151BeautyWORDS BY SARAH BARNES. STILL LIFES BY DAVID MARQUEZ
In the past, we’ve been conditioned to think that hair is only
really clean if the shampoo gives a big lather,thanks to a hefty
dose of SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). Now beauty-hungry consumers
are becoming more ingredient conscious, the hair industry has stepped
up its game when it comes to natural products. According to market
researchers Mintel, of all the UK haircare launches in 2018, 20 per cent
were certified as ‘vegan’ compared to only 12 per cent in 2016, proving
that you don’t need to rely on chemical-filled bottles to get
results. ‘Shampoo and conditioner absorb into our bloodstream via the
hair follicles in our scalp when we rinse them off,’ says Tabitha James-
Kraan, founder of Hair Organics. Another worry is that ‘toxic
chemicals, such as formaldehyde (found in keratin treatments), are
ending up down the plughole, damaging the environment’. It seems the
message is hitting home. According to L’Oréal, 50 per cent of
consumers now buy natural toiletries, as they consider them better for
their health. With hair being our external well-being indicator, read on
for our pick of the best plant-based ingredients for a luscious mane...THEINGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Worriedyou won’t get the same results using natural products? Brands are
pulling on a power list of plant ingredients to tackle our hair issues. Jojoba
oil can be used to balance the scalp’s oil production as it contains fatty acids
similar to human sebum. Meanwhile, avocado is packed with vitamins A
and D, which are easily absorbed into hair follicles to improve growth. Also
look for potato extract in powder form because it is vital for melanin, which
gives hair its colour. Products ‘certified vegan’ or ‘cosmos natural’ mean
they are cruelty-free and comply with strict rules on toxicity. They also
prefer to use plant oils, such as mint and lavender, for fragrance instead of
synthetic perfumes.SILICONE-FREEAND FABULOUS
Siliconesin serums add a thin waterproof coating to strands, sealing in
moisture and flattening down cuticles to make them smooth and shiny. It
sounds appealing, but essentially you are coating your locks with liquid
plastic, ‘which weighs hair down and is insoluble when you wash it down
the drain’, says Antony Rawlings, Redken expert and creative director
at London’s Lockonego salon. ‘Over time, hair can get clogged with
a build-up of silicone, becoming a magnet for more dirt.’ Try using natural
alternatives, such as shea butter (rich in fatty acids) or coconut oil (high in
omega 3), which eliminate frizz naturally.CLEANSEWITHOUT CHEMICALS
SodiumLauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a chemical foaming agent that has been
used in shampoo since the 30s. ‘It provides us with all the lather needed for
hair to feel squeaky clean, but constant use can damage hair cells and strip
away proteins, leaving strands dull and dry,’ says Rawlings. Look for SLS-
free shampoo instead. Those with aloe vera are rich in exfoliating
proteolytic enzymes to clear the dead skin cells that clog up follicles. While
coco glucoside, derived from coconut, corn or fruit sugar, will lather up
slightly so you can cleanse your hair without stripping it.SAYGOODBYE TO WEAK HAIR
Parabensare a form of preservative that have been increasing the shelf
life of our products by preventing bacteria since the 50s. However,
these petrochemicals – listed as butylparaben, propylparaben and
methylparaben – can irritate skin and make your hair weak, causing
breakage. Swap for haircare that contains tea tree, a natural antibacterial,
and wheat protein, which helps strengthen your strands.1
TabithaJames Kraan Organic
Dry Shampoo Compact for Dark
Hair, £19 (Tabithajk.com)
Fed up of oily strands? This dry
shampoo is a head above the rest.
Certified organic chestnut, burdock
andtapioca balance oil production
to remove grease from your roots.2
RedkenNature and Science
All Soft Conditioner, £20
Madefrom 99 per cent naturally
derivedingredients, this conditioner uses
birch sap to detangle and replenish the
moisture your hair has lost. Perfect for
giving dry brittlelocks new life.3
Maui MoistureCurl Quench + Coconut
Oil Curl Smoothie,
£8.99 (Boots.com)
Curly hair? This leave-in mask is for
you. A signature base of 100 per cent
pure aloe juice, added coconut oil and
papaya fruit extract will condition and
de-frizz for natural body and bounce.4
ChāmpoPitta Volumising Shampoo,
£18 (Champohaircare.com)
Tend to weak strands naturally.
This contains haritaki fruit, a superfood
antioxidant used in Ayurvedic medicine
to strengthen hair, alongside
thickening coconut extract.5
RenClean Skincare Pro-Vitamin
Hair Conditioner, £18 (Fabled.com)
Packed with jojoba, grape seed and
lemon peel oils, sweep this conditioner
over dry ends to deeply moisturise.6
JohnMasters Organics Leave-In
Conditioning Mist, £24 (Fabled.com)
Want to tame that frizz? This mist is
loaded with broccoli seed and borage
seed oils, which contain fatty acids to
soften and hydrate strands. Great for
revitalising hair throughout the day.7
L’OréalParis Botanicals Argan &
Safflower Nourishing Potion, £9.99
Spritz this potion on to wet hair from
root to tip. Argan and safflower oils,
both rich in lipids (natural fats), add
shine without using silicones. Did we
mention it’s 100 per cent vegan, too?