15 Best Protein Treatments for Natural Hair of 2023

Think of a protein treatments as intensive hair therapy—they’re filled with hydrating and strengthening ingredients (like hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids, and natural oils) that help temporarily fill in the cracks and gaps in your damaged hair cuticle so it’s stronger and more resilient. With continued use, protein treatments can make hair become stronger and less vulnerable to splitting and snapping.

If you’re using moisturizing masks left and right to no avail, it’s time to up the ante. Hardges describes the feeling of hair that needs protein as “mushy when wet.” Additionally, if your hair easily snaps during combing and detangling, it may be time to introduce a protein treatment to your routine.

“No more than once a month,” says Hardges. This is because too much protein can actually have the opposite effect on your hair. When protein starts to build up on the hair, it won’t allow for moisturizing and nourishing ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft; this can lead to dryness, brittleness and breakage.

While keratin is a type of protein, a keratin treatment is one that’s offered in-salon and is more intense than the protein treatments that you use at home. Keratin treatments are meant to smooth the hair in a way that changes the texture, which cannot be done at home.

The in-salon keratin formulas also have much more than just protein in them and those chemicals are the ones that are responsible for the change in hair texture. You can find at-home keratin treatments (there’s one on this list, in fact), but they perform in the same way as the other at-home protein treatments, which just help to repair damage and strengthen strands.

Hone in on your hair type

Some formulas will be way too heavy or way too light for certain hair types. For instance, 4A and up curls will need thicker, more moisturizing formulas while those on with more fine and wavy hair will want something lighter that won’t weigh hair down.

Pick your protein properly

Hardges recommends plant proteins for at-home use. In addition to plant protein, opt for a formula that also contains moisturizing agents, like oils and butters, too. Proteins and moisture go hand in hand, says Gomes, so you really want something that’s going to offer that two-pronged approach.

Remember, high price doesn’t equal high quality

There are plenty of A+ protein treatments out there (many of them listed above) that come at price point that doesn’t break the bank. Sometimes the simplest, least complicated formula is the one that your hair needs. So, don’t be fooled by the idea that more expensive is better, because that’s not always the case.

Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten years. She began her career in beauty and fashion at QVC and has since written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Health, Real Simple, Cosmopolitan, Motherly, Byrdie and more. She has tested thousands of products and considers herself a professional guinea pig who’s always on the search for the next big trends in beauty, wellness, and beyond.