ApHogee: Repairing protein treatments for brittle and very damaged hair
Repeated coloring, straightening, frequent smoothing, perms, hard water… On textured hair, these techniques often end up leaving their mark: breakage, loss of shine, spongy hair when wet, and brittle hair once dry. The American brand ApHogee has specialized for years in a specific area: intensive repair of very damaged hair, weakened by chemical treatments or heat.
At Colorful Black, we chose ApHogee for its advanced protein technology ( Prophytamine / Pro-Phytamine complex) and for its proven effectiveness on afro, curly, wavy or straightened hair when it needs a real reconstruction plan, without neglecting hydration.
ApHogee: American expertise in deep repair
Founded in the United States, ApHogee is widely used in hair salons specializing in textured and chemically treated hair. The brand became known for its famous Two-Step Protein Treatment , a professional two-step treatment designed to stop breakage and restore elasticity to even the most damaged hair.
At the heart of the formulas is an exclusive complex of proteins, amino acids, emollients, and humectants (Prophytamine/Pro-Phytamine). The goal: to strengthen the hair fiber from within , smooth the cuticle, improve resistance to breakage, and maintain adequate hydration. ApHogee is primarily designed for hair that is:
- straightened, colored, bleached or permed,
- weakened by the intensive use of heating appliances,
- or become brittle, dull and difficult to style.
This highly technical positioning explains why ApHogee treatments must be integrated into a structured routine , with a true balance between proteins and hydration .
Protein-rich formulas… to be used with care and hydration
ApHogee hair care products are intentionally rich in proteins and amino acids . On weakened hair, this helps to fill in damaged areas, restore strength to the hair fiber, and improve mechanical resistance. However, as with all protein-based treatments, too much can lead to dryness and a feeling of stiffness.
This is why we always recommend using ApHogee within a complete protocol framework:
- do not multiply protein treatments unnecessarily; favour targeted use when the hair really needs it (significant breakage, loss of elasticity, spongy hair);
- always follow with a moisturizing treatment after the proteins (such as the Balancing Moisturizer) to restore softness and suppleness;
- alternate over time with moisturizing shampoos and masks, in order to maintain a good balance.
Finally, beyond proteins, we remind you of our basic recommendations for a healthy routine: at least one shampoo per week (two in case of sport or heavy perspiration), a systematic treatment after shampooing , a light leave-in before any styling, and complete drying of the hair, ideally with a diffuser.
ApHogee skincare products selected by Colorful Black
Shampoo for Damaged Hair: the protein shampoo for very sensitized hair
The Shampoo for Damaged Hair is the first step in the ApHogee ritual for damaged hair. This protein shampoo gently cleanses while providing targeted reinforcement to the hair fiber: it prepares the hair to receive a deep treatment such as the Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor or the Two-Step Protein Treatment .
We primarily recommend it for very damaged hair (straightening, coloring, excessive heat styling), alternating with a more moisturizing shampoo once the hair's condition begins to improve. Even with this shampoo, it's essential to follow with a treatment : conditioner or moisturizing mask, to prevent any risk of stiffness.
Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor: the quick deep treatment to restore elasticity
The Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor (237 ml and 473 ml sizes) are quick-acting reconstructive treatments that only need to be left on for a few minutes. They are suitable for dry, brittle hair that has lost elasticity and bounce.
This treatment is particularly interesting:
- After coloring or straightening, to help the hair fiber recover,
- on hair weakened by hard water or chlorine,
- as a one-off treatment, once a week, as long as the damage remains significant.
After rinsing, we recommend applying a moisturizing treatment (such as the Balancing Moisturizer or a moisturizing mask suitable for your hair type) before your leave-in and styling.
Two-Step Protein Treatment: the intensive professional treatment against breakage
The Two-Step Protein Treatment (118 ml and 473 ml sizes) are highly concentrated professional treatments , originally intended for salon use. They are designed for severely damaged hair: significant breakage, spongy hair, difficulty retaining color, and near-total loss of elasticity.
Under the influence of heat, the proteins and magnesium in the formula bind to the fiber to strengthen it : the effects can last approximately 4 to 6 weeks when used correctly. This is precisely why this treatment should not be carried out too frequently.
