Amino Acid Hair Treatments: A Gentler Alternative to Keratin

Amino acid hair treatments are gaining popularity as a gentler alternative to keratin treatments, according to cosmetic chemist Charlene Valledor, co-founder of SOS Beauty. Unlike keratin treatments that contain formaldehyde and break disulfide bonds for long-lasting straightening, amino acid treatments are formaldehyde-free and preserve natural hair texture while repairing damage. Valledor notes that salon-grade treatments can smooth hair for eight to 12 weeks. The article reviews five products recommended by Vogue: Dyson Amino Leave-In Scalp Bubble Treatment ($55), Verb Bonding Mask ($22), Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner Set ($58), L'Oréal Professionnel Paris Absolut Repair Molecular Hair Mask ($52), and Cécred Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual ($53). Key ingredients include niacinamide, argan oil, peptides, and biotin. Celebrity hairstylist Matthew Collins, Dyson's global styling brand ambassador, endorses the Dyson treatment for soothing dry scalp. Valledor warns that using the wrong formula or overuse can weigh hair down or cause brittleness.