Protein Overload Might Be Sabotaging Your Hair Goals. Here’s What To Look Out For

It's not protein that you're eating that's the problem.

If protein is a building block of hair, it can only be a good thing to load up on lots of products that contain protein, right?

Popular hair repair options these days include keratin, collagen, peptides and bond-building complexes that claim to improve the health of your hair. But don’t load up on them too fast...

While protein helps maintain strong, healthy hair, strands can actually become stiff and brittle when topically applied protein builds up faster than hair can handle it, leading to breakage, frizz and tangling.

Here, experts explain what protein overload is, how to spot it in your hair and how to rebalance your routine.

Why too much protein can backfire

Protein is made primarily of keratin, which gives each strand of hair strength and structure. Bonds, also known as crosslinks, between keratin chains within the hair allow it to stretch.

“Healthy hair is the state where this protein matrix and its crosslinks are intact enough that fibres resist traction, yet still show good elastic return and cosmetic shine,” explained Caroline Ruggiero, a certified trichologist and CEO at Truly You Hair & Scalp Clinic in Mississauga, Ontario.

But when protein-based shampoos, conditioners, masks and styling products – which are often marketed as strengthening or repairing – are layered too frequently, the result can be protein overload.

“Like anything, more isn’t always better,” said Emmanuel Mroczka, a trichologist and co-owner at The Hair & Scalp Specialists in Fairview Park, Ohio. “Hair impacted by protein overload typically feels stiff or straw-like, rough even after conditioning, prone to........

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