AphogeeBalancing Moisturizer & Two-Step Protein Treatment

After having some annoying problems with my hair I did some research and self assessed that my hair was lacking protein. I have included a helpful info graphic that I found. The “too much moisture” section sums up what my hair was like with emphasis on the elasticity and breaking part. While brushing my hair it would go through the bristles of the Brush and stretch and then break. I had to be so careful when brushing but that didn’t help much. I tried drug store hair mask and such with no avail. Not having a lot of money for salon treatments I was on the search for an affordable at home product and I stumbled across this. It was beyond worth any risk I perceived. Within one use my hair was back to being healthy and no longer overstreching and breaking. Styling actually went a lot easier and my hair felt silky soft. To my surprise with one use, I did not have an issue with over moisture again. However, I used it once again a few months after just for maintenance even though my hair felt fine (instructions recommended). It’s been 7 months since the second time ( a little over a year since 1st use) and I have enough for one treatment left. I have shoulder length hair that tapers to mid back length. While my hair is fine and curly, I have a lot of it - so you get a fair amount of product from the small bottle - totally making this product a steal.After reading some of the negative review I believe that people are not using the product properly or do not need a protein treatment. Too much protein can be a bad thing too!Some caveats and tips:The protein treatment is very sticky and has a chemical smell - not super strong through but it can be bothersome to some. I apply over a toweled area to avoid any sticky messes.Most people don’t have the dryers you sit under, so hand drying with the hair can take a while. I can only do so much at a time before a have to take a break. It takes about 40-60 mins for it to completely dry.Yes, your hair with harden like you just emptied several cans of hair spray. It will be prone to breakage so be careful. It’s not as scary as that sounds I haven’t had an issue with that.To avoid issue - I shower wash my hair with shampoo (my own) step out towel dry off. Lay some towels down and sit. I brush any tangles out of my hair and I pour the product into my hand and apply to my hair. Once saturated, I’ll grab the hair dryer and start drying. Make sure to move carefully and not mess with your hair to much while drying. After, it is dry I hop back in the shower and let the water run through until most of the product is gone. Then I apply the second step for about five minutes and rinse.Yes, it’s a bit of a process, but the results are beyond worth it. I am so happy I found this product.Since using this, I also got rid of moisturizing shampoos and conditioner. I stick to clarifying or strengthing ones. I do use a multi purpose heat protection spray which offers some moisturizing benefits and about every other month or so I will use a little bit of the 2nd moisturizing part (you get plenty of it) just keep my hair balanced.

I'm a total beauty product skeptic. Yes, I spend a lot of my disposable income on beauty & cosmetics, but only for temporarily beautifying my face or hair. I honestly do not believe most products truly offer lasting results. The Aphogee Two Step Protein treatment system, in my experience, is an exception to this rule! A very happy exception!I always color my just-below-shoulder length hair at home, including several rounds with high volume weapons-grade bleach on top of years of box dye. I was doing pastel pinky apricot mermaid hair. Unless you are starting with untouched light color virgin hair, this process is going to cause a lot of damage. I don't believe my hair was quite as fried as some of the other reviewers'. It was not "gummy" when wet, but it was extremely dry and frizzy, even after multiple deep conditioners and oil products. And it would not hold a curl as well as it used to, which was rather distressing.I blocked out a few hours to apply this treatment. The instructions are not quite clear, but you wash your hair first (out of the shower, unless you like sitting around in a towel) and then apply the liquidy protein to towel-dried hair. Comb through and gently comb your hair back, off your face, and lay it on an old towel if it's long. Do not cover with a shower cap or plastic like you would a deep conditioner. You can use a warm hair dryer to accelerate the treatment, but DO NOT move your hair around, just let it sit there. The liquid dries very stiff (heh, yes, protein indeed) and can cause breakage if not handled very carefully. I ran my dryer for around five minutes and sat on the sofa for around 15-20 minutes more.Note: yes, the protein liquid literally smells like vomit. And your hair will probably have a lingering slight scent. It's worth it! Keep going!Next, rinse gently and apply the included moisturizer/conditioner. This is just like a normal hair conditioner. I left mine on for a few minutes while I finished my shower. Then I applied my usual products to towel dried hair (Redken Anti Snap, It's A 10 Original, and Shu Uemura Oil Creme) and crossed my fingers while it air-dried.The difference is remarkable. My hair is in better shape than it has been for a long time. The frizz and awful dry texture is gone, my gentle waves are back. I have not yet blow dried or heat styled, but I'm sure it will look even better afterwards. The cost for this kit is so low, you almost can't go wrong. Or try it from your local Sally, if you're still skeptical, they have a good return policy. If you have medium length hair, I'd say this set will give you two full treatments and extra conditioner.TL;DR: buy this set, it gave me great, silky results on bleach damaged hair. Smells like vom but 100% worth it.