Most people have heard of dandruff – the skin condition that causes flakes to appear on your scalp and in your hair. In fact, dandruff is more of a symptom than a condition in its own right – which we’ll discuss more later. 

Dandruff isn’t harmful, nor is it contagious – but at the same time, it can be unpleasant to deal with. You might find the flakes fall from your hair onto your clothing, which can make it more noticeable to people around you. It can also be uncomfortable, as one of the possible side effects is a dry and itchy scalp.

If you’re looking to try and get rid of your dandruff, then one thing that might help is understanding what can cause it so you can find effective anti-dandruff treatments and preventative measures.

Where does dandruff come from?

You might have heard that dandruff is caused by poor hygiene – but that isn’t the case. In fact, dandruff can be caused by a range of circumstances, from your overall health to the natural condition of your hair.

Below, we take a more in-depth look at some possible causes of dandruff.

Skin conditions

According to the NHS, dandruff can be caused by a number of skin conditions, including:

• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Contact dermatitis.

Many of these conditions cause itchy, dry and flaky skin as a whole, so it makes sense that the skin of the scalp could be affected, too. Anti-dandruff shampoos and other specialist hair products may help, but if the problem persists for longer than a month, then speaking to a healthcare professional may help you to find a solution.

If your dandruff is caused by a more general skin condition such as those listed above, then it’s likely you’ll see other symptoms – not just those associated with the hair and scalp. That can help you to decide whether you need a doctor or pharmacist’s advice.

Fungal infection

Another possible cause of dandruff is a yeast-like fungal infection.

Most people, even those with healthy hair, have a fungus called malassezia on their scalps. This fungus feeds on the oil on your scalp and hair known as sebum. The fungus then breaks down the oils it consumes, leaving the byproducts on your scalp – and this can cause mild irritation.

All of this is perfectly normal – it’s a natural process and nothing to worry about.

However, things can start to get out of hand if the fungus reproduces more rapidly than normal. This can happen if:

• You’re immunocompromised
• It’s very humid
• You’ve been sweating a lot
• You have an oily scalp.

If this affects you, it could be a temporary problem in some circumstances. For example, if you’ve been travelling in areas with a very humid climate, you might develop dandruff that resolves in time after you return to less humid areas.

For problems like immunocompromisation and having an oily scalp, anti-dandruff hair products may help to control the situation. If this doesn’t work, a medicated solution may be needed to tackle the malassezia fungus.

Oily scalp

As mentioned, an oily scalp can exacerbate the activity of the malassezia fungus, resulting in dandruff formation. That’s because those oils are the fungus’ food. If your hair or scalp is very oily, the fungus can eat lots and reproduce more quickly, leading to the problems described above.

Some people naturally produce more sebum or hair oils, while others don’t. But if this affects you, a hair care routine that helps to tackle excess oil production may be the best choice to keep dandruff at bay.

To that end, a shampoo that prioritises scalp health may be a good choice. For example, our Biotin Healthy Hair and Scalp daily shampoo contains pyrocton olamine, which targets fungal causes of dandruff, as well as thermal water, which serves to improve epithelial cell health and soothe sensitive scalps.

Dry scalp

At the other end of the spectrum, a scalp that’s overly dry can also lead to dandruff and scalp irritation. A lack of hydration can cause cells to die prematurely, leading to the shedding of the top layer of the scalp in small, whitish flakes.

The answer is to rehydrate the hair and scalp with a moisturising, nourishing hair care routine, like our Aqua Thermal range, which contains hydrating thermal water to restore moisture to your hair. At the same time, probiotics within the formula strengthen the natural protective barrier of the scalp to protect against future dandruff formation.

Sensitivity to hair products

Another common cause of dandruff is that something you’ve put in or on your hair is irritating your scalp – this may dry out the skin or prompt excess oil production. Most commonly, this happens when you have a sensitivity to something in your hair products, but it can also occur through exposure to chlorine or salt if you swim a lot.

If you think your swimming habits could be contributing to your scalp problems, then try wearing a swim hat. This should shield your hair and protect your scalp from irritation.

If that’s not the case, then the irritation is most likely down to one or more of the ingredients in your hair care products. You can be allergic to various ingredients including fragrances and hair dyes, but you might also just be sensitive to chemicals in your shampoo and conditioner.

There are a range of factors which can lead to dandruff formation – and while it may be possible to relieve dandruff through lifestyle changes, these can take time to take effect. For the quickest, most reliable results, try one of our proven anti-dandruff solutions – including our intensive anti-dandruff shampoo, designed for more severe cases of dandruff.

Sources:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dandruff/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850
• https://www.headandshoulders.co.in/en-in/healthy-hair-and-scalp/scalp/oily-scalp
• https://dermnetnz.org/topics/malassezia-infections
• https://www.kerastase.com.hk/en-hk/dandruff-and-a-dry-sensitive-scalp-discover-the-causes-and-how-to-treat-it
• https://www.headandshoulders.co.uk/en-gb/all-articles/dandruff/a-dandruff-sufferers-guide-to-hats/
• https://www.mydcsi.com/2023/05/12/is-saltwater-good-for-your-hair/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11088418/

Dry hair occurs when, for one reason or another, the hair either doesn’t receive or doesn’t retain enough moisture. This can lead to a lack of shine, increased risk of frizziness and more breakages – all of which keeps your hair from looking its best.

Identifying a cause for your dry hair problems can make it easier to remedy the situation and return your hair to its former glory. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of dry hair.

What is the cause of dry hair?

One important thing to bear in mind when investigating the cause behind dry hair is that there may not be a single distinct cause. Many of the contributing factors we’ll discuss below can coexist, which may mean that resolving one issue improves your hair, but doesn’t necessarily eradicate the problem entirely.

If you have dry hair and you’re not sure what’s causing it, it may help to consider the below points as a checklist to help you spot potential causes and find remedies.

Over-washing

Although it might seem like washing your hair every day is the best way to keep it clean and healthy, in most cases it could actually be detrimental.

