The Protein Conditioner That Strengthens AND Restore’s pH Balance
Last updated on September 23rd, 2022 at 01:36 pm
When I wrote this post, I started to entitle this post, “Da Bomb Diggity Protein Conditioner for Fine Hair.” Then, I figured I needed to show a little more tact.
I almost couldn’t help it though. Being from New York, we say things like “Da Bomb” all the time. Well, at least we used to when I was growing up LOL. The “diggity” was for extra added enthusiasm.
Why I Needed a Protein Conditioner for My Fine Hair
I’ve always struggled with straight ends. After reading some things about the hair’s pH balance (plus watching this video), I’m convinced that an off-balance pH balance may be the biggest culprit of my straight ends.
I initially thought it was me “straight training” my hair by pulling it into too many tight ponytails versus maybe having heat damage.
Anyway, I am too excited about having a new protein conditioner for my fine hair. After using it, I was amazed at the fast results. Not only was my hair instantly stronger with virtually no breakage after using it. It was also left pH balanced! How do I know? Because of the way my hair began to curl right up! (although I still think there’s some straight training)
Because I’m naturally inclined to be a product junky, I try so many products at times. So, it’s highly probable that many of them have messed with my hair’s pH balance.i
So, What Is This Protein Conditioner for Fine Hair?
It is Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil Protein Conditioner (you can find it here). I’m telling you, this stuff is absolutely amazing. I love how my hair felt after applying it, treating it with heat and then rinsing it out. It felt strong and easy to detangle after applying diluted Herbal Essences Hello Hydration.
Now to be fair, this protein treatment doesn’t advertise to those of us with fine hair only. I’m just terming it that because of how good our hair type responds to it.
Check out the ingredients: Mayonnaise, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Vitamin E, Avocado Oil, Mustard Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Lavender, Pimento Oil
All natural. Double score. The only thing is it smells like pickles. I can deal with it though because the results were so awesome. Plus, when you rinse it out, there is no residual smell.
A New Hair Care Regimen
One thing I know is fine hair likes protein. However, it needs moisture to balance out the protein. That goes for everyone. Protein treatments need to be balanced out with moisture; Especially heavy duty treatments like Aphogee.
If you have fine strands of natural hair that you don’t abuse with heat or chemicals, you won’t require protein treatments on a weekly basis. Bi-weekly to monthly protein treatments are however, beneficial for fine hair.
This new JBCO protein conditioner has changed my life (OK that’s a little extreme but you get the picture). This is a new staple for me and is being incorporated into my hair care regimen. It’s changed everything and comes at a good time now that we are entering the colder months when hair needs added protection.
On Wash Day
- Pre-poo hair with Vatika and Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) the night before washing.
- Leave in hair overnight.
- Wash hair in 4 twists with Shea Moisture’s Hair Thickening Shampoo
- Loosen the twists and deep condition with either the Tropic Isle JBCO protein conditioner for fine hair or Shea Moisture Hair Mask with honey added. I’ll be alternating these every other week so I don’t over-protein treat.
- After deep conditioning with heat for 45 minutes, I allow the hair to cool for 15 minutes
- On cooled hair, I apply diluted Herbal Essences Hello Hydration and finger detangle before applying leave in conditioner and sealing (It works well. Read why I use this technique here)
- Apply Kimmaytube Leave In Conditioner and seal with JBCO.
- Style as normal
Note: Henna and Zizyphus are still in my regimen for once a month
2018 UPDATE: While my techniques have not much changed, my products have. I’m no longer using this protein treatment for fine hair. It’s great. Don’t get me wrong. It’s just easier to get other products in stores. Subscribe to this blog for updates
It’s really hard to find the shampoo or conditioner that will suit our hair. I’m happy that you already found the solution of it. Watching your picture shown above, I like your lovely curly hair. 🙂
Thanks Shayne 🙂
Oh that is so great to know thanks so much. I also have thinning hair and a lot of breakage so I would like to start taking better care of my hair. I am a mother of 4 so I wear ponytails everyday and I can’t wait to try this out for my daughters and myself. Gonna order offline but I’ll be sure to let you know how it turns out for us. =0)
Ahh ponytails. Depending on what are you using to do them, that could cause breakage too.
Satin scrunchies are the kindest for ponytails. Banana clips are also pretty good. Just be careful not to put them too tight. If you use elastic bands, the ones I recommend are the Goodie Ouchless elastic bands. Those won’t rip at the hair as much but you shouldn’t use them too often either.
last, to do your ponytails, also add a little lieave in and moisturizer to your hair to protect it from the stress of pulling at the hair.
