Many retail hair products have been exposed recently for causing more problems than they fix. With shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products loaded with chemicals which make our locks look bad and threaten our health, we are turning towards natural hair care options in increasing numbers.

Want to go natural as well? Take heed of the following tips…

Avoid shampoos which contain sulfates, parabens, and other additives

Ditching shampoos made of harmful chemicals is the first step in going all natural. Commercial shampoos sold in grocery and drug stores are notorious for containing substances like sulfates (responsible for drying out hair), parabens (a preservative which can disrupt your endocrine system), and p-Phenylenediamine (can cause skin conditions, and is a possible neurotoxin).

None of these substances are needed to cleanse hair, as there are numerous awesome products available through your hairstylist which are free of these harmful chemicals.

You can also find them online and through special brick and mortar retailers – just be sure to examine labels carefully to ensure none of the above-mentioned troublemakers is included in your bottle of shampoo.

Craft your own hair care products

Don’t trust commercial hair care companies to create a product free of artificial compounds? If you have time, motivation, and patience, then you can craft shampoos and conditioners from ingredients found at your local grocery store.

Baking soda can be used to make a simple ‘poo: simply mix one tablespoon into a cup of warm water until it dissolves, then pour the mixture over your hair and spread it through your locks with a comb.

If you are willing to give a dry shampoo a try, find some arrowroot (a variant of starch) and sprinkle some onto your hair, massage it into your scalp, and then brush out the excess. If you have darker hair, mix some cocoa powder or cinnamon with the arrowroot for optimal results.

Want to condition your hair naturally? Make a rinse with some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Take the juice of a lemon or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and combine it with a cup of warm water.

Pour the blended mixture over your hair, using a comb to spread it through your hair.

Soften your water

Greasy hair is among the most common complaints made by those new to natural hair care. Used to the excessive drying effects of sulfates, your scalp will crank out large quantities of oils in the first days after quitting commercial shampoo.

After a week or two, your body will adjust to the new normal, reducing oil excretions, thereby reducing the appearance of slick hair.

However, sometimes, this look will persist – while there are a number of explanations for this, the presence of hard water is one of the most common. High in minerals like limestone and chalk, hard water can irritate and dry out your scalp, triggering the continual release of oils.

If you are suffering from perpetually oily hair, get your tap water tested – if it is confirmed to be hard, get a softener. By adding special salts to this machine, the quality of your supply will improve, making it easier to maintain good looking hair.

Eat well

The hair on your head is part of your body – accordingly, any changes in diet can have a measurable impact on its quality. Your hair is composed largely of protein, but its needs may be deprioritised in favour of critical organs and muscles when you don’t get enough of this substance regularly.

A lack of protein can weaken the integrity of your hair, making it brittle and dull. Keep your hair strong and shiny by consuming plenty of lean meats, eggs, beans, tofu, and other rich sources of this essential building block.

Iron is also vital to hair health. This mineral contributes mightily to the growth of your locks – over the long run, not getting enough in your diet can put you at risk for female pattern baldness. Present in lean meats, beans, and dark greens like spinach, it is easy to get enough iron with a touch of intelligent meal planning.

If you’d like to talk about a problem with your hair or looking for a new style, get in touch today and book in with one of our mobile hairdressers.