Proteins are great for a pre-workout boost of energy, but they’re also highly beneficial for your hair – and in some cases necessary! In fact, your hair naturally contains protein which maintains its structure and elasticity. But sometimes these native proteins can be stripped away (due to chemical treatments, heat damage, or just wear and tear) leaving you with brittle, dull, strands.

Thankfully, there are ways to replenish your hair of much needed protein to get your bouncy, shiny locks back. That’s where vegetable protein comes in (used in our LOCK IT IN Conditioner.) For decades, chemists have used different types of proteins in hair products, but we went with vegetable for a few different reasons. First and foremost, it is highly absorbable (more so than animal protein) which makes it super effective and long-lasting. Secondly, it is very similar in chemical structure to the protein that naturally occurs in our hair so it is able to lock it self in and rebuild the hair cortex, which is why it’s highly recommended color-treated hair.  And finally it is incredibly hydrating – and hydrated hair is healthy, flexible and less prone to breakage – it also gives you that shine we all strive for.

The main culprit for stripping your natural protein are actually heat treatments (straightening, curling, even blow-drying.) When the protein is stripped, it leaves your hair porous (little tiny holes) compromising the strength of the strand, leaving it susceptible to breakage, split ends, frizz, and a dull appearance. The vegetable protein in our product will fill in those holes and form a protective film around the strands. This film acts as a protectant against heat treatments, leaving your actual hair intact– without leaving harmful buildup. Not only that, it will protect your color from fading, drastically increasing the time between touch-ups. (And for a second line of defense against heat damage, try our Quick Blow-Dry Spray UPGRADE!)

As I already said, vegetable protein is very hydrating, but beyond that it works to balance your moisture levels. If there’s TOO much moisture, the cortex will swell, opening up the strand and creating a dull appearance. Too little, and the strand becomes brittle and prone to breakage or split ends. That is another reason why we put vegetable protein in our LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting Conditioner. Chemical treatments (especially bleach) can severely dehydrate your hair. Also, when used BEFORE a chemical service, it can help to reduce the damage.

So how do you know if your hair is lacking protein? There are a few different ways to tell. If you’re experiencing a lot of breakage, that is the most common sign. If your hair feels too light or even “mushy” when you get it wet, that could mean your hair is lacking structure and thickness caused by a protein deficiency. Even if you don’t have any of these symptoms, using products with protein periodically can help to maintain the structure and strength, proactively preventing damage. So for these reasons and more, there are many benefits to using products such as LOCK IT IN – save your money and save your hair, it’s worth it!

Front Banner:
Hair & Photo by Kayce Babinski @beautybybabinski

It should be no surprise to you that lemons are an effective cleaning agent – from household cleaners, to dish soap, to homemade cleaning solutions – lemon extract is everywhere. But what you may not have known is that Ancient Egyptians actually used lemon juice (most likely mixed with clay or another diluting ingredient) to cleanse their thick hair of grease, dirt, natural oils, and sand (I mean have you ever tried to get the sand out of your hair after a day at the beach – not an easy task!) What they discovered is that the astringent and purifying properties of the lemon were super effective at breaking through all the muck for clean, fresh hair.

Which is exactly why we included lemon extract in both our LOCK IT IN and STACKED Shampoos. In addition to cleansing the hair and scalp of buildup (and even hard water limescale), it works to balance your pH levels. Your hair’s pH typically falls within 4.5 to 5.5, but if your hair products are too strong, they can cause your hair to frizz, develop split ends or become brittle. Lemons have a pH of 2, and when used in shampoo, it can balance the pH of your hair which will reduce frizz, split ends and breakage – it’ll even work to create shine! The acidic nature of the fruit will also tighten your hair follicles, preventing hair fall and promoting healthier growth.

Another key element of lemon are its antioxidant qualities. This will prevent damage caused by environmental stresses that are regularly put on your hair (eg. UV rays, smoke, pollution, etc.) These factors can lead to premature ageing and greying, and the lemon extract will slow this process. In addition, the anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of the extract help to fight off scalp conditions that can cause dandruff.

