Introduction
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using more natural and organic hair care products. Many people are becoming more conscious of what they put on their bodies, and are looking for healthier alternatives to conventional hair products that often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients.
Natural and organic hair products use plant-derived and minimally processed ingredients that are gentler on hair and generally better for overall wellness. They avoid sulfates, parabens, silicones, and other potentially toxic additives commonly found in regular shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and hair dyes.
The main benefits of switching to natural and organic options include: reduced scalp irritation, less damage and dryness, improved hair strength and shine, and avoiding exposure to questionable chemicals. These products help create a healthier environment on the scalp and hair follicles.
Many reputable hair brands now offer natural and organic lines. From shampoos to serums, there are high-quality options available for all hair types and concerns. The market has exploded in recent years as consumer demand increases.
This guide will provide an overview of the best natural and organic hair care products in the UK. We’ll cover what makes them different, their benefits, and where you can find sustainable, non-toxic options for your hair.
What Makes Hair Products Natural/Organic?
When looking for natural and organic hair products, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients list. Here are some things to look for and avoid:
Ingredients to Look For
Plant-derived ingredients – Look for hair products made with botanical extracts, oils, and butters like aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, etc. These are gentler on hair and scalp.
Certified organic ingredients – Choose products with a high percentage of certified organic ingredients. These are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Natural preservatives – Some safe, natural preservatives include vitamin E, vegetable glycerin, essential oils, and radish root ferment. They keep products fresh without harsh chemicals.
Natural fragrances – Opt for naturally derived fragrances from plants over synthetic fragrances which can irritate skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
Sulfates – These harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can strip hair of natural oils leading to dryness and damage.
Parabens – Used as preservatives, parabens may disrupt hormones and are linked to health issues.
Silicones – Silicones like dimethicone coat hair, leaving it looking shiny but feeling brittle and dry over time as moisture is blocked.
Artificial fragrances – Synthetic fragrances contain phthalates which are hormone disruptors and can trigger allergies.
Artificial colors – Made from coal tar, artificial colors serve no purpose other than aesthetics but can be toxic.
Benefits of Natural/Organic Hair Products
Natural and organic hair products offer many benefits compared to conventional hair products. Here are some of the top reasons to choose natural and organic:
Better for hair health: Natural products contain ingredients that are gentler on hair. They avoid harsh detergents like sulfates that can strip hair and damage it over time. Natural ingredients like plant oils and butters nourish hair.
Environmentally friendly: Natural/organic products use plant-derived ingredients and avoid petrochemicals. They have less processing and packaging waste. Many use sustainable practices and give back to environmental causes.
No toxic chemicals: Conventional products can contain many synthetic ingredients and preservatives that may be toxic or carcinogenic. Going natural avoids concerning chemicals like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde releasers.
Allergy/sensitivity friendly: Those with sensitive skin or allergies do better with natural products that avoid common irritants and allergens found in conventional hair care. The simpler ingredients are less likely to cause reactions.
Cruelty-free: Most natural brands don’t test on animals and are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free. Choosing these products avoids supporting animal testing.
Support small/indie brands: Many natural hair brands are small, indie businesses. Choosing these supports independent companies with ethical practices.
Overall, natural and organic hair products are better for you and the planet. The gentler formulations enhance hair health without toxic chemicals or animal testing.
Natural vs Conventional Hair Products
There are some key differences between natural/organic and conventional hair products:
Ingredients – Natural products use plant-derived and minimally processed ingredients, while conventional products often contain synthetic chemicals and preservatives. Natural products avoid ingredients like sulfates, parabens, silicones, artificial fragrances, and dyes.
Processing – Natural hair products are often handmade in small batches with simple processes like cold pressing. Conventional products may undergo harsh chemical processing and high heat.
Safety – Many of the synthetic chemicals in conventional hair products have been linked to health concerns. Natural ingredients are gentler with fewer reported side effects.
Sustainability – Natural products use renewable, biodegradable ingredients that are eco-friendly. Many conventional ingredients are derived from petrochemicals and other unsustainable sources.
