Monday is often thought of as the worst day of the week, and dreaded as such. All the sparkle of the weekend has evaporated into real-world obligation. But it doesn’t have to be that way… With our new #NoBadMondays campaign, we’re reframing the start of the week as a day charged with optimism and potential. The most fun day of the week.

No Bad Mondays isn’t just our sparkling new brand campaign: it’s a movement. On our social channels (and IRL!) over the coming months, we’re making Mondays the best day of the week for all. And what better way to do it than by giving one of you the chance to win your ‘Dream Monday’. Yep, we want to reward you with everything you can dream up. Restaurant visits, pampering, shopping, a staycation… whip up your perfect day and you could win everything you’ve dreamed up to have the best start to the week, ever.

Head to the @mondayhaircare Instagram and dream up your ideal Monday!

Competition Terms 

Competition ends Sunday 26th May at 10pm AEST. One winner will be contacted by @mondayhaircare’s account. Open to those aged 18 and above in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Europe and the UAE only. Total prize up to USD$3000 in value. Gift cards are not redeemable for cash. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.

Standard Promotion and Competition Conditions 

The “Promoter” is MONDAY International limited, whose registered office is at Unit 1201-04, 12/F, Energy Plaza, 92 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East Kowloon, Hong Kong.
‘Disqualified Participants’ are: 
(a) all Promoter’s, and its affiliated companies’, employees and their Immediate Families (spouses, grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren, whether by marriage, past marriages, remarriage, adoption, co-habitation or other family extension). 
(b) all people under the age of 18 years where the prize incorporates air travel or any other element which would be illegal to supply to a person under the age of 18 years; 
(c) all people who have already won a prize from this promotion.  

The “Win Your Best Monday” giveaway is organized by MONDAY International limited and is open to all eligible participants aged 18 and above, residing in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Europe or the UAE only. 

To enter the Giveaway, participants must: 

a.  Follow @mondayhaircare 

b. Screenshot the template provided on our Instagram page  

c. Fill out the template with their dream Monday plan. 

d. Share the template to their Instagram story and tag @mondayhaircare 

e. Participants can only enter the Giveaway once. 

f. The winner will be selected based on our favourite template response so get creative! 

g. Winner will be announced on Sunday 29th May via @mondayhaircare.  

Specifics:  

1. The winner will receive their dream Monday experience as outlined in the template they shared on their Instagram story, up to a maximum budget of $3,000 USD. 

2. Only a person who originally entered the Promotion can be awarded the Prize (the “Winner”).  

3. MONDAY Haircare will handle the execution of prizes, depending on the winners template response  

4. If the dream Monday experience outlined by the winner exceeds the budget of $3,000 USD, [company] is eligible to modify their plan to fit within the budget, or a new winner will be selected. 

5. The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other alternative. 

6. By participating in the Giveaway, participants agree to grant [Your Company Name] the right to use their Instagram handle and any content shared as part of their entry for promotional purposes, 

7. MONDAY Haircare reserves the right to amend or cancel the Giveaway at any time without prior notice. 

8. By entering the Giveaway, participants agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions. 

9. This Giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Instagram. 

10. These terms and conditions are subject to change at the discretion of MONDAY Haircare. 

11. If the Winner does not accept these Terms and Conditions, the prize will be forfeited. 

12. Where the Prize includes air travel and/or accommodation, either international or domestic, the Winner (and any travel companion) are responsible for all additional costs associated with the Prize that are not specifically included, such as transportation, meal costs, spending money, insurance, travel documentation, and all other incidentals.  

The post WIN Your Dream Day Valued at $3000, Thanks to MONDAY Haircare and No Bad Mondays appeared first on MONDAY Haircare.

You may be familiar with Hyaluronic Acid for its incredible ability to hydrate and plump the skin, but did you know that it can work wonders for your hair too? That’s right – this superstar ingredient isn’t just reserved for your skincare routine. Hyaluronic Acid is a natural humectant, meaning it has the unique ability to draw moisture into the hair, helping to keep it hydrated and healthy.

