an aversion to protein-containing products, which can cause it to become dry, crunchy, and stiff.
Of course, we all need protein in our hair and scalp for maintenance, but discovering how much or how little your hair needs is the most important first step.
So, how do you know if you have protein-sensitive hair? Well, there is a test that you can do right now to determine how your hair reacts.
- Dampen a section of hair
- Apply a protein-containing product to the section
- Let the section of hair dry
Now, you need to carefully inspect your hair for any changes in appearance or texture.
Most people will notice a hardening of the hair which is normal, but if it becomes very stiff or it begins to crackle or break off at the ends, then you most likely have a sensitivity to protein.
Although you shouldn’t avoid protein entirely, it’s recommended that you switch to products that contain little to no protein and opt for a monthly protein treatment instead.
It’s important not to overload the hair with protein regardless of your hair type because too much protein can do far more harm than good.
Getting the right balance of moisture and protein is essential but it involves experimenting with different products until you find a hair routine that works for you.
Benefits of Using Oil on Protein Sensitive Hair
If you’re wondering if oil-based products would be a better alternative for your protein-sensitive hair, then the answer is yes.
Oils contain 100 percent fat and no amounts of protein, which explains why those with a sensitivity to protein react better to natural oils.
For those who are experiencing dry, crunchy hair, applying oils to the scalp and the hair can help to restore that lost moisture and strengthen the hair in the process.
This works best when applied to the whole head for a couple of hours or left on overnight, as it takes longer for oils to penetrate the hair.
When done on a weekly basis, it can help to repair any damage to the hair and scalp and keep it looking shiny and healthy.
Also Read: Does Low Porosity Hair Need Protein? (How To Tell)
How to Use Castor Oil on Protein Sensitive Hair
Castor oil is a great choice for protein-sensitive hair because it’s rich in omega-6 fatty acids and contains amino acids that are highly beneficial to the body.
There are different types of castor oils available for protein-sensitive hair. These are cold-pressed castor oil, chemically extracted castor oil, hydrogenated castor oil, and Jamaican black castor oil.
The type of castor oil you decide to use on your hair depends on your needs. You might find the right one for you by experimenting with different variations.
Using any castor oil on your protein-sensitive hair requires a different process than how you would use other hair products.
Follow these steps
- Make sure your hair is dry – it will absorb more effectively this way
- Brush your hair to prevent tangles and knots as this can cause uneven application
- Warm a small amount of oil by placing it in the microwave for a few seconds – make sure it doesn’t get too hot!
- Pour a small amount of oil into your hand and use your fingertips to spread it evenly throughout the hair
- Start off by massaging the castor oil into your scalp and then gradually work it through the rest of the hair
- Pay careful attention to the ends of the hair as this is where the strands are most likely to be dry and brittle
- After you’ve applied the oil throughout the hair, let it sit for at least an hour or two so it can fully absorb
- Wash it out – this may require shampooing your hair twice to ensure there’s no oil left in the hair
Using castor oil regularly for protein-sensitive hair is great for hair health as it contains many essential nutrients that help strengthen the hair and encourage hair growth.
It can be a good replacement for deep conditioning treatments that contain a lot of protein.
Alternatives to Castor Oil
Not all oils are created equally and not all of them work on certain hair types.
For example, coconut oil can be beneficial to those with protein-sensitive hair but it can also create further problems.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is an ingredient that can potentially be damaging for those with protein-sensitive hair as it’s found to retain protein.
That’s why it’s important that you test these essentials oils out with just a section of the hair, as everyone will react differently to them!
Even though castor oil remains the top choice for protein-sensitive hair, there are some others that you could consider. These include:
- Jojoba oil
- Olive oil
- Almond oil
- Argan oil
- Avocado oil
Make sure that you monitor how your hair and scalp respond to any of these oils listed.
Every single one of them has different properties and they won’t all be beneficial to your specific hair type. However, you’re likely to find one that works for you.
Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.
