"I'm so confused, what's the difference between protein conditioners and reconstructors??"Advice: Good question! I've always understood it as, protein conditioners are typically surface-acting conditioners, meaning that they contain larger protein molecules, therefore, they do not penetrate the cuticle layers deeply. Since the molecules are fairly large, they tend to wear off easily in a few days. Moisturizing agents can be found in these conditioners, so you may not need a moisturizing conditioner afterward.
Now, onto reconstructors. These contain the highest quantity of protein and provide very little conditioning. They're more concentrated containing smaller hydrolyzed proteins that penetrate and bind to the cuticle layers a little more deeply. The results are usually more dramatic and longer lasting than protein-based conditioners - their sole purpose is to repair/reconstruct the hair shaft...so these treatments don't offer much conditioning, and generally have to be followed up with a moisturizing conditioner.
♥ Sunshyne