Keratin is a strong, fibrous structure of proteins that are best known for being found within skin, hair, nails, and teeth. It is made from amino acids which are naturally bonded together to form a protective layer. If keratin is damaged or unhealthy the skin, hair, and nails tend to become weak and may split [...]

Found in North America, Europe and Asia, the flowers of the Evening Primrose open only at night – hence the name. The plants grow between four and five feet high and have lemon-scented leaves. Usually the flowers are yellow, but there are some varieties that are pink, red, or purple. The roots and stalks of [...]

Coconut isn’t just a tasty ingredient for pina coladas, bounty bars and Indian curries. It is a tropical oil that has many uses in beauty. Coconut oil is an emollient which smoothes and softens the skin. It smells sweet and is extracted from the flesh of a coconut. The oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral [...]

Retinol is a pure derivative of the active molecular form of Vitamin A. It increases cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, leading to healthier, smoother, and younger-looking skin. It is also commonly used for the treatment of acne, as the stimulation of cell regeneration helps to clear clogged pores. It is available in low concentrations [...]

Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid, otherwise known as vitamin B5. It is commonly found in cosmetic products from shampoos to creams and a lot in between! Panthenol lubricates and binds to hair follicles, coating the hair and creating a shimmer. This is because it seals the surface and make the strands appear [...]

We’ve already covered the definition for semi-permanent hair dye, but what about temporary colour? And no, they aren’t the same thing! While semi-permanent colors wash out after several shampoos, temporary hair colours provide just that — a short term, temporary effect. This no-commitment type of color comes in the form of shampoos, gels, rinses, sprays, [...]

When it comes to make up which shimmers, reflects, has luster or pearlessence, glitters or shines — however you want to describe it,  mica is probably behind it. Mined from the earth in thin sheets, this mineral is extremely finely ground for use in cosmetics such as eyeshadow, mineral makeup, powder, lipstick, and sometimes nail [...]

Humectants are non-oil based ingredients that attract moisture from the atmosphere. They pull in and hold water to keep hair, or skin, moist and soft. While hydrating, they also slow down the evaporation of liquid and can therefore be frequently found in conditioners meant for dry or damaged hair. Humectants take many common forms from [...]

Tourmaline is commonly a chemical combination of silicate, boron, and aluminum, although it can include other elements like iron, magnesium, and lithium. It is a precious crystal and is commonly found in hair appliances. Ground down into a fine powder it is added to hair tools such as mixed  into a ceramic coated flat iron, [...]

Different from alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own follicles), traction alopecia is a hair-loss condition triggered by certain hairstyles and hair styling processes. It occurs when there is damage to the hair follicle and the dermal papill (the small bit of skin at the base of the hair). This damage [...]