Updated June 2026 — HONE&CO, North Sydney
At HONE&CO, we love to stay on top of trends and techniques in the hair world. Take a look at the latest in hair care and styling and it can feel very overwhelming! So few of them sound familiar! It’s no longer just shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray so, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why our team has put together this glossary of best hair care, to help you choose products with confidence.
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What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide comes from the skincare world. Increasingly, hair and scalp products use it to support the skin barrier. On the scalp, it regulates oil production and soothes irritation. As a result, it’s a great option for anyone managing sensitivity or an oily scalp.
What is Panthenol?
Panthenol is a form of vitamin B5. It draws moisture into the hair shaft and helps hair hold onto it. It also coats each strand. This improves softness, shine, and manageability. You’ll find it in shampoos and styling creams alike.
What is Biotin?
Biotin is a B vitamin often linked to hair growth. It supports keratin, the protein that builds your hair. Results vary from person to person. Still, many clients use biotin products to support strength and thickness over time.
What are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. They signal the hair follicle to function more effectively. You’ll typically find them in scalp serums and treatments. Increasingly, clients reach for them to support density and follicle health, especially as hair thins with age.
What are Ceramides?
Ceramides occur naturally in hair. They help maintain the protective barrier of each strand. Heat, colour, and environmental damage can compromise that barrier over time. When this happens, ceramide-based products step in to restore it, lock in moisture, and improve resilience.
What is Glycerin?
A humectant found in many conditioners and styling products, glycerin draws moisture from the air into the hair. It’s brilliant for dry or dehydrated hair, though in very humid conditions it can sometimes contribute to frizz, so it’s worth knowing your climate before relying on it heavily.
What are Bond Builders?
A newer category of haircare, bond-building ingredients work at a molecular level to repair the internal structure of the hair, particularly after chemical services like colour or lightening. Rather than just coating the hair, they rebuild it from within, which is why they’ve become such a staple in professional colour services.
What are Heat Protectants?
Not a single ingredient, but a category worth understanding. Heat protectants form a barrier between the hair shaft and styling tools, reducing moisture loss and structural damage caused by high temperatures. If you reach for a hot tool regularly, this is genuinely non-negotiable.
What are Sulphates?
A cleansing agent found in many shampoos, sulphates create that familiar foaming lather. While effective at removing oil and product build-up, they can be quite stripping, particularly for colour-treated, dry, or curly hair. Sulphate-free formulas have become the preferred choice for most hair types as a result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients should I look for in hair products for my best hair care?
It depends entirely on your hair type and concern. Dry or damaged hair benefits from ceramides, bond builders, and panthenol. Fine or oily hair often does better with lightweight, sulphate-free formulas. Our team at HONE&CO can recommend the right combination for your specific hair during a consultation where we can outline our services.
Can I get personalised product advice at HONE&CO for my best hair care?
Absolutely. Book a consultation and our North Sydney team will walk you through exactly what your hair needs with no guesswork required. We can also show you the Kerastase range.
Book Your Consultation at HONE&CO, North Sydney
Whatever you’re working toward, your best hair cut, your best hair colour, or simply healthier everyday hair, our team is here to guide you through it. Book now at HONE&CO and let’s talk products.