READ MORE: The Best Ingredients for Dry Hair

For those of us with dry, thirsty locks, incorporating Hyaluronic Acid into our haircare routine can be a game-changer. Whether you’re dealing with heat damage, environmental stressors, or just naturally dry hair, products infused with Hyaluronic Acid can help replenish moisture levels and restore vitality to your mane.

So, how exactly does Hyaluronic Acid work its magic on your hair? It all comes down to its ability to attract and retain moisture. When applied to the hair, Hyaluronic Acid forms a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture, preventing dryness and dehydration. This not only leaves your hair feeling softer and smoother but also helps improve its overall elasticity and manageability.

At MONDAY Haircare, we’ve harnessed the power of Hyaluronic Acid in our hydrating shampoo and conditioner for dry hair. Our MOISTURE Shampoo and Conditioner is specially designed to nourish and hydrate your locks from root to tip, leaving you with hair that’s beautifully soft, silky, and full of life.

READ MORE: The Benefits of Keratin For Hair

In addition to its moisturizing properties for your strands, Hyaluronic Acid also helps promote a healthy scalp environment. By hydrating the scalp and balancing moisture levels, it can help reduce itching, flakiness, and irritation, leaving your scalp feeling calm and comfortable. It also provides the ideal environment for new hair to thrive, coming through healthy and strong.

So, whether you’re looking to banish dryness, restore shine, or simply give your hair a little extra TLC, incorporating Hyaluronic Acid into your haircare routine is a no-brainer. Say goodbye to dull, lifeless locks and hello to hair that’s beautifully hydrated and healthy – all thanks to the power of Hyaluronic Acid.

DISCOVER: MONDAY Haircare MOISTURE Shampoo and Conditioner

The post Unlock the Secret to Hydrated Locks: The Power of Hyaluronic Acid in Haircare appeared first on MONDAY Haircare.

The memo right now? Bows, clips, plaits and braids reign supreme, while natural texture is always in. Whether it’s a cute updo or a something more casual, here are the looks we’re screenshotting rn for the season ahead.

@lirisaw

Iris Law proving one can never have too many bows

@amaka.hamelijnck

A silk bandana might just be peak chicness

@rosalia.vt

Rosalía making a case for bringing piggytails back

@zoifish

High pony? Tick. Cool-girl plait? Tick. Snap clip for good measure? Tick tick tick.

@palomija

Take cues from queen Paloma Elsesser with this slicked, half-up/half-down hybrid

@s4mguggs

Embracing your natural curl is never not on-trend, tbh

@akili_

A single plait might just be the coolest look this party season

@_yanyanchan

Go for an updo that is doing the absolute most

@olivianeill

Got post-beach hair? Lean in with wet-look waves. Our Leave-In Conditioner (regular Conditioner will also work) is perfect for this

@haileybieber

When in doubt… throw on a crochet hat

The post 10 Ways to Wear Your Hair These Holidays appeared first on MONDAY Haircare.

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a naturally occurring protein that makes up the structural foundation of our hair, nails, and skin. It acts as a protective shield against external factors such as UV rays, pollution, heat styling, and chemical treatments. When our hair’s natural keratin levels are depleted, it can lead to issues like frizz, breakage, and dullness. That’s where haircare products infused with keratin come to the rescue. Topically, keratin can be applied as a protein that helps strengthen hair to prevent breakage, heat damage, and frizz. 

You’ll no doubt have heard of ‘keratin straightening’ or ‘keratin relaxing’, whereby a concentrated chemical formula is applied to the hair as a semi-permanent straightening treatment, to smooth and add shine to frizzy and curly types and help seal split ends. However this is actually typically not done with the use of keratin, but rather a formaldehyde derivative or glyoxylic acid, which is worked through the hair to ‘break’ its natural bonds and reseal them in a straighter position.

What Are the Benefits of Keratin for My Hair?

There are several benefits of keratin as an ingredient in your haircare routine, from strengthening hair, preventing breakage and heat damage, to giving it a soft and shiny, frizz-free look and feel.

