A protein comprises several amino acids. When a protein is broken down, either completely or partially, they are known as hydrolyzed protein. Hydrolyzed protein has a long-term effect on damaged and frizzy hair and it is seen that this ingredient does wonders to improve the texture and overall appearance of your hair.
Let us look into more detail on what is hydrolyzed protein and what are the benefits of using hydrolyzed protein on your hair.
What Is Hydrolyzed Protein For Hair?
Hydrolyzed proteins are proteins that have been broken down into their constituent amino acids. These protein constituents are very smaller in size or have low molecular weight and they can penetrate the hair shaft much more quickly compared to other ingredients. It is not possible to apply non-hydrolyzed proteins to your hair since the size of these molecules is not small enough to be let in by the hair cuticles. This is where hydrolyzed proteins come in.
Because hydrolyzed protein has a low molecular weight or is smaller in size, it can penetrate the hair cuticle and helps to reduce hair breakage, minimize hair damage, and increase hair elasticity and shine.
The benefits of hydrolyzed protein for hair –
- Hydrolyzed proteins are easily absorbed by the hair.
- Hydrolyzed proteins are responsible for re-synthesizing the structure of your hair damaged due to heat and harsh chemicals.
- Hydrolyzed proteins tame frizzy hairs and flyaways.
- Hydrolyzed proteins help the hair to lock in moisture.
- Hydrolyzed proteins increase the strength of your hair, eliminating the chances of split ends and other damage.
Are Hydrolyzed Proteins Safe?
Yes, hydrolyzed proteins are completely safe for use in personal care products. Hydrolyzed proteins are naturally derived and safe to use in making haircare and skincare products.
However, there are known side effects associated with the overuse of these proteins. Be careful to avoid protein overload, because too much protein can leave your hair looking greasy and feeling brittle.
Is Hydrolyzed Protein Good For Low Porosity Hair?
Yes, hydrolyzed protein is excellent for low-porosity hair, as these hair types have poor absorption capacity and thus most products simply build up over the hair cuticles without entering the shaft. Since hydrolyzed proteins are extremely smaller in size, these can pass through low-porosity hair easily.
How To Use Hydrolyzed Protein For Hair Care?
- You can make your personalized hair care products using hydrolyzed proteins or,
- You can add hydrolyzed protein directly to your store-bought hair care products.
Note – You must not use hydrolyzed protein alone on your hair because it is not a finished haircare product. It is a raw concentrated ingredient that is meant to be used for making cosmetics along with other hair care ingredients. Or you can add it directly to your store-bought hair care products. Undiluted hydrolyzed proteins can be too strong for hair.
What Are The Different Types Of Hydrolyzed Proteins For Hair?
1. Hydrolyzed Silk Protein For Hair
Hydrolyzed silk protein is an animal-derived byproduct obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm. It can be hydrolyzed to make it water-soluble and can be incorporated into cosmetic formulations.
There are three types of hydrolyzed silk protein – hydrolyzed silk powder, hydrolyzed silk peptide, and hydrolyzed amino acids. They have different molecular sizes and have different absorption levels but they are all water-soluble and can be used interchangeably.
INCI – Hydrolyzed silk.
Usage Rate – It can be added between 2 to 5 percent of the final weight of the formulation. In the case of emulsions, it should be added once the emulsion is formed and at temperatures below 104°F(40°C).
Appearance –White to off-white powder or a liquid.
Solubility – It is readily soluble in water.
Benefits Of Silk Protein For Hair –
- Your hair can easily absorb the hydrolyzed silk protein and is excellent for repairing heat-damaged and weak hair.
- It confers a natural shine and offers protection.
- If you suffer from split ends, then hydrolyzed silk proteins should be included in your hair care product.
- Hydrolyzed silk protein confers smoothness to your hair and helps in locking moisture in your hair strands.
- Hydrolyzed silk protein naturally aids your hair to produce keratin by adding an essential amino acid called cysteine, which is required for the synthesis.
Check out Silk Protein Leave-in Hair Conditioner Made With Hydrolyzed Protein.
2. Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein For Hair
Hydrolyzed wheat protein is made from wheat germ protein and gluten. It is fundamentally a large protein molecule that undergoes a chemical process where it is split into smaller fragments. Hydrolyzed wheat protein is water-soluble and can be easily absorbed by hair strands due to its smaller molecular size.
INCI – Hydrolyzed wheat protein.
