We get it. Even though you’re curious about natural hair care, you’ve been afraid that the suds-free, supposedly-healthier products might fail you. You’ll end up with a perennially greasy head, or an Albert Einstein untamable frizzy mane, or dull, flat strands that are in dire need of some luster. Here’s the good news: just like skincare, the green beauty hair world has been on the upswing—even Hollywood stars are getting behind it (Natalie Portman uses natural shampoo to treat her fabulous locks). There are many products, both DIY and professionally made, that can do your head a world of good—sans suds. Here are 5 tips for nourishing and regenerating your hair with natural solutions.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter
1. Cut sulfates out of your shampoo.
By now, you may have heard of the dangers of SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) in shampoo. This ingredient can be harsh on your hair, and when used too frequently can lead to thinning, and strip your hair of its natural oils. However, it’s also the ingredient that creates the foaming effect we’re all used to in shampoos. Many natural shampoos—which leave sulfates out—won’t have as much of that familiar, extra-sudsy feel. But that doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing results! Many natural shampoos cleanse your hair in different ways. Look for shampoos that use oils to cleanse hairs. Oils gently remove excess grease from the roots without stripping hair of its natural oils as other shampoos do. Rahua Classics, for example, uses coconut as the main cleanser.
2. Try a powdered dry shampoo.
Many of us are used to spraying dry shampoo from an aerosol can. While it can be a little intimidating to try a dry shampoo that comes in powder form we can promise you it as just, if not more, effective which makes it even better for those of you who struggle with grease coming back within hours of applying. The natural base for dry shampoo should be an oil absorbing agent like arrowroot or cornstarch, and possibly other ingredients to darken it depending on you hair color. When you use a natural powder dry shampoo, start with less and build your way up, and apply it at the roots with a makeup brush. After a few moments, brush your hair through to ensure it’s completely blended.
3. Switch to a natural hair mask.
After the stresses of heat styling, chemicals and coloring, our hair needs some serious TLC from time to time. This is why hair masks can often be a girl’s best friend. This time, skip the leave-in conditioner. Did you know that there are natural hair masks that have the same results without any harmful or irritating products? A simple, one ingredient mask is coconut oil. Rich in nutrients, this is an excellent natural alternative that can nourish hair. Tip: for certain hair types coconut oil can be more difficult to wash out. Make sure to use a good natural shampoo to wash it out and be prepared to rinse and repeat several times. See some of our favorite natural DIY hair mask ingredients and recipes here.
4. Use a more natural mousse.
Mousse is a beloved styling agent for many of us trying to achieve a more voluminous look or emulate the perfect wave of a Victoria’s Secret Angel’s mane. Unfortunately, finding a good mousse is difficult because the alcohol dries hair out and often leaves it crunchy. Instead try a simple natural solution: sea salt spray. Try Captain Blankenship’s Mermaid Sea Salt Spray, which doesn't use any synthetic ingredients, or if you’re so inclined, you can DIY a blend with this recipe from Elle.
5. Get frizz free style with hair oil.
Argan oil and moroccan oil have been popular ingredients for both heat styling and smoothing, but many products that contain these ingredients also contain other chemicals. Organic, pure hair oils are a perfect replacement, and argan and moroccan oil are just the beginning. Try something like fatty acid rich mongongo oil, which works to protect and repair dry or damaged hair as well as treat dry scalp and dandruff. Products rich in essential oils can also have a plethora of benefits for your hair and scalp. (May we humbly suggest Uma’s new Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil? It’s perfect for heat styling and smoothing, with a healthy mix of essential oils).
