Your hair needs protein to stay in optimal health. However, too much of a good thing can be bad for your hair, leading it to become dry and unmanageable. In this article, we’ll take a look at the causes of protein overload, and do a round-up of the best protein-free conditioners you can buy in the UK.
Note: The information in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge, however, it is not guaranteed. Product formulas can change at any time or vary between countries. Always check the ingredients list before buying.
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In A Hurry? Our Top Picks
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Top | AVEDA Cherry Almond Softening Conditioner, 200 ml | Buy on Amazon | |
 Top | Faith in Nature Natural Aloe Vera Conditioner, Rejuvenating, Vegan and Cruelty Free, Parabens and SLS Free, Normal to Dry Hair, 400 ml | Buy on Amazon | |
 Top | Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner | Curly Hair Conditioner | With Organic Aloe & Sunflower Oil | 8oz, 238ml | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Bouclème Curl Conditioner | Buy on Amazon |
Protein For Hair
Why It’s Essential
Hair is mainly made of keratin which is a type of protein. Therefore, protecting against protein loss caused by heat styling, chemical treatments and environmental stressors is important for your hair.
Keeping the right balance of protein and moisture is key for healthy hair.
Why You Can Have Too Much (Protein Overload)
Protein overload is when the levels of protein and moisture in your hair are out of balance. You can develop too much protein in your hair if you overuse hair products that are rich in protein.
The symptoms of protein overload include dry and brittle hair as well as a change in hair texture.
Some people are protein sensitive, which means they should avoid protein products and opt for moisturizing deep conditioning treatments instead.
Low porosity hair can be sensitive to protein as it doesn’t absorb water well, so using protein products can easily result in protein overload.
12 Best UK Protein Free Conditioners
Here are our picks of some of the best protein-free conditioners you can buy in the UK:
1. Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Conditioner
Why we like it
When it comes to protein-free conditioners, this one smells heavenly! It contains Aveda’s own unique aroma with 38 flower and plant essences, including tonka bean, orange, and ylang-ylang.
Almond oil and organic shea butter work to ensure that your hair is left as soft and shiny as it is sweet-smelling.
2. Faith in Nature Aloe Vera Conditioner
Why we like it
Faith in Nature products are made using natural, cruelty-free ingredients, and they always smell amazing, with 100% natural fragrance.
This protein-free conditioner is perfect for normal to dry hair, and contains rejuvenating organic aloe vera, a wonder ingredient for boosting your hair’s moisture. It will care for your hair as much as it cares for the environment.
3. Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner
Why we like it
This lightweight creamy conditioner is specially designed for curly hair. It will not cause build-up and weigh your hair down, and the first ingredient is organic aloe, meaning there’s no water in this conditioner.
It also has a revitalizing citrus aroma that will wake you up in the morning.
4. Boucleme Curls Redefined Curl Conditioner
This super hydrating conditioner for curly hair is rich in Omegas 3, 6, and 9, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
It will strengthen, soften and add shine to dull, dry curls while protecting the hair from environmental stressors.
It contains powerhouse main ingredients such as virgin coconut oil, argan oil, linseed, honey, and organic aloe vera.
5. Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Superfood Conditioner
Why we like it
If you like to lead a healthy lifestyle why not get a hair care regimen to complement it?
This green smoothie-textured conditioner is packed with kale, apple, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It will revitalize dry hair leaving it soft, healthy, and manageable.
6. Camille Rose Naturals Jansyn’s Moisture Max Conditioner
Why we like it
This is an ideal protein-free conditioner to rejuvenate dry, coarse, and frizzy hair. Great for natural, colored, and chemically treated hair, it contains sweet coconut milk and virgin coconut oil, blended with shea and cocoa butter.
Add to this amazing mixture some evening primrose and rosehip oils, along with a shot of vitamin E, and you’ve got a conditioner that is truly deserving of the ‘moisture max’ moniker.
