The argument
The science
Hair care treats hair. Hair is dead. The scalp is skin, and it's alive.
01 — The outer layer
Stratum corneum.
The outermost layer of skin, and the name of the company. On the face it gets serums and actives at stated concentrations. On the scalp it usually gets conditioner.
You cannot fix hair. You can only change the skin it grows from. Hair improves as a consequence.
02 — The growth cycle
Every follicle cycles.
Growth, a short transition, then rest. After rest the hair falls and a new one starts. A shock to the system pushes many follicles into rest at once, which is why shedding appears months after its cause.
Stress shedding →Density's claim is about this cycle: more follicles in the growth phase. Not thicker hair.
03 — The actives
Every active is named with its percentage on the front of the vial. A brand that won't state the concentration has a low concentration.
Salicylic acid 4.0%
A beta hydroxy acid. Loosens the bonds between dead cells so scale washes away.
In Cleanse →Salicylic acid 0.5%
The same mechanism at a dose a sensitised scalp can tolerate.
In Cleanse Mild →Niacinamide 3.0%
Supports the lipids that hold water in the outer layer.
In Barrier →Panthenol 1.0%
Draws water into the skin and calms it.
In Barrier →Caffeine 5.0%
Studied for its effect on the follicle's growth phase.
In Density →Peptide complex 2.0%
Signalling peptides aimed at the follicle environment.
In Density →Ketoconazole 2.0%
An antifungal. Reduces Malassezia, the yeast behind seborrhoeic dermatitis.
In Reset →
04 — pH and concentrate
Most shampoo is water. You already have water.
- Cleanse pH
- 4.2
- Conventional shampoo
- 80% water
- Corneum refill
- 40 G, not 400
- One refill
- 30 ML makes 200 ML
05 — What we won't claim
No volumising, no thickening, no reversing. Nothing makes hair thicker.
Vessel 01$65 · Bought once