Help! Stiff, Brittle Hair That Feels Like Straw. Could It Be Protein Overload?
- OOF!
- Aug 14
- 7 min read
Yep, could be too much of a good thing. Let's fix it.
Hair product marketing often promises that proteins like keratin, silk, or collagen—and even proprietary blends with trademarked names—will “repair,” “rebuild,” and “restore” your hair. That’s because protein can help strengthen and rebuild weak strands.
The problem? Protein is everywhere. There are proteins in masks, conditioners, leave-ins, and even shampoos. The marketing makes it sound like more is always better.
But too much protein can actually tip the balance between protein and moisture leaving your hair stiff, brittle, and even more prone to breakage.
Here’s the key – hair needs balance between water and protein.
If your hair products have too much protein, your hair isn’t getting enough moisture to balance it out, and you get what is called protein overload. In other words, your hair isn't get the moisture it needs. Your hair needs balance between protein and moisture
⚠️ Warning: If every product in your routine says “strengthening” or “repair,” you might be overloading your hair with protein and making damage worse instead of better because you need more moisture.
Let's look at how this protein/moisture imbalance (protein overload) happens and how to rebalance your hair so it feels soft, flexible, and healthy again.
Remember, finding the right balance of moisture and protein is key to maintaining healthy hair.
The Truth About Protein Overload and Protien Buildup
Protein Overload
When hair feels rough, stiff, or “crispy,” protein overload could be the culprit. This often happens when protein-rich products are used too often, especially without enough moisture in between.
Most of the time, protein overload occurs because you overused protein trying to "fix’" damaged hair. You may have used a protein treatment (or a few), but then you also used products with proteins in them and you didn’t balance it out with enough moisture.
The problem is that when there isn’t enough moisture in your hair it becomes dry, stiff, and breaks easily. The protein/moisture balance is off.
Protein Buildup
As you use hair products containing protein a little more coats the hair shaft with each use. Over time, if you're using too much protein this can create a hard, inflexible surface that blocks moisture from getting in and leaving hair feeling dry and brittle.
Low porosity hair is even more prone to protein buildup because it has a tightly closed cuticle that naturally resists moisture and absorbs protein more slowly, making it easier for buildup to accumulate on the surface.
Protein buildup can also happen on the scalp. When residue from protein-heavy products collects at the roots, it can make the scalp feel tight, itchy, or flaky and even clog hair follicles, which may lead to shedding (hair loss).
If your hair’s been feeling stiff, dry, or shedding more than usual, here’s how to tell if a protein imbalance is to blame.
How Can You Tell if You Have Protein Overload?
Protein buildup can look a lot like dryness or damage, so it’s easy to mistake it for something else. Here are some signs to watch for:
Hair doesn't bounce back = If you pull on a single strand of hair and it breaks easily.
Dry, brittle hair - This is not your normal dry. Instead, hair has a stiff, straw-like texture.
Stiff or straw-like texture – Strands don’t bend or move naturally.
Loss of shine – Hair looks dull instead of glossy.
Hair shedding – A sudden change in how much hair you lose.
Frizz – You hair has a lot more frizziness and flyaways.
How to Check for Protein Overload
Take a single hair and gently stretch it.
If it snaps immediately without stretching much, you may have too much protein.
If it stretches a lot but doesn’t bounce back, you may have a moisture imbalance instead.
How to Get Rid of Protein Buildup in Hair
So, the goal is to remove protein overload while restoring the moisture balance of your hair. First remove the protein and any product buildup. Then moisturize the heck out of it.
The first thing you will want to do is clarify, clarify, clarify!
1. Remove the Buildup
Use a deep cleansing clarifying shampoo or try a natural hair clarifier to remove product and protein build up. Clarifying shampoos that contain strong cleansing ingredients (like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate) are most effective.
I know, I know...we're always saying to avoid sulfates. But in the case of protein buildup, it's time to bring out the heavy guns to give hair a refresh.
Look for one labeled “clarifying” or “deep cleansing” that is free of added proteins. Avoid “strengthening” or “repair” shampoos for now, since those usually contain protein.
However, they should not be used too often. These contain sulfates which are way to strong for regular use. Only use a deep cleansing shampoo for removing the protein buildup (once or twice is most likely enough).
What to Use? We’re Loving Oli G Pure Detox Clarifying Shampoo
Removes protein and product buildup.
