Essential Summer Proteins for Hair
The 4 Protein Ingredients in Hair Products You Should Always Use in The Summer
Just when the harsh weather and drying indoor heat of winter start to feel like a distant memory, summer comes along with its own bunch of hidden hair woes. Our strands have an outer lipid layer responsible for regulating moisture levels and protecting the hair fiber. But there’s only so much sun, salt water and chlorine this natural barrier can withstand. So, what hardworking hair products should you be reaching for in the hotter weather to prevent color fade on natural or dyed hair, and also reduce protein loss? Below are the hair-loving protein ingredients you should be scanning the beauty aisle for when summer kicks in…
Protective ingredient 1: Proteins for Hair
The NEXXUS PROTEINFUSION blends are different in every range, replenishing the specific proteins lost through different types of damage. For example, our scientists identified cysteine, glutamic acid, and serine as the primary proteins and amino acids lost through chemical coloring and, as a result, infused the Color Assure range with elastin protein, alongside natural protein quinoa. And it’s worth remembering that protein care doesn’t end in the shower. The styling products applied after you wash your hair play a crucial role in restoring its protective layer and locking in essential proteins for hair. The four-part Weightless Style range uses a PROTEINLOCK system that forms an invisible layer around the hair strands to protect, soften, and add shine, without weighing them down. The Prep & Protect Leave-In Spray with hyaluronic acid adds moisture, detangles, and boosts shine. And if you suffer from frizz, the Ultralight Smooth range is specifically designed to soothe strands, harnessing the moisturizing benefits of jasmine, and the humidity-repelling powers of almond protein.
Protective ingredient 2: Marula oil for hair
If you take a closer look at some of the ‘wonder oils’ on the market today, you’ll realize many of them are made up of silicone (often labeled ‘dimethicone’), an ingredient that reflects light for added shine, but won’t offer parched hair any long-term benefits. The protective cuticle of a curly strand sits slightly raised, meaning the hair fiber is more vulnerable to damage and dehydration compared to straight hair with a naturally smoother cuticle. We chose to use marula oil in our Curl Define range, packed with essential fatty acids that dry, coarse hair will drink up. It’s blended with silk protein (one of our hero protein ingredients), which is rich in glycine and serine amino acids (curly hair contains up to six times more of these than straight hair). Sweet almond oil – a favorite for its nourishing benefits in a lightweight texture – can be found in our Maxximum Finishing Mist, which is a hybrid styler and nourisher that has your hair’s long-term manageability in mind.
Protective ingredient 3: Natural hydrators
It doesn’t take a scientist to work out that the drying effects of the sun can seriously dehydrate your hair. But it does take a NEXXUS scientist to find the sweet spot between protecting your hair without weighing down your style of choice. The heat from the sun and styling tools can cause moisture to evaporate from the hair’s cortex, and let’s not forget the moisture-zapping effects of salt water and chlorine. When hair is dehydrated it becomes more difficult to style, and the solution starts when you step into the shower. Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo and Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner are our go-to duo for daily moisture replenishment, containing a PROTEINFUSION blend with elastin protein and green caviar, a regenerative powerhouse of vitamins, fiber, and proteins that replenishes the hair’s moisture and restoring shine and suppleness.
Protective ingredient 4: Black rice for hair
Packed with amino acids (the building blocks of protein), vitamins, and minerals, rice water has been used for centuries in China to keep hair healthy and strong. It works by replenishing lost proteins and restoring the overall structure of the hair strand. We’ve utilized the replenishing powers of black rice in our Keraphixsystem (made up of the Damage Healing Shampoo, Conditioner, and Treatment Masque), alongside keratin protein (the building block of our hair). The range is formulated for extremely damaged strands, helping to visibly heal them from within. If you bleach your hair, regularly heat style, or struggle to keep on top of split ends (which often begin with a peeling cuticle layer), then consider this clinically-proven protein blend your new summer love affair.
