When it comes to finding high-quality hair care products, getting recommendations from friends or reading online reviews only goes so far. Products that work for one person can be an absolute nightmare for another person’s hair! The best approach is to start by identifying your individual hair type and learning which ingredients are most effective. While there are dozens of common ingredients, we’ve chosen nine that are well known in the hair care market and are found in a variety of high-quality products. In this article, you’ll get the details on ingredients like keratin, argan oil, silicones, shea butter and more.
Before you start reading up on ingredients, make a list of the defining characteristics of your hair. Is it thick or thin? Curly or straight? Do you heat style on a regular basis, or is it chemically treated? Then, decide what you want from your hair product. For example, if your hair is thin, you’ll want lightweight products that don’t weigh the hair down; if your hair is dry or curly, you’ll want mega-moisturizing products. And for color-treated hair, make sure to use products labeled color-safe.
Proteins. There are countless products on the market that contain proteins, and if you have dry, brittle hair, these are a good bet for you. A protein called keratin is responsible for keeping hair strong and healthy, so you’ll find many products that contain keratin to help rebuild damaged hair. Other proteins in hair care products include: pro-vitamin B5, also known as panthenol; silk proteins; wheat proteins; and plant proteins like soy.Product pick: Terax Hair Care Life Drops contains silk and wheat proteins to prevent color from fading and protect hair from heat damage. Silicones. According to Self magazine, “silicones work by covering hair with a thin hydrophobic (waterproof) coating.” This helps moisturize, detangle and prevent hair from absorbing humidity in the air. Water-soluble silicones are easy to remove from hair and include Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone Copolyol. Amodimethicone and Dimethicone are not water-soluble, so make sure to use a clarifying shampoo on a regular basis.Biotin. Biotin, or vitamin B7, strengthens the hair shaft and mends split ends. It’s also great for hair growth. In fact, biotin is a common ingredient found in pre-natal vitamins and is known for causing hair and nails to grow faster and stronger. You can choose a topical treatment, or if you’re worried about more serious damage, take a supplement in addition.Oils. Although it seems counterintuitive to use products that add more oils to your hair – especially if you already have an oily scalp – you can choose from “a new generation of lighter, multi-faceted products that do anything but render your hair into an oil slick,” according to Total Beauty. Even if your hair isn’t particularly dry, a lightweight oil can impart just the right amount of moisture and shine. Excellent oils for hair include Moroccan, olive, jojoba, coconut, Marula, argan and almond.Tea tree oil: Although technically still an oil, tea tree isn’t used as a moisturizing treatment. Instead, it’s great for itchy scalps and has antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal benefits. Use to relieve dandruff symptoms, or just relieve general scalp itchiness. You can purchase a number of treatment products that contain tea tree oil, or opt for tea tree essential oil and mix a couple drops with your existing shampoo.Product pick: Philip B Anti Flake Relief Shampoo contains the active ingredients zinc and coal tar, which are highly effective for dandruff, as well as tea tree oil and antiseptic herbs.Antioxidants. Protective antioxidants are good for more than just your skin. When used in hair care products, antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E shield the hair from UV damage and help you achieve younger-looking hair. Look for botanical extracts that offer a healthy dose of antioxidants for your hair, such as pomegranate, green tea and grape seed extract. Product pick: Alterna TEN Conditioner is from Alterna’s The Science of TEN™ product line, which utilizes renowned ingredients from around the globe to improve the hair’s condition.Shea butter: Also found in moisturizing skincare products, shea butter is a natural ingredient that thoroughly moisturizes the hair and skin. If you have dry or curly hair, you’ll love how soft, smooth and manageable shea butter leaves your hair. It’s especially great for thick, coarse or textured hair.Glycerin: As a humectant, glycerin helps the hair hold in moisture, so it’s ideal for dry hair. Products containing glycerin work best in humid environments and help your hair absorb moisture from the air to improve hydration levels. However, if you live in a very dry climate, glycerin can actually make hair even drier, so it’s best to avoid it or mix it with jojoba oil before use. Salicylic acid. If you’ve ever struggled with acne, salicylic acid is an ingredient you’ve probably used before. It helps to exfoliate the skin’s surface and unclog pores to prevent blackheads and whiteheads, as well as dry up pimples. In hair care products, it works similarly to combat scalp acne, scalp folliculitis and psoriasis. For individual pimples on the scalp or along the hairline, you can also use a regular salicylic acid acne spot treatment.Finding hair care products that actually work for your hair doesn’t have to be complicated. The next time you’re on the lookout for a new product, take this list with you to the store to make your shopping trip less stressful. Once you know the ingredients you’re looking for, it’ll be a whole lot easier to come home with a product that won’t go to waste, and you’ll be on your way to stronger, healthier hair!
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