Henna vs Protein Treatments: Which is Better for Strengthening? | Black Girl with Long Hair Black Girl with Long Hair | Natural Hair Styles and Natural Hair Care

18 October 2011 ~ 56 Comments

Henna vs Protein Treatments: Which is Better for Strengthening?

Henna Natural Hair Care Natural Hair Products Protein Treatments

Janelle (not pictured) says;

Thanks to the information on your site, I’m realizing that I need to do some kind of strengthening treatment on my fine strands. I know that protein treatments work by depositing protein on the cuticle, while henna works by binding to the cuticle and thus strengthening it. My question is, which is better for strengthening? I can’t decide which to choose. I’d love to hear your readers thoughts and experiences.

Great question Janelle! Ladies, which do you like better as a strengthening treatment: henna or protein? Share your tips, photos and advice below!

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56 Responses to “Henna vs Protein Treatments: Which is Better for Strengthening?”

  1. Amayou 18 October 2011 at 10:18 am Permalink

    Good question, I’d like to know the same thing? Please provide links, responders (if you have them).

    Reply
  2. E 18 October 2011 at 10:22 am Permalink

    I’m not a fan of either. Protein treatments tend to make my hair very hard, and the henna loosens the curl pattern too much. It makes me look like I have poodle hair. I’d rather consume my protein to strengthen my hair.

    Reply
  3. Keisha 18 October 2011 at 10:40 am Permalink

    I’ve used Aphogee and my hair felt like straw when I was done. I thought I had done something wrong until I read the packaging again and did a bit more research. I had to condition pretty heavily afterward to get my hair to feel like normal again.
    I’ve also tried henna. It was a cheap henna (I had twigs in my hair afterward that I had to rinse out). My hair was not hard after I was done it actually felt well conditioned. I didn’t experience any loosening of my curl pattern but I must say I have very tight curls.
    I attempted to attach a picture of the henna that I used. If it does not show up, the brand is Rainbow and the color I used was red.
    I hope this helps.

    Reply
  4. Le Le 18 October 2011 at 11:00 am Permalink

    I don’t know. I have never done a henna treatment. I just haven’t felt like it. Henna looks so messy. I want to try it one day, but for now, it’ll just be a question in my mind.

    Reply
  5. Elaine D. 18 October 2011 at 11:07 am Permalink

    Protein makes me really nervous. I was a protein junkie before and my hair was really hard. I ingest most of my protein and I make my own protein treatment using Eggs, Aloe Vera, honey and olive oil. It makes my hair smile. I add other things to it if people really want to know but those are my main ingredients.

    Reply
    • Tonna 18 October 2011 at 12:44 pm Permalink

      Do you have like a set recipe for your protein treatment? You said that you use eggs, aloe vera, honey and olive oil…how much of each do you use? Thanks. :-)

      Reply
  6. Elaine D. 18 October 2011 at 11:08 am Permalink

    I meant commercial protein makes me nervous. Making my own treatments is what I do :)

    Reply
  7. mrscoutrmmm 18 October 2011 at 11:18 am Permalink

    I hate using Protein on my hair. It always comes out feeling like straw, but I have read (on curlynikki) that some people are protein sensitive so it may not be an option for a hair treatment, unless you want your end result to be like straw (for those who are protein sensitive). Henna works better for me. I get strong, healthy hair with great color (and it covers up grays really well) :-) That’s just me though. You might want to do more research into what your hair reacts to and make the choice for yourself. Some cheap options in your home would be a great way to start. Think a home made hair mask with eggs etc etc.

    Reply
  8. Michelle @Radiant Brown Beauty 18 October 2011 at 11:24 am Permalink

    I think that henna is good for strengthening hair as a preventative measure as well as thickening. Protein should be applied to the hair when it’s in a weakened state or breaking. Heavy protein treatments are not required after every washing.

