When it comes to beauty, many brands strategically pick where to aim its focus, whether that's skin [1], hair, makeup, nails, or fragrance. In most cases, the company spends years honing in how to make the best product for each need — an effective zit cream [2], a moisturising conditioner, lip-plumping gloss, the works — putting time and effort into making its products stand out in that respected area. Recently, however, that notion has been turned on its head as more skin-care brands have decided to dabble in the hair space.
From Aveeno to Drunk Elephant [3], these formerly skin-care-only brands have created new products that are just for your hair. But the big question is: Do we as consumers trust skin-care brands in another area of expertise?
But the big question is, do we as consumers trust skin-care brands in another area of expertise?
In many ways, the expansion into this space makes sense. More consumers are understanding that every inch of your skin deserves the same attention and high-quality ingredients that your face does, even if it is the skin on the top of your head. While your scalp oftentimes takes a back seat when it comes to skin care, experts agree it should be treated in a similar manner. Dust, dirt, grime, and product build-up on the scalp can have a negative effect on the health of your hair in the same way it would your skin, meaning it needs the same kind of attention. If not cared for properly, scalp problems like flaking and itching [4], as well as blocked follicles and the formation of pimples, can occur just as they would on the face.
In addition, the increase in hair-care sales have skyrocketed in recent years, and even more so during the novel coronavirus pandemic [5]. With the closure of many hair salons, people were forced to take care of their hair at home. Aside from the pandemic, sales have gone up in large part due to the demand of natural and organic ingredients in hair products. Consumers have realised that it's just as important to take care of all their skin, not just the skin on their face. Overall, skin-care brands that have broken into the hair space are using their knowledge of product development, skin concerns, and ingredient formulation to address hair needs. Taking care of your hair is just one small way of showing your body the love it deserves.
Check out a few of our favourites brands making the jump below.
Drunk Elephant's Foray Into Hair Care
Drunk Elephant, the brand that brought us the beloved Protini Polypeptide Moisturiser [7] and Baby Facial products, recently got into the hair space. While making the products for the line [8], Drunk Elephant tapped legendary hairstylist Chris McMillan to ensure that the collection contained the same innovation and excellence that it has applied to the making of its facial formulas. In addition, the Drunk Elephant hair line products are free of the same kind of sensitizing ingredients that are avoided in the skin-care line. There are no silicones, essential oils, or fragrances in any of the items, meaning that your hair can thrive the same way your skin does when you apply your favourite Drunk Elephant products to it.
The Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub [9] ($36) is made with an AHA/BHA acid blend that works to break down dead skin cells and buildup in the scalp. It gently exfoliates while making the scalp healthier and cleaner.
Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo
This colour-safe Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo [10] ($25) removes product buildup without damageing hair or stripping it of colour.
Drunk Elephant Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner
Made with plant oils and butters, this Drunk Elephant Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner [11] ($25) works to detangle and hydrate hair. It's also free of sulphates, silicones, essential oils, fragrance, dyes, and drying alcohols.
Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray
The hydrating and detangling Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray [12] ($25) makes hair manageable, shiny, and healthy.
Neutrogena's Foray Into Hair Care
Neutrogena [13] recently stepped into the hair care category after debuting its new Healthy Scalp Hair-Care Collection in late July. The line has a variety shampoos and conditioners that are infused with skin-care ingredients in its own facial care products, like micellar water and hyaluronic acid [14], with the focus on creating a healthy scalp. Just like how you can address your skin needs like oily skin, breakouts, and dryness, you can now do the same with your hair products.
Made with micellar water, this Neutrogena Lightweight Shampoo For Sensitive Scalp [15] ($9) cleanses ends without stripping them of moisture. It's ideal for those with sensitive scalps as it helps maintain the scalp's natural barrier.
Neutrogena Lightweight Conditioner For Sensitive Scalp
This Neutrogena Lightweight Conditioner For Sensitive Scalp [16] ($9) is colour-safe and is suitable for all hair type.
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Professional Cream Lather Shampoo
Nix dryness with the help of the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Professional Cream Lather Shampoo [17] ($5). It provides intense moisture, leaving hair healthier and shinier than before.
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Conditioner
Made specifically for extra-dry, over-processed, and colour-treated hair, this Neutrogena Triple Moisture Conditioner With Hydrating Olive, Meadowfoam, and Sweet Almond Extracts [18] ($5) works wonders. It helps provide deep treatment to leave hair feeling soft, smooth, and manageable.
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hydrating Hair Mask Treatment
Have dull and damaged hair? This Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hydrating Hair Mask Treatment [19] ($19 for two) will hydrate and restore hair in no time.
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Gentle Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner
If your hair is feeling weighed down and dirty, grab this Neutrogena Anti-Residue Gentle Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set [20] ($8) ASAP. It removes 90 percent of residue caused by shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, meaning your hair will be refreshed from top to bottom.
Sunday Riley's Foray Into Hair Care
With only one product on the market so far, the buzzy beauty brand Sunday Riley [21]. is taking small steps into the large world of hair. The Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum [22] ($48) is a rinse-off scalp treatment that includes ingredients like glycolic and salicylic acid, witch hazel, and rose clay, which together exfoliate, cleanse, and clarify the scalp, riding it of product build-up, excess oil, dead skin, and even pollution residue. If those ingredients sound similar to the ones you find in your skin-care products, that's because they are. Sunday Riley formulated it that way because your scalp is essentially an extension of your face, meaning serums can be just as effective.
Aveeno's Foray Into Hair Care
Aveeno also made strides into the hair realm with its vast line of new items. The 75-year-old brand, best known for its solutions-based skin-care products including eczema, acne, and more, dropped a collection of 25 products including shampoos, conditioners, hair masks [23], and even styling sprays. The main ingredients in the line span from oats to apple cider vinegar, each targeting different hair needs. From dull to dry ends, the product lineup covers the main bases of hair care issues, just as Aveeno's skin-care products have done for years.
Aveeno's line of hair care features eight different shampoo and conditioner sets. One of the products in the line is this Aveeno Kefir Probiotic Blend Shampoo [24] ($7). It's infused with probiotic kefir extract to help moisturise and soften hair.
Aveeno Cotton Blend Leave-In Light Moisture Conditioning Mist
If you're looking for ultra-lightweight moisture, opt for the Aveeno Cotton Blend Leave-In Light Moisture Conditioning Mist [25] ($12). It protects hair from styling heat while also providing frizz control.
Aveeno Clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar In-Shower Hair Rinse
Gorgeous, shiny hair is only one wash away when you use the Aveeno Clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar In-Shower Hair Rinse [26] ($7). It has clarifying properties that add high shine to hair while also rebalancing hair's pH.
Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo Dry
Infused with oats, rosemary, peppermint and cucumber, this Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo Dry [27] ($15) not only smells good, but feels good! It adds volume to hair and leaves it as fresh as can be.
Aveeno Hydrating Oat Milk Leave-In Milk Hair Treatment
Made with oats and almond milk, this Aveeno Hydrating Oat Milk Leave-In Milk Hair Treatment [28] ($8) is ideal for damaged hair.
Aveeno Intense Hydration Almond Oil Hair Mist
If frizz-free hair is your goal, grab this Aveeno Intense Hydration Almond Oil Hair Mist [29] ($7). It's made with oats and almond and avocado oil, providing hydration and shine.
Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo
Made for babies with sensitive skin, this Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo [30] ($14) cleanses without irritating skin.