Hair care is important not only for our appearance, but overall hygiene too. Healthy hair allows us to look our best and serves an ancillary function in keeping our hair and scalp strong, vigorous, and disease-free.
Today, hair is subject to pollution and dirt which can affect its health, but you can now develop solutions to assist in preventing hair loss, while boosting volume and providing shine - all while putting dandruff in its place. It is advisable that these commonly used products, including those that clean, repair, colour, or style, are dermatologically assessed and approved for maximum consumer confidence.
Demand for hair care products continues to grow in the face of increasing hair and scalp problems. It is estimated that around 50% of women will start losing their hair by the time they reach 50 years of age. Worryingly, these hair loss statistics also tell us that up to 29% of women with hair loss reported two key depression symptoms. 1
While some people may have a genetic pre-disposition to hair that suffers from breakage, scalp issues and dandruff, the development of products that maintain a shiny, voluminous, and exuberant mane is at your fingertips with our specialist range of ingredients.
But first, let us unpack hair, its distinct types and textures, and find out how our specialist range of ingredients can assist you in developing the right product that will elevate hair care to the next level!
Different hair types & texture
According to Medicinenet, hair type and texture are determined by many factors – including genetics. While straight hair is one of the most common types across the world, each person has a unique texture. This fact opens possibilities for the development of personalised products, in line with future trends predicted in the personal care sectdor.2
In the main, there are four types of hair textures & types
Type 1 – straight
Type 2 – wavy
Type 3 - curly
Type 4 - tightly curled
Hair type and texture can be broken down into A, B and C, based on hair curl pattern, density, porosity, width, and length. Click here for more information and a full explanation.
Genetics & the environment
While hair type and texture are inherited, there are additional traits that contribute too. The amount of curl in hair depends on the amount of curly hair gene variations inherited. Genes can also interact with each other to determine texture - this is a reason in one family, different people may have diverse types of hair.
The environment can also have a significant impact, especially on texture. Humidity can make the hair frizzy or curly, whereas cold winter air can make hair dry and wiry. Hair texture can also change with age becoming greyer, thinner, rougher, finer, and dry – while oil glands in the scalp can also shrink with age.
Lastly, how hair is treated or styled can also change its texture. Bleaching, colouring, using styling tools, straightening, and perming can all impact hair. While it is not possible to change hair genetics, using targeted hair products can help. These products can be natural or synthetic and are available in a range of different formats including liquid, gel, oil, creams, and lotions.3
Popular hair care trends
Hair care product manufacturing companies are focusing on the launch of new and advanced products to enhance their market position. Here are some of the latest trends that will be key drivers of new products in 2023.4
- The microbiome
Beneficial bacteria are critical for a healthy and well-functioning scalp microbiome. A healthy scalp is a precursor to healthy hair and should form part of all new product development. The use of probiotics helps to balance the scalp’s microflora as it does in the human digestive system. The skin and scalp must also have a healthy balance of specific microflora, beneficial bacteria, or the scalp cannot function optimally, which could lead to its premature ageing.
- Scalp Oil
Adding beneficial and organic oils are trending in scalp health. Quality oils can function as scalp and hair hydrators and help with heat protection while creating a fantastic and healthy shine. It is advisable to use oils that are shampoo soluble to avoid buildup including cold-pressed oils as these most often retain their nutritional value during processing.
- Scientific sustainability
Consumer views have also changed greatly when it comes to natural and organic ingredients coexisting with science-backed formulations. This meets consumer demand for product innovation with a desire for organic and sustainable ingredients are set to grow substantially – a key area of development for brand owners and manufacturers.
- Transparency
Ingredient lists drive transparency as do fact-filled educational and technical sheets with detailed information. Consumers are thirsty for this type of information, and it is critical to prove the provenance, sustainability and traceability of each ingredient used during formulation.
How Oleon Health & Beauty can help
At Oleon, we offer a wide range of cleansing agents, emulsifiers, solubilisers, consistency agents, dispersants and emollients that can assist with all your application and formulations needs. For more information, why not contact our research and development team and we will gladly assist with all your formulation needs!
References:
