The ‘skinification’ of scalp and haircare is booming right now.
Through lockdowns and cost-of-living crises, we’ve all remained steadfast with our obsession with skincare as the gold tier act of self-care – masking, slugging, skin cycling, derm rolling. Heck, it’s even become an active hobby and source of entertainment, with the rise of skinfluencers, education from beauty podcasts and product reviews on SkinTok.
While we’ve been layering our seventh serum, our strands have patiently watched on, waiting for their moment in the (metaphorical, of course) sun.
That movement is here, with active ingredients and tailored formulations once reserved for our faces now working hard in our haircare, too. Turns out, everyone living under the same roof using the same shampoo and conditioner doesn't cut it anymore – your hair products could instead be working a whole lot harder for your individual hair needs.
What does the ‘skinification’ of hair mean?
The first time you read it, you likely thought, the skini-what-now? We love a cheeky term for a trend we’ve been seeing for quite some time now.
Simply put, the ‘skinification’ of hair is speaking to elevating your hair routine to nourish and treat your locks with active ingredients and products designed for them.
Haircare formulations are as sophisticated as we’ve ever had the option to shop before. If you sit anywhere on the scale of skincare beginner to enthusiast, there’s likely scientifically backed, nourishing face products in your regime that consistently work to boost your skin’s needs: hydration, managing oil production, and protection from environmental stressors.
Haircare has now carried that theory over, with formulas specifically tailored to different hair types and needs. Products are harnessing the power of key active ingredients, scientifically shown to deliver results that serve your specific haircare goals: reducing things like breakage and frizz to help strengthen and hydrate hair for smoother, shinier results.
What science-backed ingredients should I look for in my haircare?
So glad you asked. If you’re jumping on the skincare-come-haircare trend, you know the important building blocks of any routine to moisturise, repair and protect. While there are almost too many to name, here are three science-backed ingredients we’re loving for our hair right now.
Rosehip oil is a potent antioxidant packed with vitamins A, C, and E, and doubles as a hero ingredient for your hair. This super lightweight oil is extracted from the seeds and fruits of a specific variety of wild roses, and is full of antioxidants and fatty acids which help keep the hair and scalp nourished. It can also be effective at helping dry strands regain moisture and to minimise damage and split ends.
Since rosehip oil is easily absorbed into the hair shaft, it’s perfect for all hair types and patterns, including curly hair. Whether you've got curly locks, sleek strands, or anything in between, this oil has got your back.
If you worry about hair loss, you’d be glad to know that the potent antioxidant, vitamin E (found in rosehip oil) can help reduce hair breakage and work to maintain a healthy-looking scalp.
Now, shea butter needs no introduction. This gal is well-known for its incredible moisturising properties for both skin and hair. Extracted from the seed of shea nuts in West Africa, the oil is carefully processed into a rich butter that is packed with essential fatty acids (think omega 3, 6, and 9).
Shea butter is suited for all hair types but is especially beneficial if you have thick, coarse, dry or damaged hair. Incorporating shea butter into your haircare routine will target the elasticity and strength of your hair, and ensure your hair is less frizzy and more moisturised from within.
What haircare products should I try?
We’re excited at the *buffet* of products to get our hands on, and one brand on top of the pack has to be Glow Lab. With the ultimate balance of science and nature, their haircare will breathe new life into your hair, and all at a very savey price point.
The packaging – chic. Naturally derived active ingredients – stunning. The message behind the brand – cruelty-free and affordable – a big win. And boosted with active ingredients to deliver results – our hair loves them for it.
This particular trio of products are formulated with FK Restore Functional Keratin, an active ingredient sustainably sourced from shorn sheep’s wool to deeply penetrate the hair cuticle. It rebuilds damage caused by things like chemicals (looking at you, bleaching), heat (you too straighteners) and environmental factors, protecting the cuticle and strengthening hair from within, improving the overall condition of your hair.
Here's exactly what to try.
Glow Lab Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner, $33 each.
These gentle formulas are infused with the powerful trio – rosehip oil, shea butter, and vitamin E and does a great job at removing dirt and excess oil from your hair without stripping it of its natural oils. The shampoo and conditioner duo are boosted with FK Restore Functional Keratin, scientifically shown to reduce hair breakage by 55 per cent after one use.
This product, along with the whole suite of Glow Lab haircare products, is also free from SLS/SLES, those cheeky abbreviations you commonly see in reference to sulphates. Sulphates can leave the hair vulnerable to harmful microbes, allergens and environmental pollution that can irritate and dry out your scalp.
So, Glow Lab’s Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner works double duty to repair hair while supporting scalp health – and it's also free from parabens, silicones, synthetic dyes, mineral oil and cocamide DEA.
Glow Lab Repairing Hair Mask, $20.
Now that your hair cuticles are free from dirt, time to lock it all in and drench your hair in moisture.
The final step to giving your hair some extra TLC is with this hard-working hair mask. Just like how a face mask revitalises your skin, the Repairing Hair Mask works wonders for your hair. It's a 3-in-1 formula that can be used as a deep conditioner, leave-in product or mask.
It's enriched with the goodness of argan oil, shea butter, and vitamin E which deeply conditions and repairs damaged strands. Plus, the strength of the FK Restore Functional Keratin, Glow Lab's active ingredient scientifically shown to reduce hair breakage by a whopping 80 per cent! The result? Soft, luxurious, and oh-so-nourished hair.
Try Glow Lab's range of natural Repairing haircare products, using FK Restore™ Functional Keratin® to penetrate hair and repair from the inside out. Shop the Glow Lab range from Woolworths and Coles.
Feature Image: Mamamia/Instagram/@marielou.com.au