Do you suffer from an itchy, dry and flaky scalp? Are your locks distressed, dehydrated, and not looking as luxurious as they once were before? If so, the Salon Science HYDRALUXE range may just be the solution to all of your haircare issues…
The salon Science HYDRALUXE range not only targets dry, flaky and a distressed scalp, but the nourishing and gentle collection also hydrates every strand while locking in moisture with it’s incredible plant-based and active ingredients.
We chatted to Connie, the leading scientist behind the Salon Science, product range.
1. In your Aquacacteen range, what is the importance of the organic cactus used and how does the organic cactus work on a multi-functional level?
Cactus is a plant generally growing in extreme environmental conditions, such as intense drought, UV radiation as well as harsh temperature changes. The plant has developed coping strategies to counteract these strong environmental impacts. It has a high water retention capacity, due to its water binding secondary metabolites. Moreover, it has also its own UV protection system comprising flavonoids and piscidic acid protecting from destructive and damaging reactive oxygen species, generated by strong UV exposure.
We had been looking for these beneficial properties from that specific cactus and made it available for cosmetic applications.
In addition to the proven moisturizing effect on the skin and the scalp, the valuable secondary metabolites of the cactus extract affect the sensory nerve cells in the skin by blocking the release of stress markers. This results in relieving signs of dry and itching sensitive scalp skin.
2. What process do you use to access the endangered plants prominent across your ranges?
We have different strategies to access rare plants. The cactus we use to produce AquaCacteen™, is cultivated by organic and fair trade certified farmers. But by far the most important way to access endangered plants to make them available for the cosmetic industry is to use biotechnological processes. This means establishing a plant cell culture out of only a very small amount of plant material. The culture is growing continuously in specific bioreactors with no need of additional plant material at a later stage. A most sustainable and eco-friendly way of production, preventing exhaustion of the plant.
3. Why is it important to have scalp-specific treatments in your hair routine?
Around 60% of women and 40% of men suffer from sensitive scalp. Main reasons for scalp irritations are a bad diet, use of harsh hair care products, pollution, stress by hormonal imbalances, certain medications, allergic reactions or inflammatory responses. Sensitive scalp leads to itching and inflammation. This is not only causing discomfort, but it can also lead to hair loss. The use of AquaCacteen™ soothes the scalp, prevents dryness and itching as well as irritations and redness leading finally to beautiful, healthy hair and general wellbeing.
4. How do you conduct your clinical trials?
To prove the mode of action we conduct cell based in vitro or ex vivo studies using cell or tissue cultures applying the active ingredients.
Clinical trials are conducted on human volunteers (men and women) suffering from irritated skin. Initial condition and progress are evaluated by using macro-photography and clinical scoring of erythema, dryness and itching by experts.
5. Why are plants so powerful and useful in hair care?
Nature always has the best solutions, we just have to find them, investigate and make them available to the cosmetic industry. The power of nature is unbeatable and it is our main inspiration for our new ingredients.
WIN 1 OF 5 SALON SCIENCE HAMPERS TO THE VALUE OF R1 000 EACH!
All you need to do is tell us which Salon Science hair-care products you’re interested to try and you could be one of our lucky 5 winners!
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