Many of us do more than our fair share of due diligence when it comes to the ingredients that we put on our faces, but what about our hair? With experts heralding the ‘skinification’ of hair – that’s treating our scalp (and hair) with the same reverence we do our faces – attitudes are definitely changing, and like everything else, we like to keep things clean.

The bad news

Conventional hair products can contain things like coal tar (used in dandruff shampoos), ethanolamine (used in styling products), and benzene compounds like toluene (used in hair dyes), all of which have been associated with health concerns including skin and eye irritation; endocrine disruption; possible carcinogens; and developmental, reproductive, and immune toxicity.

In addition to chemical exposure through application to the scalp, the inhalation of some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during shampoo and spray use is also a definite cause for worry. Phthalates, which are often found in fragrance, can enter into the system through inhalation, which is then absorbed directly into the lungs.

And it’s not just humans that these nasties are having a negative effect on. Once they go down the drain, these chemicals make their way into your city’s wastewater before being released into rivers, oceans, and lakes. Recent research from the European Commission found that using conventional shampoo can contribute to “climate change, water resource depletion, mineral and fossil resource depletion, and freshwater eco-toxicity”, which is even more of a reason to give many popular shampoo formulas the flick.

The good news

There ARE some great clean and natural haircare formulas available out there, many of which are available right here! Using them can take a little getting used to, however, especially when it comes to a foamy, sudsy wash. If you’re used to the squeaky-clean feel that a conventional shampoo delivers, you’ll need to shift your mindset to the fact that a giant cloud of bubbles doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner hair. After a couple of washes, you will slowly get used to it, and your hair will begin to adapt as well.

There’s also a misconception that natural shampoos do not care for your hair as well as more traditional formulas, but it’s often quite the opposite. When you lather up with conventional shampoos, the chemicals in them can actually strip away your natural oils, which could leave your strands dry and brittle. Great clean brands will often infuse their products with even more active ingredients to go beyond the surface of the hair, addressing scalp health and working to repair and strengthen the hair cuticle from the inside out.

Our favourites

When you’re transitioning from regular to natural haircare, your scalp might feel itchy or oily as it gets used to the new formulas. You also might find you have to try a few different brands before you find the perfect fit, so we’ve rounded up some of the best clean haircare picks on the block.

Ethique Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

We love Ethique, a New Zealand brand that really took the concept of cleansing bars for the face, body and hair to the next level. They even offer moisturising bars – but that’s a rave for another day! Their shampoo and conditioning offering includes specialty formulas for sensitive scalps and blondes, with the Ethique Tone It Down Solid Shampoo a godsend for those that may have been neglecting their tresses over the summer months. The matching purple conditioning bar doesn’t contain petrochemical-derived dyes so the toning is more gentle than typical purple products, whilst jasmine oil delivers deep nourishment for soft, smooth, luminous locks. Check out their very easy to follow educational videos online for how to best make the change, and use your bars effectively.

Alder New York Texture Powder

A major boost when it comes to volume and texture, Alder’s 100% natural Texture Powder is a stellar dry shampoo that’s formulated for all hair types and colours. Designed with unique ingredients like texturising kaolin and sea clay, shavegrass powder, and rice powder, it is perfect for in-between wash days, extending a salon blow out or lending a little extra grip to just-washed hair.

Kaia Naturals Overnight Dry Shampoo

Available in formulas for lighter and darker types, the takesumi detox® overnight dry shampoo combines time-activated deodorisers with the luxurious scent of Japanese Camellia. Powered by detoxifying activated charcoal and a blend of ultra-micronised powders, it works to absorb odour and oil while instantly refreshing hair and adding volume to all hair types. Needless to say, it also smells delicious!