If you’ve ever gone a while without washing your hair and felt it get greasy, that’s partially down to the build-up of a natural oil called sebum. Sebum is produced by the scalp to keep your hair moisturised and help to protect it from damage.

When you go too long between washes, sebum will build up on the scalp and collect dirt and grime, which can lead to other scalp and hair problems. However, over-washing can result in entirely stripping the scalp of natural oils, leaving your hair unprotected and lacking moisture.

There’s no simple right answer for how often you should wash your hair, because everyone’s hair is different. In general, the finer your hair is, the more often you need to wash it – but be aware that environmental factors like pollution can also play a role in grime build-up.

Skipping conditioner

As well as over-washing your hair, not using the right products on it can also lead to dry hair. When you wash your hair, shampoo helps to remove oil, dirt and grime from your hair and scalp. Then, once you’ve removed these unwanted residues from your hair, the conditioner’s role is to rehydrate and protect your strands.

If you’ve been worried about oily scalps or greasy hair, then you may be tempted to skip conditioner in your hair care routine. Unfortunately, this can leave your hair dry and brittle, making the strands more prone to damage and breakage.

To keep your hair from drying out, it’s vital that you protect it with a quality, hydrating conditioner. Look for one that contains naturally hydrating ingredients like argan oil, without harsh chemicals such as sulphates or parabens that could exacerbate dry hair. A good rule of thumb if you have dry hair is to look for a conditioner that specifically targets this hair type.

When washing your hair with conditioner or using sprays or hair oils, try to use them only on the hair strands and not the scalp – this can help to ensure the hydrating goodness goes exactly where it needs to be. If you’re at all unsure, check the instructions on the product packaging.

You can also get nourishing hair oils and sprays which fulfil a similar purpose to condition and hydrate your hair. Typically, these are intended for use on days you don’t wash your hair, helping to lock in moisture between washes.

Harsh hair products

In some cases, using intense, concentrated hair products can be the right thing to do, particularly if you’re tackling a severe case of a hair problem such as dandruff, for example. But this should only be done on medical advice or if gentler treatment options have failed to help.

For the most part, you should steer clear of harsh hair products – those which contain chemicals like sulphates, parabens, silicones or synthetic fragrances, dyes or alcohols – and use gentle formulas instead, as these help to nourish and protect the hair without putting it through more strain. Hair products that use natural ingredients may help you to avoid dry, brittle hair.

Heat styling and blow drying

The use of heat on hair is well known for being damaging – causing dry hair is just one way it can affect your strands.

Each of your individual strands of hair has an outer coating known as a cuticle, which is made of keratin, a protein. When exposed to high temperatures (such as when heat-styling or using a hair dryer), the molecular structure of this protein can weaken and become compromised.

What this means is that the outer cuticle loses its integrity. Like a faulty suit of armour, it begins to show chinks – and this can allow irritants and pollutants to get in, as well as letting moisture escape. Naturally, this means the hair cannot retain moisture easily, so it becomes dry.

By avoiding heat-styling, you can help to ensure that your hair’s outer cuticles stay strong, reducing the risk of excessive moisture loss from your strands.

Vitamin deficiency

Vitamins and minerals are essential for keeping the body healthy, and this extends to your hair. Some micronutrients help to form proteins like keratin that help to protect your hair, and not getting enough of these nutrients can lead to hair problems like dry hair.

Deficiencies that could lead to this kind of problem include:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Essential fatty acids.

Notably, if you’re experiencing a deficiency in micronutrients that’s affecting your hair, you’ll most likely have other symptoms unrelated to your hair. These might include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, mood changes and joint pain.

If you think you might have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, it’s best to speak with a doctor or pharmacist who can help you to identify potential causes and treatment options.

Climate

Although we in the UK have a fairly moderate climate, it’s worth bearing in mind that climate can absolutely have an effect on how dry or hydrated your hair is. Dry conditions in both winter and summer can leach the moisture out of your hair and leave you with excess frizziness.

So, what can you do about this? In this case, remedying your dry hair will be more about taking extra precautions during dry spells rather than trying to change the cause – i.e. the climate. Using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner can help to combat the effects of a dry climate, as can staying well hydrated yourself.

Salt water exposure

Last but not least, another potential cause of dry hair is one you might not have even considered: salt exposure. If you’ve been swimming in the sea, then chances are that your hair has been soaked in salt water.

The salt in salt water means it can’t hydrate us enough, which is one of the reasons why it has to be treated before you can drink it. But it has a similar effect on your hair – failing to restore moisture and even removing it from your strands.

Crucially, salt water from the sea is evaporated by the sun and becomes a part of the air. In coastal areas, you may see salt deposits on windows and external walls – this all comes from the salt in the air. Because of this, you don’t necessarily need to have gone in the sea to feel the effects of salt water exposure.

To combat this, rinse your hair after swimming in the sea to help flush out any salt residue. You should also use a nourishing hair care regimen to help protect your strands against the dehydrating effects of salt and salt water exposure.

As mentioned, there are many possible causes of dry hair, and it may be that the effects you’re noticing are caused by a combination of factors rather than a single definitive cause. Fortunately, there are plenty of techniques you can use to combat dry hair and keep your strands looking luscious.

Sources:

• https://www.mydcsi.com/2023/05/12/is-saltwater-good-for-your-hair/
• https://limmerhtc.com/how-different-climates-affect-hair/
• https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/hair-loss/guides/10-vitamin-deficiencies-that-are-linked-to-hair-loss
• https://www.redzhairstylists.co.uk/tips-for-heat-styling-hair-without-damage/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-hair#causes
• https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-uk/blog/hair-care/how-often-to-wash-hair/
• https://www.headandshoulders.co.in/en-in/healthy-hair-and-scalp/hair-care/tips/dos-and-donts-of-dry-scalp#causesOfDryScalp
• https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/hair-and-scalp-expertise/dry-hair-treatment-dry-hair-routine

Black garlic is a powerful natural ingredient included in a number of hair care products and solutions. It can be a very effective remedy for a range of hair problems, especially when found in an easy-to-use format such as an in-shower shampoo or conditioner.

