If hair care were Chinese philosophy, moisture would be the yin, and protein, the yang. Problem is, most of us natural heats are still confused about how much moisture and protein our hair actually needs. But understanding what and when you hair needs this or that is the key to long, healthy lustrous locks, because once you have the formula down, you’ll stop breakage in its tracks.

Do you know when you hair needs moisture?

Moisture is absolutely essential, and most afro-textured hair needs it regularly. Water is the ultimatel moisturizer, so no balking about how it dries out your hair, ummkay? It doesn’t. It’s what comes after–the heat styling and manipulation that can cause dryness and breakage. Also too much protein-heavy hair products can leach the moisture out of your hair. You know your hair needs moisture when it feels, well…dry. If you’ve been using too much protein, your hard will also feel hard and brittle. When wet, it will feels rough, hard and tangly, and won’t stretch much before it breaks. But don’t think that you can slap some coconut oil or jojoba oil on it and it will get better. Unless you add some water to that equation, that oil will just sit on top of your hair and won’t penetrate.

Best (Economical) Moisturizing Conditioners

Aubrey Oranixs Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner

Dove Advanced Care Sheer Moisture Conditioner

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner

Herbal Essences none of Your Frizzness Smoothing Conditioner

Trader Joe’s Refresh Conditioner

Pantene Pro-V Color Preserve Smooth Conditioner

Do You Know When Your Hair Needs Protein?

Do you have Gumby hair? It’s what happens when your hair is so full of moisture that it feels gummy and limp. It will stretch ridiculously before it breaks. If your hair is color treated or relaxed, it’s a given that the chemicals used to penetrate the bonds of the hair will leave you protein starved.

Best (Economical) Protein Conditioners

Aubrey Organics Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Conditioner

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask

Trader Joes Nourish Spa Balance Moisturizing Conditioner

But Wait!!

Before you apply any product to address your protein or moisture deficiency, clarify first. It’s best to start fresh on hair that free of product and oil build up.

Source: “The Science of Black Hair“