Embrace Nature’s Best for Your Hair’s Health and Shine
Posted on January 7, 2024 Written by: 100% PURE ®
It’s all fun and shower games until the intermittent small clump of hair in the drain becomes an intense Picasso portrait on the tile wall. We don’t need to be a seasoned artist to know that work of art is hair-rowing and all-telling of unhealthy locks. But don’t panic and pull your hair out over this.
It may put your mind and strands at ease to know that your conventional shampoo is likely to blame for your hair boos and blues. Traditional shampoos are often toxin-filled with harsh, stripping ingredients that can affect hair health and fallout.
Nowadays, in a universal shift where the pursuit of healthier lifestyles has gained prominence, the importance of healthier hair has become increasingly evident. A significant reason for this shift is due to the widespread acknowledgment of the benefits of all-natural ingredients. That includes replacing traditional chemical-laden shampoos with natural, nourishing alternatives.
Without further ado, let’s comb through the perks and top picks of healthy shampoos. Let your locks bloom where they were planted – and not as shower art!
Have you ever looked up what’s really in traditional shampoos? Once you start reading those hard-to-pronounce, gibberish ingredients and tiny print labels, you’ll likely find yourself going down the rabbit hole of hair care dangers. Most hair brands are notorious for chemical-laden formulas that can do hair-rific damage to your locks.
This has spurred a shift that perhaps even Alice and her luscious locks would partake in using all-natural formulas. Let’s stay on wonder ‘normal’ land with the advantages of healthy shampoos!
#1. Reduces Chemical Exposure
Healthy shampoos typically avoid sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh chemicals commonly found in traditional shampoos. This reduces the risk of skin irritation, allergies, and long-term health concerns associated with chemical exposure.
#2. Gentle Cleansing
Healthy shampoos use milder cleansing agents derived from plant sources, which effectively remove dirt and excess oil without stripping your hair of its natural oils. This gentle approach helps maintain your hair’s natural balance and prevents excessive dryness or oiliness.
#3. Enhances Scalp & Hair Vitality
A nourished scalp is to healthy hair as loam soil is to prosperous plants; so, naturally, the scalp is where we often make or break our biggest hair goals. Since healthy shampoos use safe, gentle, nature-approved ingredients, these formulas will deliver only TLC to your scalp and strands, creating growth and a bountiful harvest of hair.
#4. Perfect for All Hair Types
What’s your hair ‘type’; voluptuous and short, dark and in physical shape? Traditional shampoos often prioritize one hair type over others, resulting in damaged and unmanageable locks. But healthy shampoos don’t mind any hair type. Since these formulas are made from natural ingredients, they’re gentle on all strands and hair textures. Psst…there’s a formula for your hair type below.
#5. More Defined Natural Texture
Speaking of hair type, healthy shampoos can help restore your hair’s natural texture, too. Your strands have a better chance of getting back to their original healthy ‘roots’ from the reign of chemical culprits in traditional shampoos. This leads to less breakage, less fallout, and a more defined hair texture.
#6. Improves Scalp Health
The main culprit of dry and itchy scalps are the irritants in mainstream shampoos. Drying alcohols and other chemicals in these formulas can strip the scalp of its natural oil. Healthy shampoos have natural ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and chamomile to soothe and nourish the scalp. This can reduce dandruff, itching, and inflammation, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth. Scalp’s honor!
#8. Don’t Cause Long-Term Hair Damage
The chemical culprits in traditional shampoos can alter your hair’s natural pH balance, which can cause long-term damage to your hair and scalp. Healthy shampoos, on the other strand, maintain the pH balance of your hair and scalp, keeping it healthy and hydrated.
#9. Environmental Benefits
Choosing healthy shampoos supports eco-friendly practices. They typically use biodegradable ingredients and sustainable packaging, reducing the environmental impact compared to shampoos with synthetic chemicals.
So, what’s exactly in healthy shampoos that makes them ‘queen’ and not the ‘Mad Hatters’ of hair products? Let’s explore key natural ingredients commonly found in healthy shampoos and their benefits for hair health.
Aloe Vera: Well-known for its hydration and soothing properties. It helps to moisturize the scalp, reducing dryness and itchiness. It also contains enzymes that promote healthy hair growth and balance the pH levels of the scalp.
Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that restores and protects hair from free radical damage. It helps maintain the health of your hair and scalp by preventing oxidative stress.