Performance – While some believe conventional products work better, natural products have improved a lot. Many provide comparable results, especially with recent innovations in green chemistry.
So in summary, natural hair products emphasize pure, plant-based ingredients and minimal processing for a gentler, eco-friendly approach. Conventional products often rely more heavily on synthetic chemicals and harsh processing methods to achieve certain looks and styles. Both can work well, but natural products provide a more health-conscious option.
Top Natural/Organic Hair Care Brands in the UK
The UK has seen a rise in natural and organic hair care brands pop up to meet consumer demand. Here are some of the top brands producing high quality products:
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Faith in Nature – One of the pioneers in natural haircare in the UK. They offer shampoos, conditioners, styling products and more. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free and made with natural ingredients like coconut and shea butter.
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Green People – A leading organic beauty brand in the UK. Their hair products contain organic and natural plant extracts. They have shampoos, conditioners and treatments for all hair types.
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Pai – Luxury organic hair care made in the UK. Their range includes shampoos, conditioners and masks made with organic rosehip, strawberry and ginseng. Vegan and cruelty-free.
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Phyto – French brand offering botanical based hair products. Their phytocyane shampoo and thinning hair treatments are popular.
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Tropic Skincare – A British brand making sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners with shea butter, marula and coconut oil. Vegan and cruelty-free.
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Nature’s Way – Affordable UK brand with a range of organic shampoos for different hair needs like dandruff relief and volume boosting.
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Natulique – Organic salon brand in the UK. They use natural ingredients like moringa oil and bamboo extract in their formulas.
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Organic Head – Specialise in organic haircare for afro hair. Have shampoos, oils and styling products.
What to Look for When Buying Natural/Organic Hair Care
When shopping for natural and organic hair care products, there are a few key things to look for:
Certifications
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Look for products certified organic by organizations like the Soil Association in the UK or USDA Organic in the US. This ensures the product contains at least 95% organic ingredients.
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Products with “made with organic ingredients” contain 70-95% organic ingredients.
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“Natural” labeling is unregulated, so look for reputable certifications.
Ingredients
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Avoid sulfates like SLS and SLES which can strip hair and irritate skin.
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Watch out for parabens, which act as preservatives but may disrupt hormones.
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Look for plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, essential oils etc.
Ethical Sourcing
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Seek fair trade certified products, which promote environmentally sustainable and ethical practices.
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Look for cruelty-free/vegan products not tested on animals.
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Support small, eco-conscious brands with ethical values.
Price
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Expect to pay more for salon-quality organic products. But many affordable natural options exist too.
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Look for sales, deals, bulk sizes to help minimize cost.
Performance
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Read reviews to ensure the products actually work well for your hair type.
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Sample travel sizes first before purchasing full sized products.
Natural/Organic Shampoo Bars
Shampoo bars have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people look for natural and eco-friendly alternatives to liquid shampoos. Shampoo bars are solid bars of concentrated shampoo that you use directly on your hair without water.
Shampoo bars offer a variety of benefits:
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They are made of natural, organic ingredients like plant oils, essential oils, and botanical extracts. Many are vegan and cruelty-free.
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They produce less plastic waste compared to liquid shampoos that come in plastic bottles. A shampoo bar can last up to 80 washes, significantly reducing your environmental impact.
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They are free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones, and artificial fragrances that can strip hair and irritate the scalp.
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The natural oils and butters in shampoo bars cleanse hair gently without stripping it. Many contain moisturizing ingredients that leave hair soft and manageable.
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They create less lather and rinse cleaner than liquid shampoos, without leaving residue. The oils help condition hair and scalp naturally.
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They are compact, portable, and ideal for travel. A shampoo bar lasts much longer than a bottle of liquid shampoo.
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They are cost effective in the long run. Though the upfront cost may be more, a bar lasts for months of washes, making them cheaper per wash than liquid shampoo.
