Why is there a growing trend for “clean” hair care products? We take a look at how far it has come, how much farther it still needs to go, and who exactly may benefit the most from incorporating it into their regular hair care regimen.

The terms “organic” and “natural” are two of the most popular descriptors that can be seen on the labels of the newest and most innovative hair care products that have been released recently. The free-from beauty industry is exploding, and the industry as a whole is making the transition from a niche market to the mainstream market as a result of numerous brands broadening their product lines to better meet the needs of consumers who are becoming more knowledgeable about the ingredients in the products they use.

What are the reasons for “organic” and “natural” hair care demand to grow?

It seems to be due to four primary factors, the first of which is the rising utilization of organic skincare products as well as organic food. Following a period of increasing popularity in recent years, it was only a matter of time before consumers started applying the same purchasing patterns to the realm of hair care products as well. More individuals are attempting to cut down on their toxic or chemical load, and a wonderful place to commence is hair care or shampoo since these tend to be the daily products that we use. It is an obvious move to take given the growing number of consumers who care more about the ingredients in their cosmetic products than the efficacy of the goods themselves.

The increased degree of consciousness about the health of the scalp comes in second. Many individuals do not recognize the scalp as a kind of skin. The scalp may be quite sensitive, and if you are someone who styles their hair regularly, you need to be especially careful.

It is likely one of the places that the majority of products apply on it, including oils, hair spray, finishing treatments, styling serum, conditioner, shampoo and that is after you have colored your hair as well as before it is dried, straightened and styled.

It is interesting to note that changing your approach to haircare could also have positive effects on your skincare routine. There is overwhelming eczema or contact dermatitis occurring even on the hands or around the eyes at the precise moment when there is change of the hair care to the latest formula. Quite often, a person may believe that they need an eye cream to alleviate the irritation, but in reality, adjusting their shampoo might do the work. When discussing hair, it only makes sense to also discuss the skin on the regions around the hair.

The final justification has to do with the effect that some synthetic ingredients might be having on our environment. There is a much higher awareness of the environment on what we are throwing down the plughole, therefore this may be fuelling a desire for more eco-friendly wash solutions. Because climate change is one of the most important concerns facing the globe today, it should come as no surprise that customers are placing a high priority on biodegradability and other environmentally friendly characteristics.

Last but not least, the widespread belief that natural and organic products are gentler on our hair is another factor that has contributed to the public’s increased awareness of these kinds of products. Damage concerns are still a top problem throughout the globe, which has led to people searching out for gentler products. Products which are surfactants-free, such as sulfates, are perceived as gentler, which bodes well for businesses who declare that their products are sulfate-free.

What is the difference between organic and natural hair products?

The meanings of both of these phrases seem to have become a little muddled with time perhaps as a result of how often they are used at the present. Although they are comparable, there are important distinctions between the two, the most significant of which is the increased number of hurdles that a product must overcome to be considered organic. Organic and natural are quite distinct, although they may seem to be the same. In the simplest of terms, organic refers to any product that originates from an organic farm and was grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or ingredients that have been genetically engineered. There are stringent requirements that must be satisfied for a product to be labelled as certified organic. These standards ensure that organic ingredients are utilized wherever feasible and that any ingredients that cannot be organic are created utilizing green chemistry principles.

Regarding the definition of what it means for anything to be considered “natural,” there is room for more than one interpretation. In everyday life, the principles that underpin nature are strikingly similar to those that underpin organic. However, this definition might change depending on who you ask; for example, some businesses maintain the misconception that “nature identical” synthetic chemicals created in a laboratory qualify as natural. There are also certain natural ingredients such as clay, salt or water which are not farming products, thus cannot be organic. This is because these things cannot be grown. It is possible that products containing these ingredients in large amounts may not meet the minimal composition standards for organic certification; thus, natural certification is the next ideal alternative.

How much progress has been made in organic and natural hair care?