    Protein seems to be very misunderstood and I find that many do not how to properly use protein leading to what people this is “protein sensitivity.” I’m about to publish a blog post on it in a few hours. I just need to update and proofread.

    Reply
    • mrscoutrmmm 18 October 2011 at 12:23 pm Permalink

      Ive tried diff forms of protein treatments and I dont think its a misunderstanding to protein sensitivity, my hair just really doesnt like it. At the end of the day its just about doing your research and knowing whats good for your individual hair. :-)

      Reply
    • Alexia 18 October 2011 at 1:38 pm Permalink

      I just read your blog post, and thank you for that! It really makes sense. Also, thanks for the recommendations: I posted downthread about how I’ve heard of only a few treatments available. I’m leaning toward the Curl Junky, but it’s friggin’ $30.

      Reply
    • June 18 October 2011 at 3:09 pm Permalink

      Great post!

      Reply
    • Likewaterforchocolat 24 October 2011 at 9:57 am Permalink

      Thank you so much. I don’t think that a lot of people realize that heavy protein treatment usually require a good moisturizing condish afterwards. I had the same experiences when I initially began protein treatments, but I made that small adjustment to the regimen and have had not problems since.

      Reply
  9. Shahidah 18 October 2011 at 11:47 am Permalink

    I prefer henna. I’ve been using it for well over six months now and have not noticed any loosening in curl pattern, I actually feel like my curls are more defined and springy after a treatment. I think I acutally like henna more because its an all day process and it allows me to really take a day and relax. I usually do an indigo treatment as well (to get my hair as black as possible without having to use OTC hair dyes.
    I’ve used Aphogee treatment as well and liked it as well

    Reply
    • Michi 18 October 2011 at 12:43 pm Permalink

      I prefer Henna too. I haven’t gotten any loosening of my curls though. I was using it at first to color my hair, but quickly realized that it wasn’t going to happen with my dark brown hair (although I did get highlights). After I take out my braids, I am looking forward to doing a henna treatment with indigo to condition and color my hair.

      I have used Aphogee 2-minute reconstruction. Didn’t notice any difference in my hair but I did also deep condition immediately after rinsing.

      Reply
      • Vicki 24 October 2011 at 9:34 am Permalink

        Well I’m trying the henna treatment today – mixed it up last night kept it at room temp over night diluted with lemon juice / water – so currently I am in my two hour holding period with a plastic wrap – I have wore wigs and had relaxers off and on at 54 I am trying to do something natural – most of the ladies on this are young. So maybe they can teach this old lady something LOL

        Reply
    • Mary 25 October 2011 at 1:14 am Permalink

      I love using henna as well. It covers gray nicely and I like the brunt reddish hightlights. I apply once a month and have found that I do need to do a moisturizing condition wash afterward. I use henna that is only intended for bodyart. It is a better quality and never any twigs.

      Reply
  10. AJ 18 October 2011 at 12:13 pm Permalink

    Hard to say…my hair responds to both REALLY well. I think I may have gotten the *best* results from henna, though. I can do a henna gloss weekly and have little to no shedding or breakage.

    Reply
    • Zyaran 19 October 2011 at 2:10 pm Permalink

      Have you tried the Henna packages they sell at the BSS stores? I think it’s called Henna placenta or something, because I brought one but have yet to try it out yet.

      Reply
      • Carla 19 October 2011 at 2:49 pm Permalink

        That’s not real henna. Its basically some sort of treatment with a few drops of actual henna in it. Waste of money.

        Reply
  11. Ethel 18 October 2011 at 12:26 pm Permalink

    I have not tried Henna either. I have alwasy used Aphogee and made my hair look and feel awesome! So obviously its different strokes for different folks. But I look forward to trying Henna (maybe before my next sew-in) and I hope I have positive results because I’d rather stick with natural products.

    Reply
  12. sheryl 18 October 2011 at 12:39 pm Permalink

    Henna just looks so messy. I use products with some protein in it to keep balance, and usually don’t ever need heavy protein treatments.

