Dr Jasmine Karsono talks on hair care & Pantene

Interview with Dr Jasmine Karsono

Dr Jasmine Karsono is the Principal Scientist and Manager, Hair Care Scientific Communications for Pantene.

Jasmine has worked at P&G for over eight years and is based in the P&G Asia Headquarters in Singapore. She began her career working in the Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs (PS&RA) department for the Personal Health Care Business Unit, and later on was responsible for Central Product Safety for most Business Units (Beauty, Baby & Feminine Care and Laundry) as part of her tenure as a Section Head for PS&RA in Asia. During this time, Jasmine has developed her expertise in drug registration requirements as well as in-depth understanding of P&G products and its technology, its safety profile and corresponding regulations in Australia, New Zealand and ASEAN countries amongst others.

She has also established the Singapore PS&RA section and is highly regarded as a coach and mentor. Jasmine is also actively involved with many functions inside P&G such as Product Development, Marketing and Market Research as part of her work and is highly regarded as the "go-to" person for drug regulatory matters. Her passion for bringing innovative technologies to life, combined with her technical mastery, communication skills, creativity and eye for beauty has led her to Hair Care Scientific Communications.

Specific areas of expertise
As Principal Scientist, Jasmine works closely with the Beauty Care Research & Development team that designs new hair care & skin care cosmetic products for the Asia Pacific region.

She is also one of Procter & Gamble's scientific spokesperson on Cosmetic Science & Technology to external authorities including government/regulatory officials, thought-leaders, dermatologists, medical doctors, beauty editors & hair stylists in Australia, India, Korea & South-East Asia.

Jasmine has a passion for breakthrough beauty product technologies that make a real difference to consumers. She loves to explore and explain the "hidden science" that is around all of us in our everyday life, which we often don't even know about, and she is all about translating this science into excitement for the users of these products.

Academic qualifications

Ph. D., Biochemistry/Immunology, University of California San Francisco, USA.

M.Sc., Cellular & Molecular Biology, San Francisco State University, USA.

B.Sc., Human Biology, University of Utah, USA.

Personal background
Jasmine lives in Singapore with her son. She enjoys water sports and reading and has a keen interest in history.

Interview with Dr Jasmine Karsono

Does it matter if we wash our hair daily or biweekly?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: No it doesn't. However, please ensure you use the right product for your hair so that it does not damage your hair in the process. For example, if you do wash your hair everyday you should use a good conditioning shampoo so that your hair remains protected at every wash.


Should we use conditioner every time we wash?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: If you do not wash your hair everyday, you should follow-on with a conditioner, as it will help protect your hair as you go through your daily activities. Dust, pollution and even prolonged sitting in air-conditioned or heated rooms during winter can dry your hair and leave it less moisturised.


Do using hair treatments have a positive effect?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: Yes it does. It actually helps to provide a protective layer to your hair, an artificial layer replacing the damaged F-layer of your naturally occurring hair cuticle to prevent your hair from further damage. For example, using the Pantene 3-Minute Miracle Treatment will give you an immediate positive effect making it smooth, manageable and shiny, all of which are indicative of improved hair health.


What is the best thing we can do for our hair?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: Have a good regimen with the right products. For example, if you colour your hair, use a product designed for coloured hair (shampoo and conditioner as a must-have ritual) and use hair treatments (such as the Pantene 3 Minute Miracle or try the Colour Therapy Intensive Treatment tub) at least once a week.


How should we take care of our hair in Summer?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: In the summer, we tend to be out and about a lot. Just like your skin, where you give it extra protection, the same should apply with your hair. Sun rays could breakdown the amino acid in your hair, making your hair dull. Dust and grime could also damage your hair due its friction against the hair cuticle when it is on your hair. Humidity can also cause your hair to become frizzy and unmanageable. Hence, it is important to continue to use a good conditioning shampoo and conditioner during the summer. When you go swimming, wear a cap and use a leave-on treatment before you go out so that your hair remains protected throughout the day.


What extra measures should we put in place if we straighten our hair constantly?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: Diligently treat your hair with hair treatments or hair masks at least once or twice a week if you straighten your hair constantly.


How can we make our hair smooth and shinny all year round?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: Condition, condition, condition!


What are split ends and how can we fix them?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: When the cuticle is damaged, hair will lose its moisture, become dry and brittle and can easily break. When hair breaks, it exposes and sometimes ruptures the cortex and this can result in split ends. The more unprotected or unconditioned your hair is, the more easily it can break and the more split ends you can get.


How often should we have hair cuts?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: Hair cuts depend on preference, as normally people would cut their hair when their hair style goes out of shape. However, if you have split ends, you would tend to cut your hair more often. What is important is to ensure you always use a conditioner when you have split ends as it will dramatically improve your hair health and if used for a continuous period of time, can rid you of split ends.


Is it true that we need to swap Shampoo and Conditioner types regularly?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: No it is not. After using the same brand for some time, you can get used to the experience and so you don't notice the benefit anymore. Whereas if you use a good new product, you immediately notice the benefit because it is new.


What do you enjoy most about your job?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: Interacting with consumers, customers and the media, understanding what they really need and want in a hair care product, and bringing those insights in to our R&D organisation.


What is the 'hidden science' you speak of?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: The science of products is sometimes "hidden" - either not communicated, or communicated but in a manner that is confusing and not understandable. Being able to communicate what is so unique about our products in a way that is understood by the consumer and having them have an "a-ha" moment is my personal satisfaction.


How do you keep your hair looking great?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: I always use a conditioner after shampoo, no matter where I am, or how busy or rushed I am. I always use a hair serum afterwards to ensure my hair is always protected. I try to limit the use of heated appliances on my hair, and avoid using them when I am just staying home or over the weekend.


What is your favourite product in the Pantene range?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: My favourite range is Pantene Deep Fortifying Treatment range (shampoo, conditioner and treatment) but my all time favourite product that I cannot live without is the Pantene 3-Minute Miracle. Truly a miracle for overworked hair!


Is it true that Pantene Shampoo and Condition leaves a layer on top of the hair shaft?

Dr Jasmine Karsono: It does leave a protective layer on top of the hair shaft but this gets washed away during the next wash.