Natural shampoo, hair masks and other natural hair products are all increasingly popular haircare alternatives. Here, we take a look a look at the best ways to look after your hair naturally, and what to look for (and what to watch out for!) when choosing natural hair care products.
What’s the buzz behind natural hair care?
Along with a growing preference for organic and locally-grown produce, we’ve been seeing more and more people who are opting for 100% natural hair care. But why?
From food to fashion and cosmetics, we are turning back to the earth itself and appreciating the natural qualities that Mother Nature can provide. This trend marks a return to efficacy, eco-respect, simplicity and transparency, but without compromising on quality. When it comes to hair care, this means knowing exactly what is in the products we put on our hair and preferring fewer ingredients where possible.
So, with this in mind, many are choosing to create their own hair care. In particular, natural home-made hair mask recipes are increasingly popular. They are quick and easy to formulate, and generally only involve a few key ingredients from the fridge...
How to make a natural hair mask
It’s really easy to make a homemade natural hair mask to help treat a variety of hair car concerns. For example, here are our three favourites:
Natural hair mask for dry hair: pure coconut oil and organic honey* (half-half).
Heat the mixture together until they melt, then leave to cool and apply to dry hair and ends. Rinse out after 15-20 minutes. This mask is especially good for natural hair types. For thinner hair, add some natural yogurt to the mask once cooled.
Natural hair mask for oily hair: apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil (10 drops).
Mix with one part water and rinse over clean hair post-shampooing. Use your fingertips to gently massage into the scalp then rinse thoroughly. You could also use this as a conditioning leave-in spray to help against dandruff.
Natural hair mask for coloured hair: banana (one) and sweet almond oil (10 drops).
Mash the banana into a paste and add the sweet almond oil. Use as a paste after rinsing and part-drying hair. Leave in for 30 minutes, rinse out and shampoo (always make sure you’re using a shampoo and conditioner for colour-treated hair).
Ready-made natural hair care products
If you don’t have the time, energy or ingredients for a home-made natural hair mask, there are plenty of all-natural but ready-made options available. Like the Radiance Balm for coloured hair by Source Essentielle, for example. Silicone-free and made from 99% ingredients of natural origin, you know exactly what you’re applying to your hair. Likewise, the Nourishing Balm, also from Source Essentielle, contains natural oils for silky and moisturised hair.
When it comes to natural shampoo and conditioner, Source Essentielle also has you covered. From the three natural shampoos formulated for different hair concerns, to the daily detangling cream, it’s possible to have an all-natural entire hair care routine!