Enhanced Strength and Resilience: Keratin-infused hair products help restore and strengthen the hair’s natural structure. Hydrolyzed keratin, a form of keratin that has been broken down into smaller particles, easily penetrates the hair shaft, reinforcing it from within, filling in the ‘gaps’, so to speak. This results in hair strands that are reinforced and hence less prone to damage, breakage, and split ends.

Frizz Control: If you struggle with frizzy hair, you’ll love the smoothing effects of keratin. By forming a protective coating on the hair’s surface, keratin reduces the impact of humidity, ensuring your hair stays sleek and manageable, even in adverse weather conditions.

Improved Elasticity: Keratin promotes hair flexibility and elasticity, leaving your strands more resistant to heat damage and breakage during styling. This means you can enjoy using your favourite heat tools without worrying about harming your hair.

Shine and Smoothness: One of the most noticeable benefits of using keratin-infused products is the incredible shine and silkiness they provide. Your hair will appear smoother, softer, and radiate a healthy lustre that will ensure more good hair days.

How Can I Incorporate Keratin Into My Routine?

Shampoo and Conditioner: Using a keratin-infused shampoo and conditioner as part of your daily haircare routine can help maintain your hair’s health and beauty. These products clean, hydrate, and fortify your strands, leaving you with gorgeous, resilient hair. Our REPAIR Shampoo and Conditioner both contain hydrolyzed keratin as an ingredient, and are especially designed for dry to damaged hair.

Leave-In Conditioner: A keratin-enriched leave-in conditioner provides ongoing protection and nourishment, keeping your hair soft, strong, and more manageable throughout the day. Our new REPAIR Leave-In Conditioner contains Keratin, along with Wheat Protein and natural oils such as Jojoba and Almond Oil, designed to be used after showering to lock in smoothness and shine and help tame frizz.

Dry Shampoo: It might not seem like a typical ingredient for dry shampoo, but Keratin-infused dry shampoo is a game-changer for refreshing your hair between washes. It not only absorbs excess oil but also adds a boost of body and shine. Our ORIGINAL Dry Shampoo and BRUNETTE Dry Shampoo both contain this hero ingredient for added shine plus protection from environmental factors.

Keratin and hydrolyzed keratin are truly wonder ingredients for your daily hair routine. With their ability to strengthen, protect, and beautify your hair, products containing this miraculous ingredient are a must-have for anyone seeking that coveted salon-quality look every day.

The post Ingredient Deep Dive: The Benefits of Keratin for Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair appeared first on MONDAY Haircare.

What is Shea Butter?

Shea Butter is renowned for its nutrient-rich composition, making it a versatile ingredient in hair care. Packed with vitamins A, E, and F, it provides your hair with a powerful dose of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and nourishing nutrients. These components work in harmony to promote overall hair health and address various hair concerns.

Shea Butter for Deep Moisturization

One of the standout qualities of Shea Butter is its ability to provide deep hydration. It has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft, locking in moisture and preventing dryness and breakage. This is especially beneficial for those with naturally curly or textured hair, which tends to be more prone to dryness. By incorporating Shea Butter into your hair care routine, you can ensure that your hair remains supple, soft, and well-hydrated.

Shea Butter to Repair and Restore

Shea Butter is a natural remedy for damaged hair. The rich fatty acids in Shea Butter work to repair and protect the hair’s natural lipid barrier, which can easily be compromised due to exposure to environmental factors, heat styling, and chemical treatments. This restoration process can significantly reduce split ends and breakage, leaving your hair looking healthier and more vibrant.

Say Farewell to Frizz

Frizzy hair can be a constant battle, but Shea Butter is one natural ingredient that can help tame frizz and flyaways. Not only does it contribute to overall hair health, helping prevent the damage and breakage that can lead to frizz and flyaways in the first place, but its moisturizing properties help to smooth down the hair cuticle, taming unruly frizz and providing a sleek and polished look. Whether you have straight or curly hair, Shea Butter can help ensure less frizz and more shape.

