Insights

Hair oil: some work on surface, some go deeper.

What Hair Oil Does — and What It Doesn't

Hair oil does two jobs: conditioning the hair fibre and, in some cases, supporting the scalp. Separating the two explains which claims are evidence-based—and which are not.

What Hair Oil Does — and What It Doesn't

Hair oil does two jobs: conditioning the hair fibre and, in some cases, supporting the scalp. Separating the two explains which claims are evidence-based—and which are not.

Porosity test illustrated with mist absorption

Hair porosity explained (high vs low)

Most porosity advice starts with a float test in a glass of water — which doesn't actually work. The more reliable tell is your hair's own history. Here's what low...

Hair porosity explained (high vs low)

Most porosity advice starts with a float test in a glass of water — which doesn't actually work. The more reliable tell is your hair's own history. Here's what low...

A smooth aligned surface giving way to frizz and wear.

Frizz, dryness or damage: how to tell them apart

Two of these three "problems" are secretly the same one — and the third is often just healthy hair responding to humidity.

Frizz, dryness or damage: how to tell them apart

Two of these three "problems" are secretly the same one — and the third is often just healthy hair responding to humidity.

Describing oily scalp and dandruff flakes

Dandruff or dry scalp? How to tell the difference

Flakes don't always mean a dry scalp. This article separates dandruff from dry scalp, seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis, weighs the evidence for medicated actives and natural remedies, and explains why...

Dandruff or dry scalp? How to tell the difference

Flakes don't always mean a dry scalp. This article separates dandruff from dry scalp, seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis, weighs the evidence for medicated actives and natural remedies, and explains why...

Rocky structure representing hair strands daamge after the perm

Is your hair falling out after a perm — or brea...

A perm reshapes hair chemically, which explains the breakage, dryness and odd smells that follow — and what actually helps, and what's new.

Is your hair falling out after a perm — or brea...

A perm reshapes hair chemically, which explains the breakage, dryness and odd smells that follow — and what actually helps, and what's new.

Abstract illustration of trade route analogy for ingredient movement through hair fibre.

Your hair mask rinses fast. Strengthening the f...

Why a quick rinse can still improve slip, why some ingredients need longer, and how treating hair before shampoo makes a slower ritual practical.

Your hair mask rinses fast. Strengthening the f...

Why a quick rinse can still improve slip, why some ingredients need longer, and how treating hair before shampoo makes a slower ritual practical.