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Delivery
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Click & Collect
Free Click and collect is available at checkout. Orders are ready within 1 hour during opening hours. Store Address: 56 Parer Rd, Airport West, VIC Australia 3042 Phone (03) 9999 5902
Valued at $19.95!
NAK Tough n Up is a styling paste that builds texture and lived-in hold.
This matte finish paste grips the hair to create thickness, definition, and controlled separation. It works by adding gentle grit to each strand, so styles stay put without feeling stiff or sticky.
The creamy texture is easy to work through dry hair, then sets into a flexible, touchable hold. Hair feels thicker, slightly roughed-up, and naturally styled, with a clean, salon-like scent.
Perfect for short to medium cuts, messy crops, and textured shags, on fine to normal hair. Use in the morning or before a night out whenever you want effortless, undone texture.
Expect hair that looks fuller, stays in shape, and still feels like your own.
How To Use NAK Tough n Up
- Work a small amount between palms until clear and smooth.
- Apply to dry hair, starting at the roots and mid-lengths.
- Twist, scrunch, or pinch sections to build texture and separation.
- Add more product in light layers until you reach desired hold.
- Rework with fingertips during the day to refresh shape.
NAK Tough n Up Ingredients
AQUA (WATER), LANOLIN WAX, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, CETEARETH-20, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, VP/VA COPOLYMER, PVP, KAOLIN, OZOKERITE, MINERAL OIL (PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM), GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, STEARIC ACID, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CARBOMER, AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), DISODIUM EDTA, CI 19140 (YELLOW 5), CI 15985 (YELLOW 6).
Note: Please refer to bottle for full ingredients.
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Aqua SolventsSolvent
The water base that carries and dissolves the other ingredients in most products.
May suitAll hair and skin types.
Worth knowingAlmost always the first ingredient listed in water-based products.
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Lanolin Conditioning agentsEmollient conditioning agent
Lanolin helps soften and condition hair by forming a protective, moisturising film.
May suitThose with very dry, coarse or textured hair that benefits from richer conditioning.
Worth knowingLanolin is derived from wool wax and is valued for its ability to boost softness and shine. It can feel rich, so it is typically used in small amounts in modern formulas.
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PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Cleansers / surfactantsSolubiliser and emulsifier
Helps blend oils and fragrance into water-based formulas for even texture and performance.
May suitUseful for those who prefer haircare products with clear, consistent textures or evenly dispersed fragrance and oils.
Worth knowingIt is widely used in shampoos, conditioners and styling products to keep formulations stable and smooth. It also offers mild surfactant properties that support product rinse-off.
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Ceteareth-20 Cleansers / surfactantsEmulsifier and surfactant
Helps blend oil- and water-based ingredients to create a smooth, stable formula.
May suitThose who prefer products with a creamy, uniform texture.
Worth knowingIt is commonly used in conditioners and styling products to keep formulas consistent and easy to apply. It also supports even distribution of other ingredients through the hair.
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Propylene Glycol HumectantsHumectant
Helps hold moisture and carry other ingredients through the formula.
May suitMost hair types as part of a moisturising formula.
Worth knowingA widely used humectant and carrier ingredient.
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VP/VA Copolymer Thickeners and stabilisersFilm-forming styling polymer
A film-forming polymer that helps provide hold, texture and style retention.
May suitPeople looking for longer-lasting hold or improved definition in styling products.
Worth knowingIt is widely used in gels, mousses and sprays because it creates flexible, brushable hold. It can also help reduce frizz by forming a lightweight coating on the hair.
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PVP Thickeners and stabilisersFilm-forming polymer
PVP is a film-forming ingredient that helps provide hold and structure in styling products.
May suitAnyone looking for longer-lasting hold, enhanced definition or improved style memory.
Worth knowingIt is widely used in gels, mousses and sprays because it creates a flexible film on the hair shaft. Its performance can vary with humidity, so it is often blended with other polymers for stability.
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Kaolin Thickeners and stabilisersAbsorbent mineral clay
Kaolin is a fine white clay used to absorb excess oil and provide gentle cleansing or texture in haircare products.
May suitThose with oily scalps or those using styling products that benefit from a matte, volumising effect.
Worth knowingKaolin is a naturally occurring clay that can help improve product texture while offering mild cleansing without stripping. It is commonly used in scalp treatments, masks and texturising products.
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Ozokerite Thickeners and stabilisersThickener and texture enhancer
Ozokerite is a mineral wax used to thicken formulations and improve texture and stability.
May suitThose who prefer styling or conditioning products with a richer, more structured feel.
