Time to skinify your hair
It’s called the skinification of hair and it’s well and truly upon us. No, that’s not a typo. So what is it? It’s the use of well-known skincare ingredients in haircare – a massively growing trend answering the consumer call for more effective and targeted products which harness the latest tech power to improve individual hair concerns.
It means elevating your haircare routine from throwing some shampoo and conditioner on it and hoping for the best, to thinking about what it needs to look its best – be it repair, nourishment, or anything else.
Finally, it’s about looking to products normally found on the skincare aisles – serums, oils, masks etc – and using them in the same way for your hair.
So where should you begin?
SKIN-TO-HAIR INGREDIENTS
hyaluronic acid Naturally occurring in the human body, hyaluronic acid is super hydrating, helping hair to hold on to moisture to help keep dryness and frizz at bay. try: Kiko Milano Haircare by Rossano Ferretti Nourish & Protect Shampoo, £19.99 (kiko cosmetics.com) effectively cleanses and deeply hydrates using a complex of hyaluronic acid.
Glycolic acid
A gentle exfoliant, glycolic acid removes excess oil and product build-up from the hair and scalp, leaving strands shinier, bouncier and stronger. try: L’Oreal Paris
Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination Treatment, £15.99 (look fantastic.com) is a rinse-off formula to restore lustre to dull hair, containing glycolic acid.
Ceramides
As reparative as they are in skincare, ceramides are great for damaged hair in need of some TLC as they work to reinforce the cuticle to protect against moisture loss and dehydration. try: John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Repairing Conditioner, £6.99 (Superdrug) contains ceramides to help nourish and smooth your hair.
Squalane Nourishing
Squalane boosts the elasticity and flexibility of each hair shaft from within, leading to a smoother appearance and softer feel. It also works wonders on the scalp, calming irritation and adding moisture to proceedings. try: Wella Ultimate Repair Mask, £30 (Boots) contains a concoction of squalane, AHA and omega-9 to rebuild broken bonds, hydrate and protect.