Ultimate beginner’s guide to clean hair care products
What actually is clean hair care?
Clean hair care means something different to everyone. At b.clean, we define it as using hair products that are free from harmful or potentially harmful ingredients. It’s all about choosing products that nurture and protect your hair and overall health – without the worry of exposing yourself to harmful chemicals!
Why is it really important?
Just like with clean skincare and makeup, using clean hair care products matters for your health. Research has shown that certain harmful ingredients can have negative effects on our health. Certain chemicals commonly found in hair care products can lead to irritation and more serious health concerns over time, so it makes sense to choose products without these ingredients.
For example, phthalates, which are often found in hair products, have been linked to health issues such as hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and allergies. With increasing awareness about harmful ingredients in products, many people and companies are choosing to avoid them in favor of safer alternatives. If you can avoid ingredients like these, why wouldn’t you?
In this post, we’ll explore:
- What makes a hair product clean?
- Common ingredients to avoid and why they matter
- Our top clean haircare product recommendations (shampoos, conditioners, oils, and leave-ins)
- Tips for transitioning to a clean hair care routine
- 5 key takeaways
Let’s dive into the world of clean hair care and discover how to pamper your hair while caring for your health and the planet!
What makes a hair product clean?
A clean hair product is defined by the ingredients that it contains. The main goal is to avoid harmful chemicals by choosing products that promote personal wellness without risking long-term negative effects.
Some clean products contain ingredients from 100% natural sources, while others may contain a mixture of natural and safe synthetic ingredients.
When searching for clean products it is a good idea to always check the ingredient list and labels.
Look for products that are free from:
Many clean hair products are made to help the health of your hair as well as the health of the planet. Many clean brands prioritize sustainability by using eco-friendly packaging and ensuring they are conscious of the environment in the production and shipping process.
Common ingredients to avoid and why they matter
Now that we understand the basics of what clean hair care is, let’s take a look at some common ingredients in conventional hair care products that you may want to avoid and why they can be harmful to your health.
Sulfates
You’ve probably heard about sulfates, but what are they really? Sulfates are often used in products, such as shampoos, to create that bubbly lather that we all love and that makes our hair feel clean. However, sulfates can be too harsh and stripping for sensitive skin or damaged, dry, fine, and color-treated hair. They can lead to frizziness, dryness, and irritation.
Why avoid sulfates?
Sulfates can be harmful for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions. If you have eczema, rosacea or allergies the The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends going sulfate-free (they also recommend avoiding fragrances, alcohol, and alpha-hydroxy acids). Additionally, if you have color treated hair using products with sulfates in can decrease the amount of time your hair color lasts for!
The good news is that there are many sulfate-free shampoos with natural surfactants (a great alternative to create the bubbly lather) made from plant-based ingredients.
Check for ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate on labels, or choose products labeled sulfate-free!
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals often used in hair care products to make the fragrances last longer. Unfortunately, they have been linked to many serious health problems.
Why avoid phthalates?
In an interview with Byrdie, board-certified dermatologist Sarah Gee explains that phthalates can disrupt hormones and contribute to serious health issues such as reproductive dysregulation, infertility, and allergies. They can also contribute to hair loss and worsen skin conditions like eczema.
Keep an eye out for names like Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Diethyl phthalate (DEP) when choosing products, or opt for products labeled free from phthalates!
Parabens
Parabens are another ingredient you might want to avoid. In recent years, parabens have been a controversial topic – and for good reason. Parabens are a group of preservatives used to extend the shelf life of products. Unfortunately, studies show they can mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns about health effects such as hormone disruption, cancer risk, and developmental issues in children.
Why avoid parabens?
The EU and FDA regulations say that the small amount of parabens in products are safe. However, when you use multiple products daily, the amount that is absorbed into the body adds up. Why not choose products that skip parabens altogether and avoid that risk?
Parabens are easier to see on labels than some other ingredients. Look for names such as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
Synthetic fragrances
Fragrances might be one of the most difficult ingredients in products to understand. Synthetic fragrances can be made up of a cocktail of around 3,500 chemicals. Companies don’t have to specify what ingredients are in their fragrances – and many don’t.
Why avoid synthetic fragrances and what to use instead?
Fragrances can lead to potential health risks such as hormone disruption and heightened cancer risk. If you have sensitive skin, fragrances can contribute to allergic reactions. Unscented products can also have fragrances in them known as masking agents. If you want to avoid fragrances completely instead opt for products that are fragrance free. If you want to use products with fragrance, products that have naturally-derived fragrance and are free from phthalates are a better choice than synthetic fragrances. EWG has some products, such as products from Attitude Living, that disclose the ingredients in their fragrances and pass EWG’s highest ratings for clean products!
Our top clean hair product recommendations
There are many amazing hair care products with clean ingredients. These products are rated well on both EWG’s Skin Deep Database and on the Yuka app. They are free from harmful and harsh ingredients making them safe for your hair and scalp.