Worth knowingIt helps products maintain shape and consistency, particularly in waxes, balms and pomades. It can also support hold in styling formulas without feeling overly greasy.
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Mineral Oil Oils and buttersEmollient / occlusive
Helps smooth and coat the hair by forming a lightweight protective layer.
May suitPeople looking to reduce moisture loss, add slip, or tame frizz.
Worth knowingMineral oil is a highly refined cosmetic-grade ingredient valued for its stability and ability to lock in moisture. It is commonly used in hair treatments and styling products for added softness and shine.
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Glyceryl Stearate Thickeners and stabilisersEmulsifier and texture enhancer
Helps blend oil and water and gives haircare formulas a smooth, creamy texture.
May suitThose who like richer conditioners or masks that feel smooth and spread easily.
Worth knowingIt also offers light conditioning and can help soften the feel of hair. It is widely used in both skincare and haircare for its reliable stabilising properties.
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PEG-100 Stearate Cleansers / surfactantsEmulsifier / surfactant
Helps oil‑ and water‑based ingredients blend smoothly and supports even product texture.
May suitThose who prefer creamy, uniform formulas that spread easily through the hair.
Worth knowingIt is widely used in conditioners and styling products to keep formulas stable and consistent. Although derived from fatty acids, it primarily functions as a processing and texture ingredient.
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Stearic Acid Thickeners and stabilisersThickener and stabiliser
A fatty acid that helps thicken and stabilise formulations while adding a soft, conditioned feel.
May suitThose who prefer richer, creamier textures in conditioners and styling products.
Worth knowingIt is commonly used to give products structure and improve spreadability. It can be derived from plant or animal sources, with most haircare brands typically using plant-based forms.
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Cetearyl Alcohol Conditioning agentsFatty alcohol conditioner
A fatty alcohol that helps soften hair and improve the texture of formulations.
May suitPeople looking for smoother, more manageable hair or richer, creamier product textures.
Worth knowingDespite the name, fatty alcohols are moisturising and conditioning rather than drying. They also help stabilise and thicken many haircare formulas.
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Carbomer Thickeners and stabilisersThickener and stabiliser
Carbomer helps thicken and stabilise gels, creams and styling formulas.
May suitAnyone who prefers smooth, consistent textures in styling or leave-in products.
Worth knowingIt helps formulas stay evenly mixed and glide easily through the hair or onto the scalp. It is widely used because it works in very small amounts and provides reliable texture.
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Aminomethyl Propanol pH adjusterspH adjuster
Helps adjust and stabilise the pH of haircare formulations.
May suitThose interested in how product pH affects hair and scalp feel may find its presence relevant.
Worth knowingIt is commonly used at low levels to help formulas stay effective and consistent. It does not act on the hair directly but supports the overall product performance.
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Phenoxyethanol PreservativesPreservative
Helps keep the product stable and pleasant to use after opening.
May suitAll products that need protecting from spoilage.
Worth knowingA very common, well-studied preservative used at low levels.
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Methylparaben PreservativesPreservative
Helps protect haircare products by preventing microbial spoilage.
May suitAnyone who wants products to stay fresh and stable over time.
Worth knowingParabens like methylparaben are widely used because they are effective in very small amounts and have a long history of use in cosmetics. They help maintain product quality, especially in water-based formulas.
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Propylparaben PreservativesPreservative
Helps keep haircare formulas stable by preventing the growth of microbes.
May suitAnyone using products that benefit from a long, reliable shelf life.
Worth knowingPropylparaben is a widely used preservative that helps maintain product quality and freshness. It is used at very low levels and is well studied for its role in keeping formulations stable.
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Parfum Fragrance ingredientsFragrance
Gives the product its scent.
May suitPeople who enjoy a scented product.
Worth knowingFragrance preference is personal. Some people prefer fragrance-free formulas by choice.
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Disodium EDTA Chelating agentsChelating agent
Binds to minerals from hard water so the product works consistently and stays stable.
May suitAll products, especially in hard-water areas.
Worth knowingUsed in tiny amounts to keep formulas performing reliably.
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CI 19140 ColourantsColourant
A synthetic yellow colourant used to give products a bright, consistent hue.
May suitThose interested in the appearance of their haircare products or checking for specific colour additives.
Worth knowingCI 19140 is widely used in cosmetics and personal care for its vibrant and stable colour. Its presence does not affect the performance of the haircare formula.
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CI 15985 ColourantsColourant
A synthetic orange-yellow colourant used to give products a consistent and appealing hue.
May suitThose interested in the appearance and shade of their haircare products.
Worth knowingIt is widely used in personal care and regulated for use in cosmetics. Colourants like this help maintain batch-to-batch visual consistency.