In this article, we explore what black garlic is, how it differs from regular garlic and what benefits it can have for your hair.

What is black garlic?

For many, garlic is a staple of a wide range of culinary dishes, but you might not have heard of the less well known black garlic. Originating in Asian cuisine, black garlic isn’t actually a different plant species from regular garlic – it’s just been through a process of heat-ageing. This effectively caramelises the garlic, which can unlock different health benefits.

For example, black garlic is believed to contain twice as many antioxidants as raw garlic.

So, black garlic is just regular garlic that has been slowly cooked to release more nutritional goodness for your benefit. But how does that help your hair?

What are the benefits of black garlic for hair?

In the wider world, black garlic has a range of uses – most notably in cooking. But like many natural ingredients, it can be used in hair care applications to support healthy hair and scalp health. Below are some of the key benefits of black garlic in haircare.

Supplying antioxidants

Antioxidants are key for limiting damage to the hair caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Essentially, free radicals are very reactive molecules that can react with the molecules in your hair or scalp and cause the breakdown of certain structures. In the long term, this contributes to an ageing effect.

Your hair can be sustaining damage from free radicals and oxidative stress without you even knowing. It can come from a range of sources, including sun exposure, pollutants or inflammation from a microbial issue. Smoking can also cause oxidative stress.

In order to limit this damage and the resulting ageing effects, it’s important to get lots of antioxidants. You can do this partly through your diet, but another way is to use products that contain antioxidant-rich ingredients on your hair.

Black garlic is one such ingredient. In fact, black garlic has twice as many antioxidants as raw garlic, meaning it can be twice as effective. A black garlic shampoo can help to protect anyone’s hair, but it may be particularly beneficial if you live in an area with lots of pollution or you spend lots of time out in the sun.

Stimulating the hair follicles

Another important compound found in black garlic is allicin, which is a substance that helps to increase the circulation of your blood. Therefore, when applied as a hair product, it can help your scalp to receive more nutrients and oxygen to power hair growth, strengthen the roots and increase regeneration to repair and protect areas of damage.

Providing vitamins and minerals

As well as improving access to the vital nutrients in your blood by increasing circulation around the scalp, black garlic can also increase your nutrient levels. That’s because, as a nutritious natural ingredient, it contains lots of vitamins and minerals that your body needs in order to support a healthy scalp and hair.

Smoothing the outer cuticle

When your hair is damaged, the outer layer of each strand can be rough, which can make it feel dry and scratchy while also reducing your hair’s natural shine. As well, this can make the hair more prone to tangling.

Products infused with black garlic help to smoothen that outer layer – known as the cuticle – to reduce tangling, provide a sleek, soft texture and give a healthy lustre to your hair.

Moisturising hair

Black garlic doesn’t just make your hair look healthier – it can also add moisture to rehydrate dry hair and restore its natural flexibility. This can help to reduce the likelihood of breakages along your hair strands, meaning less hair fall and fewer split ends.

At the same time, black garlic oil can help to lock moisture into your hair – helping your hair to avoid dryness and frizz in future.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Black garlic is known to have anti-inflammatory properties – it reduces swelling and redness in areas of irritation. In haircare products, that means it can help to address irritated scalps, reducing itchiness and visible redness.

Antibacterial qualities

Lastly, black garlic also has antibacterial qualities. This means it can help to control the levels of bacteria found on your scalp, which can mean you’re less likely to develop infections such as folliculitis – a condition where a hair follicle becomes inflamed.

Whether there’s a specific hair problem you’d like to address or you’re just looking for a new shampoo that can take full care of your locks, black garlic infused products are an excellent choice. Our black garlic shampoo combines the benefits of this natural ingredient with ivy extract to keep your hair luscious and healthy.

Sources:

• https://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/blogs/news/what-is-black-garlic
• https://www.clinikally.com/blogs/news/the-transformative-power-of-black-garlic-in-hair-care
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26574302/
• https://goldcoastdermatologycenter.com/garlic-skin-benefits/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634

Keratin is a popular ingredient in nourishing shampoos, as well as other hair care products including oils, creams, conditioners and hair masks. But is it really as good as everyone says? And if so, how exactly does it work?

Keep reading to learn more.

How does keratin shampoo work?

First, it’s important to know that keratin is a natural protein found within our bodies. It plays a vital role in the maintenance of our skin, hair and nails, which is why keratin shampoo can be so impactful.

Keratin shampoos can help to repair and maintain damaged hair – that’s because the keratin in the shampoo can fill in the gaps where the keratin in your hair has become damaged. It’s a like-for-like repair job. Just as you would use the same bricks to repair a damaged wall, keratin shampoo uses the same building blocks that make up your hair.

The outer layer of your hair is made up of overlapping scales of keratin. When damage occurs, these scales become raised, which contributes to that feeling of roughness common to damaged hair. Keratin shampoos help to smooth the scales back down and repair roughness, resulting in improved hair texture and appearance.

As you can imagine, having the right levels of keratin in the body helps to maintain happy, healthy hair. Unfortunately, sometimes you can have a keratin deficiency – in other words, you don’t have enough keratin to support healthy skin, hair and nails.

This can sometimes occur as a result of a biotin deficiency. Biotin, another key ingredient in many hair care products, is a substance that helps with the production of various amino acids – which, in turn, are the building blocks of proteins like keratin.

Keratin shampoo can be beneficial whether you have a deficiency or not – but if you do happen to be low in naturally-occurring keratin, a keratin shampoo can help to boost your levels to keep your hair healthy.

Is keratin in shampoo good for hair?

In short, yes – keratin shampoo can be highly beneficial for the hair, as can other at-home products containing keratin, like conditioners or hair masks. Unlike regular shampoos, keratin doesn’t just clean your hair – it actually strengthens it to make it more resilient to damage.