Usage Rate – It can be added between 1 to 5 percent of the final weight of the formulation. In the case of emulsions, it should be added once the emulsion is formed and at temperatures below 104°F(40°C).
Appearance –Clear, amber liquid
Solubility – It is water-soluble.
Benefits of hydrolyzed wheat protein for hair –
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein is readily absorbed by the hair considering its size.
- Wheat gluten is known to strengthen the bonds between the hair structures, therefore making your hair appear stronger.
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein can hydrate your hair strands and make them look alive and fresh.
- Hydrolyzed wheat is used to enhance the natural shine of your hair and prevent damage, split ends, and breakage.
3. Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein For Hair
Keratin is a protein present in your hair and is responsible for holding your hair together. It is the hair’s natural defense. However, due to extreme exposure to harmful substances, this protein is lost and your hair needs replenishing it. Hydrolyzed keratin protein can replace this lost keratin naturally.
Hydrolyzed keratin protein is animal or plant-derived protein. Adding Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein to formulas not only protects the hair but also increases the amount of cystine available to the hair, minimizing damage and increasing tensile strength.
INCI – Hydrolyzed Keratin
Usage Rate –It can be added between 1 to 5 percent of the final weight of the formulation. In the case of emulsions, it should be added once the emulsion is formed and at temperatures below 104°F(40°C).
Appearance –Clear to slightly hazy amber liquid
Solubility – It is soluble in water.
Benefits of hydrolyzed keratin protein for hair –
- Hydrolyzed keratin protein effectively tames frizzy hair and helps prevent breakages and split ends. It helps in enhancing the smoothness of the hair.
- Use this ingredient to lock in moisture and it adds a natural shine to your hair.
- It gives your hair a voluminous appearance.
- Hydrolyzed keratin protein replaces the keratin proteins responsible for conferring strength to your hair.
4. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein For Hair
Hydrolyzed soy protein is a vegetable-based protein that confers and enhances the health of your hair. Soy is rich in proteins that can help in rapid hair growth. Soy proteins are broken down into their constituents to be used in hair care products.
INCI – Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Usage Rate –It can be added between 1 to 5 percent of the final weight of the formulation. In the case of emulsions, it should be added once the emulsion is formed and at temperatures below 104°F(40°C).
Appearance – Clear and light amber liquid
Solubility – It is soluble in water.
Benefits of hydrolyzed soy protein for hair –
- Hydrolyzed soy protein forms a strong protective layer on your hair strand and prevents breakage and other damage.
- It moisturizes the roots from within and enhances the rate of hair follicle growth.
- Your hair will be able to easily absorb this ingredient due to its molecular weight which can enhance the elasticity of your hair.
- It can enhance shine and smooths out brittle hair.
5. Hydrolyzed Rice Protein For Hair
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein is derived from rice bran and converted to make it water-soluble. Hydrolyzed rice proteins are great for naturally adding strength and shine to your hair.
INCI – Hydrolyzed rice protein.
Usage Rate –It can be added between 1 to 5 percent of the final weight of the formulation. In the case of emulsions, it should be added once the emulsion is formed and at temperatures below 104°F(40°C).
Appearance –Clear and light amber liquid
Solubility – It is soluble in water.
Benefits of hydrolyzed rice protein for hair –
- Hydrolyzed rice protein enhances the volume of your hair. Also, it is proven to add luster and keeps your hair moisturized.
- It increases the flexibility of your hair and it is great to repair damaged hair.
- Hydrolyzed rice protein also helps in detangling your hair.
- Hydrolyzed rice protein contains cationic (positive) and anionic (negative) charges. These opposing charges help add volume to hair by repelling one another.
6. Hydrolyzed Milk Protein For Hair
Hydrolyzed milk protein is derived from natural milk and is an excellent moisturizer providing an optimum balance of nutrients to the hair. Hydrolyzed Milk Protein has excellent anti-irritant and protective properties as well.
INCI – Hydrolyzed milk protein.
Usage Rate –It can be added between 1 to 5 percent of the final weight of the formulation. In the case of emulsions, it should be added once the emulsion is formed and at temperatures below 104°F(40°C).
Appearance –Clear to slightly hazy, pale yellow liquid
Solubility – It is soluble in water.
Benefits of hydrolyzed milk protein for hair –
- Hydrolyzed milk protein increases the overall appearance of your hair.
- Hydrolyzed milk protein hydrates your hair and maintains moisture.
