Many people do not realise it, but hair is more vulnerable when it is allowed to stay too wet for too long.
US entrepreneur Britta Cox has been raising awareness of hygral fatigue -- when hair cuticles are damaged due to excessive exposure to moisture -- and how to minimise damage through Aquis fast-drying towels and turbans.
She founded the San Francisco-based Aquis to deliver a simple yet innovative way to limit the damaging effects of water.
When wet, hair stretches and swells, making it more prone to breakage. Her approach is to couple a reduction in the amount of water with faster drying for stronger hair, through the four-step Prime Hair Care system, launched this month at Sephora stores.
The first step involves spraying Prime Water Defense PreWash onto dry hair, and waiting for at least two minutes before washing the hair in the second step. Containing coconut oil, keratin and cysteine amino acids, the formula prevents strands from getting waterlogged and balances hair to its natural pH.
Also featuring amino acids and plant-derived surfactants, Prime Rebalancing Hair Wash cleanses strands while keeping the cuticle layer smooth to reduce tangles and frizz.
Cox recommends shampooing at the end of shower time for less water exposure, and skipping the use of a traditional conditioner that tends to trap water in the cuticle.
The third step is fast-drying with the Aquis turban, made from a proprietary wicking fabric called Aquitex, woven into channels that move water away from hair quickly and evenly.
The brand claims that its Rapid Dry Hair Turban cuts drying time by 50% compared to regular towels, without friction or heat.
Damp hair, in the last step, is moisturised with Prime Restorative Leave-In Conditioner enriched with avocado oil as well as keratin and cysteine amino acids.
Aquis Prime Restorative Leave-In Conditioner.
Aquis Prime Water Defense PreWash.
Aquis Prime Rebalancing Hair Wash.
