Jenga!
Lhook
When playing Jenga, the objective is to stack the blocks as high as possible without causing them to collapse. To do this successfully, the base we stack the blocks on must be a strong one, if there are gaps in the wrong places, down it all tumbles.
Hair!
Lhook
When caring for your hair, I imagine your goal is to have healthy hassle free hair that grows as long as possible, but in order to do so the core structure of your hair must be sturdy. Like Jenga! If there are gaps or cracks in the hair strand, down the drain it all falls.
We need protein in our hair because protein is what holds the hair strands together. Protein is also responsible for many of the cellular processes that take place within the body, and hair growth is one of them.
Effects of low protein
Hair tends to rebel either when our body is lacking something or when our hair strands are lacking something.
Effects of low protein in the hair strand
In terms of hair strands that are visible above the skin, that “missing something” can either be protein, moisture, or proper hair care routines.
In the absence or reduction of protein in hair strands, people tend to experience
- weakness and/or brittleness
- thinning hair and/or excessive shedding
- breakage
- dullness and/or lifelessness
- and/or drier-than-usual hair
Learn more about excessive shedding, breakage, dry hair, dull/lifeless hair, and weak/brittle hair.
Some reasons for low protein in the hair strand
There are various reasons a hair strand may be low in protein. Some reasons include but are not limited to:
- excessive or improper use of water
- excessive or improper use of heat
- excessive manipulation
- chemical treatments
- poor nutrition
When there is an imbalance in the amount of protein in hair, the strand’s elasticity is affected. This is also identified as a protein moisture imbalance.
Learn more about excessive/improper use of water, excessive/improper use of heat, excessive manipulation, chemical treatments, and poor nutrition.
Effects of low protein in the hair follicle
Below the skin, the right nutrients are needed to nourish the cells that make up healthy hair strands. These nutrients are abundant in a well-balanced diet of whole foods. An article published in the Dermatology Practical and Conceptual states that poor nutritional health may impact the structure of hair as well as its growth. The article further shares some effects of poor nutrition on hair growth which include: [1]
- Acute telogen effluvium – this is common with decreased protein intake.
- Diffuse alopecia – common with niacin deficiency
- Androgenetic alopecia
- Female pattern baldness
- Alopecia areata
Some reasons for low protein in the hair follicle
Poor nutrition is a major contributing factor that results in the diversion of protein to the follicle. When our intelligent bodies recognize that there is a reduction in nutrient intake, our bodies will compensate by redirecting much-needed nutrients from areas of the body that are not needed for survival to those that are. Your hair is one of the first areas on your body this will happen to, which will lead to the previously mentioned challenges with hair. [2]
What does protein do in hair?
- Studies show that proteins give your hair its strength and structure. Strong hair makes it possible to perform salon services like curling, braiding, coloring, even a simple bun or ponytail would be difficult to achieve without sufficient protein in hair.
- The aforementioned study shows that certain proteins are associated with influencing curl patterns in hair.
- Another study shares about the relationship between proteins and the hair growth cycle. Based on this study, in the catagen phase of the cycle, 19 different proteins are associated with certain cells dying off. [3][4]
So. Why do we need protein in hair?
We need protein in our hair to ensure our hair is strong and healthy. Our intelligent bodies make proteins from the nutrient-rich foods we feed them, and this encourages a firm foundation for hair to grow from.
