If your hair is screaming for help—breaking, fraying, or just refusing to cooperate—the ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment is your knight in shining armor. I’ve been there, staring at split ends and brittle strands, wondering if my hair would ever recover.
This treatment isn’t just a product; it’s a lifeline for damaged locks. Whether you’re battling bleach, heat, or chemical damage, it rebuilds your hair’s structure and stops breakage in its tracks. Trust me, you’ll want this in your arsenal.
Grab it, use it, and watch your hair thank you.
My Hair Crisis And The ApHogee Rescue Mission
Let me take you back to a dark time in my hair journey.
I’d been bleaching my naturally dark brown hair for years, chasing that perfect platinum blonde.
Spoiler alert: I went too far. One day, I noticed my hair felt like gummy candy when wet—stretching and snapping with the slightest tug.
Brushing it?
Forget it. Strands were falling out in clumps, and my once-bouncy curls were a distant memory.
I was devastated, convinced I’d have to chop it all off and start over.
That’s when I stumbled across the ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment.
I was skeptical, to say the least. I’d tried countless shampoos, conditioners, and masks, all promising miracles but delivering zilch. But the reviews for ApHogee were glowing, with people claiming it saved their hair from the brink.
Desperate, I ordered a single-use packet from Amazon and dove in. The process was… intense. After shampooing with ApHogee’s Shampoo for Damaged Hair, I sectioned my damp hair and applied the protein treatment.
It’s runny, so I poured it into an applicator bottle for control. Then came the weird part: drying it under a hooded dryer until my hair turned rock-hard. No touching, no moving—my hair was like a fragile sculpture.
Rinsing it out felt like a gamble. Would my hair survive?
I followed up with the Balancing Moisturizer (step two) and my own deep conditioner for good measure. As my hair air-dried, I noticed something incredible: my curls were peeking through again. The gummy texture was gone, and my strands felt stronger, like actual hair instead of spiderwebs.
It wasn’t an overnight miracle—my hair still needed time to grow out the damage—but ApHogee gave it the strength to stop breaking and start recovering. That first use hooked me, and I’ve been a loyal user ever since.
Pros of The ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
- Stops Breakage Like Nobody’s Business
If your hair is snapping off faster than you can say “split ends,” this treatment is a game-changer.
ApHogee’s formula, packed with magnesium and modified proteins, fuses into your hair with heat, rebuilding its structure from the inside out.
After my first use, I noticed a dramatic drop in breakage.
Before, I’d lose 20-30 strands every time I combed; post-treatment, I was down to one or two.
Reviews across the web echo this—people with relaxed, color-treated, or heat-damaged hair swear it halts breakage for up to six weeks. For me, it’s been a lifesaver for maintaining length while I grow out my bleach-damaged ends.
- Restores Strength to Fragile Strands
You know that heart-sinking moment when your hair feels like it’s one brush stroke away from disintegrating? ApHogee tackles that head-on.
My hair went from feeling like melty cotton candy to sturdy and resilient. It’s not just me—users on Reddit and Amazon rave about how their hair feels “stronger” and “heavier” after treatment. The protein bonds with your hair’s keratin, reinforcing weak spots.
This is especially clutch for chemically treated hair, like mine, that’s been through the wringer. It’s like giving your strands a suit of armor.
- Revives Curl Patterns
If you’re natural or curly, you’ll love this. My 3a/3b curls were fried from bleaching, but ApHogee started bringing them back. As the treatment dried, I could see my curl pattern reemerging, and after a few uses, my curls were bouncier and more defined.
Reviewers with natural hair, especially those of African descent, report similar results—some even say it restored curls lost to heat or relaxers. It’s not a guarantee for everyone (severe damage can be stubborn), but for many, it’s like hitting the reset button on your curls.
- Long-Lasting Results
One treatment keeps working for weeks. ApHogee claims it rebuilds hair structure for six weeks, and I’ve found that to be spot-on. My hair stays stronger and less prone to breakage for about a month and a half before I feel the need to reapply.
This longevity makes it cost-effective, especially if you buy the 16-ounce bottle. Users on MakeupAlley and Influenster agree, noting that one application every 6-8 weeks is enough to keep their hair in check. It’s low-maintenance for such a powerful product.