Encouraging Hair Growth

If you’re looking to boost hair growth, Shea Butter can be your ally. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the scalp, reducing irritation and promoting a healthier environment for hair follicles. A healthy scalp is essential for optimal hair growth, and Shea Butter can help create the perfect conditions for healthy hair to thrive.

Protection from Environmental Factors

Our hair faces constant challenges from environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather conditions. Shea Butter acts as a natural shield, forming a protective barrier around each strand. This barrier helps to ward off damage from these external factors, keeping your hair looking its best.

How to Incorporate Shea Butter into Your Hair Care Routine

Shampoo and Conditioner with Shea Butter

Look for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that contain Shea Butter as a key ingredient for everyday nourishment. Most MONDAY Haircare formulas contain Shea Butter, including our award-winning and best-selling SMOOTH and MOISTURE Shampoo and Conditioners.

Leave-In Conditioner

Invest in a quality Shea Butter-infused leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free throughout the day. Keep your eyes peeled for MONDAY’s very own Leave-In Conditioner, coming soon.

DIY Treatments

Create a DIY hair mask by mixing Shea Butter with other natural ingredients like honey, coconut oil, or aloe vera gel. Apply it to your hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing it out for deep nourishment.

The post Ingredient Deep Dive: The Benefits of Shea Butter for Hair Hydration and Health appeared first on MONDAY Haircare.

The Hair’s Natural Oils

Oil is necessary for scalp and hair health, and your body naturally produces oil known as sebum through a gland located at the hair follicle (where the hair sprouts out of your scalp). This helps keep hair soft, and protected, and generally stops it from drying out. It can also naturally help control frizz and flyaways. 

So what exactly is this made up of? Sebum, the natural oil produced by our scalp, consists of triglycerides, free fatty acids, wax esters, and squalene. These elements work together to maintain the scalp’s moisture, protect against external irritants, and keep hair healthy and shiny.

Some people will naturally have more oil glands than others, due to the density of their hair and hair follicles. Those with fine hair will also tend to notice the oil more, as it’s less well-absorbed by fine hair than it is by dry, coarse hair—often leaving fine hair to appear limp or weighed down, and even giving it a ‘dirty’ appearance.

Why Does My Hair Get Oily So Quickly?

The propensity for oily hair can vary from person to person, and several factors contribute to excessive oil production on the scalp:

Overactive Sebaceous Glands: The primary culprit behind oily hair is the sebaceous glands, responsible for producing sebum, our scalp’s natural oil. Sometimes, these glands can go into overdrive, leading to an oily scalp and hair.

Hormonal Factors: Hormones play a significant role in regulating sebum production. During puberty, the surge of hormones can lead to oilier hair, which is why many teenagers struggle with greasy tresses. Hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles or hormonal imbalances can also impact oil production.

Genetics: Just as we inherit certain physical traits from our parents, our hair type and oil production tendencies are also influenced by genetics. If your parents have oily hair, you may be more likely to experience the same.

Scalp Sensitivity: The sensitivity of your scalp can influence how it responds to environmental factors and hair care products. Some individuals have more reactive sebaceous glands that produce excess oil in response to certain stimuli. Again, this is typically genetic.

Not Washing Thoroughly: Along with your hair’s natural oil and sebum, things such as dirt and pollution, dead skin cells, sweat, product build-up, and even mineral deposits from your water supply tend to accumulate in your hair and on your scalp. If you’re not washing your hair thoroughly (two times before conditioning is a good place to start) and with the right ingredients, these can linger and continue to weigh hair down and give it that ‘dirty’ appearance. 

Overwashing: Paradoxically, washing your hair too frequently can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to a rebound effect of increased oil production.

Diet: While the link between diet and oily hair is not fully understood, some people believe that a diet high in unhealthy fats and processed foods might contribute to excess oil production.

Humidity and Weather Conditions: High humidity levels can exacerbate oiliness, as moisture in the air can mix with scalp oils, making hair appear greasier.