    I tried changing my regimen recently and my hair is mushy/stretchy. In this case, I’d do a protein treatment.

    I can’t say protein is better than henna though because I’ve never used it. If protein does make your hair feel like straw, neutrogena triple moisture works well, though not an all natural product.

    Reply
  13. Danyel 18 October 2011 at 12:40 pm Permalink

    It really depends on the porosity of your hair and your strand type: i.e. whether it is fine, medium or coarse. Coarse and medium hair tend to need less protein while fine hair may enjoy a protein boost. This, however is not a hard and fast rule as many curlies with coarse or medium hair love it and fine hair ladies sometimes avoid it like the plague. I have had natural hair my entire life but I was a serious heat abuser until 2 years ago, so the oldest part of my hair (the ends) are still carrying around some heat damage. This makes me a prime candidate for protein which my hair abosutely loves. I use a protein conditioner when I wash every week and on Wednesdays when I moisturize my hair I used a product that contains protein.

    I avoid henna because the amount of washing and rincing you have to do and the ends of my hair would not survive that process.

    Reply
  14. Amanda 18 October 2011 at 1:13 pm Permalink

    There is NO SUCH THING as protein sensitivity!!! Protein makes the hair hard. That’s just what protein does. I assure you, no one is sensitive to it. Protein sensitivity is just a silly name assigned to the condition that happens when not enough moisturizing conditioner is applied after a protein treatment. Bottom line: if your hair is hard, it’s because you aren’t moisturizing enough. How can hair possibly be sensitive to protein when hair IS protein?

    Sorry for the rant!

    To answer the question, Henna and Protein treatments are two completely different things. Henna contains ZERO protein. If you want protein, try adding an egg to your deep conditioner. Henna strengthens & softens the hair, but it’s nothing more than a conditioning treatment.

    Reply
    • bush 18 October 2011 at 8:04 pm Permalink

      no-one said they were the same thing….

      Reply
  15. Alexia 18 October 2011 at 1:26 pm Permalink

    Does anyone have any product recommendations? I’ve heard good things about Curl Junky’s “Repair Me” a certain Nexxus product, can’t remember what it’s called. I’m going through some serious breakage right now and I’m vegetarian, plus my hair is super porous and super kinky. Help?

    Reply
    • DawnieMich 18 October 2011 at 9:35 pm Permalink

      The Nexxus product I believe you’re referring to is called Emergencee. It’s pricey but well worth the investment. I just purchased some Aphogee protein treatment (FARRR cheaper) and will be definitely be comparing the two.

      Reply
  16. Asea 18 October 2011 at 1:27 pm Permalink

    I do both – but I very much prefer hydrolized protein and silk protein – I notice immediate results. My super fine coils have always loved protein. Henna is so messy and I don’t really like the color it casts on my hair. I tried henna and for a few months it was great. But it started to really dry my hair out after a while and caused breakage! Now I do a strong protein treatment (Nexxus) bi-weeekly and a henna gloss deep treatment maybe once a month. I mix henna (I dont let it sit for hours) with lots of shea butter and Giovanni SAS conditioner. I had been experiencing breakage like crazy, so I started finger detangling only and using these treatments and thank God it’s working wonderfully :-)

    Reply
  17. mangomadness 18 October 2011 at 2:01 pm Permalink

    I use henna. I like it for the strengthening and coloring properties. My strands feel thicker/stronger after henna’ing and my hair gets a nice brownish burgundy tint. I don’t mind the process–when I’m in the mood and have the time. I have henna’ed thrice in the past and would like to do another soon.

    I’ve never tried a commercial protein treatment. I think it’d be ‘doing to much’ when it come to my hair. With that said, I’d use them if my hair was “damaged”–chemically relaxed/’texlaxed’/texturized, chemically dyed or heat straightened on a regular basis.

