Everyone wants their hair to look shiny and healthy, and synthetically produced shampoos and products can cause damage. As a result, people are also looking to switch to more sustainable hygiene options. Many brands are opting for healthier, natural products. Suddenly because more brands are selling eco-friendly (and scalp-friendly) options, there’s a lot of products to choose from.
However, just because there’s more variety doesn’t mean it’s easy to tell which new natural products are better than others. We’re here to tell you about the 5 best natural products for your hair. Keep it healthy and shiny, all while helping the planet!
1 – Sulfite/SLS Free Shampoo
SLS is a detergent many brands use to create the foaming effect seen in many shampoo commercials. The truth is that a nature-based shampoo or cleanser shouldn’t foam. Those compounds can be harmful on your hair and scalp.
SLS free shampoo, like the one from Playa natural hair care, is a great solution. Many of these products include coconut oil, or are coconut based. Coconut has proven to be nourishing for even bleached and dried strands.
2 – Honey-Based Cleansers
Honey is a sticky substance, so most people wouldn’t believe it’s actually good for your hair. When diluted properly, honey has a lot of beneficial qualities for your body, including your scalp.
For a crude DIY version, you can dilute pure honey with water for the true “natural” experience. Otherwise, look for products with hydroxypropyltrimonium honey in the ingredients. This is a natural form of diluted honey that can soothe an itchy scalp and moisturize dry strands.
3 – Coconut Oil/Coconut Based Conditioner
Like we said, coconut oil is a proven method for revitalizing damaged hair. It helps strengthens from the inside out.
Some people choose to let the follicles and strands absorb pure coconut oil, which can work to an extent. However, many conditioners and hair cremes are using coconut oil in their creation. It’s one of the only natural oils that’s been proven to penetrate hair instead of just sitting on top.
Experts recommend coconut oil based products rather than pure oil. Using the oil alone can cause over-shampooing, which can do more harm than good.
4 – Seaweed Shampoos/Oils
Studies have shown that certain types of seaweed can stimulate hair growth and combat hair loss. If you have particularly oily strands or scalps, then look for shampoos with seaweed in their ingredients. Specifically, look for ones that feature seaweed quite prominently, not as a side add-on. It can help control the oils without drying out your scalp too much.
5 – Olive Oil Conditioners
If you’re looking for a deep nourishment, olive oil is the right conditioner base to choose. In some cases, people use extra virgin olive oil alone as a deep conditioner. It works! Extra virgin refers to the processing method, meaning no machines were involved. This makes it particularly natural.
Many products utilize its moisturizing qualities in their shampoos and hair masks. It’s perfect for a healing treatment for damaged pieces.
6 – Shea Butter Moisturizers
Tons of products use shea butter in their recipes now, and for good reason. Shea butter is rich in nutrients and fatty acids, which protect the hair. If you have dry strands, this might be your miracle solution. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer. It also acts as an emollient, which means it seals in moisture to keep your hair healthy and shiny. It also makes it super soft!
7 – Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is fantastic for promoting growth. It’s also ideal for treating scalp issues and stopping hair loss. Some products have it in their mix, or you can do it yourself by mixing some in with your shampoo or conditioner. It takes a few weeks to a couple months to really start working, but once you see the results, it will be more than worth the wait. Aloe vera heals the scalp and promotes hair growth with a special enzyme.
Conclusion
A lot of brands are catching on to the fact that natural products are simply better. Better for you, for the environment, and for business. There’s just no need to use damaging products when it’s possible to get great results from healthier products. Knowing what kinds of products to look for can help you on your journey to beautiful, healthy hair.
You don’t have to depend on harsh chemicals anymore. Look for some of these familiar household ingredients in your shampoos, conditioners, and sprays to get a happy, healthy head. Isn’t natural always better than artificial?