Farther than the majority of people believe. Except for hair color, advances in hair care products are making it possible to say goodbye to days of oily roots and lifeless ends. We are seeing manufacturers of innovative ingredients developing great naturally derived alternatives to synthetic ingredients. These natural styling agents, natural silicone alternatives and natural conditioning agents are examples of what is referred to as “naturally derived alternatives. Through the extensive research that has been conducted in the laboratory which have developed natural versions of various styling agents, conditioners and shampoos. These products include everything from clarifying shampoos to cleaning conditioners to styling putties.

As scientific progress continues to advance, there will soon be a broader variety of options available. Nature has offered excellent hair care ingredients for millennia, and now, with the understandable popularity for natural products, scientific researches are now proving the advantages of botanicals from every country, so there is something out there for all hair types. The hair care products of yesteryear still have a place in our day and age. Research has shown that coconut oil, in particular, is the only oil, synthetic or natural, that can effectively enter the hair shaft.

But will your hair still feel the same without silicones?

The question of whether particular ingredients may be improved upon by nature is still up for discussion. Trichologists, for instance, have observed that some silicones included in hair care products are very difficult to compete with in terms of the short-term aesthetic advantages they provide. On the other hand, natural alternatives could be good for you if you have fine hair since it is more likely to get weighed down quickly. It is all about questioning the typical ideas that people have about hair care and to understand, for instance, why there is a need for a natural alternative to silicones and we have to look outside the box a little bit. By utilizing softer plant-based detergents as opposed to the harsh synthetic ones known to damage the hair shaft, you have avoided the necessity for the cosmetic cover-up and build-up that silicones give.

Those who have trouble achieving smoothness and frizz control may have a tough time persuading their clients to switch to products that do not include silicone (especially if your hair is thick and wayward). Nevertheless, there is a possibility that there are opportunities that are worth exploring. A smooth finish that is devoid of oiliness might be difficult to achieve in the absence of silicones. However, opt for crambe abyssinica oil, which has a distinctive molecular structure that provides hair a silky finish without making it unduly greasy.

Changing to all-natural or organic products for your hair care routine at first requires some adjustment period. When it comes to shampoos, in particular, the peculiar lack of foam that most of them produce is a good place to start. It is advised for you to try a different approach to go along with the new things you are using if you are determined to push through nonetheless. The majority of people will notice that the foamy factor is not the same, but employing natural ingredients may be just as effective. With all-natural shampoos, you will find that using half the normal quantity but doing it twice offers a cleaner finish and a bigger foam effect. Some will find that using half the usual amount but doing it twice gives a cleaner finish and a greater foam effect. Start again and do it again. Pay close attention to completely rubbing the shampoo into the scalp while you do so. During the rinsing process, massage the shampoo through the ends of your hair carefully before washing it out. More lather will be produced by using a second shampoo on a completely wet scalp. Since the majority of us are used to doing a double wash on our faces, you may think of this as a double cleanse for the scalp. When making the changeover, this will have a significant impact on how effective the goods are.

What exactly is considered organic and natural ?

The terminology around organic and natural goods sometimes leads to confusion, and in certain instances, it may even be deceptive. This makes the field an especially muddy one. It is also interesting to note that the most current statistics from Mintel show that phrasing, not a certification, is the primary factor driving product selection. Free-from claims are a greater predictor of natural or organic for all customers. In addition, the inclusion of essential oils is more crucial for customers of natural and organic goods than either being certified organic or carrying the phrase ‘natural.’ The market intelligence business cites the absence of an industry standard with regard to certification in organic as one of the probable reasons why certifications are starting to lose their significance in the industry. The market for natural beauty products is now experiencing many of the same difficulties. When it comes to the phrase “natural,” there may also be a growing awareness that “natural” has too wide of meaning in the industry, as stated in the most recent study that Mintel has released on the topic of women’s hair care in the UK, which was published in 2017.