    Reply
  18. Tina 18 October 2011 at 3:31 pm Permalink

    ladies is there a place (lab) where you can send a sample of your hair for a breakdown of what kinds of products would work good/bad for your hair?

    Reply
    • anastasia 18 October 2011 at 6:18 pm Permalink

      Great question =) I’m not sure, but check out JC (The Natural Haven) she may know. Good Luck =D

      Reply
      • Jc 19 October 2011 at 6:50 am Permalink

        Hi anastasia – Thanks for the mention. Today, I have a day off hoping that my very first lab spec microscope will be delivered. I am hoping it will be good to look at hair in high detail.

        Tina – I do not know a scientific lab that does that but there are hairstylists who offer that service. Most scientists are usually contacted by trichologist not for product recommendations but rather an analysis on the level of damage to your hair.

        Reply
  19. Carla 18 October 2011 at 4:54 pm Permalink

    I do both. I prefer henna, but when my time is short, protein treatments are second best for me. I usually don’t do protein more than once every 3-4 weeks and its usually in the form of a reconstructing conditioner, yogurt, or coconut milk. When my hair REALLY needs it, I use Aphrogee and do a deep conditioning treatment after.

    My hair is porous with medium strands so it can really use it as long as I keep the moisture/protein balance in my hair.

    Reply
  20. Aamenah 18 October 2011 at 5:36 pm Permalink

    I Henna 2x a mo and have been doing so for the past year.It has done wonders for my hair…Its nothing that I go outta way to do its just part of my life:)

    Reply
  21. anastasia 18 October 2011 at 6:08 pm Permalink

    Great topic=) My crown is home to a bunch of fine densely packed 4c-z strands that would break at the slightest touch (lil hairs shaped like c’s in my sink and on my hands in such)even when being handled like a neonate with water, oil, or a great conditioner.

    So, I decided to henna gloss (love it!) some months back and have found that it leaves the bulk of my hair (4a/b) very soft, shiny, and it does appear fuller and is easier to manage (no change in texture- except for the few type 3 strands I have- just seems easier to detangle and my twist look nice and fat afterwards); but, my middle (4c-z) was still uber fragile and just as challenging to handle as before.

    Just this weekend I did a homemade protein treatment with egg, yogurt, and a collection of oils which left my hair definitely feeling stronger and now the crown can handle manipulation better than before. Nevertheless, I had to use a super duper moisturizing conditioner after the treatment b/c my hair was feeling like wire in the crown-but my cuticles were nice and smooth at the same time (minimal fuzzies), with a noticeble reduction of the lil c’s in my sink or hands. I’ve finally decided that protein is my friend, just not my best friend. We will meet maybe every 2-3 months, depending on what my strands tell me. I henna-gloss every 6 weeks.

    I know it can be a pain in the tuckus, but you will simply have to experiment and find out what’s best for you. Good Luck on your journey =)

    Reply
  22. SuperCurlyGurl 18 October 2011 at 7:23 pm Permalink

    To be honest I never used commercial protein products but I have used Henna and I absolutely LOVE IT! I got the results that I needed with Henna; stronger hair, color, less shedding. I highly recommend it

    Reply
  23. Shelli 18 October 2011 at 10:42 pm Permalink

    Great post. I have avoided protein deep conditioners in the past and relied on henna for the last year or so. But, I recently decided to experiment with protein DCs after a reading some good posts about it and recommendations from friends (like Michelle @ Radiant Brown Beauty above). I’ve been having a little more breakage than that which I am comfortable and only use a henna gloss on my length once a month because full strength henna has loosened my curls (I have fine hair). So, I picked up some ApHogee 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor and ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Pak last week. I plan on trying the ApHogee tomorrow and evaluating the results. I henna my roots and gloss the length once a month for the conditioning and coloring benefits and will continue to do so. I see protein as a potential supplement to my henna regimen. If it works well (and now I know that protein must be followed by a moisturizing DC), I’ll use it maybe once every two months at least two weeks before/after my henna treatments.