Argan Oil: A deep-conditioning ingredient known for its ability to control frizz and add shine to the hair. It provides essential moisture, leaving hair soft and manageable.
Coconut Oil: Helps grow longer and thicker hair, faster. With all those vitamins and essential fatty acids in coconut oil, a little can go a long way with helping to nourish our scalp and strands.
Burdock Root: Nourishes hair follicles and promotes healthy hair growth. It helps maintain a healthy scalp and can reduce dandruff and hair loss.
Biotin: Is a B vitamin that enhances hair and skin health. It promotes hair growth, strengthens hair, and may reduce hair loss. Biotin also contributes to overall skin health.
Rosemary: Great for hair growth. It helps to fight agents that cause hair loss and scalp irritation for a longer, fuller mane.
Tea Tree Oil: Has antifungal properties and can assist with dandruff and scalp issues.
Chamomile: Soothes the scalp and enhances natural highlights in blond hair.
Don’t leave your hair stranded. Now that we’ve covered the benefits of healthy shampoos, it’s time to find the right formula for your hair type. Understanding your hair type and its specific needs is crucial when selecting a healthy shampoo. Different hair types require different care to achieve optimal health and appearance.
Oily Hair: Oily hair benefits from shampoos that effectively cleanse the scalp without stripping it of essential oils. Look for a gentle formula that balances oil production.
Curly Hair: Curly hair tends to be drier due to the natural oils struggling to travel down the hair shaft. Choose a hydrating, healthy shampoo that enhances curl definition and minimizes frizz.
Dry Hair: For dry hair, seek moisturizing, healthy shampoos with ingredients like natural oils, shea butter, or aloe vera to restore hydration and manageability.
Thin or Fine Hair: Individuals with thin or fine hair might opt for volumizing formulas. A healthy shampoo that adds body without weighing down the hair will be your hair’s BFF.
Color-Treated Hair: Colored hair requires special care to prevent fading. Look for healthy shampoos that are sulfate-free and formulated to protect and prolong the vibrancy of your hair color.
As we mentioned earlier, it’s easy to go down the rabbit hole with gibberish and confusing ingredient labels commonly founds on traditional shampoos. Besides those hidden hair dangers, it’s also very important to understand product labels on even natural formulas.
There are a lot of ‘natural’ shampoos on the market that are not truly all-natural, so it becomes imperative to really understand product labels to identify truly healthy shampoos. Reading and understanding shampoo labels can empower you to make informed choices. Here are some of the key things to look for:
The Order of Ingredients
The order of ingredients listed on the label matters a lot. The list starts with the ingredient that has the highest concentration, going down to the least. So, if you’re eyeing a healthy shampoo for oily hair that tout tea tree oil as a key component, but you find it languishing at the end of the list, it means that the product contains a lesser amount of it than the other ingredients.
Understanding Specific Labels
Certain labels on shampoos can be confusing and misleading. For instance, terms like “organic” and “natural” are often thrown around, but what do they mean?
An “organic” label implies that the ingredients are organically farmed, meaning they’re free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, not all “organic” claims are created equal. Look for certification symbols such as USDA Organic to ensure the credibility of these claims.
“Natural” is a tricky term because it’s not strictly regulated. It generally suggests that the product is free of synthetic substances, but it might still contain ingredients you want to avoid. Always double-check the ingredients list even if a product is labeled as “natural”.
By learning to understand these important elements on healthy shampoo labels, you can make informed decisions about what you’re putting on your hair. After all, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to decoding beauty.
Top Picks for Healthy Shampoos
Knowing your hair type and needs – and understanding product labels – are the right steps to finding the best shampoo for your hair goals. Luckily, we’re here to give you the top picks for healthy shampoos so you have can the healthiest, most luscious locks of your dreams.
From nourishing ingredients like argan oil and chamomile to cleansing agents like tea tree oil and kelp extract, these shampoos can help to restore and revitalize hair while being kind to both the planet and our bodies. By understanding the ingredients and benefits of healthy shampoos, you can make an informed choice that supports your hair’s health and overall well-being.
#1. Multi-Vitamin Healthy Hair Shampoo
Hair is primarily made up of a protein called keratin. Keratin is responsible for providing structure, strength, and elasticity to hair strands. Your hair’s elasticity determines its overall strength. If your locks have weak, brittle strands or are prone to hair breakage, you need a keratin-infused shampoo. Allow us:
This reparative healthy shampoo is fortified with beneficial multivitamins, like vegan keratin, biotin, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin E, and it’s designed to replenish hydration, restore vibrancy, and leave your hair looking and feeling softer and healthier than ever. Plus, it’s safe for color or chemically-treated hair and can be used daily to keep your locks looking their best.