Strengthening and repairing the hair

Keratin shampoos do this by repairing the outer cuticle – in other words, the outermost layer of each hair strand. As well as strengthening the structure of the hair, this helps to improve the strands’ elasticity, making them more flexible. This means your hair strands are less likely to break or develop split ends – a win for healthy-looking hair.

Because of this, keratin shampoos can be especially effective if you have damaged hair – whether that’s from sun exposure, excessive brushing, heat styling, bleaching or air pollutants. By strengthening the hair, keratin shampoos can help to return damaged hair to a healthier state.

Relieving frizz

Another key area where keratin shampoos can help is frizz. Frizz happens when dry hair searches for moisture in the air around it – so when the humidity is high, it puffs up to absorb as much as it can. Keratin shampoos help to moisturise your hair strands so this doesn’t happen, keeping your hair sleek and soft.

Relieving hair roughness

As well as minimising frizz, this moisturising action helps to smoothen your hair strands so they’re less prone to tangling and breakage. This can make your hair easier to manipulate when styling.

Smoother strands also reflect light better, leaving your hair with a glossy appearance – helping to prolong the life and vibrancy of colour treatments and keep you looking your best between salon visits.

The evidence

Want a little more evidence to be convinced? Don’t listen to us – listen to what people who have used keratin shampoos are saying. Our Keratin & Argan Shampoo was entered into a blind product comparison – the people who tried it thought that it:

• Nourished the hair by 94% the first wash
• Repaired the hair by 94% from the first wash
• Moisturised the hair by 91%
• Made the hair 94% softer after washing and drying.

The bottom line is this: keratin shampoos have a wide range of benefits for your hair, whether it’s damaged and needs a lot of attention or just a bit lacklustre and in need of a little boost. The best way to see the results is to try it for yourself – explore our Keratin & Argan range today.

Sources:

• https://www.nexxus.com/us/en/haircare-101/things-to-know-before-using-keratin-shampoo.html
• https://www.tresemme.com/ph/get-the-look/hair-care-tips-at-home/what-is-keratin-shampoo.html
• https://latinusbeauty.com/blogs/lu-beauty-insider/keratin-shampoo-benefits
• https://vegamour.com/blogs/blog/biotin-vs-keratin

Damaged hair breaks easily, looks tired and lacks the softness and shine that characterises good hair health. It’s called ‘damaged’ because the outer cuticle that protects each individual hair strand is weakened or impaired – much like damaged armour.

This kind of damage can be caused by a number of things. Most commonly, the use of heat or harsh chemicals on the hair are to blame, though environmental factors like sun exposure, air pollution and saltwater can also have an impact. The good news is that you can remedy it with time and care.

Read on to learn more about repairing damaged hair.

How to treat damaged hair

One of the key things to remember when treating damaged hair is that it will take time to get your hair back to a healthy, lustrous state. Whether the damage has come about as a result of bleaching, harsh hair products or environmental factors, it didn’t happen overnight.

As a result, this isn’t something you can fix in a few short weeks, but there are things you can do in the short term to start the repair process and disguise the appearance of damaged hair while it heals.

Use a nourishing shampoo and conditioner combo

You might think that it doesn’t matter what kind of shampoo and conditioner you use, but in reality, this can have a big impact on your hair health.

Damage to the hair is usually characterised by the outer cuticle (the outer layer of each individual hair strand) being compromised. It’s made up of a scale-like armour of keratin, and when damage occurs, these scales can become lifted, leaving the inside vulnerable to further damage.

To help repair this damage, look for products that are rich in keratin, like our Keratin & Argan range. The keratin within these formulas patches up damage to the outer cuticles of your hair strands, helping to protect them from damage and allow the hair to heal. Additionally, the argan oil helps to moisturise your hair and reduce the risk of breakage in the short term.

Alternatively, you could opt for a hair care range specifically formulated for dry and damaged hair, such as our Nourishing Oils collection. These products contain vitamin B5 to nourish and rehydrate damaged hair, plus nine flower oils to restore softness to each individual strand.

Treat your hair to a repairing mask

As well as giving your hair care and attention as part of your regular hair care routine, you may find it helpful to give it a little extra love when it’s damaged. Products like repairing masks or hair oils may be best used less frequently than shampoos or conditioners, helping to boost the revitalisation of damaged hair strands.

Be gentle with damp hair

You may be aware that your hair is at its most vulnerable when it’s wet. That’s because it’s more likely to stretch and break, so it’s important that you’re careful and gentle with damp or wet hair.

With that in mind, never brush your hair unless it’s completely dry. Damaged hair is vulnerable at all times, so try to only brush when absolutely necessary – the rest of the time, including when it’s wet, you can use a wide-toothed comb to gently untangle knots and tidy up your hair.

Avoid high-tension styles

On a similar note, if your hair is in a weakened, easy-to-damage state, the best thing you can do to avoid breakages in the short term is to stick with hairdos that don’t put too much strain on your hair strands.

Styles like tight buns and high ponytails can look great and may be some of your favourite updos, but the tension they place on your individual hair strands can lead to excessive breakage. Think of your hair like a frayed rope. You wouldn’t pull hard on a damaged rope, because it’s more likely to snap – the same applies to your hair.

Steer clear of heat styling and blow drying

In many cases, using heat on your hair is at least a part of what caused the damage in the first place, so if you’re looking to repair that damage, step away from your heat-based styling tools. That’s because high temperatures can break down the keratin that makes up the outer cuticles of your hair strands, leaving them vulnerable.

Consider whether you can get the same or similar styling results by using non-heat tools, such as putting curlers in overnight. Alternatively, turn the heat down on your tools and use a heat protectant spray containing argan oil beforehand, as this can help to protect your hair from damage.

Top tip! Different hair types can withstand different temperatures when using heat tools. Researching the right temperature for your hair can help you to avoid damage – but if in doubt, use the minimum setting.

However, the gentlest thing you can do for your hair is to stay away from the styling and blow drying for as long as you can manage – so why not embrace your hair’s natural texture? And by finding ways to look and feel fantastic without heat styling, you may find it easier to avoid damaging your hair in the future.

