If you’re caring for curly hair, you already know that texture is about structure, moisture, and the health of your scalp and follicles. Uneven curl patterns, frequent breakage, and slow growth are often the result of missing key ingredients that prove their worth in formulation and label-reading.
Here’s what you should look for on your bottle and how brands like As I Am are delivering standout collections.
1. Ceramides
Why they matter:
Ceramides are lipid molecules that help restore and maintain the hair’s protective barrier. For curls, this means fewer gaps in the cuticle layer, reduced frizz, and stronger strands that resist breakage.
On-label clues:
Look for “ceramide NP,” “ceramide AP,” or generic “ceramides” in the ingredients list.
Product reference:
The As I Am Rosemary Collection highlights ceramides and other barrier-supporting actives for healthy follicles and scalp health.
2. Peptides
Why they matter:
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that work within the scalp environment to support follicle health and hair anchorage. Laboratory research shows copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) supports dermal papilla cells, the specialized cells that orchestrate follicle function, while helping maintain the extracellular matrix around follicles and promoting healthy scalp circulation. Biotinyl tripeptide-1 works by enhancing adhesion molecules like laminin-5 and collagen IV, which anchor hair firmly in the follicle during its growth phase. Together, these peptides create an optimal environment for strong, well-anchored hair that resists breakage and retains length better over time.On-label clues:
Scan for terms like “copper tripeptide-1,” “biotinyl tripeptide-1,” or “peptide complex.”
Product reference:
As I Am's JBCO, Rosemary, Onion, and Rice Water Collections feature copper tripeptide-1 to help support follicle health and structural resilience. As I Am Rosemary Styling Wax Stick uses biotinyl tripeptide-1 to support hair anchorage and strength.
3. Biotin
Why it matters:
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a B-vitamin associated with keratin health. While dietary biotin is essential for hair health in deficiency states, topical biotin in hair care formulas works alongside other strengthening actives to support overall hair resilience, especially when breakage is hindering length retention.
On-label clues:
“Biotin” or “vitamin B7” are easy to spot on ingredient lists. Bonus if it’s paired with strengthening actives.
Product reference:
The Rosemary, Rice Water, Bond, and Onion collections include biotin as part of comprehensive strengthening formulas, working alongside other actives to support hair resilience and overall health.
4. Rosemary (Oil or Extract)
Why it matters:
Rosemary has been clinically studied for its ability to support scalp health and create an optimal environment for healthy hair. Research suggests it may help reduce shedding and support the scalp's natural vitality. It's a favorite for textured hair because it addresses both the scalp environment and strand condition.On-label clues:
Look for “Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) oil” or “rosemary extract.”
Product reference:
The Rosemary Collection is rooted in this botanical and features rosemary oil plus scalp-fortifying science.
5. Rice Water (Black Rice, Amino Acid-Rich)
Why it matters:
Rice water, especially from black rice, is packed with amino acids, inositol, and antioxidants. For curl patterns, this means improved elasticity, reduced breakage, and enhanced strand strength, allowing you to retain more length over time.
On-label clues:
“Black rice extract,” “rice water,” or “oryza sativa (rice) water.”
Product reference:
As I Am’s Rice Water Collection focuses on Forbidden Black Rice, biotin and saw palmetto for comprehensive hair health support.
6. Bonus: Peptide + Barrier-Repair Combo (for serious length retention support)
When you combine barrier support (ceramides), peptides and scalp–supportingactives (rosemary), you’re addressing the three major pillars of healthy curls: scalp environment, strand strength, and curl pattern integrity.
For instance, the Rosemary line features peptide and ceramide-rich formulations designed to work synergistically.
How to Pick: Label-Reading Tips
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Active ingredients work at different concentrations. Peptides, for example, are effective at very low percentages, so they may appear later on the ingredient list but still deliver benefits. The first few ingredients typically represent the formula base (water, oils, emulsifiers), but the actives you're looking for don't need to be at the top to be effective.
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Avoid solely heavy butters or oils if your goal is growth and retention. Those may feel nice but don’t always nourish the follicle.
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Match your goal to your hair’s actual needs. If breakage is your pain point, go for peptides + rice water. If scalp issues dominate, pick rosemary-rich formulas.
Integrating Into Your Routine
Here are a few easy ways to put it into action:
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Use the Rice Water spray or conditioner post-wash to support strength and elasticity.
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Use the Rosemary oil or leave-in to support your scalp before styling or every few days.
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For curls prone to thinning or breakage, choose formulas with peptides + ceramides for structural support (like those found in Rosemary and Rice Water collections).
Final Thoughts
Healthy curls aren't just about length—they're about creating the optimal conditions where curls can thrive: a healthy, nourished scalp; resilient strands; and formulas that speak curl language. When you see labels with ceramides, peptides, biotin, rosemary, and rice water, you're choosing science-backed ingredients that support your hair's natural beauty.
Explore the As I Am Rice Water Collection, the Rosemary Collection, and the Bond Collection (for structural repair) to give your curls the foundation they deserve.