Hair care trends: Affordable alternatives and scientific reality

Consumers are increasingly seeking professional-quality hair care through affordable mass-market alternatives. While luxury brands like Kérastase are industry benchmarks, products found in pharmacies and supermarkets are offering similar technological benefits for deep nutrition and cuticle sealing at a lower cost.

Notable accessible options include Elseve’s Extraordinary Oil for shine and thermal protection, Lola Cosmetics’ Morte Súbita mask for moisture restoration, and Pantene’s revitalizing ampoules for severe damage.

Regarding viral beauty trends, scientific evidence does not support the claim that homemade rice water accelerates hair growth at the root. While studies in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology show promise for formulated rice bran extracts, these results do not translate to the cloudy water produced by soaking kitchen rice. While rice water may improve hair flexibility and reduce friction, it has not been proven to stimulate the hair follicle to produce hair faster.