What benefits do spirulina and charcoal bring to hair? Find out what these two ingredients bring to the table for the perfect hair detox.
If you love treating yourself to the occasional hair detox, you’re probably wondering whether or not your detox routine is at the best it can be. Are you really taking all the necessary measures towards fresher, cleaner hair? The secret to the perfect detox lies not just in the right steps taken, but also in the right ingredients used. Learn why natural ingredients like spirulina and charcoal should be an integral part of every hair detox.
Spirulina nourishes and protects hair against pollution
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is found in alkaline bodies of water, typically in tropical regions. This plant source, having been exhaustively studied since the mid-1900’s, is highly recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of a healthy diet because of its high nutritional value.
Spirulina extract also contains potent antioxidants that can protect your hair against the damaging effects of pollution caused by free radicals and harmful levels of UV exposure (1)(2). This is important because pollutant particles containing carbon dioxide and heavy metals build up on the hair’s surface and accelerate protein oxidation, which can lead to dull, dry strands and overall hair damage (2). Powerful antioxidants found in spirulina can combat this oxidative stress to prevent weakened hair.
Charcoal and its purifying properties
Also known as ‘the black diamond’, charcoal consists of those bits of carbon compounds that are leftover after the burning of organic substances such as wood or fossil fuels. The Dercos Nutrients Detox range contains charcoal collected from sustainably sourced bamboo ash, which is then refined into a powder.
Charcoal is commonly found in skincare products like face masks thanks to its purifying properties. Recent studies show that it can actually cleanse your hair in the same fashion without damaging your strands in the process. Charcoal acts as a magnet by safely drawing out and absorbing pollutant particles, excess sebum and dirt from the hair. As a result, charcoal’s anti-residue agents will leave your hair feeling cleaner, lighter and bouncier.
How to add spirulina and charcoal into your hair detox routine, step-by-step:
1. Use a pollutant-targeting shampoo. like Dercos Nutrients Detox Shampoo that is suitable for a sensitive scalp. Lightly massage all over the head, while applying gentle pressure with your fingertips for 5-6 minutes. The key is not to rush: Remember that taking your time with slow, circular movements provides better coverage, allows for optimal absorption, and can also relieve stress.
2. Always follow-up with conditioner. A hair detox must be a thorough routine, so never skip over this moisturizing step. Fight dry ends by nourishing your strands with Dercos Nutrients Detox Conditioner for soft, silky results.
3. Refresh second-day hair with Dercos Nutrients Detox Dry Shampoo. Make sure to spray from an arm’s length distance to prevent white cast and residue build-up.
SOURCES:
1. Galliano, A. et al, ‘Particulate matter adheres to human hair exposed to severe aerial pollution: consequences for certain hair surface properties.’ 39.6 (2017) pp. 610-616 [Accessible at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28748540]
2. Grosvenor AJ et al, ‘Oxidative Modification in Human Hair: The Effect of the Levels of Cu (II) Ions, UV Exposure and Hair Pigmentation’ in Wiley Online Library: Photochemistry and Photobiology 92.1 (2016) pp. 144-9 [Accessible at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26451514]