How To Keep Your Hair Healthy And Shiny The Natural Way
If you are considering making the switch from regular off-the-shelf haircare products to a more natural method of haircare, you are probably going to have a few questions. What are the best products to use? What difference will you notice in your hair? Does it require a complicated routine?
Here’s a look at the answers to these questions and more to help you transition to natural hair care products with confidence.
What are the benefits of going natural?
Most regular haircare products contain a high volume of man-made chemicals, such as sulphates, silicones, parabens, and artificial fragrances. They are usually not made with people-first formulas: these ingredients are designed to prolong the shelf life of the product and give it a market-friendly texture, colour and perfume.
Many people find that while these products are effective at temporarily masking a problem, they don’t actively treat it. In fact, over time, a build up of harsh chemicals can cause further damage, stripping the hair of moisture, irritating the scalp, and causing buildup that leaves the hair flat and dull.
Mainstream products are also energy intensive to produce, and the packaging is rarely sustainable or 100 per cent recyclable. Many of the chemicals are non-biodegradable and add to the pollution of oceans and waterways.
Natural products use ingredients that are derived from plants such as herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and are minimally processed with no toxins or synthetic preservatives. They put the customer at the heart of the product, rather than productivity and profits. This is better news for the environment, and also works with your hair to nourish and protect it.
What to expect when you first use natural products
If you’ve been using products laden with chemicals for years to care for your hair, you might notice that your hair goes through a transition phase when you make the switch to natural ingredients. This is totally normal, so it’s best to be patient and within a few weeks, the true strength of the products will reveal themselves.
It might take a while to find exactly which natural ingredients suit your hair the best, so it’s a good idea to order travel size bottles at first. This will be an affordable way to sample different products without being too costly or wasteful.
Natural shampoos
Natural shampoos don’t contain sulphates, which is an agent used to create lather. However, just because a product doesn’t foam, it doesn’t mean that it’s ineffective: in fact, you will notice less residue and build up in your hair over time. Look for soothing and naturally cleansing ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree oil or peppermint oil.
Plant-based conditioners
Regular conditioners usually contain silicone, which coats the surface of the strands to give the illusion of softness and shine. However, the effect is temporary and it does nothing to truly nourish your hair. Instead, look for natural conditioners and hair masks that contain deeply moisturising ingredients such as shea butter, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
Natural oils such as coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil can also be used to give your hair a weekly mask treatment for extra protection and hydration.
Other tips to protect your hair
For hair that is naturally vibrant and healthy, take care to protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or headscarf. Keep the use of heated styling tools to a minimum, and eat a well-balanced diet to support your hair with the nutrients it needs for growth and renewal.
Finally, when choosing a natural hair care brand, look for transparency in their sourcing and labelling process, and scrutinise the product ingredients list to ensure that it’s more than hype.
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