Simply put, if your hair breaks easily, has an unusually dry/brittle texture, and you have experienced heavy shedding - then you know something is up. On the other end of the spectrum, if your hair is stringy, limp or has an unwelcome droop to it, you could be in need of a protein treatment.
Known as protein overload, having too much protein in your hair may cause it to appear dull, dry, and brittle. Keratin, the main protein in your hair, can be added to your hair to strengthen your strands.
Moisture overload tends to affect those who have high hair porosity, causing it to look limp, stringy, and even greasy. It is essential for all hair types, but it is even more crucial for those who have strong and defined curls.
While some OLAPLEX products contain some protein, the amounts are minimal and not enough to be considered a protein treatment. Therefore, OLAPLEX is not a protein treatment. OLAPLEX works at a molecular level to rebuild the hair internally.
If you're experiencing moisture overload in your hair, there are a few ways to fix the problem: Switch to a lighter conditioner for a little while (e.g., every other day). Use coconut oil as a pre-poo treatment. Dry your hair with a diffuser or a hooded dryer so your hair won't stay wet for an extended time.
Hair that is stringy, flat, or limp is a definite sign that your hair needs a protein treatment. Normally, hair should be pretty durable and full, so when it starts to droop, take notice. By adding protein back into the hair, you can revitalize your strands and get them to a healthier state.
Experiencing dry, stiff, and brittle hair after using a product with protein or high amounts of protein is a good indicator that too much in present in your hair, which compromises the protein and moisture balance. Too much moisture creates limp hair that is too elastic.
Curly hair needs both protein and moisture to stay healthy and strong. Our hair is made up of 91% protein. Protein is useful for strengthening and also for repair. However, if we damage our hair with too much straightening, colour treatments, and heat styling, the protein can break down (oops).
Can Olaplex Cause Protein Overload? Since Olaplex doesn't contain very much protein, your chances of getting protein overload are slim even with repeated use. You're much more likely to get protein overload from protein-based hair products and overly frequent protein treatments.
Foamy, frothy or bubbly urine.
Eating too much protein for a prolonged period of time can cause place a burden on the kidneys, liver and bones, as well as potentially increase the risk for heart disease and cancer.
A high total protein level could indicate dehydration or a certain type of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, that causes protein to accumulate abnormally. If the result of a total protein test is abnormal, further tests will be needed to identify which proteins are too high or too low.
The only mistake you can make is using too much – and the only “side effect” of using too much is the processing time climbs and climbs. The hair can never be damaged through the use of Olaplex!
As learned in our previous post, Olaplex rebuilds the broken disulfide bonds in the hair, creating stronger, more resilient hair. However, it does not address moisture and protein, which both contribute to the health of your hair. How do you know if you need to do moisture and/or protein treatments?
The good news is that protein overload is almost always reversible. The bad news is that there is no overnight fix. Depending on the severity of your case, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to recover from protein overload.
Keratin is used to smooth and straighten hair, but with PROTEIN, the result isn't just a smoother look, but also an added boost of health that rejuvenates, restores vitality, and smoothens, frizzy hair. Be ready for your keratin/protein treatment by making sure you have time off for the entire day.
Are there risks with using Olaplex “too often”? Apparently no. Olaplex cannot damage your hair, no matter how often you use it. Some users have reported that when they use it for long periods, the amount of time it requires to “take effect” will climb and climb.
Imbalanced Protein and Moisture
Another VERY common cause of wet frizz is excess protein or moisture in the hair.