Ingredient Highlight: PhytoDefence Active - Nature's Advanced Protection
PhytoDefence Active is a cutting-edge natural complex that blends two botanical powerhouses Tara fruit extract <Caesalpinia spinosa> and Sunflower sprout extract to protect and repair hair from modern day stressors.
The tara tree grows in the Andean valleys of Peru, where its pods have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and natural tanning for their rich antioxidant content. Sunflower sprouts, harvested when the plant is just emerging, contain concentrated nutrients and protective compounds that help the young plant thrive against UV light and environmental stress. When combined in the PhytoDefence Active complex, these two extracts work in harmony to defend hair against free radical damage, pollution, and colour fading; bringing ancient botanical wisdom into modern haircare science.
PhytoDefence Active vs. Single-Ingredient Extracts - Why the Blend Wins
While Tara fruit and Sunflower sprout extracts each have their own benefits, the magic of PhytoDefence Active lies in how they complement each other:
- Tara Fruit Extract is rich in polyphenols and tannins, offering potent antioxidant and anti-ageing properties for hair.
- Sunflower Sprout Extract contains a high concentration of phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals that protect against UV and oxidative stress.
Why the combination is better
On their own, each ingredient provides surface-level benefits. Together, they form a synergistic complex that not only shields hair from environmental damage but also actively repairs oxidative stress within the fibre. This dual-action approach means your hair isn’t just protected—it’s stronger, more vibrant, and more resistant to daily wear.
Why PhytoDefence Active Loves Your Hair
In our everyday lives, hair is constantly exposed to stresses; UV light, pollution, heat styling, and chemical treatments. These factors create oxidative stress, which breaks down proteins, dulls colour, and weakens the hair shaft.
PhytoDefence Active works in three ways:
- Antioxidant Defence – Neutralises free radicals before they can damage hair proteins and lipids.
- UV Protection – Shields the hair’s surface from harmful sun exposure that can cause dryness and colour fading.
- Structural Repair – Helps restore the hair’s inner strength, improving elasticity and reducing breakage.
The result is hair that not only looks healthier but is genuinely more resilient over time.
How It Works for Different Curl Patterns
- Wavy Hair & Loose Curls - Maintains a smooth, frizz-free finish while preventing environmental damage that can weigh waves down. You'll find it in our Curl Control Serum which is perfect for curl definition and frizz control.
- Curly Hair – Preserves vibrancy and bounce by protecting against UV-induced dryness and oxidation. Found in our Shedid & Parrish Curl Styler
- Tight Curls & Coils – Strengthens fragile strands, reducing breakage during styling and coats the strands to help lock in moisture despite heat or sun exposure, perfectly formulated in our Afro Butter.
At Shedid & Parrish, we include the PhytoDefence Active in our Shampoo and Styling Product formulations to give your curls a shield of natural protection while enhancing strength and shine. It’s the perfect example of how nature and science can work together, preserving the beauty of your curls today and protecting them for tomorrow.
