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Glossary Hair Care Ingredient

substance in products to enhance hair health and appearance

A hair care ingredient is a substance used in products designed to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and manageability of hair. These ingredients can range from natural oils and botanical extracts to synthetic compounds and vitamins, each serving specific functions such as moisturizing, strengthening, cleansing, or protecting the hair and scalp. For example, keratin is a common hair care ingredient that helps to repair and strengthen damaged hair.

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Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Torsional method for evaluating hair damage and performance of hair care ingredients

9 citations , March 2005 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

This study found that torsional measurements can effectively distinguish the effects of hair care products on the cuticle versus the cortex of hair fibers, unlike tensile measurements.

research Harnessing Herbal Ingredients in Hair Cosmetics: A Natural Approach to Hair Care

November 2024 in “Journal of Natural Remedies”

This article reviews the use of herbal ingredients in hair care products, highlighting their potential benefits for scalp health, hair growth, and condition, while also discussing challenges such as individual sensitivities and the importance of transparent labeling.

research New hair care ingredients

March 2011 in “Focus on surfactants”

Several companies launched new hair care ingredients in 2011 to improve conditioning, color retention, combability, and heat protection.

research Hair Biology and Care Product Ingredients from Marine Organisms

1 citations , December 2011

Marine-derived ingredients show potential for hair health but need more human trials to confirm effectiveness.

research Herbal Ingredients for Hair Care Product Development

October 2025 in “BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks”

This chapter explores the potential benefits of using easily available herbal ingredients in hair care formulations, suggesting they offer therapeutic benefits with reduced side effects for various hair issues like dandruff and hair fall, especially in sensitive populations.

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Community Join

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community Caffeine in hair care – does it really help?

10 upvotes 1 year ago

Caffeine in hair care can support hair growth but is not a standalone solution; it's best used in combination with other treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Some products combine caffeine with these treatments for enhanced effects.

community What hair care products are you actually using for hair thinning? (Let’s make a proper list!)

1 upvotes 5 months ago

People are using finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride for hair thinning, with some recommending oral forms. Other products like IntelliGent shampoo, CeraVe 1% zinc shampoo, and conditioners are mentioned, but they are seen as supplemental to DHT blockers.

community Thoughts on these ingredients for hair loss?

2 upvotes 6 months ago

A user is considering a topical hair loss treatment containing Minoxidil, Finasteride, and other ingredients. Some users suggest the doses are high and recommend starting with lower percentages.

community My "natural" hair care regimen--will keep updates

4 upvotes 7 years ago

A 25-year-old is experiencing mild hair loss and is using a regimen including scalp brushing, dermarolling, topical minoxidil, caffeine, melatonin, and a DHT-blocking shampoo. Another person shares their struggle with hair loss due to drug use and plans to start finasteride while trying to quit drugs.

community I think the GHK-CU from my skin care routine is unintentionally saving my hair at my hairline

5 upvotes 3 weeks ago

The user noticed thicker hair at their hairline after using a skincare serum containing GHK-CU, despite using pyrilutamide for hair loss without success. They plan to apply the serum more broadly to see if it improves hair growth.

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Learn

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learn retinol

What’s the difference between retinol and salicylic acid in scalp care and follicle renewal? Salicylic acid loosens surface scale and is an approved over-the-counter dandruff ingredient; retinoids change how skin cells grow and have only lab evidence for hair. Neither is shown to regrow hair, and each has its own cautions.

learn sh-Polypeptide-7

Is sh-Polypeptide-7 considered a natural or synthetic ingredient, and how is it typically applied? sh-Polypeptide-7 is a synthetic (lab-made) form of human growth hormone, used in some topical skin and hair-care products. There is no published human trial showing that it benefits hair, and its safety on the scalp has not been studied.

learn Castor oil

A plant oil used in cosmetics and traditional medicine. It is popular in hair care, but no controlled human trial has tested it as a hair-growth treatment.

learn Procyanidin

Plant polyphenol studied in small, manufacturer-run hair-growth trials; not an approved hair-loss treatment.

learn Hair Transplant

What is follow-up care after a hair transplant? Follow-up care after a hair transplant includes scheduled visits and remote check-ins for recovery.
How should I care for my hair after a hair transplant? Follow your doctor's aftercare instructions, avoid sun exposure, and use gentle shampoo.
Does transplanted hair require special care? Transplanted hair generally requires no special care after initial healing.

learn Dexpanthenol

Provitamin B5 used in hair and skin products as a moisturiser; evidence for hair growth is limited to lab studies and small uncontrolled reports.

learn Rosemary

herb and essential oil studied for hair loss in one small trial and in lab work

learn Finasteride

Prescription tablet (1 mg) that slowed hair loss versus placebo in two-year trials. Labels warn of sexual side effects that have continued after stopping, and of depression and suicidal thoughts; not for use in pregnancy.

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Clinics

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Experts

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SMP Specialist
Hairo Fallas
Newark, NJ, United States

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Hairo Fallas