Mushrooms have long been the wellness trend of the moment, popping up in coffee, supplements, and even beer. Now, Dyson is introducing them as a secret weapon in the battle against frizzy hair with their latest innovation: Chitosan. Dyson’s new mushroom-based hair product, which includes styling cream, promises to reduce frizz by up to 50%, thanks to chitosan—a compound derived from the cell walls of oyster mushrooms.
Chitosan, which is commonly used in skincare products, has been discovered by Dyson researchers to have properties that can tame unruly hair. Dyson’s new product range, named after this hero ingredient, will be available in stores and on the company’s website starting Tuesday. However, customers should be prepared to pay a premium, as both the styling cream and serum are priced at £50 for 100ml.
According to Dyson, chitosan is both “delicate yet strong,” making it an ideal ingredient for flexible hair styling. Dyson’s engineers have rigorously tested the formulation to find the perfect balance for all-day flexible hold, while still allowing for natural movement. Remarkably, each bottle of Chitosan contains the equivalent of up to eight oyster mushrooms.
James Dyson, the company’s chief engineer and founder, explained the difference between Dyson’s new hair products and conventional styling solutions. “While other styling products use simple polymers that stick the strands of hair together like glue, Dyson’s formulas work differently,” he said. “The complex macromolecule in chitosan helps create flexible bonds that support hair strand by strand, providing twice the hold, with movement and shine.”
Dyson, a company best known for its innovations in household appliances such as bagless vacuum cleaners and bladeless fans, has been increasingly branching out into the beauty market. The introduction of the Chitosan hair product line is part of this ongoing effort, following the launch of other beauty products like the popular “supersonic” hairdryer.
Dyson isn’t the only brand jumping on the mushroom trend. Fungi have been finding their way into a wide range of consumer products lately, so much so that the consumer advocacy group Which? recently investigated the evidence behind the “mushroom mania” sweeping the high street.
Despite the growing number of mushroom-based products on the market, Which? cautions consumers to be mindful of the evidence behind these claims. The group noted, “While mushrooms do have potential benefits, there isn’t enough evidence yet to suggest they work, and the vast majority of mushroom-based products don’t have authorised health claims in the UK.”
Nonetheless, Dyson’s commitment to rigorous testing and innovation continues to set it apart, making Chitosan a promising new option for those looking to tame their frizz while embracing the latest trends in wellness and beauty.