We love lemon extract for these reasons and more, and on top of including it in our top two shampoos, we also added it to our UPGRADE Quick Blow-Dry Spray. Because the extract has those clarifying properties, it can actually regulate the production of natural oils on your scalp. When you’re at a healthy level, your hair will be bouncier, lighter, and yes – even dry quicker. The vitamin C in the lemon boosts the production of collagen as well, which repairs your porous strands (caused by heat or chemical damage), creating a shiny surface and less frizz. So the next time life hands you lemons – don’t make lemonade. Turn those lemons into great hair!

Front Banner:
Hair & Photo by Kayce Babinski @beautybybabinski

If you’ve ever purchased or used our LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting Shampoo, you may have noticed on the back it says “Contains ProVitamin B5” – but what is that and why is it beneficial for you? We’ve got the inside scoop, so read on!

A member of the B-Complex Vitamin family (many of which are used as popular supplements), ProVitamin B5, also referred to as panthenol, is well known in the beauty industry for its moisturizing benefits. There are several features of this additive which create shine, elasticity, and even volume. So let’s break down what those features are…

When applied to your hair or scalp, this particular vitamin is a highly effective humectant – which in layman’s terms means it promotes moisture retention. The chemical structure actually attracts moisture from the atmosphere and binds it to your hair and scalp. With all of the various chemical and heat treatments in use today, hair can become dehydrated, brittle, and dull. ProVitamin B5 will restore that moisture, resulting in stronger, more flexible hair strands – and some have even said that it expands the hair shaft to create a voluminous look. Everything on this planet grows with water – so a hydrated scalp is going to result in a healthier follicle as well.

In addition to retaining moisture, this ingredient will create a water-soluble film on the hair shaft (water soluble meaning you won’t end up with a waxy buildup.) This serves a number of purposes – first and foremost it creates a glossy finish and adds shine, giving you that fresh-from-the-salon radiance we all crave. It also acts as a detangler without adding greasiness or oiliness.

We decided to use ProVitamin B5 in our LOCK IT IN Shampoo for a couple different reasons. For one, color-treated hair needs all the moisture it can get, so this will help to reduce any damage by making the strands stronger and more pliable. Additionally, adding shine to colored hair will enhance the vibrancy – truly giving you your money’s worth. Other benefits include reduced breakage and split ends, adding softness and creating a smooth look. So if that’s something you’re after – check out LOCK IT IN today!

Front Banner:
Hair & Photo by Kim Bruno @kimmykimster 

Sage is one of those herbs everyone knows about – either to put in food, as a fragrance, or even to rid your space of bad juju. As with most herbs, sage has been used for centuries by many different cultures for their medicinal properties, and even to combat hair loss. (In fact, sage’s scientific name is derived the Latin word “salvere” which translates to “to be saved.”) That’s why it’s no surprise that the extract from this ancient plant is a popular additive in beauty products, and why we’ve chosen it for two of our shampoos.

Sage, a member of the mint family with close relatives such as oregano, rosemary, lavender, basil and thyme, is native to the Mediterranean and South-Eastern Europe. Its earliest uses date back to ancient Roman times, who were the first to use the herb for cosmetic purposes.

So what’s in sage that benefits your hair health? Like many of the other natural extracts used in Paul Joseph Professional products, it’s packed with nutrients vital to a healthy scalp and hair, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C (both which also act as an antioxidant – more on that later), B-Vitamins, Vitamin E, and minerals (namely potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper.) These nutrients work together to nourish the scalp and follicles, resulting in healthier and stronger hair. It is also thought that the compounds within the sage plant can actually darken grays, reducing the need for color touch-ups.

Hair loss can be caused by a number of different factors, such as hormones, stress, or genetics. One of the causes for alopecia is thought to be the result of an immune disorder which attacks hair follicles and damages them, reducing the blood flow to the scalp. With or without this disorder, the sage extract will actually work to promote blood flow to the scalp, therefore creating the building blocks for healthy follicles. The antioxidant properties also reduce the buildup of oils and environmental toxins that can clog the follicles, clarifying the hair for new growth.

While you may have used sage in the past to cleanse your home of bad energy, now you can use it to cleanse your hair of toxins. We used the extract in both our LOCK IT IN and STACKED shampoos for its ability to create stronger, healthier hair, and to reduce color fade. So take our “sage” advice, use it, and pass it along! :)

Front Banner:
Hair & Photo by Kayce Babinski @beautybybabinski

If you’re from our neck of the woods (pun intended) in the Northeast of the US, you’re likely very familiar with the gigantic white oak tree. What you may not be familiar with is the variety of uses extracted from the gray-ish white, bumpy bark. Native Americans knew all about the magical healing properties derived from these large trees and soon after, the first settlers were using it too – as an antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and even as a diuretic. Now the aforementioned uses are usually associated with an illness or wound, but you don’t have to be injured to reap the benefits for your hair.

There are many nutrients contained within the white oak bark (or quercus alba bark) extract, such as B12, iron and potassium. But the most standout component is its high tannin content (somewhere between 15-20%). Tannins, a class of astringent (drying, constricting agent), are found in a variety of things you may already consume, namely wine and tea. You also may have heard of “Tannin Smoothing”, a hair treatment used as an alternative to other chemical smoothers, which is designed to reduce frizz and increase softness. In our products, the astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of the tannins work to regulate the amount of oil in your hair/on your scalp which in turn reduces dandruff, prevents hair loss, and strengthens the hair follicle. Not only that, but your hair will stay fresher for longer – no more greasy second day hair!

While tannins might be the star of the extract, there are other elements which solve a variety of common hair issues. Flavonoids, a common plant chemical, work to protect the plant itself from harmful free-radicals (pollution, smoke, harmful UV rays, etc.) and they do the same for your hair! Quercetin, one of these flavonoids, works to strengthen the blood vessels and increase blood circulation to the scalp. This in combination with the vitamin B12 promotes healthier, faster growing hair.

So where can you find this wondrous and woody extract? We’ve included white oak bark extract in both our LOCK IT IN and STACKED Shampoos. LOCK IT IN is for color-protection, so the tannins work to smooth damaged hair and the flavonoids block against UV damage – one of the main causes of color fade. STACKED is a volumizing shampoo, so the flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals work to promote new, healthy hair growth and prevent breakage, while the tannins rid you of the oily build-up that’s preventing the lift and bounce you’re going for.  So when you’re searching for a new shampoo, take a step back towards nature and the countless benefits of the historic white oak tree!

FRONT BANNER:
Hair & Photo by @hairbytaypoletti

You may be thinking “how and why would I ever put smelly garlic in my hair?” It may be the best topping for bread and a tasty addition to nearly any recipe, but this pungent plant is not usually associated with hair care. However, it has been used for many years as a home remedy for cold symptoms, fighting off infections, and more recently, for longer, thicker, stronger hair. So what is it about garlic that has attracted the attention of the hair industry?

Garlic, found in our LOCK IT IN & STACKED Shampoos, is loaded with hair-improving vitamins, minerals, and elements such as sulfur, selenium, copper, and calcium. Vitamins C, B2, and B1 work to increase circulation in your scalp which promotes healthy hair growth, therefore helping to prevent hair loss. Sulfur is especially important for stronger hair growth since it acts as a building block for keratin, the nutrient which makes your hair and nails grow. Additionally, selenium loads up your hair with Vitamin E which effectively prevents breakage , keeping more of your hair where it should be – on your head!  Copper is another prominent element found in garlic and it can actually prevent the growth of defective, unhealthy hair, improving the overall health of your strands. And we can’t forget about calcium, which helps to improve the structural component of your hair.

 As if all that isn’t enough, in 2007 scientists performed a double blind study on people suffering from alopecia (a condition that causes hair loss). One group received a betamethasone cream, typically used to treat swelling, itching, and skin irritation, and one group was given a gel containing betamethasone and 5% garlic. The group using the garlic gel saw an average of 1.5cm² reduction in areas that were balding, as opposed to the other group which only saw a 0.4cm² reduction. Although there still needs to be more research done on garlic for treating baldness, it’s been found that the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of the plant have proven to be beneficial.

And that’s not all the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of the extract are good for. They also work to reduce buildup on the scalp, prevent dandruff, and fight off bacteria that can lead to unhealthy hair.

