Too Much Protein

**RenGib123** · 05-20-2006, 08:55 AM

Hello everyone, I am a newbie to Nappurality but I have had natural hair all my life (I'm 22). But I have recently decided to let go of all the braid extensions, and flaming hot tool of hair torture (those were my creamy cracks) and I am religiously twisting my hair every two weeks. I use Ampro, or other protein styling gels, and I am entralled with the results and I am not swayed to covert. (However if you know of a gel, that does a banging job at twists, you can say so.)

But my real question is, how do I know when my hair has too much protein? I use a dab of the gel on every twist, and I wash my hair every two weeks, like I said.

Does anyone think that this gel is too much to religiously put on your hair?

And thirdly can anyone recommend any protein-free conditioners, so I really don't go overboard.

**knharde** · 05-20-2006, 03:05 PM

If your hair feels fine, then I wouldn't worry. You didnt mention any problems (dryness, frizzyness, etc.) so I dont think your hair is reacting badly to the proteins. Protein is good for the hair. I do have a question for you tho': how large are your twists and how do you take care of them so they can last 2 weeks? Just curious, cause i'm very style challenged over here.

**RenGib123** · 05-20-2006, 03:45 PM

If your hair feels fine, then I wouldn't worry. You didnt mention any problems (dryness, frizzyness, etc.) so I dont think your hair is reacting badly to the proteins. Protein is good for the hair. I do have a question for you tho': how large are your twists and how do you take care of them so they can last 2 weeks? Just curious, cause i'm very style challenged over here.
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Yea!!! Someone responded!

I do twist them on the small side. Like the width of a pencil. I don't like to see the scalp in between my twists. And the smaller you do it, the nicer it looks (in my opinion). I keep the twists in for about five or six day, then I wear a twist out for three or four day. When that gets a little old I'll pin it up for a 'mohawk' or ponytail. If the side or front is looking bad I'll flattwist it. I even do that style where you have that little hump in the front with the ponytail in the back. Working with the hair and switching up styles is how i get it to last and believe me I get compliments till the last day. I think my twist last so long because of the gel I use. That's why I'm not trying to give it up.

As in for maintenance, I have to admit, it is minimal. If a scarf gets on my head when I hit the pillow I am doing good. I just spray some Sta So Fro, or use some Elasta QP Mango Butter, everyday or every other day. And that is about it.

**knharde** · 05-20-2006, 04:09 PM

Wow! What about your scalp? I'm trying to do twists in my hair, but my scalp gets itchy & flakey after 3 days or so. I also don't use gel, but use Qhemet amla heavy cream cause my hair is really dry. So my twists come out soft, but my scalp drives me crazy

**RenGib123** · 05-20-2006, 07:38 PM

Wow! What about your scalp? I'm trying to do twists in my hair, but my scalp gets itchy & flakey after 3 days or so. I also don't use gel, but use Qhemet amla heavy cream cause my hair is really dry. So my twists come out soft, but my scalp drives me crazy

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I did have problems with dandruff one week I did my hair. I think it is because of my conditioner. I use Le Kair Shea Butter. And I know plenty of people love it, but I just threw mines away, after that cornflake bout. But just to be safe, I put some pure tea tree oil in my Sta So Fro. And I haven't had any problems. I just now decided to do this. So I twisted my hair on Monday, and it is Saturday and my scalp is clear.