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These Protein Hair Treatments Brought My Bleach-Damaged Locks Back to Life
Transform your tresses from lackluster to luminous.
We all know the importance of eating protein to keep our bodies strong. But just as protein is the essential building block of our diet, our hair needs it to survive and thrive, too. So if your locks have been feeling limp, brittle, or perpetually frizzy, no matter how many masks you've tried, your hair might just be craving a protein treatment. These intensive hair care formulas are designed to rebuild and strengthen your strands from the inside out.
“Protein hair treatments work to replenish and reinforce the hair’s internal structure by infusing it with essential amino acids and proteins,” explains celebrity hairstylist Temur Hamilton. They target areas of weakness and damage caused by heat, coloring, and environmental stressors by physically patching up weak spots in the hair cuticle. ”By rebuilding the hair’s protective barrier, the products help restore elasticity, strength, and smoothness.” Hamilton adds that these treatments are also an “essential step” in maintaining vibrant color and ensuring that hair remains strong and healthy.
One important warning: you can overdo it. If applied too frequently or left on for too long, “they can soften hair so much that it will break,” Hamilton cautions. As a good rule of thumb, Hamilton says if you have really damaged hair, use a protein treatment once a week; if you have medium damage, every two weeks; and for general or preventative use, once a month is sufficient.
The key is finding the best formula for your hair type and damage level—whether that's a deep-conditioning mask for coily textures, a lightweight glaze for fine strands, or a salon-grade treatment for bleach-induced breakage. Below, find the 10 best protein treatments for every type and texture, according to ELLE editors, industry experts, and rave reviews.
Pros
- Repairs extreme damage
Cons
- Small amount of product
K18 is a cult-favorite for a reason—even Hamilton is obsessed with the Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. “Rebuilding both polypeptide chains and disulfide bonds, it strengthens hair inside and out, and revives even the most damaged hair from the core—restoring elasticity, smoothness, and bounce,” he says. “Results are visible from the first use, with lasting protection that extends beyond your next wash. The leave-in formula is easy to apply, great for all hair types, and works in just four minutes!”
Size: 1.7 oz
Key ingredients: Patented K18Peptide
Amazon rating: 4.3/5
An ELLE editor says: ”I've been bleaching (and re-dyeing) my hair for years, and this mask saved my brittle locks during my dreadful blonde phase. After just one use, I could feel my hair becoming shinier and stronger. Over time, my bleach-damaged hair had never felt healthier. The best part? You only have to sit in it for four minutes!”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce editor
Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment
Pros
- Additional oils make hair super shiny
Cons
- Strong scent
For at-home hair care, this protein treatment is pretty intense. It strikes a nice balance between a complex combination of proteins, biotin, and nourishing oils for added hydration and strength. It helps repair but also protects against future stressors.
Size: 5 0z.
Key ingredients: Rice protein complex, vitamin B, algae etract
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have been looking for a product to repair my damaged wavy hair and within 2 uses I feel like my hair is as healthy as it used to be before I started heat styling my hair.”
Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment
Pros
- Good price
- A little goes a long way
- Fast-acting
Cons
- Some reviewers do not like the smell
This under-$10 protein treatment has over 49,000 near-perfect reviews on Amazon, proving that healthy hair does not have to break the bank. It contains ceramides, collagen, and keratin that will transform your hair in just five minutes.
Size: 3.38 oz.
Key ingredients: Collagen, cer-100, keratin
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “It is an amazing hair mask that makes my hair SO soft and smooth. It is highly protein-based, so I would not recommend using it all the time, but it makes for a great mask every other week or so. A little goes a long way, and you can feel immediately the impact it has on your hair. I can especially tell the difference when I use this after I bleach my hair, it really brings it back to life! I think it is a great value and I will continue to repurchase.”
Ouai Treatment Mask for Fine and Medium Hair
Pros
- Fragrant
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not for thick hair
- Pricey
Specifically made to treat fine to medium brittle hair, this protein treatment acts as a mask that helps restore hydration, repair damage, and add shine. The extra-strength protein prevents breakage and leaves your hair looking healthy and smelling good. Plus, it features Ouai’s signature scent Melrose Place, a rose fragrance with hints of bergamot, lychee, cedarwood, and musk.
Size: 8 oz.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, keratin, panthenol
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This hair mask is like no other. I have been growing my hair out and I have curly hair, when I leave this in for 15 minutes my hair is so soft and straight for like four days the smell is amazing it makes your hair so so so soft, I am on my fourth jar!!”
Pros
- Active ingredients for long-term benefits
Cons
- No written customer reviews
“This mask is an instant rescue remedy for hair that’s seen too many blowouts, color treatments, and heat tools,” says Hamilton. “The keratin and anti-glycation complex smooth every strand, leaving the hair glossy while rebuilding the cuticle from within. Ceramides mimic the hair’s natural barrier, adding volume and shine without weighing it down.”