Prevents stiffness caused by protein overload.
Opens the cuticle slightly so moisturizing treatments can penetrate more effectively, restoring balance to hair’s moisture-protein ratio.
You Can Also Try Natural Methods
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
A classic go-to for clearing buildup and restoring shine. It helps balance your scalp’s pH and smooth the hair cuticle, making hair look smoother and less frizzy. Dilute with water (about 1 part vinegar to 3–4 parts water) and use once every 1–2 weeks to avoid dryness.
Lemon Juice Rinse
A natural acid that helps remove residue and adds brightness to dull hair. It can slightly lighten hair color if used often, so dilute it well (1 part lemon juice to 4 parts water) and use no more than once every 2 weeks.
2. Add in the Hydration
Keep in mind, your hair became overloaded with protein because you tipped the moisture balance. You will now want to change your hair care routine to add a lot of hydration. Protein is great. It's definitely useful for hair repair and strength, but in moderation.
Shampoo and Condition for Hydration
After clarifying, you can go straight to the conditioner, or you can go ahead and start your hydrating shampoo. (This is now your go-to for cleansing until your hair is back to normal.) Then follow with a super moisturizing conditioner.
Choose a shampoo and conditioner that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well as moisturizing oils and butters, such as jojoba oil, argan oil, and shea butter. You want no protein or very low protein in the ingredients.
What We Recommend: Amika Hydro Rush Shampoo and Conditioner
Key Benefits:
Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Shea Butter: provide deep hydration
Sulfate-free surfactants and no heavy proteins: moisturizing without buildup.
Avocado Oil, Sesame Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil: hydration
Coconut Water, Blue Algae, Turmeric Extract – antioxidant support
3. Additional Hydration: Leave-in Conditioner or Hair Oil
Once you’ve clarified, shampooed, and conditioned, your hair is clean and hydrated but may still need a little extra TLC to restore softness, shine, and manageability. This is where leave-in treatments and lightweight oils come in.
Use a Protein-Free Leave-in Conditioner
Choose a leave-in that focuses on moisture, slip, and detangling, without any added protein. Choose ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, panthenol, and other moisurizers to help lock in hydration and protect hair throughout the day.
What We Recommend: Joico HydraSplash Replenishing Leave-In
Coconut Water + Sea Kelp: hydration without weighing hair down
No Proteins: moisturizing without buildup.
You Can Also Choose Lightweight Oils
If your more of a DIY kinda gal, you can use a few drops of hydrating oils instead of a leave in.
Argan oil – deeply moisturizes and adds shine without weighing hair down
Jojoba oil – mimics natural scalp oils and softens strands
Grapeseed oil – light, absorbs quickly, seals in moisture
Avoid heavy oils like coconut or castor if your hair is fine or easily weighed down, as these can sit on the surface and make hair look greasy.
When to Add Protein Into Your Hair Care Routine
After dealing with protein buildup, your hair needs time to rebalance before adding protein back in. You’ll know your hair is free of protein buildup when it feels soft and flexible instead of stiff or straw-like.
Curls or waves bounce back naturally, detangling is easier, and strands have a healthy shine without looking weighed down. Basically, your hair feels hydrated, manageable again. A few weeks to a month should be plenty of time.
Now, it's time to add back in the protein. Remember, it's all about balance. Start with a once a week hair conditioning mask that contains protein.
Protein For Your Hair Type
How much protein you use in your routine has a lot to do with your hair type. High porosity hair can do really well with regular protein, while low porosity hair can get easily overloaded. Want to learn about your hair type? You can take our quiz to learn more about your exact hair type.
High Porosity Hair: Does great with protein in all hair care products.
Balanced Porosity Hair: Use a protein treatment once every week or two.
Low Porosity Hair: Once a month is all you need.
Prevent Damage in Your Hair Care Routine
After clarifying, hydrating, and giving your hair time to recover, it’s all about maintaining softness, bounce, and healthy moisture balance. One simple way to protect your hair during this process is by swapping your regular towel for the OOF! HALO t-shirt hair towel.
Its cotton jersey material wraps your hair without friction, minimizing damage and breakage, helping your strands stay strong, hydrated, and ready for styling or light protein treatments. It’s an easy, everyday step that keeps your hair happy while you restore its natural balance.