Your Skincare Routine: Anyone who’s ever had a fringe will know all too well the struggle of keeping it clean and fresh, away from sunscreen, moisturizers, and makeup. These products will often cling to the hair around your face, transferring the oils in their formulas onto your hair. Constantly running your fingers through your hair or playing with it can also transfer oils from your hands to your hair, exacerbating oiliness.

Using the Wrong Hair Products: Using hair care products that are too heavy or contain ingredients that don’t suit your hair type can weigh down your locks and make them appear greasier.

The Best Ingredients For Oily Hair

When it comes to choosing hair care products for oily hair, it’s crucial to pick those with specific ingredients that help regulate sebum production without stripping the scalp of its essential oils:

Grapefruit Extract: Citrus fruits such as grapefruit have natural degreasing properties that help control oil production.

Ginger Extract: Ginger is an antioxidant with antifungal effects that can be beneficial for your scalp health. Studies have shown it to promote blood flow in the scalp, which can also lead to less inflammation. 

Aloe Vera or Aloe Extract: Soothing and hydrating, aloe vera can balance the scalp’s oiliness without causing dryness.

Oily Hair Care Routine Tips

Now that we’ve got the science and ingredients covered, let’s dive into an effective oily hair care routine that’ll leave your hair feeling fresh, light, and balanced:

Use a Clarifying or Volumizing Shampoo: Opt for a clarifying or detoxifying shampoo designed specifically for oily hair. Avoid anything that’s designed for dry, damaged or curly hair as these will typically incorporate more intense conditioning ingredients that will be too heavy for your hair.

Shampoo Thoroughly: Give your hair two thorough washes, focusing your shampoo on and around your scalp. Ensure you rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing and conditioning to avoid product buildup that can weigh hair down.

Condition Only the Ends: Apply conditioner only to the lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp area where sebum is naturally concentrated.

Use a Scalp Scrub: Using a specialised scalp scrub or ultra-detoxifying shampoo once a week can help budge any stubborn oil, dirt and build-up that’s lingering around your scalp and roots. Don’t overdo it though, as this can dry your hair out if done too often.  

Cold Water Rinse: End your shower with a cool water rinse, as it can help close the hair cuticles and reduce oiliness.

Use Dry Shampoo Strategically: Dry shampoo can be your best friend on no-wash days, absorbing excess oil and adding volume to your hair. Just use it sparingly to avoid buildup.

Hands Off: Avoid touching your hair too frequently throughout the day, as the oils from your hands can transfer to your strands, making them greasier.

The post Grease Is Not the Word: Here’s How to Put an End to Oily Hair appeared first on MONDAY Haircare.

Common Causes of Frizz

Before diving in, it’s important to understand what causes frizz in the first place. Frizz occurs when the hair cuticle becomes rough and lifted, leading to moisture absorption from the surrounding environment. Common culprits of frizz include humidity, excessive heat styling, harsh chemicals, and even towel-drying your hair too vigorously. 

If you’re constantly frustrated by frizz, the culprit could be something as unavoidable as the climate where you live, or the seasons. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to tame. Armed with the right ingredients and products, you can get the smooth, silky, cool-girl hair you’ve always wanted.

Best Ingredients to Tame Frizz

Hydrolyzed Keratin

Keratin, a structural protein, is the building block of our hair. Hydrolyzed keratin in hair products helps repair damaged hair and smooth the hair cuticles, reducing frizz and restoring natural shine.

Argan Oil

Extracted from the Moroccan argan tree, argan oil is a lightweight, non-greasy ingredient that moisturizes and nourishes frizzy hair. It seals the hair cuticles, preventing humidity from causing frizz and leaving your hair luxuriously smooth.

Shea Butter

This natural emollient is packed with vitamins and fatty acids that deeply hydrate the hair, promoting softness and manageability while shielding against environmental damage.

Coconut Oil

Known for its impressive moisturizing properties, coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft, providing much-needed hydration and helping to control frizz.

Glycerin

As a humectant, glycerin draws moisture from the air, helping the hair retain its natural moisture levels and minimizing frizz caused by dryness.

