Why Your Hair Needs Protein and Elasticity

It’s so easy to learn about what our bodies need to function at their best—nutritious foods, hydration, exercise, sleep. But when it comes to our hair, figuring out the right routine for strength, shine, and overall health isn’t always as clear.

At Blake Brown, we’re here to change that. Part of our mission is to impart wisdom and guidance around hair health, because healthy hair is iconic hair. And today’s lesson? Your hair needs both protein and elasticity—and the best way to achieve that balance is through hair cycling.

What Is Hair Cycling?

Hair cycling means rotating between different hair care products throughout the week, each designed to target a specific need. Think of it like cross-training for your hair:

• One wash day focuses on this

• Another focuses on that.

• Some days, you give your hair a break from products altogether.

• And then you repeat the cycle.

Why Protein and Elasticity Matter

So what’s the this and that you should be addressing? We recommend cycling between our Strengthening and Nourishing duos. Here’s why:

• The formulas in our Strengthening Shampoo & Strengthening Mask are packed with plant-powered proteins and are clinically proven to reduce breakage by 92% after one use and leave strands stronger—this is where protein comes in. (Fun fact: Your hair needs protein from the inside out. Eating protein-rich foods like fish, chicken, eggs, and soy products are also superb for your strands.)

• Meanwhile, the formulas in our Nourishing Shampoo & Nourishing Mask provide deep hydration. Together, this duo is clinically proven to increase moisture by 10x and reduce frizz for 24 hours. Our Nourishing Mask alone is clinically proven to support healthy elasticity—aka your hair’s ability to stretch without breaking.  Think of it like this: stretching and flexibility helps prevent injuries in the gym, right? Same for hair elasticity. It allows you to style your hair without fear of it snapping. 

But here’s the thing: Too much of one—protein and elasticity—can lead to breakage, but the right balance ensures strong, shiny, and resilient hair. Strength gives your hair the foundation to stretch, and elasticity prevents it breaking. By alternating between our two Shampoo & Mask duos, your hair gets the benefits of each and without becoming "immune" to one formula.

Is Shampoo and Masking Enough?

For some, yes! But everyone’s hair and lifestyle is different.  Your hair is constantly under stress—brushing, heat styling, pollution, ponytails, hormones, diet, etc. While our wash-and-mask system helps restore and protect your strands, sometimes your hair needs a little extra support.

That’s where our pre-shampoo and post-wash products come in. These efficacious formulas help strengthen, hydrate, and defend against daily damage, ensuring your hair stays at its healthiest.

To bolster the protein and elasticity you’re getting from your standard cycle, add these into the mix:

Rich Reset Pre-Shampoo Mask: A nutrient dense pre-shampoo mask that leaves hair feeling deeply conditioned, healthy, and soft. We recommend using this miracle treatment weekly for best results. 

All-In-Wonder Leave-In Potion: A multi-tasking leave-in for anytime softening, detangling, frizz fighting, priming, hair styling, and perfuming. 

Final Takeaway: Start Hair-Cycling Between Our Two Duos

And the best way to do it? Rotate between our Strengthening Shampoo & Mask (for protein) and our Nourishing Shampoo & Mask (for elasticity). It’s that simple.

Start cycling today for healthy, iconic hair and be sure to tag us in any content you share: @blakebrownbeauty