Natural hair care products leave tresses soft, lustrous and hydrated while reducing negative environmental impact and decreasing exposure to chemicals.** Their wellness benefits include:

• Maintaining smooth, shiny hair**

• Reducing dandruff and flaking**

• Nourishing and hydrating healthy hair**

What are Hair Care Products?

The average human scalp has from 100,000 to 150,000 hairs, each of which grows about 1 centimeter per month. Hair grows for two to seven years before it enters a 100-day phase of rest, then falls out to be replaced by new growth. Hair is composed of strands of the protein keratin, water and lipids. Each hair shaft is protected by a cuticle, a series of scales that point from the scalp to the shaft’s tip. When these scales lay flat, hair looks shiny and smooth; when the scales are damaged, they cause hair to appear rough, frizzy and dull.**

Every day, hair is bombarded by the elements, from sun and wind to humidity and heat. While these environmental conditions may cause damage, exposure to chemicals in hair products may pose an even more significant threat. Synthetic compounds used in shampoos, conditioners, styling products, color treatments, straighteners and permanent wave solutions all act as drying agents, which may cause the cuticle to swell and break, leading to a rough, dull appearance.**

Many synthetic hair products contain toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, methelyne glycol, sodium laurel/laureth sulfate, parabens, petroleum, propylene glycol, phthalates, coal tar, creosote and chemical fragrances. Studies indicate that just 11 percent of the more-than 10,500 chemicals regularly used in hair care products have been evaluated by the FDA as to their safety and health; the average consumer uses 25 personal care products each day, exposing themselves to 200 chemicals, some of which may act as hormone disrupters or allergens.**

Over time, all of those chemicals have a cumulative effect, resulting in damaged, unhealthy-looking hair. In addition, the toxins may enter the water system after running down the drain, potentially leading to ground water contamination and environmental damage. As consumers become more aware of these issues, the call for natural hair products – which are equally if not more effective than synthetics – has increased.**

Natural hair products only use organic or botanical ingredients and are free of toxins. These ingredients hydrate and nourish hair, adding moisture to the scalp to help with dryness and damage. Some products also provide antioxidants that fight the effects of free radicals and help keep hair looking young and healthy.**

Some of the most popular natural hair care products include:

• Argan Oil: Derived from the kernels of the Moroccan tree, argan oil has been prized for its cosmetic and culinary uses for hundreds of years. This rich oil contains a high concentration of antioxidants such as vitamin E, as well as sterols, vitamin A and unsaturated fatty acids. It acts as an emollient, hydrating and smoothing hair cuticles.**
• Biotin: Known as a beautifying B-vitamin, Biotin helps the body process protein and fats and is an essential building block of healthy hair. Studies indicate that biotin increases hair thickness and reduces splitting. Biotin deficiency is linked to hair loss and thinning.**
• Coconut Oil: Derived from the fruit of the tropical coconut palm, coconut oil is high in saturated fats and acts as an emollient. Research suggests that this rich oil adds moisture to the hair and scalp, relieving itchy, dry skin, and blocks damage by penetrating deep into the hair shaft.**
• Hair Vitamins: Hair vitamins contain compounds that support healthy hair growth and maintenance. These may include B-complex vitamins – such as biotin and vitamin B-5 or panthenol – vitamin D, which supports follicle health, and minerals such as iron and zinc, which promote hair growth. **
• Horsetail: The stems of the horsetail plant have been prized for their beneficial applications for thousands of years. Along with inflammation-modulating compounds, horsetail contains rich concentrations of silica, a mineral that helps the body absorb calcium and strengthens hair and nails.**
• Natural Shampoos: Natural shampoos replace harsh chemical detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, with natural cleansing agents. These surfactants often come from saponins, or plants that contain naturally foaming compounds such as soapwort or sarsaparilla. Natural shampoos often contain other botanicals, such as chamomile, red clover and comfrey that add shine and strength.**
• Natural Conditioners: Unlike chemical conditions – which rely on chemical compounds that release formaldehyde to soften hair – natural conditioners smooth hair with botanical ingredients such as sunflower extract, which seals the cuticle for added shine. Other natural conditioner ingredients may include witch hazel, cellulose, aloe vera, vanilla and citric acid.**

Hair Care Products

Hair care products are frequently available as shampoo, conditioner, oils, serums, creams, gels and sprays. Some nutrients are offered as supplements for internal use, primarily in the form of capsules, tablets, tinctures and powders.**

Hair Care Product Directions for Use

Hair products supply varying amounts of active nutrients, so there is no set dosage. Always consult your health care professional before starting supplementation.**