Cosmetic ingredients are being developed to be more versatile; those once reserved for serums only are now found in makeup products as well. For example, an ingredient like charcoal that purifies pores can also eliminate grease from hair when used for its clarifying properties.
Hair care brands are now focusing on ingredients that are generally associated with the skin, like hyaluronic acid, collagen, micellar water and more. Let’s know more about how skin care ingredients work for hair care.
Why Pick Actives For Hair And Scalp?
Skin and hair needs are different, but the same kind of treatment can be used for both areas since the secret to lustrous hair is a healthy scalp, and the scalp is an extension of the skin. The latest hair care prefers a hybrids approach as compared to the traditional one. It is broader as it provides solutions to protect and strengthen the hair while maintaining a healthy scalp. Just like you choose a specific ingredient to target a skin concern, you need to do the same when picking out products for your hair. Here are some ingredients you can incorporate into your hair care routine.
Micellar Water
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Micellar water must already be a part of your skincare routine if you wear makeup. It is gentle on sensitive skin; best used to remove dirt, oil, and makeup and cleanse the skin. Micellar water shampoos use the same technique and can be used for all hair types. It can also be used for chemically treated and damaged hair. “Micelles are tiny lipid molecules that act as a magnet to dirt and oil. Unlike other cleansing agents, micelles have a lipid core that binds with the impurities while leaving key nutrients intact, rinsing away to leave behind clean, nourished hair. They are gentle but powerful, making micellar water for hair a prime choice to effectively clear away product build-up, pollutants, sweat,” explains Dr Vidushi Jain, medical head at an NCR-based clinic called Dermalinks.
Collagen
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How our hair ages have a lot to do with our lifestyle habits and genetics. It may turn coarse and brittle and fade to grey as pigment production decreases over time. UV rays are also the main cause of its ageing and can deteriorate hair’s proteins and colour. “Collagen is an essential bodily protein. It is the amplest protein in our bodies and makes up around one-third of our total protein composition,” explains Dr Vidushi. Collagen protein can cling to hair’s surface, making it plump and soft. A good collagen hair mask treatment can do wonders for your hair. Just as collagen provides the skin with anti-ageing benefits and improves the texture, collagen’s amino acids help promote better scalp health and stronger hair growth.” It takes between 12 and 16 weeks for collagen products to show results depending on the hair thickness and growth of hair follicle cells.” says Dr Vidushi.
Hyaluronic Acid
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Hair can suffer from dehydration, specifically when the cuticle is eroded because of hard water, heat or chemicals. Hyaluronic acid benefits not only the hair strands but also the scalp. The humectant molecules attract and lock moisture in the skin, letting collagen thrive in the skin and scalp. When applied to the hair, the molecules coat strands and hydrate them. It is also beneficial in shielding the hair from heat and styling damage. Leave-on products work the best when picking out one with hyaluronic acid.
Additionally, Dr Vidushi reccommends the combination of actives like redensyl, capixyl, and procapil to stop hair loss and stimulate new hair follicle growth.
However, like skin, every hair and scalp type is different with different needs and concerns. Also, many factors like weather, quality of water, underlying health issues, and hair concerns are to be considered before building or switching to a new hair care routine. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist or trichologist before starting with any ingredient-specific hair care range.Â