The good news? The above ingredients are found in most MONDAY Shampoo and Conditioner, including our MOISTURE, SMOOTH and REPAIR lines, which are all specifically formulated for curls, waves and hair prone to frizz. They’ll also help hydrate, smooth and protect hair from the kind of damage that can lead to frizz, flyaways and dryness in the first place.

Get Rid of Frizz for Good

Along with your regular wash routine, there are things you can do in your daily life that can help combat frizz.

Cold Water Rinse

After washing your hair with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner (such as MONDAY’s) infused with frizz-taming ingredients, rinse your hair with cold water. This helps seal the hair cuticles, minimizing frizz and boosting shine.

Microfiber Towel

Instead of rubbing your hair with a traditional towel, use a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to gently blot excess water from your hair. This prevents unnecessary friction, which can lead to frizz.

Leave-In Conditioner

Consider incorporating a leave-in conditioner into your haircare routine. It provides extra moisture and acts as a protective barrier against external aggressors, keeping frizz at bay throughout the day.

Silk Pillowcase

Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction between your hair and the pillow, preventing frizz and breakage and helping your hairstyles last longer.

The post <strong>Say Farewell to Frizz With These Frizz-Fighting Hero Ingredients</strong> appeared first on MONDAY Haircare.

Causes of Dry Hair

There are several, often complex reasons your hair could be dry or prone to dryness. Some hair types, including curly and coily hair, tend to be drier than others, as the hair’s composition makes it harder for natural oils produced by the scalp to travel down the strand. Porosity is a measurement of the hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture, and the natural porosity of your hair will affect how well your hair holds moisture. Highly porous hair has more gaps and openings in the cuticle layer than low porosity hair, allowing moisture to easily pass in and out. Highly porous hair typically dries quickly, is prone to frizz, and can often feel dry.

Other external factors can affect how dry your hair is and feels, including seasonality and the weather, exposure to artificial air and heating, sun exposure, salt water, and air and water pollution (i.e. hard water). Then there’s your routine itself: overwashing, using harsh sulfates and other chemicals in shampoo and conditioner, skipping conditioner, frequent use of heat styling tools, and not regularly using treatments such as masks and leave-in conditioner can all leave your hair feeling less than optimal. 

In addition, certain health conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and even certain medications can lead to increased dryness in skin and hair. But don’t stress—there are ways you can counter this in your at-home routine, as well as certain ingredients to look out for when selecting the right products.

Best Ingredients for Dry Hair

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best ingredients for dry hair, due to their benefits for nourishing and improving hydration. Many of these can be found as hero ingredients in MONDAY’s Shampoo and Conditioner formulas, chosen for their ability to restore moisture levels in the hair, among others!

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient that has gained popularity in skincare routines, but its benefits extend to haircare as well. Known for its exceptional moisturizing properties, hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the hair shaft. This ingredient works wonders for dry hair, making it softer, smoother, and more manageable.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is a luxurious ingredient derived from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree. Packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil is a true elixir for dry, damaged hair. It deeply nourishes and hydrates the hair, promoting elasticity and shine. Additionally, argan oil helps repair split ends and protects the hair from environmental damage.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a natural emollient extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. Its rich and creamy texture makes it an ideal ingredient for combating dryness and frizz. Shea butter seals in moisture, creating a protective barrier that prevents further dehydration. It also contains vitamins A and E, which promote healthy hair growth and repair damaged strands.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has long been cherished for its soothing and healing properties, making it an excellent ingredient for dry hair. Its gel-like substance is packed with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that deeply moisturize the hair, leaving it soft and supple. Aloe vera also has a cooling effect on the scalp, relieving itchiness and irritation.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been used for centuries as a natural hair conditioner, and for good reason. It penetrates the hair shaft, nourishing it from within and preventing protein loss. Coconut oil’s high content of lauric acid helps retain moisture and provides a protective coating that minimizes damage from styling tools and environmental factors.

