Mushrooms have become a popular wellness trend, appearing in coffee, supplements, and even beer. Now, Dyson suggests they might also be the solution to frizzy hair. The company has announced that fungal chitosan, an ingredient found in oyster mushrooms and commonly used in skincare, could be the answer to taming unruly hair.
Dyson’s researchers have discovered that chitosan can significantly reduce frizz. The company has named its new product line after this ingredient. The Chitosan styling cream and serum, which Dyson claims can reduce frizz by up to 50%, will be available for purchase starting Tuesday. Each 100ml product will cost £50.
According to Dyson, chitosan is “delicate yet strong” and provides a flexible hold for hair. The company’s engineers have carefully tested the optimal amount of chitosan needed for all-day, flexible hold while allowing natural movement. Each bottle reportedly contains the essence of up to eight oyster mushrooms.
James Dyson, the company’s chief engineer, explained, “Unlike other styling products that use simple polymers to glue hair strands together, Dyson’s formulas utilize complex macromolecules to create flexible bonds. This approach supports each hair strand, providing twice the hold with movement and shine.”
Since its founding by James Dyson in 1991, the company has achieved success with innovations like bagless vacuum cleaners and bladeless fans. Recently, Dyson has been expanding into the beauty market with products such as the “supersonic” hairdryer.
Dyson is not alone in exploring the benefits of fungi. The ingredient has gained popularity, prompting consumer advocacy group Which? to investigate the evidence supporting the “mushroom mania” trend. The group noted that while mushroom products may offer potential benefits, there is insufficient evidence to confirm their effectiveness, and most products lack authorized health claims in the UK.