Peptides are those buzzed-about ingredients that we’re seeing everywhere in haircare. They are tiny, powerful molecules don’t just sit on the surface; they work at the root, stimulating the biological pathways that support hair growth, rejuvenate follicles, and deliver essential nutrients directly to the scalp. This results in stronger, healthier hair that’s more resilient and full of life.
Natural beauty brand Tara is putting old wisdom and new science, like peptides, to work in its offerings. Two of their Mediterranean botanical-inspired lines, Tara’s Onion+ Peptides and Rosemary+ Peptides Systems, combine peptides with onion (yes, really) and rosemary, creating a formula that tackles thinning, supports hair growth, and strengthens existing strands. Both systems feature a shampoo, conditioner and serum for a holistic approach that nourishes hair from the root to the tip — giving visible improvements in thickness, volume, and overall vitality.
Wanting to understand how both peptides and Tara’s systems work, The Tease linked up with cosmetic chemist Miriam Freixa Villena who heads up R&D at Tara. Freiza Villena was able to answer our most burning questions and more. Read on for our conversation.
The Tease: Peptides in haircare are trending but what are they and what do they do?
Miriam Freixa Villena: Peptides are short chains of amino acids, essentially very small proteins, and their reduced size allows them to penetrate the skin and scalp barrier more effectively than larger molecules. One of their greatest advantages is their specificity: peptides can be precisely synthesized so they act as targeted messengers, stimulating or regulating particular biological processes. In haircare, this means different peptides can serve different functions, such as reinforcing hair structure, improving follicle health, or supporting stronger anchoring of the hair. Their versatility and targeted action make them a highly effective class of active ingredients.
What do salon professionals need to know about peptides?
Freixa Villena: Salon professionals should know that peptides are sophisticated, targeted ingredients that support both scalp and follicle health from a biological perspective. They work by sending signals to cells that can reinforce the follicle, improve anchoring, or strengthen the extracellular matrix. This makes peptide-based treatments especially valuable for counteracting long-term stress caused by professional salon services such as coloring, bleaching, heat styling, or chemical treatments, which can weaken both the fiber and the follicle over time.
Educating clients that peptide benefits build gradually through consistent use is important, as peptides support long-term hair and scalp health rather than offering instant cosmetic effects.
Is it possible to overuse product with peptide technology?
Freixa Villena: While peptides are active ingredients, using them regularly as part of a daily or frequent routine, such as with the Onion+ Peptides or Rosemary+ Peptides systems, is considered safe and appropriate.
The concept of “overuse” generally refers to applying peptides far beyond what the formulation recommends or layering multiple peptide-heavy products in an uncontrolled way. In such extreme cases, some people might experience slight scalp sensitivity or unnecessary product buildup, though this is uncommon.
In well-designed routines where peptides are integrated at controlled and effective concentrations, daily or continuous use does not cause a problem and does not diminish their benefits. Using peptides consistently over time absolutely enhances results. This means peptide-based systems can, and should, be used regularly as recommended.
Tell us about Tara’s Onion+ Peptides and Rosemary+ Peptides Systems. How are they different from similar products on the market?
Freixa Villena: Both the Onion+ Peptides System and the Rosemary+ Peptides System combine targeted peptide technology with specific botanical extracts to support a healthier follicle and promote stronger, more resilient hair growth. Each system uses peptides, but the type of peptide and the botanical ingredient paired with it define their unique benefits.
The Onion+ Peptides System features Capixyl™, a bioactive peptide complex known for reinforcing the follicle, supporting anchoring, and helping maintain a healthy scalp environment. In this system, Capixyl™ is included at a high concentration, contributing to its strong performance in supporting growth and overall follicle robustness.
The Rosemary+ Peptides System includes Procapil®, another advanced peptide complex, also used at a high concentration in the treatment serum. Procapil® focuses particularly on improving hair density, supporting microcirculation and helping reduce follicle miniaturization, which is a key factor in thinning.
The botanical actives further differentiate the two systems. Onion extract brings sulfur-rich compounds associated with supporting keratin formation and encouraging growth, while rosemary extract is known for stimulating microcirculation, enhancing nutrient delivery to the follicle and helping counteract thinning.
Both systems ultimately aim to improve hair health from the root, but they do so through different peptide complexes and distinct botanical actives, offering two targeted solutions depending on whether the focus is growth support or density reinforcement.
Why might pros recommend these systems for clients?
Freixa Villena: Professionals may recommend these systems because they offer a complete, root-to-tip approach to hair and scalp health. Each system includes a sulfate-free shampoo, a nourishing conditioner, and a concentrated scalp serum that directly supports the follicle and helps create a healthy environment for stronger, more resilient hair.
The serum provides targeted support to the follicle, enhancing nutrient availability and reinforcing the structure from which hair grows.
Because the formulas are free from silicones and sulfate-free, they do not interfere with color, keratin, or other professional salon treatments. This ensures that the benefits of salon services are preserved and even complemented.
Altogether, the Onion+ Peptides and Rosemary+ Peptides systems offer clients long-term improvements in scalp condition and hair quality, while giving professionals a scientifically advanced, salon-compatible treatment option.
Shop Tara’s Onion+ Peptides ($121.00) and Rosemary+ Peptides Systems ($121.00) at taraformula.com and follow the brand on Instagram for more.