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

Panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, is a haircare ingredient that strengthens and moisturizes dry, brittle hair. It penetrates the hair shaft, adding volume and shine while improving moisture retention. Panthenol also acts as a detangler, making it easier to manage and style dry hair.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it an excellent moisturizer for dry hair. It helps regulate the production of sebum, preventing both excessive dryness and greasiness. Jojoba oil also provides nourishment to the hair follicles, promoting healthy growth and reducing breakage.

Other Dry Hair Hacks

In addition to incorporating hydrating ingredients like the ones listed above, there are other ways you can avoid hair from becoming overly dry in your daily routine. Ensure you’re not overwashing hair, or using an overly clarifying or stripping shampoo unless your hair is prone to oil and build-up. Never skip conditioner, even if you get oily roots: be sure to always apply conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends. Regularly treating your hair to a hair mask, and even applying a leave-in conditioner after your regular wash routine can have big benefits. 

It also can’t hurt to go easy on the heat styling tools: put down your blow dryer and/or heat wand from time-to-time and let hair dry naturally as much as possible. Limit your exposure to air conditioning and heating, and in summer, protect your hair from sun and salt water with a hat or swimming cap, or apply a mask or leave-in product before going in the water if you swim regularly. 

Foods such as fatty fish, seeds such as flaxseed and pumpkin seeds, nuts such as walnuts, cooking oils such as canola and olive oil, and soybeans are all high in omega-3 fatty acids, and as such can help improve moisture levels in your hair and skin. Biotin is another hero vitamin for your diet, and high-biotin foods include eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Fruit and vegetables such as berries, citrus fruits, spinach and avocado also have great benefits for hair and skin.

The post Say Goodbye to Dry: Dream Ingredients for Dry Hair appeared first on MONDAY Haircare.

Below we take a look at the unique properties of curly and coily hair, and highlight some of the ingredients that are best for these hair types, including Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil.

Why Curly Hair Needs Extra TLC

Dryness and Moisture Retention

Curly hair tends to be naturally drier compared to straight hair. The tight curls and twists make it challenging for the natural oils produced by the scalp to travel down the hair shaft, resulting in moisture loss. Therefore, ingredients that provide intense hydration and help retain moisture, such as shea butter and coconut oil, are crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of curly hair.

Frizz and Definition

Curly hair is more prone to frizz due to its structure. The cuticle layers of curly hair are lifted, making it easier for moisture to enter and exit the hair shaft. As a result, curly hair requires ingredients that can help smooth the hair cuticles, control frizz, and enhance curl definition. Ingredients like aloe vera and protein can help reduce frizz and provide structure to the curls, resulting in more defined and manageable hair.

Fragility and Breakage

Curly hair is generally more fragile and prone to breakage compared to straight hair. The twists and turns of the curls make the hair strands more susceptible to damage from external factors like heat styling, harsh chemicals, and even friction from brushing. Therefore, ingredients that strengthen and protect the hair, such as argan oil and jojoba oil, are important to maintain the integrity and resilience of curly hair.

Ideal Ingredients for Curly Hair

Coconut Oil

Benefits: Coconut oil is a natural emollient that helps hydrate and condition curly hair. It strengthens hair strands, reduces protein loss, and adds shine.

How it works: Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft, preventing water loss and maintaining moisture balance. It also contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can help improve scalp health.

Shea Butter

Benefits: Shea butter is deeply moisturizing and nourishing for curly hair. It helps improve hair elasticity, reduces frizz, and enhances curl definition.

How it works: Shea butter contains fatty acids and vitamins that provide intense hydration to the hair shaft, sealing in moisture and preventing dryness. It also forms a protective barrier that shields the hair from environmental damage.

Aloe Vera

Benefits: Aloe vera is soothing and moisturizing, making it ideal for hydrating curly hair. It helps reduce scalp irritation, promotes hair growth, and adds shine.

How it works: Aloe vera contains enzymes that repair dead skin cells on the scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth. It also forms a protective layer on the hair strands, sealing in moisture and preventing frizz.