Because of this lack of clarity, it is fairly open season for businesses to make dubious claims about the origins of the natural and organic cosmetic products they sell. The phrases “natural” and “organic” cosmetics are not regulated in the same way for “organic” food. Unfortunately, “organic” and “natural” do not mean the same thing. Terms like ‘naturally derived’ or containing organic ingredients are commonly used for products that may also include ingredients that would not be authorized in a certified product. This is because these terms are easier to understand and market. What is a decent general guideline to follow? It is always worthwhile to examine the label for an independent certification sign such as COSMOS or the Soil Association. When it comes to the maintenance of natural hair, it is recommended to search for products that have received an independent certification, such as COSMOS Natural. This will increase the possibility that your product has been inspected at every stage of the supply chain.

Although organic skincare is still the largest player in the clean beauty business, there are continued many requests from all across the globe to educate students how to manufacture excellent organic hair care using natural products. We are aware that there is significant consumer demand for organic styling products, conditioner and shampoos; nevertheless, there are now only a small number of independent hair care companies available on the market. As a result, the development of our brand-new organic hair care course for our international community of organic beauty business owners was the next step that naturally followed. There may be more independent hair care businesses questioning the standards that society has set for what constitutes an effective hair care product.

What Does It All Mean When It Comes to Natural Hair Products Vs. Organic Hair Products?

Organic. Natural. We have all been exposed to the phrases in recent conversations. Alongside the growing movement toward healthier eating and a reduction in the amount of exposure to chemicals and toxicity in our daily lives, the cosmetics industry is also shifting toward the development of “organic” and “natural” goods. But what exactly do these classifications mean? Are there any artificial ingredients in your organic hair products? We have done extensive research into the world of cosmetic labels to assist you in sorting through the nonsense and making educated judgments about your purchases.

Natural Products for the Hair

  1. Natural

When it comes to labeling, the term “natural” indicates that an item is entirely sourced from natural sources and does not include any chemically modified or synthetic ingredients. However, here is where things start to get complicated. Because the FDA does not control this phrase, a hair product may identify itself as “natural” even if only one of its twenty ingredients satisfies the criteria. This is because the FDA does not regulate this term. Checking the list of ingredients is one strategy for getting around this problem. Since chemicals are presented in order of greatest proportion to lowest, choose hair products for your hair care routine that include synthetic substances that are listed as low on the list as possible.

  1. Organic

Even if the Food and Drug Administration does not provide an official definition of the word “organic” about cosmetics, it is reasonable to state that organic hair products do not include any synthetic ingredients and are made without the use of genetic engineering. When you see the USDA organic logo on a product, you can be sure that at least 95% of the product’s ingredients are organic. Nonetheless, there is a catch: a product may still state that it is organic as long as at least seventy percent of its ingredients are organic; however, these items will not bear a USDA organic mark on them.

  1. Cruelty-free

For a hair product to be considered cruelty-free, it must not have had any of its ingredients tested on animals. When you are out shopping for hair products, keep an eye out for a little bunny sign. This is the official Leaping Bunny accreditation that a cosmetic does not test on animals. The Leaping Bunny website is also a treasure for ethical beauty lovers since it provides a list of cruelty-free goods that is continually updated (including Love Hair, of course). In addition to this, they sometimes provide discounts with manufacturers that will save you money on cruelty-free cosmetics.

  1. Vegan/Plant-based

As is the case with dietary limitations, there is absolutely no trace of any kind of animal by-product in vegan hair products or cosmetics. What is the catch? As long as no animals were injured in the production of the product, it is OK for vegan hair products to include additional synthetic or chemically ridden substances, just as vegans are allowed to indulge in carbohydrates and other unhealthy indulgences. Before you make a purchase, you should be sure to verify the ingredient list.

When in doubt…

  1. Check that it has a label.
  2. Examine the list of ingredients.
  3. Check out useful online resources.
  4. Stick to the brands that you are familiar with.
  5. Make your inquiries by calling several businesses.