Trim regularly

Damaged hair breaks easily, and this can mean you get more split ends than you would usually. This can have a surprisingly big impact on the appearance of your hair, so if you’re looking to hide the signs of damage while you work on nourishing your hair, it can help to get regular trims to remove those split ends.

Try switching to silk or satin pillowcases

Lastly, be aware that breakages can easily occur as a result of friction. That’s why you might shed more hair after wearing a hat when your hair is damaged. It can also mean that you experience more breakages in your sleep, when your head is in contact with your pillow for long periods.

Cotton pillowcases can be comfortable, but they can still provide friction that can lead to breakages. If this is a problem for you, it may help to switch to a smoother, sleeker fabric such as silk or satin. Alternatively, if changing your pillowcases isn’t feasible, consider using a silk sleep bonnet instead.

If your hair has been damaged in the past and you want to improve it, know that it’s not a lost cause. With care, attention and the right nourishing hair care products, you can help to restore vivacity to your hair and return it to its former glory.

Sources:

• https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-uk/blog/hair-care/hair-breakage/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-repair-damaged-hair

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a vital nutrient that helps to promote healthy hair growth as well as contributing to other processes within the body. It’s usually produced by the bacteria within your gut, but you can also get it in very small amounts in various foods.

If you’ve researched hair care products at all, chances are that you’ve come across more than a few which contain biotin for healthy hair growth. Below, we discuss how biotin can support hair health in a range of hair care formats.

Is biotin shampoo good for your hair?

As is the case with many other nutrients, you can become deficient in biotin in certain circumstances. This isn’t just about not eating enough of the right foods – though that can play a role in nutrient deficiencies.

In fact, a biotin deficiency can come about due to underlying health problems. Since it’s primarily made by the bacteria in your bowels, an imbalance of these bacteria could lead to issues in biotin production.

Not having enough biotin in your body can lead to a range of problems including thinning hair and brittle nails – but it’s not just a cosmetic issue. If you think you have a biotin deficiency – or any other kind of deficiency – you should speak to a healthcare professional as there could be an underlying condition causing the problem.

In terms of your hair, biotin shampoo and other biotin hair products can help by bringing up your biotin levels and helping to restore your locks to their former condition. But biotin hair care isn’t just for those who have a deficiency – it can be beneficial for anyone.

Blind product comparison tests have found that, from the first wash, our Bioxcin Biotin & Collagen shampoo:

• Thickens the hair fibres by 99%
• Makes the hair more voluminous by 98%
• Strengthens the hair by 97%.

In doing so, biotin shampoos can help to minimise breakage of hair strands, helping your hair to stay thick and strong. You may also find that it helps to reduce the likelihood of split ends, leading to healthier-looking hair between trims. Our biotin hair serums work to that same end as well, boosting your biotin levels even higher.

Although there is little in the way of published research into the exact efficacy of biotin for remedying hair problems like thin hair or hair loss in adults, there have been encouraging results from use in children.

For instance, in children with alopecia treated with valproic acid (an anti-seizure medication), being given biotin resulted in hair loss reversal. Other research has found some signs of normal hair growth or hair regrowth when biotin was given to children with biotin deficiencies. All of this means that biotin can help your hair – so why not try it?

What does biotin do for the hair?

We know that biotin can be beneficial for the hair, and more so in people who have a biotin deficiency, but why is that? What does biotin actually do that’s so helpful?

Well, the key thing to note is that biotin is essential for the formation of various amino acids – the building blocks that make up proteins within our bodies. Without enough biotin, the body may struggle to produce these amino acids, and in turn the production of proteins could be affected.

Why does that affect your hair? One such protein is keratin – although strictly speaking there are lots of different types of keratin found in the body. Of the 54 different kinds, 17 are known as hair keratins – they help to keep your hair strong, bright and soft.

So, by making sure your hair is getting enough biotin, you’re also helping to ensure you have enough keratin to keep your hair looking healthy and strong.

Want to try biotin hair care for yourself? There are plenty of options available, from ranges where biotin is the key ingredient to others where it’s combined with other hair care ingredients.

Our Biotin Healthy Hair and Scalp daily shampoo combines biotin with a range of vitamins, minerals and element-rich thermal water to promote hair and scalp health with regular application. This helps to reduce hair loss and scalp problems like dandruff, as well as being an excellent daily shampoo for all hair types.

On the other hand, you could try our Biotin & Collagen volumising range, which focuses on restoring your hair to a fuller, glowing, healthy condition. This range strengthens the hair against snapping or split ends, helping to reduce hair fall and result in a fuller head of hair.

Whatever you choose, try biotin out today and take the first step towards happier, healthier hair.

Sources:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11324195/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
• https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
• https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/hair-care/biotin-shampoo
• https://vegamour.com/blogs/blog/biotin-vs-keratin
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23204-keratin
• https://www.healthaid.co.uk/blogs/news/health-benefits-of-biotin
• https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/biotin

Argan oil is a common natural ingredient in nourishing hair products, as well as some other skin and body care solutions. An oil made from the kernels of the argan tree, hair experts have been taking advantage of its benefits for years.

Below, we discuss just what makes argan oil so brilliant for your hair.

What are the benefits of argan oil for your hair?

One of the key benefits of using argan oil is its molecule size, which is what impacts its ability to have such strong effects on your hair. Argan oil is made up of smaller molecules than many other hair oils. This means it can soak deeper into your hair strands and improve each individual hair from the inside out.

What does that mean for your hair? Well…

Hydration

The most important benefit of argan oil, and the one that underpins all the others, is that it is extremely moisturising. It contains lots of essential fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants, all of which work together to deeply nourish your hair.

Because of this, products containing argan oil can be excellent for damaged, dry hair. The hydrating qualities of argan oil can even extend to the scalp, which may help with a dry, irritated scalp.

