Why You Should Add Ceramides To Your Hair Care Routine, According to Hair Experts

For hair that’s smooth, manageable and shiny — the trifecta we all seek — it’s all about one ingredient. Enter ceramides for hair, which form a protective layer around your hair shaft. As we heat style, color and expose our hair to the elements, however, these essential ceramides deplete. The result? Dry, brittle strands prone to breakage and frizz. But the good news is you can revitalize your hair and restore its brilliance by introducing ceramides back into your hair care routine.  Ahead, ceramide-infused products that will transform your hair from lackluster to lustrous and easy tricks for using them from hair experts.

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are a fatty acid or lipid your body produces naturally to make moisture in the hair cuticle shine, says Dana Ionato , Sally Hershberger NOMAD colorist and hairstylist. “People are born with them, but as time goes on, it depletes," she says. "So applying ceramide products to your hair will help protect your cuticle and make your hair shiny and smooth."

Related: Ceramides Skin Benefits: Dermatologists Swear by This Ingredient to Hydrate, Soothe and More

Ceramides for hair benefits

They’re necessary for shine, bounce and moisture, says Ionato. “Your hair naturally has ceramide fatty lipids in the outer layer of the cuticle,” she explains. “Coloring hair and using hot tools weakens the cuticle which can make it dry and brittle.” Using a synthetic ceramide can restore moisture and also create a barrier or sealant around each strand. “It helps mimic ceramides your body already produces naturally,” she adds.

Even better? “Ceramides keep the cuticle of the hair closed which helps the strand retain moisture, strengthens the hair, prevents breakage, adds shine and reduces frizz,” says Gretchen Friese , BosleyMD Trichologist.

How to add ceramides to your hair care routine

There is one specific ingredient that Ionato says she thinks is the best for making sure it has enough ceramides to make a difference in your hair product. “It’s sphingosine,” says Ionato. “It's the purest form of ceramide.”

To incorporate ceramides into your hair care routine, hair restoration surgeon Ross Kopelman. MD says to start by looking for shampoos, conditioners and leave-in treatments that contain ceramides. ”These products help to reinforce the hair's natural protective barrier, reduce frizz and prevent damage,” he says. He says to use them regularly as part of your cleansing and conditioning regimen. “I often advise my patients to include ceramide-infused hair care products to maintain healthy and strong hair, as ceramides can significantly improve the overall health and appearance of their hair.”

Friese agrees saying you can find ceramides in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and hair oils . “You can also take ceramide supplements, which can support overall hair and skin health from within,” she says. Additionally, “some natural oils, like wheat germ oil, contain ceramides.”

The best ceramides-infused hair care products

“Ceramides are popping up all over the place now, advertised on the front label of different hair products,” says Ionato. Here, our experts’ favorite ceramide-infused formulas available on the market today.

Garnier Fructis Ceramide Hair Filler Color Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

This is Ionato’s drugstore pick for a fabulous ceramide-packed hair care formula. It’s formulated to reverse up to a year of damage and is ideal for colored and bleached strands.

Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask

Friese says this is a great option. “It has bond building technology to strengthen damaged hair and is formulated with several kinds of ceramides,” she adds.

Redken Extreme Shampoo

Dr. Kopelman says this shampoo is infused with ceramides to help strengthen and repair damaged hair, making it more resilient and less prone to breakage. “It’s perfect for those who frequently style their hair with heat or color treatments, as it helps to fortify the hair and restore its natural strength,” he says. “I recommend this to my patients who need extra reinforcement to keep their hair looking healthy and vibrant.”

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm

This conditioner uses ceramides to deeply nourish and restore damaged hair, leaving it smooth and healthy-looking, says Dr. Kopelman. “It’s an excellent choice for anyone dealing with split ends, breakage or dryness, as it works to repair and revitalize the hair from the inside out.”

Kérastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile Original Hair Oil

Friese likes this product, which is not only formulated with ceramides, but is also a great option for heat protection, she says. It also helps add shine and control frizz.

Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo & Conditioner

This is a go-to for Ionato. It extends your color for up to 32 washes while locking in shine. The acidic pH formula boasts amino acids, and vitamin E helps seal the cuticle and helps with fading caused by water and heat.

K18 Damage Shield Shampoo

Another of Ionato’s favorite ceramide-packed hair care formulas, this shampoo is great because it's created for all hair types. It's pH-optimized and helps prevent frizz, preserve color and impart shine.

For more hair tips and tricks, click through these stories:

11 Best Hair Growth Supplements for Women Over 50 to Reverse Thinning Hair No Matter the Cause

Hygral Fatigue Is the Sneaky Culprit of Hair That Looks Thin, Limp and Dull: How To Reverse It

Hair Pros Share 4 Ways To Refresh Dull Hair At Home Without Having to Re-Dye