Shampoo bars have a solid formula but function just like a liquid shampoo when applied directly to wet hair. The motion of rubbing the bar with water activates the surfactants, creating a gentle lather that lifts dirt and buildup from hair and scalp. The natural oils and butters condition hair so it feels clean but not stripped. Shampoo bars are simple to use, affordable, and eco-friendly.
Other Natural Hair Products
Conditioners
Natural conditioners nourish hair with plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and avocado oil. They hydrate hair without harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Look for options certified organic and made without preservatives. Some top natural conditioner ingredients are jojoba oil, olive oil, and argan oil.
Hair Masks
Hair masks provide an extra dose of moisture and nutrients for damaged or dry hair. They contain ultra-hydrating ingredients like banana, avocado, honey, and eggs. Apply a hair mask 1-2 times per week after shampooing and leave on for 5-15 minutes before rinsing out. Some masks can even be left in overnight. Look for natural masks without parabens or sulfates.
Oils
Natural hair oils like coconut, olive, almond, argan, and jojoba oil can be used as pre-shampoo treatments. Massage a few drops of oil into hair and scalp and leave on for at least 30 minutes or overnight. The oils moisturize hair, add shine, and improve hair strength. Oils also stimulate the scalp to promote hair growth. Use them as needed on dry ends or apply weekly for deep conditioning.
Where to Buy Natural/Organic Hair Products in the UK
The UK has seen a rise in natural and organic hair care in recent years. Consumers are becoming more aware of what goes into their personal care products and seeking healthier, gentler options for their hair. Luckily, there are now many places to find quality natural and organic hair products across the UK, both online and in physical stores.
Online Retailers
Some of the most popular places to buy natural hair care online include:
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Naturisimo – This online beauty retailer specializes in natural and organic beauty. They stock a wide range of hair brands like John Masters Organics, Rahua, and Sukin.
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Love Lula – Love Lula exclusively sells natural, organic, and ethical beauty products. They have a great selection of natural hair care from brands like Faith in Nature, Green People, Dr. Hauschka and more.
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Look Fantastic – Look Fantastic has a dedicated natural beauty section with lots of natural hair options. Brands stocked include Weleda, Pai, Klorane, and many others.
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Cult Beauty – This online beauty destination carries some harder-to-find natural hair brands like Briogeo, IGK, and Ouai.
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Amazon – Amazon marketplace sellers offer a wide range of natural and organic hair brands.
Physical Stores
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Holland & Barrett – This health food chain stocks some well-known natural hair care brands like Faith in Nature, Naturtint, Logona, and Jason.
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Boots – Boots has been expanding their natural beauty selection. They now stock brands like Giovanni, Green People, Shea Moisture, and more.
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Superdrug – High street retailer Superdrug also carries some affordable natural options from brands like Naturtint, Faith in Nature, and Natorigin.
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Independent Health Stores – Local independent health food shops often sell natural hair care ranges you won’t find in the big chains.
So whether you prefer the convenience of online shopping or seeing products in person, there are now many excellent options for finding quality natural and organic hair care across the UK. Take your time to read ingredient lists and product descriptions, and you’re sure to find healthier hair products that work for your specific needs and hair type.
Conclusion
In summary, natural and organic hair care products are better for you and the environment compared to conventional hair products. They avoid harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones, and artificial fragrances.
The main benefits of using natural/organic hair products are:
- Gentler on hair and scalp
- Reduce irritation and allergic reactions
- Often contain beneficial natural oils and extracts
- Less exposure to potentially toxic ingredients
- More environmentally friendly and sustainable
Some top natural hair care brands in the UK include Faith in Nature, Green People, Nature’s Way, and Only Curls. When shopping, look for certifications like Soil Association, cruelty-free, vegan, etc.
Natural shampoo bars are a great plastic-free option. Other products like conditioners, masks, gels, etc also come in natural versions. Many online shops in the UK now stock quality natural and organic hair lines.
With some research, you can find healthier, eco-friendly hair products that work well for you. Going natural can greatly benefit your hair health and reduce your toxin exposure.