So while you won’t smell that familiar garlic-y odor in our shampoos, that’s the only thing missing from our LOCK IT IN and STACKED Shampoos – which we think everyone is ok with. You won’t walk around smelling like an Italian restaurant, but your hair will show the results of this wondrous extract.

Front Banner:
Hair & Photo by Kayce Babinski @beautybybabinski

With flu season still in full effect, you’ve probably had to sip some tea to ease your pain – and it probably contained either echinacea or chamomile! Well, the extracts from these healing, herbal plants are also used in both our LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting and our STACKED Volumizing Shampoos. So why did we include these herbs in our products? Sit down, make a tea, and read on!

Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower, has long been used as a natural remedy for its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and immune-boosting properties, dating back to the Native Americans over 400 years ago. Now, these aren’t really concerns people have when it comes to their hair, so why put it in shampoos? The herb’s antimicrobial properties actually work to prevent dandruff and scalp irritation, and its high concentration of vitamin C actually protects the collagen in your hair from breaking down. The extract also aids in increasing the blood circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and promoting growth.

Chamomile, another popular home-remedy herb, has been used for as many as 2000 years to treat anxiety and insomnia (hence its use in night-time teas.) But there’s much more to this sweet smelling plant. Like echinacea, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can sooth dry or irritated scalps and prevent dandruff. Furthermore, compounds contained in this plant have been known to treat oily hair, invigorate hair growth, strengthen hair roots, and hydrate dry/brittle hair. And for the blondes out there – chamomile has long been used to brighten up those sunny strands and boost shine.

The chemists for Paul Joseph Professional used these unlikely extracts for the above reasons and more. For our LOCK IT IN Shampoo for color-treated hair, they prevent hair breakage and re-hydrate chemically damaged locks, increase vibrancy (especially for blondes), and ensure healthy hair renewal. For our STACKED Volumizing Shampoo, they stimulate new hair growth, prevent breakage, strengthen hair follicles, and protect against scalp irritation or damage from UV rays, smoke and pollution. Who knew that such pretty flowered plants had such powers?

Front Page Banner:
Hair & Photo by Kayce Babinsky @beautybybabinsky
Model Kaitlyn Smith @kshakawaves 

What’s better than a crisp, cold lemonade on a summer day? We may be a few months from enjoying a tall glass by the pool, but you might be surprised to learn that these ingredients are good for more than a refreshing beverage. The benefits of sugarcane and lemon extracts for your hair are impressive enough on their own – but together they combine to create shine so bright that even the sun will be envious.

So how does it work? For starters, both are rich in vitamins and minerals which are then absorbed into the scalp and follicles, nourishing from within. Just like we feed the rest of our body with nutrients, the hair relies on a healthy foundation to promote hair growth, repair damage from heat/chemical treatments, and rebuild the strands inside and out. Healthy hair is also much better at preventing further damage, saving you time and money in the long run. It’s certainly an "UPGRADE!” (more on that later…)

Now that we know you need to “feed” your hair, it makes sense that (like every living being on this planet) it needs moisture to thrive. This is where sugarcane extract comes in. With a high moisture content, the use of this ingredient will rehydrate and condition your scalp and hair, leading to lustrous results without weighing down your strands like chemical-based conditioners can. In fact, by drawing moisture into each strand, you’ll end up with the appearance of fuller, shinier, bouncier hair.

While sugarcane is pretty awesome, lemon extract is equally remarkable. We all know vitamin C is an important part of any diet (and in fighting off these winter colds), but it can also reduce hair loss by strengthening and tightening your follicles. The extract also contains anti-fungal properties which help to curb dandruff – because who is going to notice your pretty hair when you have snowflakes on your shoulders?

It’s for all of the above reasons and more that we used these two natural and extraordinary ingredients in our UPGRADE Quick-Blow Dry Spray. The final product is a fresh-scented, lightweight spray designed to tame frizz, create a glossy finish, and condition dry or damaged hair. You can now achieve a salon-quality blow out in the comfort of your own home – and in 30% less time! So not only have you saved money by skipping a visit to your stylist, you now have time to enjoy life – perhaps to whip up a nice glass of lemonade on a sunny day…

Hair by: Kim Bruno @kimmykimster 
Photo by: Kim Bruno @kimmykimster