- Versatile for All Hair Types
Whether you’re rocking relaxed, permed, tinted, or natural hair, ApHogee delivers. I’ve seen reviews from Caucasian women with fine, curly hair and African-American women with thick, relaxed hair, all singing its praises.
A Sally Beauty associate mentioned it’s a top seller for both groups. It’s particularly effective for chemically treated hair, reducing color fade by 30% after 10 shampoos, according to ApHogee’s site. My semi-permanent color (Arctic Fox, anyone?) did bleed during application, but my hair felt so much better that I didn’t mind.
Cons of The ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
- Sticky, Messy Application
Let’s be real: applying this stuff is a hassle.
The treatment is thin and runny, so it drips everywhere if you’re not careful.
I learned the hard way to use an applicator bottle and wear gloves—my first attempt left my sink and arms covered in sticky residue.
Reviewers on MakeupAlley and Amazon complain about the mess, too, with some saying it’s like wrestling with glue.
Sectioning your hair and working quickly helps, but it’s not a relaxing spa-day vibe. Be prepared for a bit of chaos.
- The Smell Is… Not Great
Brace yourself for the scent. It’s not the worst thing I’ve ever smelled, but it’s far from pleasant—think rotten eggs with a hint of minty vomit. I’ve seen reviewers describe it as “chemical” or “nauseating,” and I get it.
The Balancing Moisturizer (step two) isn’t much better; I’ve since swapped it for my own conditioner to avoid the stench. If you’re sensitive to smells, you might want to hold your nose or open a window during application.
- Risk of Protein Overload
This treatment is hardcore, and that’s not always a good thing. If your hair doesn’t need a heavy protein dose, you could end up with protein overload—think brittle, straw-like strands. I made this mistake once, using it when my hair was just a little dry, and it felt harder than usual.
Reddit users warn about this, too, suggesting you mix it with a lighter conditioner if you’re unsure. Always assess your hair’s needs first; if it’s not gummy or breaking, a milder treatment like ApHogee’s Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor might be enough.
- Time-Consuming Process
This isn’t a quick fix. The whole process—shampooing, applying, drying until hard, rinsing, and conditioning—takes about an hour, sometimes more if you’re slow like me.
Sitting under a hooded dryer for 10-15 minutes while your hair hardens feels like forever, especially if you’re using a handheld blow dryer (trust me, it’s exhausting). Influenster reviews mention hating this part, and I feel them. You need patience and a chunk of free time, so don’t try this when you’re rushed.
- Not a Miracle Cure
ApHogee is amazing, but it’s not going to turn your hair into Rapunzel’s overnight. My severely damaged hair took multiple treatments and months of care to fully recover. Some Amazon reviewers were disappointed, expecting instant silkiness, but that’s not how it works.
It strengthens and stabilizes, but frizz, texture issues, or extreme damage may persist. If your hair is too far gone, it might not restore curls or smoothness fully—you’ll still need to grow out the damage.
Maintenance Tips For ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
- Balance Protein with Moisture
After ApHogee, your hair will feel strong but might be a bit hard.
That’s where moisture comes in.
I always follow up with a deep conditioner (my go-to is SheaMoisture’s Manuka Honey Mask) to soften my strands and prevent brittleness.
Reviewers on BlackHairInformation.com stress this, too—alternating between protein and moisturizing conditioners weekly keeps your hair balanced.
Daily moisturizing with a leave-in conditioner, like ApHogee’s Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer, helps maintain that protein-moisture harmony. Your hair will stay strong yet supple.
- Stick to a Schedule
ApHogee isn’t something you use every week. I do it every 6-8 weeks, depending on how my hair feels. If I’m heat-styling or coloring a lot, I might do it closer to six weeks; if my hair’s in good shape, I stretch it to eight.
The brand recommends this timeframe, and reviews on CurlyNikki.com back it up. Overusing it can lead to protein overload, so listen to your hair. If it starts feeling weak or gummy again, it’s time for another round.
- Prep Your Hair Properly
For the treatment to work, your hair needs to be clean and free of buildup. I use ApHogee’s Shampoo for Damaged Hair to clarify before applying the treatment. Reddit users suggest a sulfate shampoo for extra cleansing, as buildup can block the protein from penetrating.
Towel-dry your hair to remove excess water, but keep it damp for even application. Sectioning into 4-6 parts makes it easier to distribute, and a wide-tooth comb helps spread it without tugging.
