Encyclopedia
Every molecule that touches your hair
From proven medicines to kitchen-cupboard oils, with the studies behind each one.
6 entries
1
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other
18-MEA (18-methyleicosanoic acid)
The fatty acid on the outer surface of virgin hair that makes it water-repellent and smooth, lost with weathering and chemical treatment.
A
-
silicone
Amodimethicone
A dimethicone with positively charged amine groups, so it clings to damaged hair and resists rinsing better than plain dimethicone.
D
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silicone
Dimethicone
The standard hair silicone, a water-insoluble oil that coats the fibre for slip, shine and friction control without repairing anything.
H
-
protein or peptide
Hydrolyzed keratin
Keratin fragments, usually from wool or feathers, that coat damaged hair and in lab tests partly entered it and raised wet strength; the evidence is small and industry-linked.
-
protein or peptide
Hydrolyzed wheat protein
A common conditioner protein that raised dry strength of bleached and heat-damaged tresses in one lab test, with a small but real allergy risk.
K
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bond builder
K18 peptide (sh-Oligopeptide-78)
A short cysteine-rich peptide modelled on hair keratin; inventor lab data look promising, but the one independent test found it acted mostly as a surface coating.