Best of all, this pH-balanced formula is free of many of the toxins commonly found in traditional shampoos, making it a great choice for anyone looking to prioritize their hair’s health and well-being.
#2. Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo
Each follicle on your scalp is attached to an oil gland. Those with fine hair will have more hairs on their scalp than people with coarse hair, and will frequently find that their scalps get greasy quite quickly. If you have a dry scalp, itchy scalp, dandruff, or a combination of all, the best healthy shampoo for your hair should purify and unclog pores, while also stimulating circulation to the scalp.
This purifying formula clears pores, stimulates blood circulation to the scalp for new hair growth, and alleviates any scalp woes while adding hydration for a healthier scalp and hair. Key ingredients like burdock and neem will alleviate dryness, itching, and flaking, and will have you ‘back in black’ in no time!
For additional dryness relief, this formula includes vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 to enhance hair softness and tensile strength. This sulfate-free natural shampoo is safe and gentle enough for color-treated hair. All in all, it’s a warrior for warding off excess oil and dandruff flakes once and for all.
#3. Honey & Virgin Coconut Restorative Shampoo
Sulfates have a bad reputation for foaming and harming hair. But not on our watch! If you’re worried you’ll miss the bubbles without sulfates, we just might have to burst your bubble in a good way. First off, you probably already know about the holy grail, coconut oil! It has uses for just about everything!
This multi-use wonder ingredient has been specifically added to our moisturizing formula to hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate. Yes, that’s been overstated because hydration is essential for a rich and creamy lather that won’t strip or stress your tresses. In this formula, we use saponified coconut oil, which is a fancy term that means we turn coconut oil into moisturizing soap. It acts and feels like a sulfate with the nutrition and healthy results of softening, and smoothing coconut oil. Now that’s a win-win!
Lather up your hair with this gem of the jungle for healthier, stronger, and glossier locks. Our naturally restorative formula will intensely nourish while transporting you to a tropical paradise. Your dry, damaged hair doesn’t stand a chance against the healing properties of coconut oil in a healthy shampoo.
#4. Glossy Locks Repair Shampoo
For those with dry hair, natural shampoos can provide gentle cleansing without stripping the hair of its natural oils. This richly foaming healthy shampoo deeply cleanses and clarifies strands without stripping the scalp or dehydrating hair of essential moisture.
This sulfate-free shampoo also keeps color-treated strands safe, hydrated, and strong, while restoring dry locks with essential vitamins and nutrients. The super fruit antioxidants, like acai, nourish and revitalize strands. Ingredients like argan oil, biotin, and honey replenish hydration and restore vibrant shine and softness.
This hair-loving formula also features a concentrated dose of moisturizing oils and vitamins that your thirsty locks will drink up in no time. You’ll be back to smooth, healthy, and moisturized locks in no time.
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While caring for your hair with the best natural ingredients is surely important, there are other small changes you can do, from proper application to massage, to maximize the benefits of a healthy shampoo. Check out these simple steps for optimal application and lathering:
1. Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water.
2. Apply a small amount of a healthy shampoo to your palm and work it into a lather.
3. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair using your fingertips, focusing on the roots and working your way down to the tips.
4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water, making sure to remove all the shampoo from your scalp and hair.
5. If necessary, repeat steps 2-4 to ensure your hair is thoroughly clean.
6. Follow up with a complementing natural conditioner to maximize your results. More on those below!
7. Rinse your hair with cool water to help seal the cuticles and enhance shine.
8. Gently towel dry your hair and style it as desired.
You can also enhance the benefits of a healthy shampoo by using a wide-tooth comb for gentle detangling and incorporating scalp massages to stimulate blood flow. Boost nourishment with natural hair masks, and opt for silk or satin pillowcases to prevent frizz. Stay hydrated for internal hair health, and be patient during the transition to embrace your hair’s natural beauty in a healthier shampoo routine.
Pairing your healthy shampoo with a compatible natural conditioner can significantly enhance your hair care routine. Natural conditioners are often formulated to work synergistically with natural shampoos. They help maintain moisture, softness, and manageability, ensuring your hair looks and feels its best.
Look for conditioners with ingredients that are compatible with your chosen healthy shampoo to maximize the benefits. Check out the top picks for the most luscious locks naturally and optimal hair health!