Strengthening

Vitamin E and other antioxidants in argan oil play a vital role in strengthening the hair against oxidative stress. They do this by protecting against free radicals, which can be caused by all kinds of external stress factors like pollutants, heat styling and exposure to the sun.

On top of that, fatty acids can help to improve the elasticity of your locks, making your hair easier to manage and style without breakages or split ends. Plus, in the event of pre-existing split ends and breakages, argan oil can reduce their appearance so you can go longer between trims.

Hair growth

While there’s little evidence to support argan oil stimulating new growth, where it really helps is in reducing hair loss due to breakage. By strengthening your hair and limiting strand loss, argan oil works towards fuller, healthier-looking hair.

Additionally, the role argan oil plays in reducing split ends cannot be overstated. As well as improving the appearance of your hair by masking existing split ends, argan oil can protect against them happening in the future, which can support hair growth by reducing the frequency with which your hair needs trimming.

Frizz control

When the air humidity is high, unnourished hair can expand in an attempt to get the hydration it needs from the air around you – which is what’s happening when your hair seems frizzy all of a sudden.

The answer? Argan oil’s intense nourishing qualities help to rejuvenate your hair and protect its natural ability to hold onto moisture. By ensuring your hair is well hydrated, you reduce the likelihood of frizz ruining your style.

Protection

You may know that lots of different environmental stressors can affect your hair, from the ones you can control – like heat styling and heavy product use – to the ones you have less influence on – like sunlight exposure and pollutants in the air.

While you can sometimes make choices to limit exposure to these stressors, that’s not always what you really want to do. After all, why shouldn’t you treat yourself to curled hair for a big night?

The good news is that argan oil can act as a protective barrier to reduce the damaging effects of heat styling and other environmental stressors on your hair. By preventing moisture loss, argan oil keeps your hair strong and supple, helping it to withstand heat styling techniques.

Lustre and softness

We’ve discussed how argan oil can reduce the appearance of split ends to make your hair look healthier, but we haven’t said enough about its effects on the rest of your hair strands.

Argan oil promotes a healthy-looking shine that makes your hair look picture-perfect instead of dull and dry. This can be especially helpful for those with damaged hair, whatever the cause – so if you’re lamenting dry, lacklustre hair after bleaching your natural colour, argan oil could be the solution that restores a luscious, vivacious shine to your locks.

But argan oil doesn’t only make your hair look better – it improves the texture, too! It can transform rough, easily tangled hair into something much more glossy and smooth, so you can feel the difference every time you run your fingers through your hair. This can make your hair easier to manage as well, as smooth hair is less prone to tangles and knots.

Want to try argan oil yourself? Our Keratin & Argan Oil product range consists of shampoo, conditioners, hair creams, oils and masks – all to keep your hair looking its best. This series is brilliant for damaged hair, but it has revitalising effects for all other kinds of hair too, whether it’s just looking a bit tired or needs more intense care.

Sources:

• https://www.kerastase.com.au/care-for-your-hair/argan-oil-for-hair.html
• https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-uk/blog/hair-products/argan-oil/
• https://www.faithinnature.co.uk/blogs/notes-on-nature/the-benefits-of-argan-oil-for-hair
• https://wimpoleclinic.com/blog/does-argan-oil-grow-hair/

Collagen hydrolysate, also known as hydrolysed collagen or collagen peptides, is a form of collagen that has been broken down into smaller fragments. Since these peptides are smaller than regular collagen molecules, they can be absorbed better and distributed throughout the body easier.

This kind of collagen can be found in a range of hair care products because its small molecule size allows it to be absorbed by the skin – whereas non-hydrolysed collagen is less likely to penetrate the epidermis. But what benefits does hydrolysed collagen have for your hair?

What does collagen hydrolysate do for your hair?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that taking collagen supplements or using collagen-based haircare products can help to improve your hair’s overall quality. Here are some of the ways it can do that.

Fight cell damage

One of the most significant benefits of collagen is that research suggests it is an antioxidant compound, meaning it combats oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the body. These free radicals often develop as a result of external stressors – smoking, air pollutants and poor diet are all examples.

So, if you live in a busy city, you find it difficult to eat a healthy, balanced diet or you habitually smoke, that could mean that your hair, as well as the rest of your body, could be sustaining damage as a result of oxidative stress. In fact, multiple studies indicate that oxidative stress can be an important contributing factor for hair loss.

As an antioxidant, collagen helps to prevent and protect against this kind of damage, promoting healthy hair that looks and feels its best.

Preserve natural hair colour

The antioxidant properties of collagen may have another effect: reducing greying as you age.

As you get older, your body naturally starts to lose cells, including those that create melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its colour. That’s why older people tend to have lighter or greyer hair than younger people. However, age isn’t the only factor.

Free radicals can attack and damage those same melanin-producing cells, which can result in premature colour loss. Therefore, it has been theorised that antioxidant compounds like collagen could help to prevent this damage and allow you to keep your hair’s natural colour for longer.

Reduce age-related hair thinning

Research suggests that collagen may help your hair indirectly by instead helping your skin – specifically the skin of your scalp. Part of collagen’s role in the body is that it forms around 70% of the dermis – the middle of three layers that make up your skin. This is the layer that contains the hair roots.

Collagen gives the dermis elasticity and strength, helping the skin to look youthful and avoid tightness. As you get older, it becomes more difficult for the body to produce collagen to fulfil this function, so you start to lose cells in the dermis faster than they can be replenished. It’s theorised that this contributes to hair thinning as you age.

As a result, it’s been suggested that getting more collagen from external sources, such as hair products, supplements and your diet, may help to slow this process and keep your scalp in good condition, thus reducing the amount of hair thinning you experience.

Strengthen hair

Hair is made up primarily of keratin, a protein which is itself made up of a variety of amino acids. Similarly, amino acids make up collagen, another protein – and when you consume collagen, it is broken down into those amino acid building blocks.

When this happens, your body then takes these building blocks and distributes them to the area of the body where they are needed most. In some cases, the amino acids from collagen can be used to rebuild keratin and strengthen your hair strands.

