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Listen closely in salons right now, and you’re likely to hear about “peptides for hair.” Ahead, learn how this trend can work into your own hair routine.

Peptides for Hair Are Trending—Here’s How To Add Them to Your Routine

Listen closely in salons right now, and you’re likely to hear about “peptides for hair.” Ahead, learn how this trend can work into your own hair routine.
Peptides for Hair Are Trending—Here’s How To Add Them to Your Routine

Peptides definitely aren’t new—but using topical peptides for haircare benefits is emerging as a new trend. For the unfamiliar, peptides are short chains of amino acids that help form proteins like keratin—one of the main components of your hair. These strings of molecules occur naturally throughout your body but are also used in topical hair (and skincare) products. Depending on the formula, you can find peptide products with numerous benefits, ranging from anti-aging to hair volumizing. You may even notice some experts recommending peptides for hair growth.

If you’re interested in trying peptides for yourself, keep scrolling. Below, we’re sharing how to add peptides to your daily haircare routine.

Good hair day by @brendapabreu.

How To Use Peptides for Hair

There are a number of options for incorporating peptides into your regimen, but we’re partial to easy step-by-step systems like L’Oréal Professionnel’s Absolut Repair Molecular line. In it, you’ll find five products formulated with the brand’s patented peptide bonder—an ingredient that helps address damage—and five amino acids. The range includes a pre-treatment, shampoo, rinse-off serum, hair mask, and leave-in mask. The pre-treatment is only available in salons, while the latter four make up an at-home routine, designed to be used in that same order. Ahead, learn more about each formula.

L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Salon Exclusive Pre-Treatment

While most of the Absolut Repair Molecular line can (and should) be used at home, this pre-treatment is an in-salon exclusive. At the start of your service, your stylist will spray it onto damp hair and work it through your lengths and ends to help restore elasticity and immediately detangle hair. Use the brand’s salon locator tool to find a salon offering the treatment near you.

L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Sulfate-Free Shampoo

When you think of haircare products, shampoo probably springs to mind first. It’s an essential part of a hair routine. And it’s only fitting that shampoo is at the heart of the Absolut Repair Molecular range. This sulfate-free formula for damaged hair affected by chemical treatments, color, and heat works to quickly repair your hair’s molecular structure from the inside out. And like any good shampoo, it also cleanses, gently removing impurities without stripping your hair of natural oils.

L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Rinse-Off Serum

Just as face serums are a great way to give your skin targeted care, the same goes for hair serums and your strands. This rinse-off serum is no exception. It deeply penetrates the hair for an instant transformation and 3x more strength.* Apply it to clean hair after shampooing, and follow with the coordinating hair mask, which we’ll dig into next…

*Vs non-conditioning shampoo.

L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Mask

When your hair needs TLC, using a hair mask is a no-brainer. This mask is a particularly great option for damaged hair. It can help visibly fight two years of damage in one use,* leaving hair stronger and with improved elasticity. To turn washing your hair into a self-care session, prep your mane with the shampoo and rinse-off serum, as mentioned above, then apply a generous amount of the mask. Let it sit for a minute or two and rinse out.

*With system of shampoo + rinse-off serum + mask

L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-In Mask

Last but not least is the leave-in. Take care of overprocessed strands with this salon-grade heat protectant. It helps strengthen and protect your hair while smoothing, reducing frizz, and boosting shine. It also helps repair the hair, restoring strength, elasticity, and movement. Use it on clean, towel-dried hair before styling to defend your strands against heat damage at temperatures up to 450°F.

Next Up: Using Hyaluronic Acid for Hair—Is It Really Worth the Hype?

If you’re dealing with damaged hair, book an appointment with a pro to get personalized advice.

Header photo credit (left to right): @salonnaman, Hair.com

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