The hydrating haircare ingredients you need in your beauty routine

If dry, dehydrated strands are your cross to bear in summer – listen up! We called on the experts to discuss the best hair hydrating ingredients to know about in beauty, so you can experience luscious locks that appear silky and supple from root-to-tip.

What are the best hydrating ingredients for hair?

Hyaluronic Acid

Making waves in skincare with its ability to hydrate, replenish and soften the skin, hyaluronic acid is arguably the ingredient that kickstarted the 'skinification of haircare' trend:

“Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in your body, but it can also be manmade. It can retain moisture and bind approximately 1000 times its weight in water,” explains Jimmy Green, education manager at Redken and Pureology. “The moisture-binding property of hyaluronic acid is beneficial to all hair types and textures by helping retain the proper balance of lipids, humectants, and proteins required for healthy hair.”

“Redken All Soft Moisture Restore Leave-In Treatment is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help trap moisture molecules and seal the cuticle barrier with an acidic pH to retain moisture and balance your hair pH.”

Redken All Soft Moisture Restore Leave-In Treatment for Dry Hair with Argan Oil and Hyaluronic Acid 150ml

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RRP: ~~£26.00~~Current price: £23.40

Camellia Oil

Celebrated for its moisture-boosting properties, camellia oil is a popular hydrating ingredient for your hair – and it’s one that Pureology is proud to feature in their Color Fanatic Spray. “The main hydrating ingredients in colour fanatic spray are camellia oil and olive oil,” tells Jimmy.

“When combined, they can retain moisture and deeply penetrate the hair. Their composition is like sebum; the oil naturally produced by human skin, delivering phytonutrients. They also contain high levels of essential fatty acids, and omega 9 which help replenish the hairs natural barrier and prevent water loss.”

The Color Fanatic Spray boasts 21 benefits in one handy spray, helping to prime, protect and perfect colour-treated hair from root-to-tip, thanks to its blend of natural oils.

Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Purpose Hair Spray 200ml

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RRP: ~~£31.20~~Current price: £23.40

Argan Oil

We know argan oil has staked its claim the skincare space over the years – but it’s just as savvy an ingredient in the haircare world too!

“Argan oil is rich in ingredients, including fatty acids and vitamin E that make it a great oil to use on hair and skin,” says Jimmy. “It is rich in antioxidants, it provides the hair with moisture to help prevent future damage, splitting, and breakage.”

Enriched with a strand-softening dose of argan oil, Redken’s leave-in treatment is designed to nourish from root-to-tip. “It can be used on all hair types and textures,” shares Jimmy. “However, very dry, wavy or curly hair textures will see the most benefits from this treatment.”

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RRP: ~~£26.00~~Current price: £23.40

Hydrolysed Keratin

Designed to promote healthy shine with an instant surge of moisture, hydrolysed keratin can be used to support happy, hydrated hair – and it’s an ingredient that Phillip, creative director at TIGI, swears by: “Hydrolysed keratin & hydrolysed silk are the main active ingredients in TIGI Bed Head Ego Boost. Keratin restores hairs strength & manageability. The hydrolysed silk fills in split ends and keeps them glossy and smooth.”

TIGI's Ego Boost is the perfect treat for dry, brittle or colour-treated strands that are prone to split ends, frizz and mechanical damage, powered by hydrolysed keratin to help restore gloss, softness and hydration with every use.