#1. Multi-Vitamin Healthy Hair Conditioner
Are you ready to restore your strands to their natural glory? This deeply nourishing, reparative conditioner is fortified with vegan keratin, biotin, pro-vitamin B5, and other hair and scalp beneficial vitamins that work to strengthen, protect, and repair for softer and shinier hair and a healthier scalp. This formula is safe for color/chemically treated hair and for daily use, and it’s pH-balanced – plus free of chemicals common in traditional conditioners.
#2. Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Conditioner
Do you suffer from a dry or itchy scalp? You have our deepest sympathies, and we’re here to tell you that better days lay ahead! If you get to the root of the problem – an unhealthy scalp – you’ll be able to fix the bigger picture to achieve healthier hair. Our wonder ingredients like burdock, neem and rose hydrosol are all working together to help soothe and treat what’s ailing your scalp. Bonus: our natural conditioner (and all) does not contain any harsh chemicals, sulfates, detergents or artificial fragrance which can lead to irritation.
#3. Honey & Virgin Coconut Restorative Conditioner
The holy grail: coconut oil! This multi-use wonder ingredient has been specifically added to this formula to hydrate, hydrate and hydrate. Lather up your hair with this gem of the jungle for healthier, stronger and glossier locks. Our naturally restorative formula will intensely nourish while transporting you to a tropical paradise with coconut delights. Your dry, damaged hair doesn’t stand a chance against the healing properties of coconut oil!
#4. Glossy Locks Repair Conditioner
Are you still looking for your natural conditioner savior? Maybe you’ve been hitting your strands too hard with heat tools, or are trying to go for extra-platinum blonde. Well, look no further, because this chemical-free conditioner is just what the stylist ordered, and that’s you! It’s time to turn your distressed locks into hair envy because this gentle formula is perfect for giving chemically treated hair a concentrated dose of moisturizing oils, vitamins and antioxidants. You’ll be back to smooth, healthy and hydrated locks in no time.
Can Healthy Shampoos Really Cleanse as Effectively as Traditional Shampoos?
A natural, healthy shampoo doesn’t necessarily mean it’s less effective than a traditional shampoo. The effectiveness depends on the ingredients and their intended purpose. Some natural shampoos might lack certain synthetic additives, but they can still cleanse and nourish effectively with the right natural ingredients – plus these formulas are better for you and your hair’s health.
How Often Should I Use Healthy Shampoos?
The frequency of using a healthy shampoo varies depending on your hair type and needs. Generally, if you have oily hair, you may opt to shampoo every day to every other day. For normal to dry strands, 2-3 times a week is sufficient. But individual hair type, condition, and personal preference play a role.
Are Healthy Shampoos Safe for Color-Treated Hair?
Certainly, healthy shampoos can complement hair treatments like coloring. Many natural formulas are gentle and free from harsh chemicals that can strip color or disrupt treatments. Look for sulfate-free products with nourishing ingredients to minimize color fading and damage.
What Should I Do if I Experience an Adjustment Period When Switching to Healthy Shampoos?
Be patient. Yes, there might be an adjustment period when transitioning to natural shampoo. Your hair may take some time to adapt to the new ingredients, but this usually resolves within a few weeks.
Can I Still Achieve Voluminous and Stylish Hair with Healthy Shampoos?
Of course! You’ll want to opt for a healthy shampoo that specifically addresses volume and bringing life or style to limp or lifeless locks. Look for formulas with the gentle zip from peppermint, which will help to stimulate your scalp and strands, while kelp works on thickening your hair. Double bonus!
By choosing healthy shampoos, you’re not only nourishing your hair, but you’re also safeguarding your well-being by avoiding potentially harmful chemicals. This journey of mindful selection ripples outward, resonating with the environment as you reduce your ecological impact.
With each wash, you’re contributing to a healthier world and embracing a lifestyle where beauty aligns with nature’s wisdom. And, where the long-term benefits of using healthy shampoos maintain vibrant, nourished hair and the journey towards healthier hair care.
With the power of healthy shampoos and natural products, embracing your natural mane can be a transformative, rewarding journey. By choosing sustainable and eco-friendly options, nourishing your hair with natural ingredients, and understanding product labels, you can unleash the true potential of your hair. Take the leap for luscious locks naturally and a sustainable planet. Your locks will truly bloom where they were planted – plus clean tiles will be yours!