The Powder Lab

The Powder Lab

Haircare research, recs and vibes. Plus some travel beauty inspo for good measure.

TOPICS: It's ScienceJetset ReadyFor EarthHair Vibes

April 22, 2026

How to Use Conditioner the Right Way — And How Much You Actually Need

How to Use Conditioner the Right Way — And How Much You Actually Need

Most people apply too much, in the wrong place, and rinse too fast. Here's what the science says about conditioning — and how concentrated formulas ch...

April 14, 2026

How Much Shampoo Should You Actually Use?

How Much Shampoo Should You Actually Use?

Most people use two to three times more shampoo than necessary — not because they're careless, but because the standard advice was written for the wrong fo...

April 14, 2026

Why the Double Wash Works Differently with Concentrated Shampoo

Why the Double Wash Works Differently with Concentrated Shampoo

The double wash is a salon standard — but most people do it wrong at home. The formula matters more than the repetition. Double shampooing — washing the h...

April 12, 2026

The Double Wash: Why Your First Lather Is Lying to You

The Double Wash: Why Your First Lather Is Lying to You

Most people shampoo once, rinse, and move on. Haircare professionals recommend something different: two passes. The first lather isn't wasted — it performs ...

April 12, 2026

What is Hair Tensile Strength, and Should You Care?

What is Hair Tensile Strength, and Should You Care?

In my years of studying hair, I’ve heard almost every question under the sun about achieving "perfect hair". Today, we're diving into a term that sounds l...

March 24, 2026

Jojoba vs. Coconut Oil for Hair: Why the Debate is Wrong

Jojoba vs. Coconut Oil for Hair: Why the Debate is Wrong

Jojoba and coconut oil are both widely used in haircare, but they work on completely different parts of the hair system. Here's how to tell them apart — and ...

December 04, 2025

What's So Special About Marula Oil?

What's So Special About Marula Oil?

The Benefits of Marula Oil for Hair: Why This Lightweight Oil Delivers Serious Strength and Shine Marula oil has been gaining popularity in the beauty indust...

December 04, 2025

Why Traditional Shampoo Is 80% Water — And What That Means for Your Hair

Why Traditional Shampoo Is 80% Water — And What That Means for Your Hair

Most liquid shampoos and conditioners are formulated with water as their primary ingredient, often comprising 70–85% of the total formula.[1] That water is ...

November 10, 2025

Is Marula Oil Good for Fine Hair? A Cosmetic Chemist’s Perspective

Is Marula Oil Good for Fine Hair? A Cosmetic Chemist’s Perspective

While no oil truly “hydrates” hair, marula oil absorbs quickly, smooths the cuticle, and leaves fine hair soft, shiny, and manageable.  

July 02, 2025

Why Is My Hair Greasy? The Science of Oily Scalp and How to Break the Cycle

Why Is My Hair Greasy? The Science of Oily Scalp and How to Break the Cycle

Squeaky clean hair isn't a sign of cleanliness — it means your hair's lipid layer has been stripped. Here's what truly clean hair actually feels like, and wh...

June 12, 2024

Do Shampoo Bars Work? Digging Into Soap For Your Hair

Do Shampoo Bars Work? Digging Into Soap For Your Hair

TL;DR: Shampoo bars foam up and clean just as well as drugstore liquids—and they crush them on sustainability— For everyday eco-friendly washes, bars are a k...

April 03, 2024

Kaolin Clay for Hair: Benefits, How It Works, and What to Look For

Kaolin Clay for Hair: Benefits, How It Works, and What to Look For

Kaolin clay gently removes excess sebum and scalp buildup without stripping the hair's natural oils. Here's how it works, how it compares to other cleansing ...

April 03, 2024

Unlocking the Secret to Luscious Locks: The Power of Jojoba Oil for Hair Health

Unlocking the Secret to Luscious Locks: The Power of Jojoba Oil for Hair Health

Jojoba oil is the only common haircare ingredient that closely mimics human sebum — not because of marketing, but because of its molecular structure. Here's ...