- Protect During Application
This stuff is no joke—it can irritate your eyes and skin. I wear gloves to avoid getting it on my hands, especially since my semi-permanent color bleeds like crazy during application. ApHogee warns it has a low pH (like lemon juice), so keep it out of your eyes.
If it gets on your skin, rinse it off immediately. Transferring the treatment to an applicator bottle, as suggested on WeAreEves.com, makes application neater and less likely to end up everywhere.
- Style Gently Post-Treatment
After ApHogee, your hair will be stronger, but it’s still recovering. I avoid high heat for a few days—low-heat flat-ironing is okay, but no 400-degree curling wands. Reviewers on ChickAdvisor.com suggest using a leave-in conditioner and styling cream (like ApHogee’s Curlific) to protect your hair and enhance curls.
The LOC method (liquid, oil, cream) works wonders for me, keeping my hair moisturized and defined between treatments.
Comparison of ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment With Other Brands
Let’s talk about how ApHogee stacks up against other protein treatments. I’ve tried a few, and while some are great, ApHogee has a unique edge for seriously damaged hair. First up, Joico K-Pak Reconstructing Treatment.
It’s a salon favorite, and I liked how it strengthened my hair without the hardening step. It’s less messy and smells better, but it didn’t stop breakage as effectively as ApHogee for my bleach-damaged strands. Joico’s better for moderate damage or maintenance, while ApHogee is the heavy hitter for hair on life support.
Then there’s Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Treatment. This one’s gentler, with a creamy texture that feels luxurious. It made my hair soft and manageable, but the results didn’t last as long—maybe two weeks compared to ApHogee’s six.
It’s great for weekly use if your hair needs a light protein boost, but for severe damage, it doesn’t pack the same punch. Plus, it’s pricier per ounce.
I also gave Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector a shot. Olaplex is all about repairing disulfide bonds, and it did make my hair smoother and less frizzy. However, it didn’t address the gummy, breaking texture as well as ApHogee.
Olaplex is awesome for preventing damage during coloring, but for post-damage repair, ApHogee’s protein-heavy formula was more effective for me. Some X users have said Olaplex didn’t work for them either, preferring ApHogee’s immediate strength boost.
Lastly, ApHogee’s own Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor is worth mentioning. It’s a lighter option for maintenance between Two-Step treatments. I use it every other week when my hair needs a quick protein hit.
It’s less intense, doesn’t require heat, and smells like a tropical oasis. But for my worst hair days, the Two-Step is unrivaled. If your hair’s only mildly damaged, the Reconstructor might be enough; for a crisis, go with the Two-Step.
ApHogee wins for its affordability (a 16-ounce bottle lasts ages), long-lasting results, and ability to tackle severe damage. Joico and Olaplex are less intimidating for beginners, and Nexxus feels fancier, but none match ApHogee’s raw power for hair that’s one step away from a buzz cut.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You should use it every 6-8 weeks, depending on your hair’s condition. I stick to six weeks if I’m using a lot of heat or color; otherwise, I stretch it to eight. Overusing it can cause protein overload, making your hair brittle. Listen to your hair—if it feels weak or gummy, it’s time for a treatment.
Plan for 10-15 minutes under a hooded dryer on medium to high heat. You need the treatment to dry completely until your hair is hard. I’ve found 10 minutes works for my medium-length hair, but thicker or longer hair might need closer to 15. Don’t rush it—patience is key.
Apply it to damp, towel-dried hair. I shampoo first, then blot out excess water so my hair’s wet but not dripping. This helps the treatment spread evenly without diluting it. Dry hair won’t absorb it as well, and sopping wet hair makes it too runny.
Shampoo before. I use ApHogee’s Shampoo for Damaged Hair to clarify and remove buildup, which lets the treatment penetrate better. After applying and drying the treatment, rinse it out, then follow with the Balancing Moisturizer and a deep conditioner. No shampooing afterward—you don’t want to strip the protein.
Conclusion: Your Hair Deserves ApHogee
I can’t recommend the ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment enough. It pulled my hair back from the edge of disaster, turning gummy, breaking strands into strong, resilient ones. It’s not perfect—the sticky application and funky smell are a pain—but the results are worth it.
If you’re struggling with damaged hair, don’t wait for a miracle. Get this treatment, follow the steps, and give your hair the love it needs. Your locks will thank you, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.