Does the hair need protein? The telltale signs!

Have you ever thought, “HMmm…. my hair definitely has a protein deficiency!”

🤷🏻‍♀️ - said no client ever.

From hard water to toxic hair products - women often think that when they have dry, damaged hair, they immediately think they only need a moisturizing treatment to address the hair health issue.

Protein and How It Affects the Hair

Our hair is primarily made up of chains of amino acids and proteins called keratin. Think of the hair as a building with keratin as the bricks. Because of overstyling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors, keratins become worn out, creating gaps in the hair which eventually leads to leaking out your color, moisture barrier protection scales - and damage and breakage.

GOT YA CURIOUS?

Here are some blatant signs your hair is in dire need of protein and my number one expert recommendation of a Beauty Ecology Client Cult Favorite PROTECTANT SPRAY with equal parts moisture and protein.

Warning, too much protein can also make your hair feel brittle and dry - your cuticle is too FULL and it will break. To avoid this curveball from the confusion on the market- Repair and Protect Spray is for YOU (all hair types).

Does the hair need protein?

Fact: Hair is super porous.

Does your hair always look frazzled, coarse, and dry? Highly porous strands have tears and gaps in the hair, exposing the cortex to stressors. This causes the hair to absorb and release moisture faster than normal, leading to frizzy, tangled hair.

Hair looks limp and stringy.

Is the hair not as full and bouncy as it used to? Dull and limp hair is a sign of protein deficiency. Most women think it just needs a bit of hair styling product to bring it back to life, but this action actually compromises the health of the hair significantly. Layering more products on already weak hair will weigh it down, causing it to look stringy.

Hair has low elasticity.

Perform the a wet stretch test. Take about 10 strands and spray some water. Make sure to hold the hair tight then gently pull the hair. If the hair stretches and bounces back to its normal length without breaking, it means the hair is healthy. If it stretches and doesn’t return or stretches and breaks, then chances are your hair is missing protein.

Hair has been colored recently.

Hair color, bleach, and treatments contain chemicals that alter the bonds of the hair, leading to damage. These chemicals elevate the pH of the hair and causes the cuticles to rise. The longer the cuticles are raised up, the longer the cortex of the hair is exposed and, therefore, makes the hair more susceptible to protein loss and breakage.

There’s increased shedding and breakage.

We normally lose up to 100 strands a day. But if you are losing more hair that doesn’t come from the root, then it is a protein issue and needs to be addressed immediately.

Note: increased hair loss could be caused by many things: a hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, stress, autoimmune disorders, medications, chemotherapy and more.

It’s important to thoroughly consult and analyze the scalp and hair before deciding a lack of protein is the culprit. If you suspect hair loss, then I suggest looking at the Evoq Root Revival Hair Growth Dream Team is two times more powerful than drug based Minoxidil. Really!

Hair feels gummy.

Does the hair feel mushy and sticky? This could mean your hair’s support system is weak and has been over-moisturized, causing the texture to change and feel funny. Or worse, the hair has suffered from far too much lightening, causing it to feel like bubblegum.

While protein deficiency can be treated by simply changing your diet and lifestyle, there are several in-salon treatments you can do to replenish lost proteins in the hair.

Evoq Repair and Protect Spray is great at restoring chemically damaged hair by repairing it from the inside out to give the hair the moisture and minerals it needs to remain healthy.

Get the deets here…

The Weightless Great Defender 

This Organic (96%), weightless spray locks in gorgeous color, enhances style, blocks out humidity, and protects from premature color fading. It’s an essential first step of your styling routine and provides instant, weightless protection. 

The nutrient-rich vitamins in this spray provide an extra dose of antioxidants for smooth, healthy-looking hair. And amino acids protect the hair from thermal damage, UV rays, and daily washing all while speeding up drying time and strengthening strands.

Aloe Vera - Protects and moisturizes hair as an emollient and antioxidant. Its composition of 18 amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals impart hair with a fortified moisture for healthy, smooth strands. Water is locked into strands due to its polysaccharide and sterol content.

Kelp Extract - A highly concentrated seaweed extract rich in minerals, trace elements, and vitamins for strand and scalp health. The rich iodine content helps treat and prevent dandruff.