Some important principles:
- strictly follow the ApHogee protocol: shampoo, application of the treatment, drying without manipulating the hair, thorough rinsing;
- Never comb or brush the hair during the phase when it is stiff and brittle;
- It is essential to follow up with the Balancing Moisturizer to restore hydration and suppleness;
- Space out Two-Step applications by at least 4 to 6 weeks, favouring moisturizing care and gentler treatments in the meantime.
At the Colorful Black trade show, we reserve this type of protocol for situations where breakage is truly concerning and where the fiber requires an almost "emergency" approach, always integrated into a global and reasoned routine.
Balancing Moisturizer: the balancing moisturizer after protein
The Balancing Moisturizer 473 ml is the hydrating counterpart to ApHogee's protein treatments. Enriched with emollients, humectants, and the Pro-Phytamine complex, it restores softness and elasticity after an intensive treatment such as Two-Step or Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor.
We recommend you use it:
- immediately after an ApHogee protein treatment,
- but also on its own, as a moisturizing conditioner, when your hair needs suppleness.
It is applied to washed, towel-dried hair, then left on for a few minutes before rinsing. This step is essential to avoid the "stiff hair" effect sometimes associated with excess protein.
Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer: the no-rinse restructuring spray
The Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer is a leave-in spray that combines keratin and green tea extract to protect the hair fiber daily. It helps limit breakage, prepares hair for moderate heat (note that it is not an extreme heat shield), and provides light reinforcement between deeper treatments.
We suggest using it on towel-dried hair, before your leave-in conditioner, or as a light touch-up on the lengths when your hair seems to be losing a little hold. Again, the idea is not to overload the hair fiber but to complement an already structured routine .
How to integrate ApHogee into a healthy routine, without overloading your hair?
For ApHogee products to deliver their best results, they must be part of a consistent routine that respects both hair and scalp. Here is the structure we recommend at Colorful Black:
-
Cleanse the scalp regularly.
We recommend shampooing at least once a week (twice if you sweat a lot or do intense sports). You can incorporate the Shampoo for Damaged Hair into this routine when your hair is very damaged, alternating it with a gentler, more moisturizing shampoo. -
Always follow with a moisturizing treatment.
After each shampoo, apply a conditioner or mask to rehydrate the hair fiber: the Balancing Moisturizer is perfectly suited as a follow-up to protein treatments. If you are using the Two-Step Protein Treatment, this step is absolutely essential. -
Moisturize lightly before sealing with a styling product.
On clean, towel-dried hair, first apply a light moisturizing base (leave-in conditioner or mist suited to your hair type), then seal in the moisture with a styling product (gel, mousse, styling cream, etc.). Styling products are not moisturizing treatments in themselves; they are applied after the leave-in conditioner. -
Avoid leaving oils on the scalp.
We strongly advise against applying unrinsed pure oils directly to the scalp. They coat the roots, promote residue buildup, and make cleansing more difficult. If necessary, reserve a very small amount of oil for the lengths of your hair only, and only occasionally. -
Dry your hair thoroughly after each wash.
Never leave your hair wet for hours. Dry it completely, ideally with a diffuser, alternating hot and cool air as a final step to help close the cuticles. Insufficient drying can further weaken already damaged hair fibers and promote odors and discomfort.
In this context, ApHogee becomes a powerful ally : the proteins reinforce what good hydration, regular cleansing and controlled drying have already put in place.
Why choose ApHogee at Colorful Black?
By choosing ApHogee at Colorful Black, you are not simply selecting a protein treatment: you are benefiting from our expertise in textured hair (wavy, curly, frizzy, kinky) and our salon experience with very damaged or chemically treated hair.
In our store at 7 rue Poissonnière, 75002 Paris , as well as on our e-shop, we help you understand:
- If your hair truly needs an intensive protein treatment,
- How to choose between Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor and Two-Step Protein Treatment?
- How often should they be included without exceeding protein intake?
- how to combine them with your usual shampoos, masks, leave-in conditioners and styling products.
Our goal remains the same: stronger, more resilient and better hydrated hair, without compromising the health of your scalp or the logic of your routine.
To discover all the available products, you can find the complete selection here: the ApHogee collection on our e-shop .
