Humectants draw water from the environment and into the hair keeping it moisturised for a longer period of time. Use products containing humectants first, so that water is absorbed effectively.

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Glycerin

Flaxseed Gel

Propylene Glycol

Sodium Lactate

Sodium PCA

Agave Nectar

Glucose

Fructose

Sorbitol

Honeyquat

Capryl Glycol

Butylene Glycol

Glycogen

Hydrolysed Proteins (e.g. Collagen, Keratin, Silk, Elastin)

 Sorbitol, Panthenol or Hydrolysed Silk Protein.

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Hair moisture content is essential, dry hair can look dull and lifeless. Dry hair problems can be addressed by applying hydrating and moisturizing products. These products contain humectants and emollients in specific concentrations and thereby balancing the moisture content of hair.

And yes! Just to confuse things you CAN over moisturise your hair. It's known as "Hygral fatigue".

Don't confuse a daily conditioner with a deep conditioner, they work on different layers of the hair.

There are little tricks (like squishing your hair with conditioner on) that will help to push water into the hair. Then you just need to keep it there (which is where the emollients come in).

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Emollients for hair are usually hydrophobic oils that form films on the surface of the hair, where they often act as anti-humectants or sealers.  They reduce tangling by smoothing and flattening the cuticle surface, which can also add shine and gloss to the hair. Use emollients last to seal in moisture.

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Plant butter (Shea, Cocoa, mango, etc.)

Waxes (Bees waxes, carnauba wax, etc.)

Plant sources oils (coconut oil, argan oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, olive oil, etc.)

Hydrocarbon based ingredients also offer the same results, and they are

C12-C15 alkyl benzoate

Cetyl lactate

Cetyl palmitate

Cetyl alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol

Squalene

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Proteins are mostly found in hair care treatments to restore the hair’s strength and elasticity. They make hair healthy and give a shiny, defined and smooth look. However, excessive and repeated use may cause protein sensitivity and build-up.

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Hydrolyzed (wheat, oat, soy) protein

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein

Hydrolyzed keratin

Hydrolyzed collagen

Amino acids (Silk, milk, wheat, etc.)

Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol (Derivative of keratin protein)

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol (Silicone modified wheat protein)

Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Quaternized wheat protein)