For starters, your hair consists of mostly protein that grows out of every hair follicle.

Your hair is made up of a protein calledkeratin.

According toHealthline, your hair, skin, and nails contain a large amount of this substance.

Black woman with natural hair

What is a protein treatment?

Protein treatments work by improving the elasticity of your strands.

Sticky-feeling hair can also be a sign that your hair needs more protein.

woman running her hands through her hair

These are all causes for concern because breakage and damage lead to hair loss.

If your hair looks or feels stiff, it could have too much protein.

Two other indications of protein overload are split ends and increased breakage (viaCarol’s Daughter).

a brush and cream

Additionally, hairstylist Matt Newman toldMindBodyGreenthat too much protein can make your hair difficult to detangle.

But just how can you end up with an excessive amount of protein?

It’s usually the result of constantly using products that are formulated with a high amount of protein.

hand measuring a little bit

Don’t panic because, luckily, there are a few things that can help.

you could also apply essential oils, such as peppermint and lavender, to your scalp.

Finally, you could always head to the salon and have your ends trimmed.

woman with massive hair shedding

Moisture, on the other hand, hydrates your locks so that your hair feels softer and more manageable.

You need both of these things to happen for your hair to be considered healthy (viaByrdie).

This is why you see some people have brittle and damaged hair.

Black woman getting her hair styled by a Black stylist

The moisture, along with the protein, will help your hair to flourish.

Thankfully, there are.

Too much protein, as you’ve learned, can wreak absolute havoc on your locks.

woman with damp hair holding a bottle of conditioner

woman putting oil into hand

bowl of pasta