Peptides: everything you need to know about these strengthening haircare ingredients

A comp image of a woman in the shower next to promo pics of peptide hair products

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Peptides: everything you need to know about these strengthening haircare ingredients

By Aidan Milan

Updated 1 year ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

3 min read

You may have heard of peptides for your skin, but now’s the time to get your hair involved too. 


Peptides are a hot topic in the haircare world, thanks in no small part to the fact that they work their magic on a range of hair types.

Whether you’re struggling with thinning hair, breakage, scalp health or you’re looking to grow your locks as long and as lusciously as possible, there are peptide products out there for everyone.

What are peptides, and what do they do?

Astrid Bellay, head of product development at Philip Kingsley, tells Stylist: “Peptides are the building blocks of proteins. They can consist of just a few amino acids or up to about 50 amino acids. In haircare, peptides are often included in products to strengthen hair fibres and promote healthy hair growth. They have a wide range of uses and are vital to hair health by promoting growth, strength and overall vitality.”

What products should people look out for?

“When selecting hair products with peptides,” says Bellay, “keep an eye out for shampoos, conditioners, serums and treatments containing peptides to address specific concerns like hair thinning or scalp health. Additionally, consider opting for leave-in conditioners and scalp treatments infused with peptides for ongoing nourishment and protection.”

What hair types and textures do peptides work best with?

“Peptides offer benefits to all hair types and textures,” Bellay explains. “They strengthen and fortify fine or thin hair, nourish strands in thick or coarse hair, repair moisture barriers in dry or damaged hair and enhance elasticity in curly or textured hair. While peptides suit various hair types, choosing products tailored to specific concerns is crucial. Individual responses vary, so experimenting with different formulations can help find what works best for your hair.”

How long should it take before you see results?

Bellay says: “Results from using haircare products containing peptides can vary. Short-term benefits like improved body, hydration and manageability may be noticed immediately. Medium- and long-term effects such as reduced hair fall will take several months of consistent use. Consistency is key for optimal results.”

Nine of our favourite peptide buys to add to your haircare routine 

K18 Hair Mask

K18 Biometric Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask

This leave-in mask promises to help boost your hair’s softness, smoothness, bounce and strength.

Shop K18 Biometric Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask At Superdrug, £54.99

buy now

OTF BETA-images-renamed-SuperHealthyHair_SuperHealthyHairStrengtheningShampoo_191320_2000x2000_WEB_10 (1)

Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Strengthening Shampoo

If your hair is on the fine side, this shampoo should be right up your street.

Shop Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Strengthening Shampoo, £25

buy now

Kerastase Detensifique Duo

Kérastase Densifique Shampoo and Conditioner Hair Duo Routine

The formula for this pair of products includes super-hydrating hyaluronic acid. 

Shop Kérastase Densifique Shampoo and Conditioner Hair Duo Routine at LookFantastic, £64.10

buy now

The Ordinary Peptide Serum

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Use just a few drops of this serum once a day for thicker, happier hair.

Shop The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density at LookFantastic, £11.60

buy now

Gorgeous Glow Repair Serum

Grow Gorgeous Repair Duo

This nourishing shampoo and conditioner combo is designed to help heal old damage and protect your hair from suffering any more. 

Shop Grow Gorgeous Repair Duo at LookFantastic, £27.00

buy now

Living Proof Scalp Care Treatment

Living Proof Scalp Care Revitalizing Treatment

Big on scalp care? This overnight treatment helps strengthen your hair at the root.

Shop Living Proof Scalp Care Revitalizing Treatment at LookFantastic, £31

buy now

Revoloution Hair R-Peptide

Revolution Haircare R-Peptide 4x4 Leave-In Repair Mask

This vegan leave-in mask helps to keep your hair safe against chemical and heat styling.

Shop Revolution Haircare R-Peptide 4x4 Leave-In Repair Mask at LookFantastic, £12

buy now

KEVIN.MURPHY THICK.AGAIN

Kevin Murphy Thick Again

If you’ve got thinning hair, this leave-in treatment is designed to come straight to your rescue.

Shop Kevin Murphy Thick Again at Cult Beauty £39

buy now

Peptide Volumizing Hair Treatment

The Inkey List Peptide Volumizing Hair Treatment

This serum helps increase your hair’s thickness and volume from the very first use.

Shop The Inkey List Peptide Volumizing Hair Treatment, £14

buy now

L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-in Mask

L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-in Mask

A lightweight leave-in treatment that helps nourish dry and damaged tresses.

Shop L’Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-in Mask at LookFantastic, £30

buy now

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands

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