Vitamin B - This active form of vitamin B is an emollient that instantly binds to the hair shaft and seals it, giving locks a healthy shine and reducing breakage and split ends.

Quinoa Protein - Rich in amino acids to promote hair and scalp follicle strength, fullness and softness while protecting hair from environmental damage.

Seed Oil Complex (Meadowfoam, Avocado & Shea) - Keeps hair feeling smooth and silky while antioxidant properties protect strands from free radical damage. Hair is imparted with a healthy shine and is easy to comb. 

Lastly, address one of the ROOT CAUSES - SALON HAIR COLOR

Choosing less aggressive hair color and lighteners like BEAUTY ECOLOGY’S ZERO AMMONIA AND ENZYME (VERSUS PEROXIDE) ammonia-free and PROTEIN BASED CLAY ENLIGHTENER is also a great way to protect the hair from damage.

They DO NOT contain chemicals that put a lot of physical stress on the hair, which is often the reason strands become prone to split ends, breakage and protein loss.

THAT’S A WRAP, BABE!

Please reach out if I can help you repair your hair! xo - Kassandra

How to Transition to Gray Hair Gracefully

The one common thought that has gone through women’s minds when coloring their "gray” hair through the quarantine and beyond is if NOW is the time to just “let it go.”

A transition to gray hair can become a daring fashion accent, a whimsical middle finger to the idea of “anti-aging” and youth … or just a simple statement of confidence—

Gray hair? Don’t care!

Having transitioned many of my clients, I’ve learned its a very personal decision that is done at specific time in their life. I find that if a client is ready to transition and I sense it’s NOT out of being truly ready to embrace their gray, it’s often times, it’s around a big event, trauma, and at times - due to financial restraints.

If you’re on the fence - and before I dig into transitional “tips,” I ask that you dig deep in your heart, and knowing that this is what you want, with confidence -versus out of stress, depression, and feeling defeated.

Alrighty, let’s walk through some fundamentals of hair structure!

Why is Gray Hair Different Than Our Natural Colored Hair?

Growing out gray hair gracefully starts with understanding what makes gray hair different.

Gray hair is just like your normal hair, just without pigment (or melanin) in the hair shaft. This results in hair that has a different texture.

It can feel courser, drier, and thinner at the same time.

This is why many women love having a softer, shinier hair shaft when coloring.

How Long Does It Take for Gray Hair to Grow Out?

On average, hair grows nearly half an inch every month, so about 6 inches every year.

That’s why some stylists recommend a shorter cut to help expedite the gray transformation—it takes much less time to grow out the gray with short hair than long hair.

If you love having long hair, you can start with cutting it shoulder length.

If you're already comfortable with short hair, then you should try a pixie cut!

How Do I Grow Out Gray Hair Gracefully?

Do’s and Don’ts

Whether you started transitioning to gray hair unwillingly due to being in quarantine, finances, or your hair stylist isnt helpful, there are as many ways to go gray as there are hairs on your head.

As you explore different ways to embrace your natural hair and gray roots, think of this journey as spring cleaning, but for your hair.

During your color transition, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do your research – The foundation of a successful gray transition is understanding your natural hair color and face shape.

Gray hair works better with certain hair texture, color and skin tone, and different cuts work for different face shapes. Keep the current season in mind as your summer skin tone will be different than your winter skin tone. Work with your hairstylist to choose a highlight or lowight technique with the cut that will complement each other and your face.

Consider your lifestyle – No matter the style, the best gray look is always a well-maintained one. So find a look that works with your life and habits. If you enjoy your monthly salon appointments, you probably won’t mind starting with gray foiling your hair to blend that requires stretched out - maintenance. But if you prefer to go low-maintenance, strategic haircuts that remove old color off the ends can help you transition to gray without regular salon visits.

Don’t pluck out the gray – Resist the urge! Trust me, I can tell when you’re plucking :) Plucking will eventually lead to thinner hair and can damage the follicle. When the hair grows back out of that follicle, it will appear thinner.

Consider your hair color (quality) – Gray hair is more fragile than naturally pigmented hair. Harsh dyes and chemicals will weaken the strands and make you more prone to hair loss (no, thank you).

