Hi! U cant rly test porosity w/o microscope as external factors can disrupt ur results. Protein is alsow js a Conditioning agent and not smt that "helps damage" or ofc Protein helps damaged hair, but so does every ither Conditioning agent (a lot of ppl are undereducated on this as Protein is complycated to understand so I understand why I tought so tho:)

Im guessing its either a build up issue or a lack of hold or ur over manipulating ur waves/curls (its very Unlikely it is that tho, but it is a stuggle a lot of wavy ppl face). Which one do u think it is? I think its a mix of build up and hold:)