Hair smoothing treatments

4 hair care ingredients stylists swear by for smooth hair, from keratin to quinoa

The hair world is ever-evolving and there are always newly-discovered ingredients that claim to work wonders on dull, dry, frizzy, colored and damaged hair. While we know the new ingredient on the block often sounds appealing, it can be overwhelming trying to work out what’s actually best for your hair and lifestyle.

That’s why we think it’s best to turn to the professionals – they are experts for a reason, and they spend their days living and breathing products and ingredients, working to ensure that your hair is always looking and feeling the very best it can. And, like you, it probably comes as no surprise that they have their own favorites – especially when it comes to smooth hair. Consider them to be the ingredients that never let them down, and that perform time and time again. But what exactly are they and how do they work?

Here, we look at four key ingredients our experts rely on for smoother-than-smooth hair, and we’ve also shared the ways you can incorporate these specific ingredients into your own routine. That way you can ensure every day is a good hair day – and who doesn’t want that?

1. Keratin

A truly incredible ingredient, keratin is a protein that’s found naturally in hair and is part of the building blocks that form individual strands. These strands can easily become damaged – through excessive heat styling, coloring and bleaching – but using products that contain keratin can help to restore damage and improve the natural structure of hair. Keratin-infused products can help strengthen hair, smooth and reduce frizz, add shine and reduce the appearance of split ends, and in some cases can even speed up overall drying time. It’s an ingredient found in a number of products, including the Nexxus Keraphix range, which features a shampoo, conditioner, intensive masque and a once-a-week, at-home re-bonding treatment cream.

2. Quinoa

Pronounced ‘keen-wah’, this isn’t just a superfood you find in the aisles of Whole Foods, it’s also a protein that can improve overall hair health by strengthening the follicles and nourishing the scalp, which helps give new strands the best chance. It’s an ingredient that’s packed with much-needed nutrients, including vitamin E and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and iron – all of which play an integral part when it comes to keeping both the hair and scalp healthy. There are, of course, plenty of benefits that come with using products packed with quinoa, including a reduction in dandruff, smoother hair, protection against external hair damaging aggressors (such as pollution) and stronger follicles. Find quinoa in Nexxus’s best-selling Color Assure range, which is ideal for its ability to protect against color fade, while boosting shine and adding smoothness without weighing hair down.

3. Elastin protein

An ingredient that’s most often spoken about in relation to skincare, it’s actually extremely beneficial for ensuring smooth hair, wash after wash. Our hair follicles produce elastin naturally, and as the name would suggest, it provides elasticity and works to help ensure those follicles stay anchored to your head, as well as providing a healthy place for new hair to grow from. However, as we age, levels of elastin tend to deplete, which can lead to dry, brittle and lifeless hair, especially if you color it. To counter that, use shampoo and conditioner containing elastin protein to reinject life, moisture and strength back into strands. That’s why – alongside quinoa – it’s one of the important ingredients used in Nexxus’s PROTEINFUSION blend, found in both the Color Assure range and the Therappe & Humectress ranges.

4. Caviar

More often associated with Champagne, caviar – which comes from salt-cured, unfertilized fish eggs – is also a prime ingredient for hair care. Hailed for its ability to help strengthen hair, when used in shampoos, conditioners and masques, caviar can make locks smoother and easier to manage. Best used on dry, damaged hair that’s in need of some TLC, caviar contains a combination of proteins and amino acids that provide much-needed nourishment. It’s also a great choice for those with naturally curly, wavy or coarse hair, and is found in a number of Nexxus’s ranges, thanks to its versatility.