    Reply
  24. honeybrown1976 18 October 2011 at 10:45 pm Permalink

    I’ve done light protein treatments and henna. I prefer henna.

    Reply
  25. Amayou 19 October 2011 at 7:38 am Permalink

    Are ther any stores you reccomend for henna? I would really like to try Henna (moreso for dying purposes).

    Reply
    • Amber 19 October 2011 at 9:17 am Permalink

      I get my henna from one of the local Indian grocery stores. If you don’t have any local Indian stores, you can order henna online. I know many folks order theirs from mehandi.com or hennaforhair.com. I’d look into a local Indian store first, as it is much cheaper.

      Reply
  26. NancyM 19 October 2011 at 9:42 am Permalink

    Protein treatments leave my hair very brittle and breakable. I prefer henna. My tip is to do a “henna gloss” instead of just a straight henna treatment. Henna gloss consists of adding a conditioner (whatever is your favorite) to your henna mixture. Also, be sure to deep condition your hair once you’ve rinsed out all of the henna. By adding conditioner to the henna and then deep conditioning after the henna, your hair will come out super soft.

    I have not experienced any curl loosening with henna, plus I love the red highlights and coverage my my gray hairs.

    Reply
    • Nickie 20 October 2011 at 1:12 pm Permalink

      Ditto on the gray coverage! I will try taht henna gloss this month

      Reply
  27. Somer 19 October 2011 at 9:53 am Permalink

    I have never used henna. But my hair loves protein. Some peoples hair does not respond well to direct protein from what I have heard. I do not like Aphogee protein treatment too messy and time consuming for me. But I love Sally’s Ions protein treatment and Keratin reconstructor and plain cheap cholesterol. I co wash alot with moisturizing conditioners so my hair handles the protein well.

    Reply
  28. H 19 October 2011 at 9:57 am Permalink

    I actually use Cassia with protein (eggs/yogurt) added in as a deep conditioner and protein treatment. So I get the conditioning benefits of henna (without the color stain) and also the benefits of protein in one shot.

    Also, isn’t it typical that after a protein treatment your hair will feel hard bc you need to condition? Is the hardness after a PT the result of “protein sensitivity” or is it just the way everyone’s hair responds to protein.

    Help from the resident natural scientists would be much appreciated!

    ~H

    Reply
  29. Maha 19 October 2011 at 10:12 am Permalink

    I really like the protein treatment from hydrathermal naturals… don’t use much else as far as protein… yogurt is cool. I like henna too…

    Reply
  30. Zyaran 19 October 2011 at 2:14 pm Permalink

    Has anyone done an avocado hask mask treatment on their hair, I guess that would be considered an protein treatment. I saw “Naturalcurlz86″ and she did a mixture of this with 2 ripe avocadoes, 2tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey. I will definitely have to try this on my hair, but I’m looking at doing some mini twists within the next 2 wks and leaving them in for about a month.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcKmuN7VYL0

    Reply
  31. Beth 19 October 2011 at 3:17 pm Permalink

    I am SO torn on hennaing my hair. I have hennaed my hair a total of 5 times, and it’s been about 6 months since my last henna. I stopped because of the color deposit (yeah, it only shows in the sun, but I’m still not a fan); because I was afraid that over time, my hair would become like concrete and not respond to any products; and because of time. I have tried indigo but the whole process is just too time-consuming and irritating to me. HOWEVER, when I was hennaing, the thickness, shine, and strength my hair exhibited were remarkable. I kinda miss that… but there were definitely the disadvantages.

    I’ve been thinking about turning to cassia, which I hear provides the benefits and effects that henna does, but without the color deposit. However, here are the factors that dissuade me: I would have to order it online since Indian grocers (or any for that matter) where I live don’t sell cassia and I’m not a fan of ordering products online (but this is the least significant factor); I’ve heard that cassia’s effects don’t last as long so that means I’d have to apply it more frequently; I have doubts as to whether cassia is as strengthening/thickening as henna.

