Recent breakthroughs in hair care have put peptides in the limelight as a powerful new treatment for people who want thicker, fuller hair. Easily assembled short chains of amino acids are the literal building blocks of higher order proteins. They’re essential participants in cellular signalling, too. As you can see, peptides are playing a huge role in the hair care market. They stimulate certain genes that enhance hair regrowth and density, and you’ll spot them in growth boosters, scalp serums, and shampoos.
Peptides work by stimulating the secretion of growth factors and mainly nourish the thriving hair follicles. Among the plethora of peptides available, two main types stand out for their effectiveness in promoting hair growth: copper peptides and biomimetic peptides. Each kind has its distinct generative properties that promote visibly healthy, thicker hair.
Copper peptides are known for their ability, including research showing how they help stimulate blood flow to the scalp. Enhanced blood flow ensures that hair follicles receive important vitamins and nutrients, which is a crucial factor for healthy hair growth. These peptides increase the diameter of hair follicles. They are known to lengthen the anagen phase, the active growth phase of the hair cycle.
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, who creates his own copper peptide formulations, emphasizes the myriad beauty benefits this ingredient can provide. He went on to detail how they increase circulation to the scalp, increase size of hair follicles, lengthen anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, and increase collagen synthesis.
In comparison, biomimetic peptides are synthetic peptides engineered to mimic the function of naturally occurring peptides found in the body. They assist in the increased flow of blood, thus promoting better hair growth as well as the strengthening of hair follicles. Kerry Yates highlighted the significance of biomimetic peptides, noting their role in enhancing blood circulation essential for optimal follicle health.
“Biomimetic peptides are synthetic peptides designed to mimic naturally-occurring peptides,” – Kerry Yates
The scientific discovery of the overall synergy between various types of peptides can add a whole new level of effectiveness. Dr. Kiran Mian noted that using a serum with a mix of different peptides would produce better, more noticeable results. Peptides show synergy and multiply each other’s efficacy. So my general tip would be to look for a serum that has blending several peptides together,” she suggested.
The integration of these peptides into regular hair care regimens could have significant effects on hair condition and appearance. In addition to these growth-stimulating benefits, copper peptides have anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects that can encourage a healthy scalp environment. This step is important, as a healthy scalp is the basis for achieving optimal follicle wellness.
Kerry Yates succinctly summarized this connection: “Long story short, a healthy scalp leads to healthy hair.”
Beyond these more accessible ingredients, the market has started to introduce creative additions such as ashwagandha exosomes. Smart Growth America’s Dr. Amanda Kahn couldn’t contain her excitement about the new addition. She continued, “I love that it contains ashwagandha exosomes, which is an innovative approach to address hormonal and stress-induced hair thinning. With stress-related hair loss on the rise, such groundbreaking ingredients would offer a multi-faceted solution to fight against thinning hair.
Additionally, methods like wrapping the head in plastic wrap can trap heat to further stimulate scalp blood flow. Dr. Kahn emphasized the importance of this practice for enhancing treatment efficacy: “Covering the head in plastic adds warmth to further promote scalp circulation.”
Over the past few years, there have been several unique proprietary technologies that have taken hold in hair care formulations. These products with Redensyl use an ideal blend of plant extracts and peptides to focus on hair follicle stem cells. Procapil combines peptides with botanical ingredients that have been shown to strengthen the hair follicle and reduce hair thinning. Capixyl has both peptides and red clover extract to rejuvenate scalp health and thicken hair density.
Dr. Azizzadeh pointed out the innovations embedded in these technologies: “Key proprietary technologies include Redensyl, which combines plant extracts and peptides to target hair follicle stem cells; Procapil, a blend of peptides and botanical ingredients that strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair thinning; and Capixyl, which contains peptides and red clover extract to support scalp health and improve hair density.”
Science is starting to uncover the amazing powers of peptides in haircare. Business must elevate their game to produce emerging technologies that fully leverage this immense potential power. Figuring out how these compounds go about their business is important to this compound’s success. Then, by strategically choosing specific formulations, you can take your clients on the journey to beautiful, fuller-looking hair.