Protein hair masks are a thing these days but boy, you gotta spend an arm and a leg to get them! Don’t get me wrong, they are amazing and really effective for keeping your curls neat, but why pay when you can make your own DIY protein hair mask for curly hair at home right?

That’s what this post is all about, I am about to show you 3 effective homemade protein hair masks that you can use to reduce frizziness, and dryness, and give your curls the volume they deserve!

But as always, please do a skin patch test by applying a little bit of each remedy behind your ear to test for allergies before using them. Try these curly hair remedies.

3 DIY Protein Hair Mask For Curly Hair

So before we skip to the recipes, let’s talk a little bit about protein and why it’s important for your hair. Almost 90% of your hair strands, skin, and nails are made of a type of protein called keratin.

Protein gives your hair shape, structure, and elasticity. As we age, our body loses keratin which affects texture and hair health.

Genetic disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and diet can cause keratin deficiency as well. When your hair lacks keratin, it becomes brittle, fragile, stringy, and lacks definition.

How Do You Know If Your Hair Needs Protein Or Moisture?

Now that you know the importance of protein, your next step is to determine if your hair is protein deficient or if it simply needs moisture.

This is because when hair lacks moisture, it has the same symptoms as keratin deficiency. To tell the difference, follow the steps below.

1. To Know If Your Hair Is Moisture Deficient:

• Stretch an inch of hair, if there is no elasticity and it breaks then your hair lacks moisture, not protein.

2. To Know If Your Hair Is Protein Deficient:

• Stretch an inch of hair, if it stretches but does not bounce back, feels cotton-candy-like, or breaks, your hair lacks protein.

This test is very important because you want to prevent protein overload. Signs of protein overload in hair may include:

Stiff hair, hair that tangles and sheds heavily, hair that lacks shine and luster, and hair that feels lifeless, brittle, and dry. 

1. DIY Gelatin Protein Hair Mask

Gelatin is made from crushed boiled animal bones and connective tissues, it is high in protein and very effective in treating damaged hair, reducing breakage, and making the hair shine.

The protein found in gelatin is actually better than the protein in eggs when used as a hair mask. That’s because it works better on damaged hair while egg protein has difficulty bonding with hair.

Acids in apple cider vinegar help your hair absorb protein from the gelatin and stimulate hair growth.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Of Water
• 1 Packet Of Gelatin (2 1/2 tablespoons)
• 1 Teaspoon Of Apple Cider Vinegar
• Organic shea butter conditioner or any herbal sulfate-free conditioner

Preparation & Application:

Heat the water, add in the gelatin, and mix until all the gelatin dissolves. Add in the apple cider vinegar, mix, and put it in the fridge until cooled.

Go ahead and wash your hair with any shampoo of your choice, next, divide your hair into four parts and apply the hair mask evenly.

Leave the hair mask in your hair until it becomes hard. This should take around 15 minutes. Rinse the hair mask out of your hair and apply the conditioner.

Only apply this hair mask once or twice per month. If you do decide to use it more than once, do not add in the apple cider vinegar the second time.

2. Egg & Yogurt DIY Protein Hair Mask For Curly Hair

Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, just 100 grams contains over 10 grams of protein. Yogurt helps strengthen the hair shafts which prevents split ends and damage.

Egg yolks contain vitamins A, E, folate, and biotin, when used in hair, it leads to strong, healthy hair.

Ingredients:

• 1 Egg Yolk
• 6 Tablespoons Of Plain Greek Yogurt

Preparation & Application:

Mix both of the ingredients above into a smooth paste, part your hair into 4, and apply the hair mask. Leave it in for 20-30 minutes before washing it off with warm water.

You can use a sulfate-free shampoo afterward to get rid of the egg smell. Repeat this protein hair mask once or twice maximum per month.

3. Rice Water DIY Protein Hair Mask For Curly Hair

One of the best natural protein hair masks is Rice water. This is because rice water is rich in protein and contains an ingredient called inositol (vitamin B8).

Inositol prevents hair loss and promotes healthy hair growth. Rice water also contains vitamins B & A plus antioxidants and minerals, all of which promote healthy hair.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup of White Rice
• 1 Cup of Water

Preparation & Application:

Mix the water with the rice and let it sit overnight. Strain it in the morning into a clean bowl and let the water sit for a few hours.

Once you start to smell a sour scent, put the strained liquid into the fridge for 8 extra hours. This simply means that you have successfully fermented the rice which is very important if you want this remedy to work.

Mix the rice water with an extra cup of water so that it is not too strong on the hair. Apply all over your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and leave it in for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water and mild shampoo. 

RELATED>> 

• 10 Reasons Why Curly Hair Is The New Neat
• 3 Powerful Home Remedies For Hair Growth That Works!
• How To Make Your Hair Grow Faster And Thicker At Home

What’s Next

Well, you’ve successfully made your very own DIY protein hair mask for curly hair. Now you need to save my post to Pinterest and follow me there while you’re at it.

I would also love to know how these remedies worked for you in the comments below. Until next time, stay awesome!