Benefits of Wheat Protein Treatment for Hair (With 5 Awesome Product Examples!)
December 01, 2021BruceDaynePhoto by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
Benefits of Wheat Protein Treatment for Hair
(With 5 Awesome Product Examples!)
By Jacqueline Samaroo
Protein gets lots and lots of attention when it comes to natural haircare and, in particular, natural curly haircare. That’s not surprising, really, since hair is mostly made up of proteins that give it structure and strength. Also, all types of curly hair are more susceptible to being dry, brittle, damaged, and breaking. What’s more, texture curly, coily, wavy, and kinky hair is much more likely to be be over-manipulated during styling than straight hair.
What is hydrolyzed wheat protein?
Benefits of a wheat protein treatment for hair growth
How often should you do a wheat protein treatment for hair growth?
5 Wheat protein hair products – a look at:
- OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner
- MakingCosmetics – Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
- Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Leave-In Conditioner
- KERASTASE Nutritive Masquintense Thick Hair
- L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Leave-In Conditioner
What is wheat protein?
Wheat protein is derived from wheat germ. About 80% of the protein in wheat is gluten, which is actually a group of water-insoluble proteins. The two main gluten proteins are gliadin and glutenin.
Wheat protein acts as a stored food source of vital proteins. These are used for growth and tissue building by the new plant growing in the seeds of the wheat plant.
What is hydrolyzed wheat protein?
Often times you will see the term hydrolyzed wheat protein in skin care and hair care product ingredients. This simply means the protein has been broken down into smaller molecules. This makes it much easier for it to pass into the skin and hair shaft.
In fact, wheat protein is not the only protein that can be hydrolyzed. Other proteins can be broken down in a similar process. Many natural hair care and skin care products make use of hydrolyzed proteins for how well they are absorbed, their strengthening properties, and how well they lock in moisture.
Is wheat protein gluten free?
As we learn more and more about gluten sensitivity, the question of whether foods or other products are gluten-free is often asked. In the case of “Is wheat protein gluten free?” the answer is “No.”
It is true that wheat protein hair products, such as a hydrolyzed wheat protein conditioner, are only used topically and not ingested. But, it is still best advised for anyone with gluten or wheat sensitivity to avoid using wheat protein hair products.
There are plenty of other protein-packed and hydrating proteins. These produce similar results to wheat protein but do not contain gluten.
Benefits of a wheat protein treatment for hair growth
Hair is mostly made up of fibers of keratin protein. These fibers are joined together by disulfide bonds. Broken disulfide bonds result in brittle hair. These same disulfide bonds are present in wheat protein. It is thought that wheat protein has the ability to fill in the broken bonds between the keratin fibers, making hair smoother and stronger.
Here are some of the other benefits of wheat protein for hair:
Adds moisture and protein.
A hydrolyzed wheat protein treatment for hair primarily works as a strengthening hydrator. It adds protein to the strands while helping to draw in moisture then lock that moisture in. In this way, it contributes to maintaining the protein-moisture balance in your strands.
Improves the appearance of your hair.
Wheat protein in hair products leaves the strands smoother, more flexible, and more elastic. Your hair looks shinier and your curls are bouncier. Your hair is also much better able to put up with styling and manipulation without breaking.
Is lightweight and volumizing
Hydrolyzed wheat protein is lightweight and its small molecules easily penetrate the hair shaft. Once there they pull in water, plumping up the strands and making your hair appear fuller and thicker.
Works for all types of hair
A wheat protein treatment for hair produces wonderful results for hair that is
- Chemically-treated
- Color-treated
- Heat-damaged
- Damaged by over manipulation
- Dry and brittle
It is also good for curly hair (even if your hair is already in pretty good shape). That’s because naturally textured hair tends to be drier and more susceptible to damage.
Vegan-friendly
Although it is not gluten-free, wheat protein is a vegan-friendly product. Wheat protein is a completely plant-based protein. That said, you should always read the product information on the label to ensure any product you use is of the standard you are trying to maintain.
How often should you do a wheat protein treatment for hair growth?
As with any other hair care treatments that contain protein, you should avoid using hydrolyzed wheat protein too often. Overuse can add excess protein to your strands, leaving them brittle.
A wheat protein hair treatment can be done once every four to six weeks. Use it along with other deeply hydrating and moisturizing conditioners for maximum benefit.
5 Wheat protein hair products
What’s in them?
Hydrolyzed wheat protein, vitamin B7 (biotin), and collagen
What are they good for?
This shampoo and conditioner set from OGX offers color protection along with strengthening and hydrating benefits. The formula adds volume to your hair and leaves your strands shinier-looking.
What’s in it?
Hydrolyzed wheat protein
What’s it good for?
This is a cosmetic ingredient that can be added (following the directions) to your usual shampoo or conditioner. Gives any shampoo or conditioner a hydrolyzed wheat protein boost! It can also be added to skincare products.
What’s in it?
Hydrolyzed wheat protein, provitamin B5, aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, and Tahitian garden flower extract
What’s it good for?
Strengthens hair, making it more manageable and less prone to breakage. This leave-in conditioner softens and smooths your strands for lustrous, healthy-looking curls.
What’s in it?
Hydrolyzed wheat protein, iris rhizome extract, and sunflower seed oil
What’s it good for?
Protects hair from damage, thanks to the antioxidants in its formula. Also, improves the feel, manageability, and look of your strands. Provides a boost of nutrients and strength, as well.
What’s in it?
Hydrolyzed wheat protein and almond oil
What’s it good for?
This leave-in hydrolyzed wheat protein treatment for hair is also a heat protectant, offering maximum benefits to dry and damaged curls.
For more CurlyNikki articles about protein for hair growth, read:
- Protein Treatments for Hair Growth – 6 Things You Should Know
- Natural Hair Care: Protein and Hair – 7 Questions Answered
If wheat protein in hair products just isn’t your thing, be sure to check out our series on another tasty grain that’s gluten-free and works beautifully for curly hair!
- 5 Fantastic Fermented Rice Water Products for Curly Haircare
- Rice Water Shampoo for Natural Hair Care: Check Out These 3 Must-Try Examples!
- Rice Water Rinse for Curly Hair: What Is It, Benefits, and 3 EASY Rice Water Recipes
Do you have any hydrolyzed wheat protein hair care products? Tell us about it!
DMTBeautySpot
via https://dmtbeautyspot.com
Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,
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