Haircare, like skincare, is a very personal choice and depends greatly on the texture and type of hair you have. Some like to have squeaky clean hair, so will use an SLS-based shampoo, and others may have a sensitive scalp and opt for products free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as it can make the scalp itchy.
Silicone or derivatives of it is also a non-sustainable ingredient we try to stay away from. Most commonly found in conditioners, these help to give hair shine but can also dry it out over the long term. In our final post of the ‘Best of Natural’ series, we’ve picked out our favourite haircare, all free from silicones and sulphates, including some which are plastic free in support of Plastic Free July.
Discover all of our Best of Natural posts:
- Best Natural Body Care
- Best Natural Face Masks
- Best Natural Face Exfoliators
- Best Natural Face Moisturisers
- Best Natural Makeup Removers and Face Cleansers
- Best Natural Skin Tints and Foundations
BEST NATURAL HAIRCARE
*OUR FOUNDER’S FAVOURITES*
Sofia particularly loves the vegan-friendly and cruelty-free Foamie Shampoo Bar, Aloe You Vera Much as it works so well on her dry hair. A solid shampoo bar which perhaps unsurprisingly has an aloe vera fragrance, this provides an intensive care treatment – massaging, cleansing and nourishing the hair. It has a natural pH which suits hair and scalp, and contains almond oil to deeply hydrate. Dermatologically tested, it has 0% soap, colouring, sulphates, silicones and microplastics. Plus, the packaging is also completely plastic-free!
YAROK Feed Your Ends Leave In Conditioner
If you try just one product from this brand, let it be this. The rest of the range is just as wonderful, but this spray-in conditioner has a lightweight formula which is suitable for all hair types. It’s especially ideal for Sofia’s fine and dry hair as it provides the moisture it requires whilst smoothing and reviving its texture. Packed full of nutritious vitamins, minerals, natural preservatives and essential oils (a blend of organic oils – jojoba, olive, grapeseed, apricot and evening primrose), it deeply hydrates, makes the hair more manageable and acts as protection against UV rays and heat styling. All ingredients are 100% natural, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and free from alcohol, parabens, sulphates, chemicals and gluten. It’s also great to know that Yarok donates 3% of all profits directly to benefiting Pachamama Alliance and protecting over 10 million acres of Amazon Rainforest.
We love that hair and skincare are at the heart of the rich history of this brand. Fun fact – Rahua derives its name from a tree nut grown in the rainforest which was originally used by local tribes to produce oil to revitalise hair and skin! All Rahua products are organic, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. They have a gentle formula which contains omegas and other all-natural plant-derived nutrients. Depending on which product you choose to suit your hair type, the ingredients can add moisture and hydration, repair damaged hair, re-balance and revitalise hair, make it stronger, and leave it soft and shiny.
If you’re looking for a range designed for afro hair, Equi Botanics has you covered with their 3 core products – free from gluten, parabens, SLS, microbeads, harsh preservatives, alcohol, palm oil, mineral oil, petrochemicals, lanolin and toxic chemicals.
Baobab Moisturising Sulfate Free Cleanser:
This does a great job of cleansing, moisturising and softening hair without stripping it of its natural oils. Your hair is left hydrated with a silky smooth finish thanks to the lovely blend of sweet almond oil, aloe vera and lavender oil inside. The scalp also benefits from this as the ingredients aloe vera and peppermint oil have a calming and soothing effect. Massage in for a few moments of mindfulness.
Marula Oil Leave In Conditioner:
A creamy consistency (a blend of South African marula oil, Moroccan argan oil and jojoba oil) which moisturises, conditions and helps style hair even when wet! Not only that, it helps promote hair growth and repairs damaged hair follicles as it contains African Baobab, an amino acid.
Babassu Deep Treatment Masque:
For an intensive treatment which helps to give nourished and revitalised healthy-looking hair, this is a must-try. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, strengthens hair (preventing breakage), promotes hair growth, and gives frizz-free, shiny hair. The Babassu oil penetrates and softens hair; Brazilian andiroba oil is packed with alpha-hydroxyl acids for scalp health, also fights inflammation; murumuru butter is rich in Vitamin A, C and omega fatty acids and tucuma seed butter protects hair from becoming dehydrated and from sun damage. We love the lavender and May Chang fragrance of it too!
We’re big fans of the Bouclème products specifically created for curly hair. Produced in the UK, these are cruelty-free and formulated without sulphates, silicones, mineral oils, petroleum, propylene glycol, parabens, artificial fragrances and colours.
Bouclème Curl Cleanser:
Perfect for medium to thick curls, this cleanser (aka shampoo) nourishes, moisturises, strengthens and restores dry hair, leaving you with clean, soft and shiny curls. With a glorious revitalising fragrance of citrus, spearmint and magnolia leaf, the ingredients within are also packed full of beneficial properties. The argan oil is full of omegas which penetrate the hair follicles; virgin coconut oil helps to repair damaged hair, reduces natural protein loss and promotes growth; organic aloe vera leaf extract removes the scalp’s dead skin cells; pomegranate extract (a natural antioxidants) maintains radiance, and honey provides hydration to the hair and scalp.
Bouclème Curl Conditioner:
A lovely lightweight formula which replenishes hair by providing intense moisture through the blend of argan oil, virgin coconut oil and organic aloe vera leaf extract. Vitamin E also strengthens the hair and protects from environmental stressors while linseed conditions and softens.
Bouclème Curl Cream:
A non-greasy, vegan-friendly leave-in cream containing kukui nut oil, nutrient-rich coconut fruit extract and conditioning oils of shea butter, coconut and castor oil. These all help to nourish/replenish moisture and styles curls, leaving a soft hold.
SCALP OIL – our very own pre-shampoo treatment
Soothing the scalp and nourishing it is traditional in many cultures, and our Scalp Oil, which has been adapted from a traditional family recipe, is helping strengthen strands from the root.
*FOUNDER SECRET*
“I have stopped dying my hair to help with the condition of my hair as even natural dyes have a small amount of peroxide in, which strips hair and can irritate my scalp. I also use a scalp oil to feed and nourish the roots as a pre-treatment before shampooing. This has also helped restore the health of my hair.” – Sofia
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE NATURAL HAIRCARE PRODUCT?
We’d love for you to tell us in a comment below!
