HAIR PROTEIN SENSITIVITY CHART

Snaps quickly

Little or no stretch before breaking

Hair lacks moisture and flexibility. Most common in chemically treated, heat-damaged, or very dry hair.

Try this: Deep condition consistently. Use a leave-in. Reduce heat exposure. Bond repair treatments help if damage is significant.

Stretches & stretches

Goes very far before breaking or feels gummy

Hair may be over-conditioned or have product buildup. Gummy texture when wet is a strong signal that a clarifying wash is overdue.

Try this: Use a clarifying shampoo to reset. Scale back heavy conditioners and see how your hair responds.

Stiff or straw-like

Rough, brittle, feels coarse even after conditioning

Dry, damaged hair in need of hydration and possibly bond repair. Layered stylers without regular clarifying can also cause this.

Try this: Clarify, deep condition, and assess damage level. If heavily processed, add a bond repair treatment to your routine.

Limp or weighed down

Flat, soft past the point of feeling healthy

A sign of over-conditioning or product buildup. Heavy formulas on fine or undamaged hair often lead to this feeling.

Try this: Clarify and switch to a lighter conditioner or leave-in. Look for formulas designed for your hair's weight and texture.

Gets stiffer or drier

Protein products seem to make things worse

Your hair may be protein-sensitive or simply doesn't need added protein right now. This is common and worth paying attention to.

Try this: Stick to moisture-focused products. Alternate with a clarifying wash if buildup could also be a factor.

Feels stronger & bouncier

Protein products genuinely improve your hair

Your hair responds well to protein — likely because it's damaged or porous enough to benefit from the extra structure and support.

Try this: Keep protein in your routine. Pair with a good conditioner to maintain softness alongside strength.