Opt for hair color without these ingredients:

Ammonia

Parabens

Resorcinol

PPD

Phthalates

Don’t forget to have fun – The journey to gray hair is an adventure in style, confidence, and beauty.

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10

Cut and Color Methods to Graying Gracefully

Embracing gray hair means enjoying a whole new world of hairstyles. Below are the top ten methods for growing out gray hair :

The Pixie – This classic transition involves cutting your hair in a pixie style, which will allow your hair to grow in gray quickly and naturally.

The Au Natural – Also called the “cold turkey” …. Just let your natural gray hair come in as it will.

Highlights or Lowlights – Have your stylist weave gray highlights into your hair for more even distribution. If you want to ease into going gray, highlights and lowlights can offer a more subtle option.

The Slow Snip-and-Grow – Some women choose to shorten their hair a bit every two months and gradually grow out their grays. By balancing out the dyed parts of your hair with the gray, the shorter hair will make the gray coverage more encompassing over time.

Modern Chic – An in-vogue haircut will balance out the effect of the gray, whether you choose to dye your entire head or just add a few highlights and lowlights.

Play with Parts – This one you can do easily at home—take a look in the mirror and play around with your part. A dramatic pull of hair to one side may show off an alluring sprinkling of gray, or right down the middle may give your look an air of 60’s chic.

Whatever hairstyle best fits your personality, just remember your hair stylist already has a broken heart from not getting to see you at the salon, don't break it even more by dyeing your hair with bad permanent hair color products.

Your Style Guide to Going Gray

Update Your Wardrobe – Take your new hair on a shopping spree and look for clothes with a more modern flare. It will bring vibrancy and vitality to your ensembles, and turn your locks into a chic fashion statement. But don’t forget to wear clothes you feel good in!

Makeup – Depending on your skin tone, your gray hair may wash out your face. A few strategic strokes of a makeup brush can bring out the beauty in your facial features and enhance the drama of your new silvery hair. Be sure to focus on these three areas for maximum wow-factor

Cheeks – When going gray, blush is your best friend. A bit of color on your cheeks can add a rosy glow to your face.

Lips – A fresh glossy pink or a dramatic red lip perfectly complements the cooler tones of gray hair.

Brows – Dark defined brows with gray hair makes a stunning contrast. To achieve this look, make sure your brows are filled in and well-kept (yes, you can pluck gray eyebrow hairs, just make sure there’s plenty left!).

Beautiful Skin – The best accessory to gracefully graying hair? Nourished and rejuvenated skin. Incorporating anti-aging skincare into your daily routine will heighten your distinguished beauty.

Try Evoq’s Organic Skin line combined with some facial exercises to boost the firmness in your skin, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, and give yourself another reason to smile.

Caring for Your Silver Locks

The better you protect and care for your graceful gray hair, the healthier, fuller, and shinier it will look. Try these tips for maintaining your silvery mane:

Deep Conditioner – If you choose to dye your hair to speed up the full-gray effect or if you’re growing your hair out au natural, a deep conditioner is a must.

Pick Hue-Enhancing Shampoos – Certain colors in shampoo can brighten gray shades. The best colors for keeping your gray hair shining? Blue or purple shampoo!

Sources:

Trüeb, Ralph M. “Pharmacologic Interventions in Aging Hair.” Clinical Interventions in Aging, Dove Medical Press, 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2695167/.

Freydkin, Donna. “The Complete Guide to Gray Hair and How to Take Care of It.” Allure, 2018, www.allure.com/story/gray-hair-guide-causes-and-care.

Barrell, Amanda, and Cynthia Cobb. “What to Know about Hair Growth.” Medical News Today, 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326764.

Courtney, Nadine Jolie. “Everything You Need to Know Before You Transition to Gray Hair.” Oprah Magazine, Oprah Magazine, 18 Oct. 2019, www.oprahmag.com/beauty/hair/a28650339/transitioning-gray-hair-color/.

Monselise, Assaf, et al. “What Ages Hair?” International Journal of Women's Dermatology, Elsevier, 16 Feb. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5419032/.