When shopping for shampoos, you can find any number of exotic ingredients claiming to clean your hair. However, most of these “natural” fixings are made up from harsh chemicals. Elements which strip your hair of natural oils, leaving dull, lifeless hair. Some are so toxic, you could lose your shiny locks of hair.
One of the top germ-fighting ingredients can be found in tea tree shampoo. Tea tree oil is a natural plant extract that will clean your hair and leave it shiny and soft.
You don’t have to use beautiful flowers and nice smelling herbs to have clean, sexy-looking hair. Some of the plant-based components are much better and safer for your delicate hair.
Look for these 8 natural ingredients in your shampoo to avoid damaging your hair with toxins and other products that will leave your hair lifeless and at times, missing. These materials can be found in your kitchen and in one form or another in various shampoo brands. If you can’t find a quality shampoo with these natural compounds, use them from your kitchen or find them at the all-natural store.
1. Aloe Vera
This plant compound will hydrate both your scalp and hair in a natural way. It is rich in minerals and vitamins speeds up blemishes on the scalp, including scratches, and soothes the itching that causes the scrapes in the first place.
Many of the products that contain Aloe Vera is a thick gel or prepared for a mask type event. Using the mask or gel allows the natural chemical makeup to work more effectively. If the scent is bothersome, because it is fairly strong, use much less and limit the time you leave it on your hair and scalp.
2. Coconut Oil
Many artificial shampoos have a coconut smell but list no actual coconut oil in its list of ingredients. The actual coconut oil contains a protein that helps protect your hairs core and aides in the prevention of breakage of hair shafts.
Coconut oil is one of the best oils for natural hair care. It penetrates into the hair quickly and can be applied in many different forms, including its most natural state. When applying coconut oil, start at the roots and work your way down to the tips of your hair. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the oil to soak in and then wash your hair twice to remove all the oil.
3. Castor Oil
This oil is beneficial to hair in two main ways. First, it promotes hair growth because of its operating properties like Vitamin E and fatty acids. Next, it is nourishing to the fiber of the hair. Many shampoos add castor oil to boost hair growth, but you can also purchase this oil without any additives like cleaners. A little goes a long way, three or four drops on your hair, then wrap with a warm towel for about 20 minutes should help your hair grow.
4. Rice Proteins
If you have ever made rice for dinner, you will notice it plumps up as it absorbs water. Rice proteins swell when full of water, so it makes sense this protein will boost the density of everyone’s hair.
The proteins attach themselves to the fiber of the hair and helps it to remain hydrated for a longer period of time. Many brands of conditioners contain rice proteins and are helpful in building volume in hair that is limp.
5. Honey
Adding honey on your hair is an age-old remedy for enhancing the shine, smell, and color of your hair. Many manufacturers add honey to their shampoos because it is cheap and helpful. It contains sugar enzymes and releases a hydrogen peroxide, known as oxygenated water. It will add lighter highlights to your hair.
Honey is also nutritious with regenerative properties. The bad thing is it is difficult to remove from your hair. It is best to find a natural shampoo that already contains honey.
6. White Vinegar
All-natural white vinegar is useful in boosting your hair’s shine. The way vinegar works are by closing the open hair cuticles, causing shine and it will also boost the natural highlights in your hair. This natural food product also has a purifying effect on the scalp, from its chemical makeup. This helps with dandruff and other itch-causing illnesses.
There are two drawbacks to be used raw white vinegar. One is the irritating fact and the odor. If left on the scalp for too long, it will become itchy and defeat the purpose of what you are using the food grade ingredient for. You could dilute the white vinegar and leave it on your scalp for a shorter period of time.
7. Salt
It may seem odd but sprinkling your scalp and hair with natural table salt is helpful to keep grease out of your look. Salt has exfoliating properties and will also absorb excess sebum and won’t leave the fiber of your hair stripped.
The salt reactivates and will help with blood circulation and will also reduce dandruff construction. Try to find a shampoo that contains salts rather than using it directly from the shaker, which can lead to irritations.
8. Keratin and Other Natural Oils
You may have heard a lot about keratin in the past several years. It is a natural ingredient and has several properties that help hair in a variety of ways. Keratin will leave your hair more supple, shinier and thicker than many other products containing toxic ingredients.
Another healthy ingredient is Jojoba oil that will soften your hair help it to remain tangle free. Olive oil and sweet almond oil are helpful for nourishing dehydrated and fragile hair.
Always opt for the shampoos that have all-natural ingredients that help your hair become healthier and sexier, not dull and lifeless. Shiny, full, natural looking hair is attractive on many women and men. If you take care of your hair now, you will have it longer than most people.