Update | KhairPep review

It's time for a follow up to the KhairPep post I wrote a couple of months back.  This product was a rare find thanks to a reader who introduced us.  The company was kind enough to offer samples when I reached out to them to ask questions about the product.

I was beyond excited to expose my hair to this new peptide that claimed to restore the hair to a much healthier state.  The caveat was how the hair follicle required opening in order for deeper penetration of the peptide by the strand. Cool, I thought, let me give it a shot.

Prior to using Khairpep, my hair was doing fine.  No major issues to report.  So I didn't take any precautions to protect the hair.  I was complacent.  Perhaps this was my downfall.  I voilated one of the laws of Avoiding Setbacks, "Be Prepared."  I just thought I could use Khairpep, get all of the wonderful benefits, then go on with my washday routine like normal.  Not quite.

The Khairpep applied like a normal conditioner.  I have no complaints about the product itself.  After rinsing, I added another moisturizing conditioner (while in the shower) and left on a few minutes before rinsing.  My hair felt pretty moisturized.  Then I went on to roller set like normal after applying leave in.  Unfortunately at the time, I did not know the wonders of Biolage Keratin Dose so I didn't have the help I needed to avoid what was to come....

It appears as if I did a faulty job of sealing my cuticle layer again after the treatment.  The results?  My hair was highly tangled.  When wet, my hair is relatively curly, especially in the under processed areas.  Curly hair already has a tendency to tangle. So you imagine what happens when the cuticles rub against each other. It was pretty frustrating.  But what was interesting was that, even though my hair was so tangled, it still was highly elastic which meant limited breakage.  I guess the Khairpep did it's job of increasing elasticity and strength but I only wish I didn't have the tangles to deal with.

I blame myself.  I knew what I was getting into but didn't take the right precautions.  If I could do it all over again I would do the following.

• After washing out the Khairpep, I would have used ample amounts of Nexxus' Promend. My hope is that Promend would use the same technology that seals split ends to lay my cuticles down. 
• I would have deep conditioned with a moisturizing conditioner longer. Versus leaving the Khairpep for a long time then using a different conditioner for a shorter time period. 
• I would have rinsed my hair with ACV or Coconut Vinegar to bring the pH levels back in balance.
• Then I would have rinsed with cold water to ensure my cuticles are sealed.
• I would have loaded up on ceramide containing products to help the cuticle layer lay flat.
• Finally, I'd keep Keratindose nearby in case tangles wanted to show their stupid face. 

Hindsight is 2020.  Although the tangles were bad, I was able to correct and get my cuticle layers back in check within 1-2 washes .  Once my hair was back to normal, I still got to enjoy the increased level of strength and elasticity for weeks on end.  Overall, I think Khairpep is a great product.  I do think my hair benefited from the active ingredient but it takes a little more work to make sure you bring your hair back to it's previous state.  

I'm actually glad I got to experience what I did because it reminded me of the importance of creating a smooth cuticle layer.  So now, even when I don't use the Khairpep, I've reintroduced my hair to the techniques above on wash days  just because it makes sense.

               (note worthy products that contain ceramides, help bring the hair in pH balance, or are just good for your hair :).