- It eliminated dirt and cleanses the scalp. It also confers proliferating properties that enhance the growth of your hair.
7. Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein For Hair
Hydrolyzed collagen protein or collagen peptides is derived from plants and is modified to make it water-soluble. It can be absorbed easily into the hair follicle due to its smaller molecular size and helps to repair dry, damaged, color-treated, or thinning hair.
INCI – Hydrolyzed Collagen protein.
Usage Rate –It can be added between 0.5 to 2 percent of the final weight of the formulation. In the case of emulsions, it should be added once the emulsion is formed and at temperatures below 104°F(40°C) and the pH of the final formulation should be close to 6.5.
Appearance – off-white or ivory-colored powder
Solubility – It is soluble in water.
Benefits of hydrolyzed collagen for hair –
- Hydrolyzed collagen protein helps prevent damage to your hair and stimulates hair growth.
- It is known to slow down graying of hair and protects the hair from free radicals with its anti-oxidants.
- It prevents hair from thinning which occurs with age.
8. Hydrolyzed Baobab Protein.
Hydrolyzed Baobab Protein is extracted from the Baobab fruit, found in Africa. Popularly known to have anti-aging properties, it is used in the formulations of various skin and hair care products. It is a vegetable protein that finds use in various cosmetic products and treatments.
INCI name – Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Seed extract.
Usage rate –It can be added between 2 to 5 percent of the final weight of the formulation. In the case of emulsions, it should be added once the emulsion is formed and at temperatures below 104°F(40°C).
Appearance – Thin dark amber color, liquid.
Solubility – It is soluble in water.
Benefits of hydrolyzed baobab protein for hair –
- Hydrolyzed Baobab protein is a great ingredient to prevent hair damage caused by aging.
- It helps strengthen, repair, and condition hair. It’s also a good film-former and moisturizer for the skin.
- It hydrates your hair deeply and increases its strength and elasticity of hair.
- Hydrolyzed Baobab protein helps tame frizzy hair.
- Most hair care products use it in their formulation as they are easily absorbed by the hair strand.
9. Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein.
Hydrolyzed quinoa protein is a protein derived from quinoa and its plant and is modified to make it water-soluble. The hydrolyzed quinoa protein is cultivated since ancient times and has gained popularity throughout the world to improve skin and hair texture.
INCI – Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein
Usage Rate –It can be added between 1 to 10 percent of the final weight of the formulation. In the case of emulsions, it should be added once the emulsion is formed and at temperatures below 104°F(40°C).
Appearance – Clear, light amber in color
Solubility – It is soluble in water.
Benefits of hydrolyzed quinoa protein for hair –
- Hydrolyzed quinoa protein provides deep hydration to hair strands and makes your hair shine naturally.
- Quinoa protein is rich in amino acids that strengthen the hair shaft.
- It is used in maintaining hair dyes and also provides a substitute for conditioners.
- It is gluten-free.
10. Hydrolyzed Oat Protein.
Hydrolyzed oat protein is a protein derived from oats. It is modified to make it water-soluble. It is great for frizzy and damaged hair because it has moisturizing and hydration properties.
INCI name – Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
Usage rate –It can be added between 0.5 to 5 percent of the final weight of the formulation. In the case of emulsions, it should be added once the emulsion is formed and at temperatures below 104°F(40°C).
Appearance – Clear, light amber in color
Solubility – It is soluble in water.
Benefits of hydrolyzed oat protein for hair –
- Hydrolyzed oat protein provides deep hydration and makes your hair shiny, soft, and manageable.
- Hydrolyzed oat protein strengthens the hair roots, reduces hair breakage, and repairs damaged hair.
- Hydrolyzed oat protein forms a layer on the hair strands, which makes your hair feel and look thicker or volumized.
- Hydrolyzed Oat Protein provides relief from inflammation or itchiness caused by scalp conditions.
Is Hydrolyzed Protein Good For Your Hair?
Yes, Hydrolyzed proteins do not cause any damage while also conferring the benefits of the product. Most products leave behind severe damage in order to penetrate the hair cuticles. Hydrolyzed proteins are easily absorbed and do not harm the hair.
Which Hydrolyzed Protein Is Best For Hair?
According to experts hydrolyzed keratin protein and hydrolyzed silk protein are known to confer the maximum benefits for your hair. It results in stronger and healthy hair follicles compared to other hydrolyzed proteins.
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