Argan Oil

Benefits: Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids, making it highly nourishing for curly hair. It helps tame frizz, adds shine, and improves hair elasticity.

How it works: The high concentration of fatty acids in argan oil helps moisturize and strengthen the hair shaft. It also forms a protective coating around the hair, reducing damage from heat styling and environmental factors.

Jojoba Oil

Benefits: Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural sebum produced by the scalp, making it an excellent moisturizer for curly hair. It helps control frizz, promotes hair growth, and provides a healthy scalp.

How it works: Jojoba oil mimics the scalp’s natural oils, balancing oil production and preventing dryness. It deeply penetrates the hair follicles, strengthening and moisturizing the hair from within.

Natural Ingredients in MONDAY Haircare

Our range of Shampoo and Conditioner contains several curl-loving natural ingredients, including Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Aloe, Argan and Jojoba Oil. In addition, there’s Avocado Oil, Macadamia Oil and Cocoa Butter, all natural ingredients that have intense hydration properties. If you have curly or coily hair, we recommend giving our SMOOTH and/or MOISTURE lines a try. SMOOTH is ideal for those looking for frizz control and softness, while MOISTURE is ideal for those in need of a little extra hydration and shine.

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What Are Parabens?

Parabens are a class of synthetic preservatives used to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould, and fungi in various cosmetic products, including shampoos and conditioners. They have been widely utilized in the beauty industry for decades due to their effectiveness in extending the shelf life of products.

What Do Parabens Do?

The primary function of parabens is to act as preservative, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that can negatively impact your beauty products, and improve their quality and longevity. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and have broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, making them a popular choice for manufacturers. Parabens are also not water-soluble, meaning they don’t easily break down inside a formula, and can continue to work effectively over several months or years.

The Importance of Preservatives in Cosmetics

In beauty terms, a preservative is any ingredient that helps to preserve the shelf life and stability of a product. One of their main purposes is to protect the formula from developing harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and moulds. Beauty products contain water and several other ingredients that (while effective and safe) unfortunately are also loved by these harmful microorganisms as a food source. 

Without some form of preservative, many beauty products would have a very limited shelf life, and quickly lose their potency, as the microorganisms compromise the ingredients inside. The bacteria and mould that would be able to thrive as a result would also of course be detrimental to your health once they come into contact with your body through then applying them to your face, body and/or hair. Therefore, incorporating some kind of preservative into a formula is highly beneficial, and considered common (and safe) practise in the beauty industry.

Concerns Around Parabens

While parabens have been deemed safe for use in cosmetics by regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the European Commission, concerns have arisen regarding their potential impact on human health. Some studies have suggested that parabens may mimic estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the body’s endocrine system. This has raised concerns about the potential for hormonal disruption and its possible link to certain health conditions. 

There is also some evidence that parabens can cause allergic contact dermatitis, though these are considered rare. It’s worth noting that the evidence around parabens and their potential health effects is generally limited, and they are generally considered safe at low concentrations like those found in cosmetics.

Opting for Paraben-Free Formulas

Out of an abundance of caution, some people prefer to look for products that do not contain parabens, and instead contain alternative ingredients that still act as preservatives, without the same potential for risk. Some natural preservatives include (but are not limited to) sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol and potassium sorbate. Even salt has preservative properties, and is effective as a preservative because it reduces water activity when included in a formula.

Preservatives Used in MONDAY Haircare

At MONDAY, we pride ourselves on our modern, premium formulas that are made without SLS and parabens. Instead of parabens, we use preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate and benzyl alcohol. Our formulas can vary between regions and also by product, but you can always find the full list of ingredients in your particular MONDAY Shampoo or Conditioner on the back of the bottle.

At MONDAY, while we don’t consider parabens to be unsafe or harmful, we’re all about providing you with options that align with your values and choice in ingredients. When developing our range, a call for paraben-free formulas was something we heard most often, and this has shaped the MONDAY products you know and love.

The post Parabens: What Are They, What Do They Do and What Are the Alternatives? appeared first on MONDAY Haircare.