Hair

6 Skincare Ingredients Your Hair Will Love—Plus Our Favourite Products

Oct 22, 2024

By: Kelly-Ann Neeley - Christina Zisko

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Hair

6 Skincare Ingredients Your Hair Will Love—Plus Our Favourite Products

Oct 22, 2024

By: Kelly-Ann Neeley - Christina Zisko

Take your hair-care game to the next level with shampoos, conditioners and treatments made with star ingredients plucked from your skin-care routine.

It’s official: The “skinification of hair care” movement has arrived. This trend is all about giving our hair the same love we give our skin, right down to using the same powerful active ingredients. Just like our faces, our hair and scalps have specific needs, so building a hair-care routine that targets your concerns is key.

Not sure where to start? Think about your go-to skin-care ingredients. The actives that bring moisture to a dry visage can do the same for your locks, and ones that soothe sensitive skin on your cheeks can work their magic on an irritated scalp. We’ve gathered some of the most popular hair-loving ingredients borrowed from the skin-care world, so once you’ve identified what your hair is craving, read on to find your next holy grail ingredient.

1. Hyaluronic Acid

This hydration hero can hold 1,000 times its weight in water and is known for helping skin attract and retain moisture. When used on dehydrated, damaged tresses, hyaluronic acid can bring softness, shine and strength while minimizing frizz. Just like it plumps the appearance of skin, hyaluronic acid can also plump each strand of hair for a fuller, denser look. Plus, dry, flaky scalps will love the extra hydration that comes from this acid’s moisture- binding properties.

2. AHAs & BHAs

Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids work to slough off dead skin cells to reveal a smooth, radiant complexion, so it’s no surprise that using these actives in your hair-care routine helps exfoliate the scalp, remove buildup and tackle dandruff. Exfoliation boosts nutrient absorption so you can reap the benefits of your targeted products and treatments. These acids also work to regulate sebum production and promote skin-cell turnover. The main difference between the two is that AHAs are water-soluble and focus on the surface layer, while BHAs are oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper into the skin. No matter what product you choose, it’s important to incorporate it gradually to avoid irritation.

3. Amino Acid

For hair that’s resilient in the face of damage and breakage, try products made with amino acids. Because they’re the building blocks of keratin, amino acids are essential for maintaining the structure and strength of your mane while repairing broken bonds and protecting against future damage caused by heat styling, chemical processing, free radicals and more.

4. Centella Asiatica

Also known as tiger grass or cica, Centella asiatica is a soothing ingredient used to bring moisture and comfort to dry, irritated skin, aid in wound healing and reduce inflammation. When used on the head, sensitized scalps can say good-bye to itchiness, redness and flakes thanks to these ultra-calming benefits. The positive effects don’t just stop at the scalp: this ingredient’s antioxidant activity and nourishing properties protect and repair damaged lengths, making it a game-changer for your locks, to boot.

5. Vitamin C

To give dull hair a dose of lustre and shine, try adding vitamin C to your regimen. This well-known antioxidant works to neutralize the damaging effects of oxidative stress from factors like pollution and UV rays while fortifying your mane, making it a go-to ingredient for breakage-prone tresses. Vitamin C can support collagen production and synthesis for strong, healthy locks.

6. Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide boosts the synthesis of keratin, a protein that helps form hair, skin and nails. This means stronger strands with greater elasticity and reduced breakage. The active ingredient can also help control sebum production, making it a good choice for those who struggle with an oily scalp. What’s more, niacinamide helps stimulate scalp circulation, which can encourage hair growth.