When someone asks you, what’s the healthiest shampoo for your hair? Do you have an answer? Well, it isn’t an easy question, people have different hair types. There are many things to consider when choosing the best hair products for you. In recent times, there have been a lot of discussions about using silicone-based shampoos. While the ingredient is not toxic and does not cause any harm to the body, there are some downsides to using it on your hair. Firstly, silicones cover the hair shaft and lock in moisture. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Well, that means it also covers it and blocks any other moisture from getting to the hair. All those conditioners and hair masks that you apply after shampooing with a silicone-based shampoo could be rendered useless.
What is more annoying is that- silicones can build up on your scalp and hair- causing irritation and dullness. Moreover, those silicones are difficult to remove and can take quite a few washes to fully get rid of. So, what’s the healthiest shampoo for your hair? For this reason, we recommend using natural hair products. You won’t have to worry about product build-up, any other toxins entering your body, or irritating your scalp. Natural hair products are also safer to use for people prone to allergies, as natural products are a lot less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Especially if you tend to use heat to style your hair or have coloured hair, it will require extra work to maintain its health as mentioned in a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
What is the healthiest shampoo to use for your hair?
This depends on the type of hair you have, but we always recommend natural products. Another thing to note if you have an oily hair is the frequency of your hair washes. If you wash daily, this might cause your scalp to overproduce sebum, which will in turn make it greasier. We recommend washing your hair a few times a week and washing it twice in one go. This will help you get rid of the dirt during the first wash, and then of any product build-up with the second wash. One ingredient to look out for is Aloe Vera, as it helps balance the scalp’s pH, it also has moisturising and calming properties.
If you have dry or dull hair, look for ingredients that are known to provide more moisture, such as shea butter or coconut oil. They will seep into your hair, renewing the texture, adding more shine and improving its overall appearance.
If you have oily hair, you should avoid using a natural shampoo containing too many oily ingredients. You can use natural shampoos that contain:
- Aloe vera
- Tea tree oil
- Lemon peel
- Activated charcoal
- Rosemary oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Green tea
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Jojoba oil
Which ingredients in shampoos you should avoid?
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde, also called formalin is sometimes included in products that have keratin in them. According to National Cancer Institute, formaldehyde was found as a probable human carcinogen under conditions of high or prolonged exposure and it is linked with certain types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorises formaldehyde as a human carcinogen.
Phthalates
Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that may have negative effects on the reproductive system of males and females, including infants and fetuses.
Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in many products, including shampoos. These chemicals are added to prevent and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, increasing the shelf life of the product. According to research, parabens can work like the hormone estrogen in the body and disrupt the normal function of the body hormones affecting male and female reproductive systems, reproductive development, fertility and birth outcomes.
How to choose the best natural shampoo for you?
Check the ingredients: Always scan the labels carefully, you may be allergic to some of the ingredients. Natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you’re not sure, perform a patch test before using the shampoo.
Pay attention to your hair type: Shop natural shampoos that suit your hair type. Many natural shampoos can be used for all hair types, but some have specific ingredients that suit only one hair type. This can help you meet your specific hair care goals.
Natural Curly Hair Care
If you have wavy or curly hair, chances are you’ve heard of the curly girl method. If you haven’t, here’s a brief overview. It’s all about going natural! This method is against using products with sulphates and silicone. It advises washing your hair by using a cleansing conditioner, rather than a shampoo. A few other tips to nurture your curls include avoiding combs and using a diffuser rather than a normal hair dryer (and drying with the lowest heat setting to avoid heat damage). As curly hair is more fragile, it requires more delicate care. That’s why by opting for natural products you can find a healthy natural conditioner to use. If you’ve tried this method, let us know in the comments below!
5 Top Natural Shampoos For Healthy Hair
1. Sakrid – Clean + Calm Organic Shampoo
Sakrid cares about the integrity of your hair, so their products are chemical and toxin-free. With Aloe Vera to balance out your scalp’s pH, this is a great option for greasy hair. In addition, frankincense oil promotes hair growth and soothes hair follicles. If you have an itchy scalp, the mandarin peel will soothe and nourish the scalp. On top of being organic and natural, the shampoo also smells lovely! With the addition of lavender oil, patchouli oil, sandalwood oil and Amyris oil, you’ll feel as if you’re getting a spa treatment for your scalp. You can get it on the Vivnaturelle site.
2. Nereus Essential Care Shampoo
Nereus London shampoo is free from Silicones, parabens, sulfates, animal-derived ingredients, or harsh chemicals. It is created to strengthen your scalp, moisturise your hair and prevent frizz and flyaways. If you’re asking yourself what shampoo has the healthiest ingredients, this is definitely one of them. It has goji-berry to protect your scalp, thanks to its antibacterial properties. Another great ingredient is sea kelp which restores your hair’s natural shine. In addition, jojoba oil will strengthen your hair, build volume and can help in wound healing. Finally, coffee arabica extract energises and stimulates your hair follicles to encourage hair growth!
3. No Ordinary Balance Shampoo for all hair types
No Ordinary is an award-winning brand that creates products that are natural and contain plant-based ingredients. This particular shampoo has lavender oil, which promotes hair growth and soothes the scalp. This shampoo is ideal for sensitive skin.
4. Dook Natural Shampoo Bar
This shampoo is paraben-free, palm oil-free, cruelty-free, SLS-free and plastic-free! Natural Dook Shampoo Bar is enriched with argan oil, shea butter and honey. These ingredients do a great job to moisturise your hair and promote hair growth. It is also fragranced with Bergamot and Rosemary essential oils which promote healthy hair and stimulate the scalp.
5. Edinburgh Skincare Shampoo Bar
Handmade in Scotland and 100% natural, this shampoo is a strong contender when choosing the healthiest shampoo for your hair. This shampoo bar by Edinburgh Skincare helps balance the scalp’s pH. It also has argan oil, which is great for those looking to grow their hair, while the cold-pressed virgin oil has a soothing effect on your scalp. Moreover, the shea butter and coconut oil will help your hair gain more volume and thickness. The shampoo bar contains Sicilian Lemon Essential Oil and Lemongrass Essential Oil which give it a beautiful citrusy scent.
Final Thoughts
If you’re used to purchasing store-sold hair products filled with chemicals, sulphates and silicones that haven’t brought you the desired results, maybe it’s time to switch to natural products. There is no question that natural hair products are a healthier alternative to use on your hair. With ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter and argan oil, your hair will be nourished and grow faster. In addition, certain essential oils will also promote shiny and smooth hair and add a wonderful scent to it. Allow your hair to soak up all the moisture and nutrients that healthy hair products have to offer by avoiding silicone-based products. We’d love to hear what’s the healthiest shampoo for your hair based on the ones you’ve tried!
You can read more from The Bustle, The Independent and Byrdie.