    I have thinner, finer hair that likes treatments like henna, and protein treatments do nothing for my hair. Any help/advice for my issue would be appreciated…

    Reply
  32. brunettefury 19 October 2011 at 3:36 pm Permalink

    None of these work for my hair, which also seems to really hate conditioner. I don’t know if anyone else has this problem. Protein treatments make my hair feel dry and Henna makes my hair dry and tangled. It has maybe worked well once for me and only because I did a Rhassoul clay treatment afterwards. The last time that I did a Henna treatment, it took hours to detangle and I had so much shed hair. I was so frustrated I almost cried lol.

    Reply
  33. Josie Lynn 20 October 2011 at 1:03 am Permalink

    I would think a Henna treatment might work better for people who are protein sensitive, and I also think that after a protein treatment, to help with that “hard, brittle” feel a good deep conditioner would be good, when I do my henna treatments, I like to do a good deep conditioner and make sure to keep rinsing for a few days because it helps with that “hard” feeling. Now my hair feels nice and soft, I think I might do another henna treatment soon

    Reply
  34. HBP 20 October 2011 at 11:45 am Permalink

    I tried both protein treatments (eggs, oils, aloe vera) and henna. For both of them, I think it is a question of balancing the protein and the moisture. of course, if you do a protein treatment without enough oil or aloe vera your hair will feel dry and crispy. That is why it is recommended to do a deep conditioning afterwards. I combined both because I did not want to spend a lot of time in the shower. Now,I henna my hair. I only use Henna from Beauty and Art Quality Henna because it is not mixed with harsh chemicals and I recommand this brand. I mix my henna with some conditioner, water, aloe vera juice, an oil and 3 drops of Rosemary oil. My hair feels fantabulous :)

    Reply
  35. Penelope 24 October 2011 at 3:59 pm Permalink

    I agree with a lot of you ladies on the henna. I use bodyart quality
    henna. I use it because it is a pure form of henna not mixed with any
    chemicals and pure sifted. Henna does not change natural hair color.

    But if your hair is gray it will take on a red or auburn color. For those who have dark hair like me you will see nice deep red highlights
    when the lights, or being outside or sunshine is reflected on your hair.

    Since I have discovered the use of henna for my hair over a year ago
    the more you use it, your hair will grow like weed. I gave this advice
    to a friend of mine who is much older than I am.

    She had a teeny weeny afro that was dyed jet black and didn’t seem to
    grow at all. It didn’t happened overnight but when I saw her 5 months
    later that fro was not the same hair. That fro literally grew out of
    her head nearly an inch a month. She hugged and kissed me. In her words” Child I have been telling everybody about this Body Art Quality
    henna. This here stuff is the truth!! girl. My girl friends so jealous my hair is growing better than theirs.

    And besides henna is a protein and a protein treatment. Plus I use a
    moisturizing conditioner after I henna. It depends on the person.

    Reply
  36. Tizzy 26 October 2011 at 12:55 pm Permalink

    It may actually do your hair good to do both. I love the way my hair feels after a henna treatment, but I don’t do it too often because it could change the color of my hair. Which I love. So I do protein treatments once every 6-8 weeks and henna once every 3 months. Since I’ve been consistant about this routine I’ve seen my hair flourish. Love em both… who says we have to choose.

    Reply
  37. LatteSpeaks 28 December 2011 at 5:40 pm Permalink

    I use my own form of a protein treatment since I recently suffered from damaged from a hair dye. I mix eggs with honey (no specific amount) and coat my hair in it. After about 15 minutes in a shower cap, I rinse the mixture out and shampoo and deep condition my hair as normal.

    Reply
  38. Aurelio Beckert 15 February 2012 at 1:16 pm Permalink

    Obama needs all these illegals votes to win reelection.

    Reply

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