When it comes to lock-loving ingredients, there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing.

Forget name brands. When it comes to giving your hair what it really wants, it's all about what's inside those pretty packaging. Here, top hair experts share which ingredients are best suited for optimum growth, instant repair and thorough moisture.

#1 Coconut Oil
Found in: conditioners, shine serums, scalp treatments
Why your strands love it: Currently one of the hottest natural ingredients, coconut oil has been shown to quickly moisturize a dry scalp and mend split ends. "It replaces the natural oil that your hair loses regularly from washing and perspiring, and is one of the best supplements for hair growth,” says Tamika Fletcher, co-owner of Natural Resources salon in Houston.

#2 Lavender oil
Found in: leave-in conditioners
Why your hair loves it: Known primarily as a oil used for massages, lavender is actually one of those wonder drug from mother nature that heals. "It is probably the number one thing to put in your hair to make it healthy because it helps to build up, heal and strengthen the hair's cuticle," says natural hair expert Debra Hare-Bey, founder of Oh My Heavenly Hair in Trenton, New Jersey.

#3 Shea Butter
Found in: styling creams, all conditioners, scalp treatments
Why your strands love it: This emollient has the ability to coat the outer layer of your hair's cuticle, without weighing it down. Shea butter acts as a sealant (think: leather protector for handbags and shoes) to prevent moisture/water loss. And it is the best option to use to "base" sensitive scalps prior to getting a relaxer touch up.

#4 Aloe Vera
Found in: hair gel
Why your strands love it: Packed with vitamin-B, aloe vera is well known for its moisturizing and healing properties. This alcohol-, fragrance- and color-free compound is the perfect alternative to alcohol-based gels, which can cause brittleness and split ends (making it perfect for Twist-outs), says Fletcher.

#5 Jojoba Oil
Found in: shampoo, conditioner, scalp treatment
Why your strands love it: Using jojoba oil regularly can help jump-start hair growth. Hello, Rapunzel! According to Fletcher, “it also counteracts the symptoms of hair loss and (like coconut oil), replenishes and stimulates natural oil production.”

#6 Ceramides
Found in: deep treatment/conditioning masques, leave-in conditioners and shampoos
Why your strands love it: Ceramides are like your first line of defense from the most harmful hair stressors: over-processing from relaxing or coloring, heat styling, chlorine, or too-tight ponytails and braids. They act like a cement, filling in the patches of damage found on the cuticle layer of your hair to make strands stronger and smoother, says Chicago-based dermatologist and haircare expert Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH.
No comments:
Post a Comment