Photo by Curology on Unsplash.
Photo by Curology on Unsplash.
Despite being ingredients in modern skincare, experts share how hypochlorous acid and peptide complexes may be what you need for repairing damaged and flattened hair
Throughout her Short N’ Sweet era, Sabrina Carpenter’s 1950s-style hair, in all of its volume and spring-like curls, was impossible to miss. For Rihanna, her mane game was all about volume and shine, debuting a straightened lob haircut for a night out in Los Angeles, leaving many wondering: Are these celebrity hairstyles doable with at-home routines, or are salon appointments the solution for strong yet elastic hair?
Much like your curated ensemble of skincare products at home, haircare usually encourages a keen understanding of how you want your hair to look while also caring for your scalp’s sensitivities. And given that instances of scalp acne, weakened bonds, and dryness causing issues for one’s hair, the current circulation of alternatives and ingredients may lead you to discovering hypochlorous acid, peptide complexes and their claimed efficacy of rebuilding the structure of one’s hair.
“In the science world, hypochlorous acid is a formula replicating your skin’s natural ability to fight bacteria and heal. When that formula is concentrated correctly, you can give your face and scalp a boost of healing energy anytime you need it,” shares Allure contributing editor Myranda Mondry.
For an ingredient that exists both in skin care solutions and pool cleaners (in higher concentrations, of course), Mondry notes that hypochlorous acid is safe to use even for those with sensitive complexions and that featuring products are only meant to amplify the hypochlorous acid naturally produced by the skin.
“Hair is not a living cell or organ, and therefore has no true health quotient. Hair strands are literal protein threads; once they protrude out of the hair follicle, it becomes a fine fabric,” trichologist Bridgette Hill shares with Vogue.
While most modern haircare products are formulated to clean the hair’s surface, Maison 77 founder and stylist Fabrice Gili shares how certain chemicals may seep through and leave lingering damage, making the journey to find one’s ideal haircare product ever so arduous than it already is. “Sulfates and alcohol that can cause dryness and buildup, which make fine hair feel greasy.”
This is where peptide complexes come in, a mixed structure of protein fragments that aim to restore and repair the hair’s bonds from underneath. “Because of their size, [they] can penetrate the hair shaft to improve the structure of the strand,” shares hairstylist Mia Santiago with Allure.
Though the haircare products that do more than a deep clean remain few and far between, a gold-colored flacon baring Dove’s eponymous logo went viral in Brazil, claiming that both ingredients were formulated alongside a bio-protein solution with the aim to reverse the signs of damaged hair. While its official launch date remains unknown, circulating opinions may suggest that it may come sooner than expected, encouraging others to continue the conversation online. “Your skin doesn’t stop at your forehead, but most people aren’t aware of the importance of a skincare routine for their scalp,” shares Sachajuan co-founder Sacha Mitic with Vogue.