7. Garnier Ultimate Blends Nourishing Hair Food Banana + Coconut Conditioner
Why we like it
Garnier is a great brand for its vegan, cruelty-free approach, and this protein-free conditioner is one of the cheaper products you can buy in the UK if budget is an issue.
Their banana and coconut 3 in 1 mask is deservedly super popular amongst the curly girl community, but have you tried their banana and coconut conditioner?
Like the mask, it instantly nourishes and detangles the hair, smells just as yummy, but is a lighter formula, ideal for when you’re on the go.
8. Love Beauty & Planet Blooming Colour Conditioner
The smell alone is worth it. Infused with rose petals and red berries, it has a lovely, refreshing floral scent.
The smell aside, this conditioner specially devised for color-treated hair contains the magic of Muru Muru butter, which is a lot like coconut oil.
The butter comes from the white fat found in the nuts of the Amazonian Muru Muru palm tree, and it’s deeply nourishing and hydrating for the hair. It will also give your hair gloss and help to preserve color.
9. EDEN Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Conditioner
Thanks to the power duo of peppermint and tea tree, this protein-free conditioner leaves your scalp with a refreshed and renewed feeling. It will boost your scalp circulation and leave your hair soft, voluminous, and less prone to breakage.
10. Giovanni 2chic Frizz Be Gone Conditioner
Giovanni has long had a reputation for bridging the gap between natural, organic ingredients and salon-quality. Their Frizz Be Gone Conditioner is specially designed for textured and curly hair.
It tames unmanageable locks and drastically reduces frizz by coating every strand in a powerful complex of shea butter, argan, coconut, jojoba, and sweet almond oils. And it does all this without weighing down your hair, leaving your hair soft and manageable.
11. SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Conditioner
Why we like it
If you’re looking for a protein-free conditioner that leaves your hair smelling like it’s wrapped in a light coastal coconut breeze, this must be it.
Formulated with a nourishing blend of virgin coconut and shea oils, creamy coconut milk, and acacia Senegal, it will penetrate the hair shaft to re-hydrate, soften and detangle your locks while reducing frizz. And it will leave your hair smelling divine!
12. Noughty Care Taker Scalp Soothing Conditioner
Why we like it
This conditioner is specially designed for sensitive scalps, and the price is purse-friendly too.
Bisabolol, oatmeal extract, glycerin, and olive oil work to nourish the hair and soothe irritated scalps. It also contains coconut oil and shea butter to create luxurious softness and is fragrance-free.
Symptoms Of Protein Overload
The 5 tell-tale signs of protein overload are:
1 Hair Is Dry And Brittle
Too much protein prevents water from fully penetrating the hair follicles, leaving your hair dry and more prone to damage.
If your hair has become dry and breaks easily, you may have excess protein in your hair.
2 Hair Feels Stiff Or Straw-like
When lacking moisture due to protein overload, your hair will feel stiffer and coarser than usual. Your hair may have a straw-like texture which no amount of deep conditioner seems to help.
3 Significant Change In Hair Texture Or Curl Pattern
If you have a noticeable change in your hair texture or curl pattern, this may be a sign of protein overload. Perhaps your curls won’t form, or your once glossy locks have turned coarse and rough.
If the texture of your hair has changed, it might be worth taking a look at the products you’re using.
4 Loss Of Shine
Because a build-up of protein in your hair can prevent moisture from penetrating the hair, you may find that your hair loses its shine.
Hydration is key to glossy hair, so if moisture can’t get into your hair, your hair will become flat and dull. You may also find that your hair color looks a bit ‘off’. This can be a key symptom of protein overload.
5 Increased Shedding
Shedding can happen for a number of reasons, but protein overload is one of them. If you experience shedding along with some of the above symptoms, you should take a look at the products you’re using.
If your protein and water levels are out of balance, your hair isn’t getting the nutrients it needs for optimal health. This can lead to weak roots which produce more shedding than usual.
Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.