Size: 6.8 oz
Key ingredients: Keratin and anti-glycation complex, triple DNA, ceramides
Neiman Marcus rating: 5/5
Pros
- Clean ingredients
Cons
- Will have to re-up often
Once you read about all the nutrient-rich ingredients this creamy hair mask contains, it will justify the price point. Formulated with biotin, collagen, caffeine, niacinamide—plus vitamins A, D, E, and F through baobab tree oil—you get a hard-working treatment that penetrates the cuticle to transform your mane. It instantly restores softness, shine, and body to dry, overworked, and chemically-treated hair while working long-term to defend against future damage.
Size: 5 oz.
Key ingredients: Biotin, plant collagen, caffeine, and niacinamide, baobab tree oil
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This truly exceeded my expectations. This is lightweight and doesn’t weigh my hair down. This also has a pleasant scent that lingers throughout the day. It may be a bit pricier than other options, but the results are definitely worth the investment.”
Pros
- Helps enhance color
- Multitasking treatment
- Clean ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers say it does not help tame frizz
Known as QuadBond technology, this four-in-one hair treatment repairs heat, chemical, color, and styling damage in just four minutes. It gives a glossy, salon-like finish while working inside the cuticles to strengthen and repair for long-term health, hydration, and growth.
Size: 6.4 oz.
Key ingredients: Protein complex of 11-hair-fortifying amino acids and hydrolyzed protein, hyaluronic acid, castor oil
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This product is fantastic. My hair is long and the ends were extremely dry and scraggly. After the first use of this product it already feels so much better. It also smells divine! Would definitely recommend!”
Virtue Restorative Treatment Hair Mask
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Lightweight
Cons
- Small size
Doram uses Virtue’s Restorative Treatment Hair Mask every day as a conditioner. “This has a natural keratin base. Plus, it is very light and gentle to the hair and does not weigh it down. It also leaves my hair bouncy and full.” This mask actively rehabilitates all hair types, infusing shine, moisture, and strength. The formula contains a plant-based protein that boosts color, induces moisture retention, and adds a glossy shine through antioxidants.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Key ingredients: Alpha keratin 60ku, brown algae extract, amaranthus caudatus seed, baobab seed oil, artichoke leaf extract
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair is fine and gets frizzy after wash. I have tried so many hair masks that claim to make your hair not frizzy, and soft and manageable, but nothing works, other than this mask. I love how it makes my hair soft, healthier and more manageable. Just five minutes of this mask creates magic!”
Pros
- Reviewers say curls last for days
- Enhances curls
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Some reviewers do not like the scent
Curlsmith’s protein-enriched styler combines the moisture of a cream with the flexible hold technology of a gel. It provides a silky smooth finish while taming frizz, protecting from heat, and rebuilding strength. This product works best for medium to thick hair.
Size: 8 oz.
Key ingredients: Brown algae, amaranthus caudatus seed extract, baobab seed oil, ipha keratin 60ku
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have another hair styling product from Curlsmith but it’s a 1 on the hold scale. I was looking for a little more hold for those humid days, but not too much. I like my hair to look soft. My curls are spiral-like, but my hair texture is fine, so too much hold doesn’t look natural. This product not only gives my hair extra curls, but it stays looking soft. The smell is the best part though! It’s sort of fruity and citrus, but very light. The consistency is like a cream, but a little bit liquid. I am glad to have found this product!”
Pros
- Protects hair structure and reduces breakage
Cons
- Best if used 1-3 times a week
Made for all hair types, Hamilton is a huge fan of the Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3. “This pre-shampoo treatment rebuilds all three hair bonds, strengthening hair after just a single use, and helping to prevent future breakage,” Hamilton explains. Simply apply to damp hair and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
Size: 3.3 oz
Key ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I cannot say enough great things about this product. My hair is very processed from bleaching over the years and after just a few uses, this has restored so much softness to my ends. I pop this in my hair and will do some errands before washing it out. I've let it sit anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. I have tried so many products to bring life back into my hair and this finally did the trick.”
Protein Treatment Precautions
It’s important to choose a protein treatment that matches your hair type and specific needs to avoid overloading your hair with protein, which can cause brittleness. Hair expert and co-founder of IGK Hair Care, Aaron Grenia, says, “Fine or oily hair might need lighter formulations to avoid weighing the hair down, while thicker or curly hair can benefit from richer treatments that provide more intensive repair.”
Protein treatments should also be used in moderation. “Overuse can lead to an excess of protein in the hair, causing it to become stiff and prone to breakage. Always follow the product’s instructions and pay attention to how your hair responds to find the perfect balance,” he adds.
What to look for in a protein hair treatment
When choosing a protein hair treatment, Hamilton says it's most important to “find salon-grade or professional-level products that have proven efficacy and are tailored to your specific hair type and needs.” In many of these formulas, you'll find high-quality proteins and amino acids—the key to an effective protein treatment. And to avoid making the hair too soft and brittle, “seek out treatments that are balanced with moisture,” Hamilton concludes.
Meet the Experts
Aaron Grenia is a hair expert and co-founder of IGK Hair Care.
Sharon Dorram is a celebrity colorist and Founder of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon in NYC.
Temur Hamilton is a celebrity hairstylist based in NYC.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Vanessa Powell and Emma Aerin Becker spoke with haircare professionals about the best sulfate-free shampoos for effective cleansing and perused hundreds of customer feedback to find the best ones.
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