This is similar to what biotin is believed to do for your hair, as it, too, can be used to produce more keratin for your hair. Because of this, some hair care products such as our Collagen & Biotin range use both proteins in order to maximise the positive effects on your hair.

Increase hair volume

In the same way that collagen boosts elasticity in the skin, it’s believed that it may also do so in the hair. Using a collagen shampoo or similar product is thought to add a thin layer to the outside of the hair strands, coating the outer cuticle that protects each individual hair.

It’s this protective layer that can make the hair appear more voluminous without styling, and it can also add a healthy shine that promotes a luscious, hydrated look – perfect for remedying lacklustre or fine hair.

Stimulate hair growth

A recent animal study has suggested that fish collagen has a significant positive effect on hair growth, suggesting that it can help to reverse hair thinning and loss.

In testing, scientists believe that the administration of collagen encourages hair to enter the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. This is the phase of active growth, both for existing hairs and for brand new ones.

While this has yet to be tested on human subjects, it does show promising results and an encouraging indication that collagen may have a real positive impact on hair growth.

Whether you’ve tried collagen shampoos before or you’re a newcomer to this staple of the haircare industry, hydrolysed collagen can help to keep your hair looking and feeling amazing. Why not try it today and find out what it can do for your hair?

Sources:

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/considering-collagen-drinks-and-supplements-202304122911
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-for-hair
• https://biogena.com/en-gb/knowledge/guide/collagen-hydrolysate_bba_5517245
• https://www.hshairclinic.co.uk/news/does-collagen-help-hair-growth
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9569759/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142941822003439
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11196958/
• https://kollohealth.com/blogs/news/collagen-for-hair-loss

Perhaps you’ve noticed more hair blocking up your shower or bath drain. Maybe your hair brush seems to clog up with hair more quickly than usual. If you’ve started to notice hair loss, you may have already started to research potential solutions that could work for you and your lifestyle.

One such example of this is the market of anti hair loss shampoos which claim to help reduce hair loss with regular use. But can these claims be trusted?

Do hair loss shampoos work?

There are two main categories of hair loss shampoos: those that tackle true hair loss, and those that repair damaged hair to reduce breakage.

In some cases, you might think you’re losing your hair from the follicle, but it’s actually the case that your hair is breaking partway down the strand. This can happen if the hair is dry, brittle and damaged – and since it has a different cause, the way you rectify it is different as well.

Hair loss due to breakage

With damaged hair prone to breakage, specialised shampoos aim to restore moisture to the hair strands and repair the damaged keratin that makes up the hair’s protective outer layers or cuticles. With consistent use, these shampoos can help to reduce breakage and therefore limit the amount of shedding you experience.

In clinical trials, one such shampoo from our Biotin & Collagen range was found to strengthen the hair by 97.3% from the first wash, as evaluated by people who were using the shampoo themselves.

Hair loss from the follicle

True hair loss, on the other hand, is where your individual hairs are falling out from the follicle and your hair isn’t growing as quickly as it is being lost. This can cause your hair to thin out over time, and there can be a variety of causes, from age and diet to underlying health problems and medical treatments.

For this kind of hair loss, anti-shedding shampoos aim to use high quality ingredients to stimulate circulation in the scalp, extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair and encourage new and thicker hair growth.

At Bioxcin, we do this with the help of natural ingredients like black garlic extract. Black garlic – a form of white garlic that has been cooked slowly to activate more nutritional benefits – is a known antioxidant, meaning it can combat the effects of oxidative stress. Studies have shown that oxidative stress can be a key factor in hair loss.

We also take full advantage of our patented compound, BioComplex B11. A herbal active complex, clinical studies have shown BioComplex B11 can reduce hair loss by as much as 93% after consistent use for six months.

On top of that, BioComplex B11 has been proved to be 1.6 times more effective than minoxidil – a common hair loss medication – in reducing the expression of the IL-1⍺ gene. This gene is instrumental in triggering inflammatory factors which can lead to hair loss.

Hair loss with a medical cause

Unfortunately, hair loss shampoos can’t always help. For example, some people experience hair loss due to underlying health conditions, or when undergoing certain treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. If this is the case, your hair loss may not resolve until your condition has been treated or you finish the course of treatment triggering the hair loss.

If this applies to you, you should speak to your healthcare team about what you can do to limit the hair loss, disguise it effectively and if there’s anything you can do to stimulate regrowth once the cause has been resolved.

Which shampoo is best for hair loss?

The right shampoo for your hair loss will depend in part on what’s causing it. Fortunately, there are a variety available with different focuses so you can find the ideal one for you.

To reduce breakage

If you’re looking to strengthen the hair and reduce breakage, opt for shampoos that use key ingredients like biotin, collagen, keratin or argan oil. These compounds work to repair damage and rehydrate the hair strands, making them more flexible, soft and smooth.

Our product recommendation: Bioxcin | Keratin & Argan Repairing Shampoo 300ml

To improve scalp circulation

Improving blood flow to the scalp can encourage the hair follicles to produce new, healthy growth, leading to a reduction in hair loss. Our black garlic shampoo can help with this, using the allicin within the garlic to stimulate the hair follicles, protect against free radicals and nourish both the scalp and hair strands.

Our product recommendation: Bioxcin | Black Garlic Anti-Falling and Thinning Shampoo 300ml

To reduce hair loss and encourage new growth with BioComplex B11

To reap the benefits of BioComplex B11, try our Forte shampoo. As well as our patented complex, it also uses procyanidin, honey, fig leaf extract, menthol and olive leaf extract, all to help nourish the hair and scalp for healthy, happy hair.

Our product recommendation: Bioxcin | Forte Intensive Anti Hair Loss Shampoo 300ml

Shampoo for hair loss can be a great way to reduce hair thinning and restore your hair to its former glory simply by switching out your current shampoo for a targeted formula. In doing so, you can take the first step towards healthier hair without having to add extra steps to your hair care routine.

