Does your hair feel dry, stiff, or brittle lately, and is it frizzier than usual? Even if you take good care of it? Then a protein overload might be the cause. In this blog, we explain what protein overload is, how you can recognize it yourself, and how our 0% Shampoo Bar and 0% Conditioner Bar restore your hair's balance.
What is protein overload?
Many hair products contain proteins like keratin, wheat protein, or rice protein. They make your hair temporarily stronger and are great for many hair types. All our regular shampoo bars and conditioner bars contain them too. However, it can be too much of a good thing: if your hair constantly receives new proteins through shampoo, conditioner, masks, and leave-ins, but gets too little moisture, it becomes unbalanced.
The result? Your hair feels stiff and dry, breaks more easily, and gets frizzy—a bit like straw. That is protein overload. The solution is not more conditioning, but a short break from proteins, focusing on hydration instead.
Take the self-test: does your hair have too much protein?
The stretch test is a simple way to find out. You don't need anything except a wet strand of hair.
Take a wet strand of hair and stretch it very gently. Does it stretch a little and then bounce back? Then you are fine; your hair has a healthy balance. Does it feel stiff and snap immediately, almost without stretching? That indicates too much protein. The hair is overloaded with protein and needs moisture. Does it stretch very far, feel limp or elastic, and stay that way? Then your hair actually needs more protein, not less.
Other signs that may indicate protein overload: dull hair, more tangles, more frizz, and curls that lose their bounce.
The solution: the 0% Shampoo Bar and 0% Conditioner Bar
The “0%” in the name stands for 0% protein. Both bars are completely protein-free, giving your hair space to rebalance and absorb moisture without receiving even more proteins. They are also fragrance-free and contain no colorants.
Shampoo Bar 0%
The Shampoo Bar 0% cleanses gently and contains aloe vera juice for hydration, ghassoul clay (Moroccan lava clay) to gently cleanse and remove product buildup, and coconut oil for extra nourishment and softness. Rated 9.2/10.
Conditioner Bar 0%
The Conditioner Bar 0% melts under the warm tap onto your hand into a creamy lotion that closes the hair cuticles. Contains shea butter for softness and shine, coconut oil and aloe vera juice for hydration, and ghassoul clay for a polished finish. Rated 10/10.
Because there are no proteins or unnecessary additives left behind, your hair feels soft and light, not heavy or sticky.
How to use the 0% bars?
Wash your hair with the Shampoo Bar 0% as you usually do: wet your hair, rub the bar between your hands or directly over your hair, massage in the lather, and rinse. Then apply the Conditioner Bar 0% to the lengths and ends, leave it on for 1–2 minutes, and rinse.
Use the 0% bars for 2 to 4 weeks, until you notice your hair feels supple and bouncy again. Perform the stretch test in between to check your progress. As soon as your hair stretches and bounces back well again, you can slowly start alternating with your favorite regular shampoo bar and conditioner bar.
Who are the 0% bars for?
The 0% Shampoo Bar and Conditioner Bar are ideal if you notice your hair feels stiff, dry, or brittle despite good care. Or if you already use many protein-rich products (conditioners, masks, leave-ins with keratin or wheat protein). If you love pure, minimalist care without fragrance or dyes. Or if your hair simply needs a reset.
The 0% bars are also suitable if you want to give your hair a periodic protein break. Some customers alternate every few weeks between their regular bar and the 0% bar to maintain balance.
0% vs Naturel — what is the difference?
The 0% line and the Naturel line are both fragrance-free, but they have been developed for different purposes:
The 0% line is protein-free, specifically for protein overload or as a reset. The Naturel line does contain proteins but is CAPB-free, specifically for those with a sensitive scalp who want to avoid CAPB.
Do you have protein overload? Choose 0%. Do you have a sensitive scalp? Choose Naturel. Do you have both a sensitive scalp and protein overload? Combine the Shampoo Bar Naturel (CAPB-free, does have protein but is mild) with the Conditioner Bar 0% (protein-free and CAPB-free).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the 0% bars if I don't have a protein overload?
Yes. The bars are also suitable if you simply want a mild, protein-free wash. Some people use them periodically as a reset and alternate them with their regular bar.
How do I know when I can go back to my regular bar?
Do the stretch test. If your hair stretches and bounces back smoothly again, the balance has been restored. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Are the 0% bars suitable for sensitive skin?
The bars contain no fragrance and no dyes. Please note: the Shampoo Bar 0% does contain CAPB. Do you have a CAPB sensitivity? Then check out the Shampoo Bar Naturel or the Soft Mandarin as an alternative.
Can I combine the 0% bars with a hair serum?
Yes. The RootRevive and RoseVital hair serums contain no proteins, only plant-based oils. They add nourishment without disrupting the protein balance.
How do I store the bars?
Keep them dry on a soap dish with an open base or use a sisal bag. This helps them last longer.
Products in this article
- Shampoo Bar 0% — protein-free, fragrance-free
- Conditioner Bar 0% — protein-free, fragrance-free, CAPB-free
- Shampoo Bar Naturel — fragrance-free, CAPB-free (does contain protein)
- Conditioner Bar Naturel — fragrance-free, CAPB-free
- Shampoo Bar Soft Mandarin — CAPB-free with a soft scent
- RootRevive Hair Serum — protein-free hair serum
- RoseVital Hair Serum — protein-free scalp serum
- All products for sensitive skin