Protein vs Bond Repair Treatments—What Your Curls Are Really Craving

'Because not all strengthening treatments are created equal'.

There’s a lot of buzz around protein these days. And if you’ve ever asked yourself,

“Do I need more protein? Or a bond repair treatment? Or both…?”
—just know, you're not alone.

This is one of the most common 'curly hair confusions', and we’re here to break it down in a way that actually makes sense. No hair science degree required. Just real talk.

Because when it comes to curls, balance is everything.

So… What Is Protein in Hair?

Let’s get nerdy for a sec (the fun kind). Your hair is made of keratin—a tough, fibrous protein that’s basically the scaffolding holding your strands together.

But over time things like heat styling, colouring, and environmental stress can chip away at that structure. Over time, you’re left with curls that feel limp, mushy when wet, or brittle and break when dry.

That’s where protein treatments come in. These work on the outside of your hair—think of them as 'patch-up jobs' for weakened spots. They temporarily reinforce your strands, help bring back bounce, and improve elasticity. 

How Does Protein Help Curly Hair?

Curls are naturally more delicate. Their shape makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the strand, which means they’re often drier and more damage-prone.

A well-timed protein treatment can:
✔ Help curls spring back
✔ Reduce breakage
✔ Add a little structure when things are feeling floppy

But here’s the deal—too much protein = trouble. It can throw your moisture balance way off, leaving curls stiff, crunchy, and snappy (not in the cute way).

What About Bond Repair Treatments?

These newer treatments (you’ve probably seen them hyped online) work differently from protein treatments.

Instead of patching the outside, bond builders target the inside—specifically, the broken internal bonds that give hair its shape and strength.

It’s like fixing the foundation of a house rather than just painting the walls.

And nope, bond repair doesn’t add protein. But it can be the perfect sidekick to protein—working together to support your curls from the inside out. A real power couple.

How to Tell What Your Hair Actually Needs

The easiest way to decode the mystery?

Try the stretch test:

Take a wet curl and gently stretch it.

• Stretchy, mushy, then snaps? → You likely need protein.
  
  

• Barely stretches and snaps immediately? → Could be too much protein—focus on moisture.
  
  

• Stretches and bounces back easily? → Hello, happy hair balance!
  
  

Still not sure? Look for these signs:

• Protein craving: Curls are stringy, limp, or frizzy no matter how hydrated you try to make them.
  
  

• Protein overload: Hair feels straw-like, dry, and brittle.
  
  

Can You Balance Protein Naturally?

To a degree, yes. A diet rich in protein can help your hair over time—but for fast, visible results? Topical is the way to go.

Look for products with hydrolysed proteins—these are broken down small enough to actually penetrate the hair shaft.

Some curly faves include:

• Hydrolysed wheat protein

• Hydrolysed rice protein

• Hydrolysed silk protein

At LOHY., we’re big on moisture-first routines, but we love a protein-rich deep treatment now and then when curls need a little pep talk.

What Role Does Porosity Play?

Porosity = how easily your hair absorbs and retains moisture (and yes, protein too). It matters—a lot.

• Low porosity: Cuticles are tightly shut. Use protein sparingly and stick to light formulas.
  
  

• Medium porosity: Balanced cuticle = best of both worlds. Can usually tolerate protein well.
  
  

• High porosity: Cuticle is more open (think damaged or coloured curls). Craves both protein and bond repair regularly.
  
  

The Bottom Line?

Hydration is king! —but protein and bond repair deserve a place at the table too.

Understanding your hair’s porosity, learning to spot the signs of imbalance, and rotating treatments based on what your curls need? That’s the real flex. 

Remember: your hair is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to curl care.

If you’re still scratching your head (or your hair’s feeling a bit confused), don’t worry. That’s what the LOHY. Curl Friends Facebook Group is for - we’re always here—ready to help you figure out exactly what your curls are trying to tell you.

Love & Hydration xx