Hair and Protein

I've currently switched my No Poo method to a once a week egg and honey mask/wash.  I have curly/wavy hair that is prone to split ends, excess sebum at the roots and dry ends.  
I've heard a mix of reviews from people using protein masks and washes.  Some types of hair seem to do really well with protein and others can suffer side effects from protein or excess protein.
Some popular protein washes are eggs, yogurt, and avocado and mayonnaise.  
Protein treatments are used to strengthen weak and damaged hair. If your hair is already healthy then you can easily over protein your hair.  Side effects of too much protein include; straighter than normal hair with a waxy or straw-like texture, difficult to detangle and often breaks during this process, the hair can be dry and the ends can be dry and rough. 
Different types of hair react differently to different types of protein and regiments.  Often those with very thin hair (baby fine) need protein daily whereas if you have medium coarse hair you may only need protein a few times a week.  If you have really coarse hair then your hair is already very strong and too much protein can cause the hair to be rigid and break easily.

If you'd like to try a protein wash/mask here are 3 great ones below.

Egg Mask:
You can apply this to wet or dry hair.  If you are starting with wet hair it must be cold and not warm or you will cook the egg.  You beat the egg until it is frothy then coat the scalp and all of the hair.  If you have long hair secure it on the top of your head with a clip.  Place a shower cap on top of your head and leave on for up to 20 minutes (I only leave mine on for about 10). You can add honey or other helpful ingredients or essential oils to add scent. Rinse with cold water.

Yogurt:
Massage about 3 Tbsp of yogurt into your scalp and hair. Let it sit for 20 minutes under a shower cap then rinse.  You can use this weekly.

Avocado and Mayo:
Mash 1/2 an avocado with 2 Tbsp mayo.  Apply this mixture through all of your scalp and hair and let sit and rinse out.




Sources:

• http://www.truehairgrowth.com/how-to-tell-if-your-hair-likes-protein
• http://www.curlynikki.com/2011/09/curl-whisperer-on-protein-friend-or-foe.html
• http://7beautytips.com/3-easy-homemade-protein-treatments-for-dry-and-damaged-hair/