Clean shampoos
This luxurious shampoo is an underrated gem. It is packed with hyaluronic acid for hydration and is free from sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and fragrance. Plus it is dermatologist tested, suitable for all hair types, and it has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance!
Necessaire is a sustainable brand that addresses environmental concerns.They are Climate Neutral Certified, are plastic neutral certified, use sustainable packaging, use FSC-certified paper, and are B Corp certified. They also donate 1% of their sales to nonprofits that support air, water, land, and wildlife!
This gentle, no-fuss shampoo is perfect for all hair types. It targets the hair and the scalp and helps with uncomfortable symptoms such as a flaking. It is dermatologist tested, and free from fragrance, parabens, and sulfates, making it a great everyday choice!
Vanicream also values sustainability. They use UPS carbon-neutral shipping, sustainable packaging practices such as biodegradable packing peanuts, reusing palettes and boxes, and have refill options for some of their products!
Clean conditioners
With hyaluronic acid and vitamins B3 and B5, this conditioner is all about hydrating your hair and contributing toward a healthy scalp. It is free from fragrance, sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. It is also dermatologist tested and has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance! This conditioner is suitable for all hair types so it is a great choice if you want a simple, hydrating conditioner that is free from harmful ingredients!
Another great option from Vanicream, this conditioner is a budget-friendly option for a simple, hydrating conditioner. It adds volume without weighing your hair down. Plus, it’s free from fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and is dermatologist tested!
Clean hair oils
Sky Organics Organic Split End Bonding Oil
This split end bonding hair oil is made with just four ingredients – organic rice bran oil, organic moringa oil, organic jojoba oil, and organic eucalyptus oil. It helps to nourish, smooth, and repair split ends without harmful additives, making it ideal for a clean hair care routine.
Sky Organics is a great health conscious and sustainable brand. They are B Corp certified, many of their products have USDA Organic certification, and NSF/ANSI 305 Standard for Personal Care Products made with organic ingredients and meet the organic textile standard (GOTS). Additionally, Sky Organics uses sustainable packaging such as using glass bottles, recycled plastic, FSC certified paper, and tubes made from sugarcane and compostable paper.
Who doesn’t want to lessen their environmental impact and use natural products?
Argan Oil
Argan oil is a classic for a reason! It is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that promote shiny and healthy hair. Argan oil can target many issues such as frizz, split ends, shine, itching, and dandruff. For best results, remember to adjust how much you use based on your hair texture!
If you have finer hair, use a small amount of the oil 1-2 times a week. If you have thicker hair you can use larger amounts of the oil more often without a problem!
There are many great argan oil options. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil, Organic Argan Oil from Trader Joe’s, and 100% Pure Argan Oil Multi-Tasking Oil from Shea Moisture are all 100% argan oil and budget-friendly options!
Macadamia Oil
Macadamia oil is less well known as other hair oils like argan oil. However, macadamia oil can be extremely useful to smooth hair and add shine! Like argan oil, it contains antioxidants which help to repair hair from environmental damage.
Macadamia oil is particularly good for curly hair as it can help make it more manageable.The best way to use this oil is after heat styling on your dry hair, as if used before on wet hair, the oil can heat up and cause damage.
A great option for macadamia oil is the 100% Macadamia-Oil concentrate Fragrance Free for Hair and Body from Bread Beauty Supply.
Clean leave in products
Attitude Living Detangler Spray
This product helps to detangle hair, leave it shiny, and nourish the scalp! It contains avocado oil which is known for its smoothing effect. Avocado oil also helps to seal the cuticle which leaves your hair shining.
If you want to use scented products with clean ingredients, Attitude Living has a wide selection. The majority of their scents are made up of “fragrant molecules found in nature”, and they disclose the ingredients that make up their scents. Many of their products are EWG verified and are rated well on the Yuka app.
Innersense Organic Beauty Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner
Made with aloe vera, tamanu oil, rosemary, and honey, this leave-in conditioner hydrates your hair without weighing it down.
Innersense Organic Beauty is another great brand for clean hair care products. Innersense don’t use artificial fragrance in their products. Instead, they use natural oils to give their products their scent. If you have sensitive skin be cautious using products with essential oils as they can be irritating.
How to transition to a clean hair routine
Switching to clean hair care can seem like a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be!
You don’t have to throw out all of your products immediately and buy all new ones – that can be overwhelming, time consuming, and expensive. Next time you finish a product, you can choose one with clean ingredients as a replacement. This way you limit waste and your bank account will also thank you!
Another good tip is to use resources such as our b.clean blog and social media, EWG’s Skin Deep Database, and the Yuka app to help find clean products and explanations about their ingredients!
5 key takeaways for your journey
- Clean haircare products focus on using safe ingredients and products that are good for your hair health
- Avoid sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances
- Look for products that specifically say “free from” to save you from reading the labels
- There are clean beauty products, including hair products, available for all price points
- Switching to clean hair products is a journey, you don’t have to switch all at once!
With these tips, you’re now ready to dive into the world of clean hair care and get great hair! Remember, every small change you make contributes to better health for both you and the planet. Now is the best time to start!
