Beauty Goodies

Quinoa Q&A For Haircare

January 31, 2011 Beauty

*

Move over silk protein, there’s a new ingredient for healthy hair! Lab studies have shown that hydrolyzed quinoa protein showed film forming and moisture retention benefits,  as well as firming effects and penetration for hair damage control and repair. According to fluorescence microscopy, after 5 treatments of using hair product containing hydrolyzed protein, hair samples showed 32% improvement on damage to the outside of the hair, and a 26% reduction of damage to the inner hair cortex.

*

What is quinoa?

Quinoa (pronounce keen-wah) are small, oval-shapes nutritious seeds that resemble millet.  Best known for its versatility to a variety of cooking styles,  it is gluten-free and has a delicately nutty flavor. It is rich in protein, magnesium, and iron.

*

*

Why is quinoa making its way into haircare products?

Quinoa seeds contain a power punch of hydrolyzed protein,  which is one of the highest available in a plant source. 

*

*

What are key benefits of  hair products containing hydrolyzed quinoa?

-It may form an invisible film over the hair to protect it from environmental exposure,  while providing hydration and nourishment

-It may penetrate the hair for repair and protection.

-It may provide hair substantivity for damage repair, gloss, and a smooth appearance.

*

*

Does quinoa protein actually work to improve hair structure?

Perhaps there is truth to the power of this protein. According to Hair Structure and Chemistry Simplified, damaged and porous hair acts to absorb a great deal of useful protein. This may help to seal split ends and prevent them from getting worse. However, the protein that can be absorbed has to be small enough to fit the opened pores. Hydrolyzed protein are tiny fragments that are small enough, and are designed to pass through the cuticle and penetrate the hair’s cortex. The result? Improved texture, equalized porosity, and increased elasticity.

*

*

Where can you find hydrolyzed quinoa?

The newly launched Phyto Organics Chromalife Coulour Retention System contains a quinoa protein

complex that contains a blend of antioxidants, UV blockers, and a quinoa protein complex that claims to prevent hair color fading and maintain color of dyed hair 5x longer than any other shampoo and conditioner.

I received my sample of the Chromalife System last week,  just in time after my monthly color touch-up. The shampoo is very creamy and does a great job at detangling hair,  while the conditioner has a noticeably immediate moisturizing effect. When it was rinsed off,  hair felt nicely moisturized as if I had used a masque on it.  When I ran my wide-toothed comb through my freshly washed strands, it glided through like butter without any knotty tangles as it usually does.  I have yet to try the Shine Spray, but am excited to use it.  I have been using it for about a week now, and have noticed less frizz, more shine and softness.

This new product line includes Colour Lock Shampoo ($18), Colour Lock Conditioner($20), Colour Lock Treatment($24) and Firm Hold Shine Spray($16). All products are found in fine salons nationwide.

*

*

So conquer tress distress and strengthen your locks by adding a little protein to your mane routine.  Your hair will thank you!

*

*

*Sources:

Hair Structure and Chemistry Simplified, 3rd Ed by John Halal

Tags: damaged hair, hair, hair repair, haircare, healthy hair, hydrolyded quinoa, hydrolyzed protein, quinoa