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5 min read
We look for must-have ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol in our skincare products, but they can work wonders for our hair too…
Buzzy new skincare ingredients are everywhere. We look for them on the back of our products like a checklist: hyaluronic acid for hydration? Tick. Niacinamide for brightness? Tick. However, we don’t seem to think the same way when it comes to haircare.
But it turns out that our go-to ingredients for our skincare boast a whole host of benefits for our hair. This is why we’re starting to see glycolic acid, ceramides and salicylic acid (to just name a few) pop up in our shampoos, conditioners and masks. This has been dubbed the ‘skinification’ of hair, and it’s a trend that’s about to be everywhere.
“Skinification is where we look after our scalps in the same way as we look after our skin,” explains trichologist Mark Blake. “We cleanse, moisturise and exfoliate our faces but seem to neglect the scalp,” he adds.
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What skincare ingredients should I look for in haircare?
In order to have the strong, healthy-looking hair we crave, we need to look after the scalp, which is why ingredients are so important. “Glycolic is a fantastic exfoliant for the skin and scalp as the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) removes dead skin and helps cell regeneration, creating the optimum environment for hair growth,” says Blake.
Yes, exfoliation is a key part of hair health but that’s not the only area we should be focusing on. It will be no surprise that our go-to skin-hydrating ingredient is high up on Blake’s list of what to look out for. “Hyaluronic acid is a fantastic humectant (these take moisture out of the air and put it into your hair). Hair needs moisture, which is great for reducing frizz and making it feel hydrated,” he says.
Yes, there are skincare ingredients that can even help boost your hair colour. “Ferulic acid helps reduce inflammation and is a fantastic antioxidant to reduce colour fade,” says Blake. Other big hitters like retinol work to improve the condition of the scalp to promote healthy hair and niacinamide can improve the texture of the hair and add sheen and body. Basically, all these ingredients aren’t just for skincare.
While Blake says these ingredients will support healthy scalps, which result in happy strands, those with curly hair may find they still need more traditional thirst-quenching hydrators like thick shea butter to provide a sleek finish. On the other hand, Blake warns that those with thinner hair may need to be careful not to overload the hair with too much product.
If you’re ready for healthier hair, these are the skincare ingredients you need to have on your radar.
Best skincare ingredients for your hair
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss
The skincare ingredient: glycolic acid
Just like with our skin, this AHA is the key to unlocking glowing hair. Use this glycolic gloss for five minutes post-shampoo and conditioner and watch shine and vibrancy be restored to lacklustre locks.
Shop L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss at LookFantastic, £16.99
L'Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color Spectrum Shampoo For Coloured Hair
The skincare ingredient: ferulic acid
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and being a pro at reducing discolouration, ferulic acid has the same brightening effect on colour-treated strands.
This creamy formula cleanses as it protects colour, keeping it intact for up to 49 washes to make your colour appointment go a bit further.
Shop L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color Spectrum Shampoo For Coloured Hair at LookFantastic, £27
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Hair Treatment
The skincare ingredient: hyaluronic acid
Known for its impact on hydration without the heaviness, it makes a lot of sense for hyaluronic acid to be in our haircare routines.
Pour this hydrating treatment on freshly shampooed hair once or twice a week and leave it to do its thing – no need to wash it out. Expect to see fewer flyaways and more lush-looking ends.
Shop The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Hair Treatment at Boots, £10
Alpha-H Healthy Scalp Exfoliating Treatment
The skincare ingredient: salicylic acid
A welcomed detox for scalps, this pre-shampoo treatment contains salicylic acid to slough away dead skin cells and prevent a backlog of unwanted bacteria.
It also contains other skincare favourites, such as rice vinegar and glycerin to leave roots feeling squeaky clean.
Shop Alpha-H Healthy Scalp Exfoliating Treatment at LookFantastic, £34.99
Kérastase Gloss Absolu Hair Treatment Spray for All Hair Types
The skincare ingredient: hyaluronic and glycolic acid
If you find glosses and glazes too heavy, this lightweight spritz will be the perfect match for thin hair. Not only does it coat strands with the hyaluronic and glycolic acid blend to smooth strands and leave you with a mirror-like shine but it also protects against heat damage and humidity for a number of days.
Shop Kérastase Gloss Absolu Hair Treatment Spray for All Hair Types at LookFantastic, £42.55
Monpure London Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum
The skincare ingredient: retinol
Yes, there is such a thing as retinol for your hair. Vitamin A features in this formula to resurface scalps and unclog follicles, making for an optimum environment for hair growth.
Shop Monpure London Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum at Cult Beauty, £83
Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator
The skincare ingredient: mandelic and glycolic acid
Mandelic acid is a great way to gently exfoliate and minimise breakouts within skincare, which is why it being paired with glycolic acid in this scalp treatment to reduce everything from dandruff to oiliness is so effective. Use as a pre-shampoo treatment to cleanse and remove product build-up.
Color Wow Youth Juice Collagen Scalp Treatment
The skincare ingredient: niacinamide
Like with our skin, niacinamide works to reduce inflammation, improve the hair’s texture and add a healthy sheen to strands. This serum’s purpose is to reduce hair thinning and banish brittle straw-like ends over time.
Shop Color Wow Youth Juice Collagen Scalp Treatment at LookFantastic, £44
Gisou Honey Infused Gloss Hair Mask
The skincare ingredient: ceramides
Ceramides are the key to a healthy skin barrier and can have the same strengthening effect on our hair. This buttery mask uses the star ingredient alongside hyaluronic acid and rich honey to deliver hydration, without any greasiness.
Ouai Scalp Serum
The skincare ingredient: peptides
Peptides are the building blocks of the skin and can stimulate collagen production, as well as a smoother, softer texture. They deliver the same qualities to your scalp, which can promote thicker, fuller hair over time.
Images: courtesy of brands
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