Monthly Guide By Urbanhair: Organic vs. Natural Hair Care Products
Haircare Products: Natural vs. Organic / Vegan
Why is the demand for "clean" hair care products rising? We examine how far it has come, how much farther it still has to go, and who can specifically benefit from including it in their daily hair care routine.
The words "organic" and "natural" are two of the most often used adjectives that can be found on the labels of the latest and most cutting-edge hair care products. The free-from beauty market is booming, and the industry as a whole is moving from a niche market to the mainstream market as a result of numerous brands expanding their product lines to better cater to the demands of customers who are becoming more informed about the ingredients in the products they use.
Why is there a rise in interest in "organic" and "natural" hair care products?
The first of them is the growing use of organic food and skincare products. There appear to be four main causes behind this. After a recent era of rising popularity, it was only a matter of time before customers began to apply the same purchasing habits to the world of hair care products as well. More people are striving to reduce their exposure to toxins or chemicals, and because shampoo and other hair care products are frequently used daily, this is a great place to start. Given the rising number of consumers who are more concerned with the makeup of their cosmetic items than with their efficacy, it is a clear decision to make.
The enhanced level of awareness regarding the condition of the scalp comes in second. The scalp is a kind of skin, yet many people are unaware of this. Because the scalp may be fairly delicate, you should take extra care if you often style your hair.
The bulk of products, such as oils, hair spray, finishing treatments, styling serum, conditioner, and shampoo, are probably applied to it most frequently after coloring your hair and before it is dried, straightened, or styled.
It's interesting to notice that altering how you take care of your hair may also benefit how you take care of your skin. When switching to the newest hair care product, there is a sudden and severe outbreak of eczema or contact dermatitis, even on the hands or around the eyes. Frequently, people think they need an eye cream to soothe the irritation when, in fact, they only need to change their shampoo. It only makes sense to describe the skin around the hair while talking about hair.
The fourth defense focuses on the potential environmental impact of some synthetic chemicals. The urge for more environmentally friendly wash solutions may be fueled by our increased knowledge of the environment and what we are flushing down the toilet. Customers are giving biodegradability and other ecologically friendly qualities a high priority, which is not surprising given that climate change is one of the most significant issues confronting the world today.
Last but not least, another element that has helped the general public become more aware of these sorts of products is the prevalent assumption that natural and organic products are kinder to our hair. People are looking for kinder products since damage issues remain a major issue everywhere in the world. Sulfate-free products are seen as softer than products that include surfactants, which is good news for companies who make this claim about their goods.
What distinguishes organic from natural hair care products?
Due to their current frequency of use, it appears that the meanings of both of these expressions have grown a bit jumbled over time. Although they are equivalent, there are considerable differences between the two. The biggest of these is the greater number of obstacles a product must clear in order to be classified as organic. Although they may appear to be the same, organic and natural are extremely different. Organic refers, in the simplest words, to any food item that comes from an organic farm and was produced without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified substances. For a product to be labeled as certified organic, a number of strict conditions must be met. With the use of these guidelines, it is ensured that organic components are used wherever possible and that any ingredients that cannot be organic are produced using green chemistry principles.
There is room for more than one interpretation of what it means for something to be "natural" in this context. The rules that govern nature in real life are quite similar to those that govern biology. Nevertheless, depending on who you talk to, this definition could be different. For instance, some companies continue to operate on the false assumption that synthetic substances produced in a lab that are "naturally equivalent" count as natural. Additionally, certain natural substances like clay, salt, or water are not agricultural byproducts and cannot be considered organic. This is so because they can't be cultivated. Large levels of these compounds may prevent items from meeting the basic composition requirements for organic certification; as a result, natural certification is the next best option.
How far has the field of natural and organic hair care come?
Compared to what most people think, much further. With the exception of hair color, advancements in hair care products have made it feasible to put the days of greasy roots and lifeless ends behind us. Manufacturers of cutting-edge components are creating excellent organically derived substitutes for synthetic chemicals. The term "naturally derived alternatives" refers to products like natural style products, silicone alternatives, and conditioning products. Various styling products, conditioners, and shampoos offer natural alternatives thanks to substantial laboratory research that has been done. These goods range from detangling shampoos to detangling conditioners to style putties.
There will soon be a wider range of possibilities accessible as scientific advancement develops. Since nature has always provided wonderful components for hair care, there are solutions available for all hair types. With the obvious rise in the popularity of natural products, scientific studies are now demonstrating the benefits of botanicals from all over the world. Even in today's world, hair care products from the past are still useful. According to research, only coconut oil—not any other synthetic or natural oil—can efficiently penetrate the hair shaft.
Will your hair still feel the same if silicones aren't used?
It's still up for debate as to whether or not nature can improve on specific elements. In terms of the immediate cosmetic benefits they offer, trichologists have found that some silicones included in hair care products are particularly tough to compete with. However, as fine hair is more prone to become burdened down rapidly, natural options may be better for you. In order to comprehend, for example, why a natural alternative to silicones is necessary, one must question the conventional wisdom regarding hair care. To do this, one must think a little bit outside the box. You have avoided the need for the cosmetic buildup and cover-up that silicones provide by using gentler plant-based detergents as opposed to the harsh synthetic ones known to harm the hair shaft.
Those who have problems controlling frizz and obtaining smoothness may find it difficult to persuade their customers to switch to products without silicone (especially if your hair is thick and wayward). However, it's possible that there will be chances worth looking into. In the absence of silicones, it may be challenging to produce a smooth finish that is free of oiliness. Choose Crambe abyssinica oil instead, though; it has a unique molecular structure that gives hair a velvety feel without making it overly oily.