Let me know if you want any other information, I’d be happy to share what I know 🙂
Hello Michelle =0) I have read about Jamaican black castor before but after reading your blog here I am convinced I would like to try it for myself and my 12 year old daughters hair but I would also like to know is it safe to use on my 1 year old daughters hair because I use baby oil and petroleum jelly on her hair but I’ve read that this isn’t good for the hair, any suggestions on whats safe to use on her hair?
Hi Nyesha-
You absolutely CAN use the JBCO on your little one’s hair. It’s an all natural oil. I’d just do a small area just to make sure she doesn’t have any allergies to it. Even natural products can cause some reactions if one is allergic. However, I don’t think you’ll have a problem at all.
My mom also uses JBCO on her hair to thicken it at the root. She had some thinning due to brain surgery and her is starting to fill in now and all she uses is the JBCO massaged into her scalp a few times a week.
Let me know how it goes.
Oh yes… and I just rewatched that pH video also. Isn’t it interesting… and true?
I saw that in the beauty supply store today. I keep eyeing it, but never bought it. I just bought so many hair products, it would be wrong to buy another one so soon!! LOL
LOL that’s right. Tame that PJism!
I just bought the book about the tightly curly method for my kindle. I’m going to try and do her way of leaving regular conditioner in my hair not deep conditioning and see if I make any progress. If it works and I notice my hair growing and no breakage, I may not replenish my supply of products. We’ll see.
I heard it works well, but I know my hair will never dry with conditioner in it. That’s the only reason I’ve never tried it. It’s similar to the method they use at the DevaChan Salons (with DevaCare/DevaCurl) from what I’ve heard. Keep us posted.
Well so far it’s been hours and while my hair is dry on the ends, the roots are still sopping wet. I don’t like this. I think I’m just going to do my protective styles and bun it. Will probably give it once more chance though because I think I OD’d on conditioner this first time LOL.
I’m also not a fan of brushing my hair so I don’t know about the Denman. Do you use it?
Hey Michelle,
I was wondering how this conditioner was. I’m glad you like and it worked for you. Now, I might just give this a try.
I don’t pre-poo, but I will be incorporating it in my regimen. So I appreciate you sharing your hair care regiment. It lets me know that I’m on the right track.
Take care,
Evelyn
Hey Evelyn. I’m quite surprised that this joker was effective as it was. If your hair is protein sensitive though, you may want to leave it alone. It’s a strong protein conditioner but once you rinse it out with a moisturizing conditioner, your hair should be nice and pliable. I really recommend Hello Hydration. It has a lot of slip making detangling easier.
I’m glad someone tried this out. I was eyeballing this for the longest time. I am ordering this right away, I hope it works for the minor breakage that I have. Thanks for the review.
Miche’al I really think it will. It was very effective. Remember, I was saying how I was having this breakage and stuff? I think it worked well combined with the other products. It does stink though but to me it’s tolerable. it’s natural which I love. Just make sure to use your Aussie Moist or Hello Hydration right afterwards. Protein does make the hair a little hard but you can soften it right away with the rinse out moisturizing conditioners.
Hello My Name is Etoile and I am a PJ!!
Girl I am ordering that this eve when I get home to my computer. So do tell…how are you liking the SheaMoisture Shampoo? The Organic Raw She Butter left my hair feeling like straw, I love the brand and wish I could find a product from their line that works for my hair.
LOL. I love that it stopped my breakage. Even better than the Aphogee. I’ll give you the same advice as Micha’el though. Make sure you follow with a moisturizing conditioner. That is the key. Protein will make your hair hard but that’s what it’s supposed to do. You just gotta soften it up!
I really like the SM Organic Yucca & Baobab thickening shampoo. It doesn’t leave my hair like straw. I’m definitely buying this again.
I also have Design Essentials shampoo which is OK. I probably won’t buy it again. I need staples in my life 🙂 Trying to overcome the PJism LOL
Wow, you have such an incredible hair regiment!! Mine is nothing compared. Because my hair is so oily (I HAVE to wash it every day, otherwise…gross)….it’s basically wash with clarifying shampoo, and brush after the shower. That’s pretty much it, unless I want it to be icky.
Thanks Kirstin! i have dry hair if I don’t take care of it. I’m sure if I had oily hair I’d wash it more often too 🙂 No brushes on my curly hair thought!