7 of the best hair care ingredients for healthy locks and scalps
Olivia Perl
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 4 minutes
Take your hair wash routine to the next level with shampoos, conditioners and scalp treatments that harness the powers of skincare ingredients
Did you know that your favourite skincare ingredients can also be used in your haircare? No? Well, allow us to let you in on the not-so-well-kept secret. Those big game players in the world of skincare, including hyaluronic acid, AHAs and vitamin C, can do as much for your hair as they can for your skin. Seriously.
And it’s not just your strands that can reap the hydrating, exfoliating and nourishing rewards of these haircare ingredients – your scalp will see the benefits, too.
From exfoliants that slay dead skin cells to moisture-boosting serums, these are some of the standout skincare ingredients to look out for in your hair products.
Salicylic acid
So, what is it?
You’ve likely spotted this in your spot-concealing cosmetics or on the ingredients list of your blemish-soothing serum. Salicylic acid, one of the beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), is known for its gentle exfoliating and pore-clearing powers.
How can it help my hair?
Just like the skin on your face, your scalp needs cleansing too, sometimes even a deeper cleanse. Salicylic acid exfoliates and clears away build-up of excess oil, product and dead skin cells. Consider it a welcome refresh.
Where can I find it?
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
• Size: 150ml
• Silicone free
• Vegan friendly
• Cruelty free
Once or twice a week, simply apply this lightweight formula before you shampoo, leave on for 10 minutes (the perfect time to shave your legs?), and then wash your hair as usual. In addition to salicylic acid, this treatment also contains scalp-soothing panthenol.
Vitamin C
So, what is it?
A skincare classic, this one doesn’t need much of an introduction. Vitamin C is one of our most popular skincare stars, found in everything from moisturisers to serums. Its impressive CV includes smoothing fine lines and firming and brightening skin.
How can it help my hair?
Let vitamin C help put some pep back into your hair’s step. It can help to both rejuvenate and add a glossy shine to lacklustre locks.
Where can I find it?
Philip Kingsley Vitamin C Jelly Detoxifying Hair and Scalp Treatment
• Size: 20g
• Powder-to-jelly pre-shampoo
• Antioxidising vitamin C
If you enjoy an immersive experience, this will have you doing more than just squeezing a bottle. Start by emptying one sachet into the applicator bottle and mixing it with warm water. Shake for 30 seconds until it turns into a jelly, then spread it over your scalp. See? Immersive.
Hyaluronic acid
So, what is it?
Don’t be put off by the word ‘acid’ here because this ingredient is famed for its super skin-hydrating skills. A humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, it’s a winner for locking in moisture, supporting your skin’s protective barrier, and plumping it up.
How can it help my hair?
Hyaluronic acid (or HA to its friends) can help lock in moisture in your scalp and strands. The perfect choice for giving lacklustre lengths a new lease of life.
Where can I find it?
L'Oréal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Acid 8 Second Wonder Water
• Size: 200ml
• Apply in just 8 seconds
• Silicone free
Super lightweight yet incredibly hydrating, this clever Wonder Water helps restore shine and suppleness to dry and damaged hair. Just apply to lengths for a moisture hit after shampooing, then rinse out and style as usual.
Caffeine
So, what is it?
A natural stimulant found in the likes of tea, energy drinks and – of course – your beloved espresso. In the skincare world, caffeine is often used to soothe puffiness, so you’ll spot it in products that target the under-eye area (especially if you’ve had a bad night’s sleep).
How can it help my hair?
This buzzy ingredient helps stimulate blood flow to the scalp – crucial for its ongoing health – and promotes new growth and stronger strands.
Where can I find it?
Pantene Pro-V Miracles Roots Awakener Hair Fortifier
• Size: 100ml
• Helps hair strands feel stronger
• Contains biotin, bamboo and caffeine
This caffeine-infused hair thickening mist works to support growth and nourish roots. Part your hair and then spritz directly and liberally, massaging into the scalp for a tingling treat and treatment in one.
Niacinamide
So, what is it?
Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is all about helping skin retain moisture, which is why it’s used in products formulated to help repair your skin barrier. Once absorbed, this all-rounder helps to soothe from the inside out.
How can it help my hair?
If you have an irritated scalp, treatments containing niacinamide can have a soothing effect (try niacinamide serums). It may also help boost the appearance and feel of your hair by helping it to retain moisture.
Where can I find it?
Boots Ingredients Repair Shampoo With Niacinamide
• Size: 250ml
• Suitable for all hair types
• Helps protect against breakage
If it’s fresher, healthier and more manageable locks you’re after, this shampoo has you (and your hair) well and truly covered. Lends a helping hand to breakage-prone strands.
Peptides
So, what is it?
Peptides are amino acids – the building blocks of proteins, such as collagen, elastin and that wonder protein for hair, keratin. The regular use of skincare that features peptides may lead to firmer looking, fresher skin.
How can they help my hair?
While more studies are needed, research suggests that certain types of peptides may help increase blood circulation to the skin (including your scalp). They may even help improve the appearance of hair thickness.
Where can I find it?
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
• Size: 60ml
• Silicone free
• Vegan friendly
• Cruelty free
Give this lightweight, concentrated serum a go for the appearance of fuller, healthier hair. A great addition to your evening beauty routine, simply drop on to your scalp when your hair is clean and dry, and massage it thoroughly before turning in for the night.
AHAs
So, what is it?
AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids, to give them their full name) are a range of exfoliating acids. The most well known are lactic acid and glycolic acid, which both sound a lot scarier than they are. They work to shed the natural build-up of dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, brighter skin layer, while helping improve its smoothness and overall radiance over time.
Interested? Find out all about how to use AHAs in your skincare routine by reading our AHA guide.
How can they help my hair?
Those exfoliating powers we mentioned earlier? Well, they can benefit your scalp just like the rest of your skin. By getting rid of dead skin cells and breaking down product build-up around the hair follicles, they clear the way for healthier hair growth all round. Result.
Where can I find them?
Growth Bomb AHA Scalp Exfoliant
• Size: 100ml
• Silicone free
Slough off dead skin cells and prep your scalp for your favourite hair products with this follicle-friendly, pre-shampoo exfoliator. It’s packed with energising fruit extracts, calming aloe vera and moisturising niacinamide to help balance its deep-cleansing properties.