Sources:

• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shampoo-for-hair-loss
• https://www.clinikally.com/blogs/news/the-transformative-power-of-black-garlic-in-hair-care
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11196958/

As the name suggests, a dry scalp occurs when there isn’t enough moisture in the scalp and hair, leading to flaking of the skin and irritation. This can be caused by a range of factors, including but not limited to low humidity, harsh hair products such as those containing parabens or an underlying skin condition such as eczema.

From appearances, a dry scalp can seem similar to dandruff, although dandruff is caused by excess oil on the scalp rather than a lack of hydration.

In the broadest terms, the best thing you can do for dry hair and a dry scalp is to rehydrate. In practice, though, it’s not always so simple to know what to do.

How to deal with a dry scalp

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to tackling a dry scalp is being sure that a dry scalp is the problem. As mentioned, the flaky skin and irritation associated with dry scalps are also commonly found in people who have dandruff.

If you have dandruff, the chances are that you’ll have other oily scalp symptoms, such as hair that feels greasy and heavy soon after being washed. A dry scalp, on the other hand, typically lends itself to dry hair. This can be a key sign.

Another point to note is that if you have a dry scalp, you may also have dry skin in other areas. The skin of the hands and your feet can easily become dry, so if you’re not hydrated enough, you’re likely to see it in other areas of your body as well as your scalp.

So, if it is a dry scalp, what should you do?

What is the best shampoo for a dry scalp?

Overly harsh formulas – shampoos that contain parabens, sulphates, phthalates, alcohols or synthetic fragrances and dyes – can dry out the scalp more by stripping away the natural oils (also known as sebum) that help to protect and moisturise your hair. Because of this, it’s better to choose a gentle, nourishing shampoo that can help to rehydrate both your hair and your scalp.

To do this, look for key hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid – a compound that is naturally found in humans and helps the body to retain more moisture. Zinc and vitamin B6 are good indicators too, as these nutrients help to protect the integrity of the scalp and reduce itching.

Although a dry scalp isn’t the same as dandruff, it can have many of the same symptoms, including itching, flaking and sensitivity. Our Aqua Thermal range aims to tackle these symptoms by restoring moisture to the scalp and balancing sebum production. What this means is that these products can help to ease both conditions – ideal if you’re not sure which problem is affecting your scalp.

Does conditioner help a dry scalp?

Hair conditioner is used to reintroduce moisture to the hair after shampooing, helping to keep the hair soft, flexible and resistant to breakage. Skipping conditioner can contribute to dry hair, so it’s a key part of your hair care routine you shouldn’t miss out on.

As a caveat, it’s best not to use conditioner directly on the scalp. This can lead to a buildup of sebum, grime and dirt, potentially resulting in an oily scalp or dandruff. Instead, condition the ends of your hair. Then, after you’ve given the conditioner a few minutes to get to work, rinse your hair thoroughly to ensure no residue is left behind.

Avoid using hot water to rinse your hair

Everyone is different, and some people prefer to have hot showers while others like colder temperatures. It’s a personal preference, but it could have a real impact on your hair and scalp health.

Hot water, in comparison to lukewarm or even cold water, can have a drying effect on the scalp that leads to irritation and redness. You might even risk scalding the scalp – so if the water feels hot on your skin, that’s a good indicator that it’s too hot to wash your hair and scalp with.

This is true for all hair types, but if you already have a dry scalp, hot water can make it worse. Instead, turn down the temperature a little when washing or rinsing your hair – a lukewarm temperature is best.

Some people suggest that washing your hair with hot water is fine as long as you rinse with cold water afterwards, but this is misleading. While it’s true that warmth helps to open up the cuticles to more effectively cleanse your hair, hot water is a step too far, and a cold rinse afterwards won’t help to repair any heat damage.

Air dry your hair

Blow drying your hair might feel like a quick and convenient option, but it could be a contributing factor towards a dry scalp. Just as it helps to dry your hair fast, high heat can dry out your scalp, evaporating the natural moisture that protects your skin.

If you do this often enough, you may experience a chronically dry scalp, paired with irritation, redness and itchiness in the affected areas. As a form of heat styling, blow drying can have similarly damaging effects to the use of curling tongs or straighteners – so your hair will thank you for avoiding it.

Blow drying can damage your hair as well as your scalp, so the best option is to move to air drying your hair as soon as possible. In some cases, though, that might not be achievable. If that’s the case, consider:

• Turning the heat down to the minimum setting
• Never aiming the hair dryer at the same spot for too long
• Always using a heat protectant spray before blow drying
• Using your hair dryer to dry your hair half the way, then finishing the job by air drying your hair.

Consider washing your hair less often

Since shampooing removes the natural, moisturising oils that protect your hair and scalp, it may help a dry scalp to wash your hair less often. This can allow your scalp more time to produce sebum between washes, helping to lubricate the skin and protect against irritation.

There’s no single right answer as to how often you should wash your hair, as it depends on a multitude of factors. However, a general rule is that people with oily hair should wash it more often (to reduce oil buildup), while those with dry hair should wash less frequently. Studies show that dry hair is also associated with excess breakage when washed frequently, so washing less often could help to restore volume and avoid unwanted hair fall.

If you have a dry scalp, there are plenty of things you can do to restore your hair’s natural moisture and shine. The tips and techniques discussed above should help your hair to look and feel more healthy with a little extra care and attention.

Sources:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23326-dry-scalp
• https://www.grapetree.co.uk/blog/how-to-treat-a-dry-scalp-causes-and-remedies
• https://hellojupiter.com/blogs/news/conditioning-your-hair-is-it-okay-to-condition-your-scalp
• https://www.headandshoulders.co.in/en-in/healthy-hair-and-scalp/hair-care/tips/hot-water-causes-dandruff
• https://headandshoulders.com/en-us/healthy-hair-and-scalp/hair-care/blow-drying-and-the-link-to-dandruff
• https://www.health.com/how-often-should-you-wash-your-hair-8349178