Ingredient Spotlight — Who to Seek & Avoid
The current haircare market is comprised of competing information about the must-have (and no-go) ingredients to maintain healthy hair. To help you navigate strategic marketing and difficult-to-read labels, we’ve comprised a list of the ingredients to hunt for, and those to avoid.
Ingredient spotlight: Flaxseed oil
No. 113 champions the benefits of Flaxseed across many of our products. But what exactly does this omega-3-rich oil do for your hair? Made from freshly ground flaxseeds, flaxseed oil is derived of 60 per cent omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acids). These essential fatty acids penetrate the hair follicle, promoting moisture, hydration, and shine.
Similarly, the high concentration of Vitamin E in flaxseed oil helps to treat hair loss and stimulate new hair growth, while lignans act as strong antioxidants which can help in the regrowth of healthier and stronger hair.
Test the science with our No.113 Matte Paste.
One to Avoid: Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS / Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
SDS is a key ingredient commonly found in supermarket shampoos. According to Laura Walters, professor of pharmaceutical analysis at the University of Huddersfield (UK), SDS works almost identically to washing-up liquid, by “simply stripping the hair of unwanted oils and dirt”.
In theory, this is not a bad function. But used alone (or disguised only with cheap fragrances), SDS can leaves hair feeling dry, opening the doors to further damage.
Ingredient spotlight: Hempseed oil
Hemp oil extract is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E. Hemp oil extract is also high in antioxidants that protect our cells from damage by combating the effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.
Experience rich relief with No.113 Matte Paste.
Another to Avoid: Silicones
Many brands try to change the appearance or feel of damaged hair with silicones. Initially, this can mask the hair with a smooth and shiny exterior. Over time however, silicones bind together to create a weighted, hard-to-remove buildup, that often eventuates in dry, dull hair that becomes prone to breakage.
To combat the inevitable, seek natural botanicals and raw ingredients that nourish your hair from the inside out.