There has to be some initial adjustment when switching to an organic or all-natural hair care routine. The odd absence of foam that most shampoos create is an excellent place to start, especially when it comes to shampoos. If you are still determined to push through, it is advisable that you adopt a fresh strategy to go along with the new items you are implementing. Although most people would notice that the foamy element has changed, using natural components can still be just as effective. Using half the usual amount but doing it twice results in a cleaner finish and a greater foam effect when using all-natural shampoos. Some people discover that applying half the customary quantity twice results in a cleaner finish and a stronger foam impression. Repeat the process starting over. While doing so, pay particular attention to thoroughly massaging the shampoo into the scalp. Before rinsing the shampoo out, gently work it through the ends of your hair throughout the rinsing process. A second wash applied to a scalp that is entirely wet will result in more lather. It may help to think of this as a double cleaning for the scalp as most people are accustomed to washing their faces twice. This will have a big impact on how successful the products are during the switchover.
What exactly is meant by the terms "organic" and "natural"?
The nomenclature used to describe organic and natural products occasionally causes confusion and, in certain cases, may even be misleading. This makes the field particularly muddy. It's also noteworthy to note that the most recent data from Mintel indicates that the main determinant of product choice is not certification but rather wording. For all clients, assertions that something is free-from are a better indicator of natural or organic. Additionally, purchasers of natural and organic products place more value on the presence of essential oils than on the products holding the term "natural" or being certified organic. One of the likely reasons why certifications are beginning to lose relevance in the industry, according to the market intelligence sector, is that there is no industry standard for organic certification. Many of the same challenges are currently affecting the market for natural cosmetic products. According to the most current research from Mintel on women's hair care in the UK, which was published in 2017, there may also be a growing understanding that the term "natural" has too many different meanings in the business.
Due to this ambiguity, companies are able to make deceptive claims regarding the origins of the natural and organic cosmetic items they sell. Cosmetics marketed as "natural" or "organic" are not subject to the same regulations as "organic" food. Unfortunately, the terms "natural" and "organic" do not imply the same thing. Products that could also contain elements that would not be permitted in a certified product are frequently referred to as "naturally produced" or "having organic ingredients." This is due to how simple these concepts are to comprehend and promote. What is a good overall principle to adhere to? Always look for an independent certification symbol, such as COSMOS or the Soil Association, on the label. It is advised to look for products with independent certification, such as COSMOS Natural when it comes to maintaining natural hair. This will improve the likelihood that every step of the supply chain for your goods has been checked.
There are still a lot of requests from people all around the world to teach students how to make good organic hair care using natural ingredients, despite the fact that organic skincare is still the dominant player in the clean beauty industry. Although there are now just a few independent hair care firms on the market, we are aware that there is substantial customer demand for organic styling products, conditioners, and shampoos. The development of our brand-new course on organic hair care for our global community of owners of organic beauty businesses was the logical next step as a consequence. The norms that society has established for what makes a successful hair care product may be being questioned by increasingly independent hair care companies.
What Does It All Mean When Choosing Between Natural and Organic Hair Products?
Natural. Organic The words have recently been used in talks that we have all heard. The cosmetics business is moving toward the creation of "organic" and "natural" products at the same time as the rising trend toward better eating and a reduction in the number of toxins and chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis. However, what do these divisions actually mean? Are any of the organic hair products you sell artificially made? We have done a great deal of study into the world of cosmetic labels in order to help you filter through the gibberish and make informed decisions about your purchases.
Hair Care using Natural Products
Natural
When it comes to labeling, the word "natural" denotes that a product is totally made from natural components and does not contain any artificial or chemically altered elements. But this is when things start to become challenging. Due to the FDA's lack of regulation over this term, a hair product may refer to itself as "natural" even if only one of its twenty components meets the requirements. The FDA does not control this phrase, which explains why. An approach to avoiding this issue is to review the ingredient list. When choosing hair products for your hair care regimen, look for ones that have synthetic ingredients that are listed as low on the list as feasible because chemicals are listed from highest to lowest concentration.
Organic
Even though the Food and Drug Administration does not offer a formal definition of the term "organic" as it relates to cosmetics, it is safe to say that organic hair products are produced without the use of genetic engineering and without the use of any synthetic components. When a product has the USDA organic emblem, you can ensure that at least 95% of the ingredients are organic. However, there is a catch: a product may still claim to be organic if at least 70% of its ingredients are organic, but these goods will not have the USDA organic stamp on them.
Cruelty-free
A hair product must not have had any of its ingredients subjected to animal testing in order to be deemed cruelty-free. Look for a little bunny symbol when you are out shopping for hair supplies. The Leaping Bunny certification that a cosmetic has not been subjected to animal testing. Due to its regularly updated list of cruelty-free products, the Leaping Bunny website is also a goldmine for anyone interested in ethical beauty (including Love Hair, of course). In addition, they occasionally provide manufacturer discounts on cruelty-free cosmetics, saving you money.
Image Credit: Aveda
Vegan/Plant-based
Vegan cosmetics and hair products include completely no animal byproducts, just as is the case with dietary restrictions. What the catch is? Vegan hair products may contain additional synthetic or chemically laden ingredients as long as no animals were harmed in the production process, just as vegans are permitted to indulge in unhealthy foods like carbs. Verify the ingredient list before making a purchase, it is advised.
For example, Aveda achieved a new milestone right after the new year as this high-performance hair care brand is now 100% vegan! Aveda has been cruelty-free since the brand was founded in 1978 and was largely vegan with the exception of some products that contained honey, beeswax, and beeswax-derived ingredients. Today, all its hair and personal care products are now 100% vegan and contain no animal-derived ingredients.
Image Credit: Aveda
Furthermore, leveraging on the brand’s expertise in plant-powered hair care, Aveda has also launched a revolutionary new Botanical Repair™ collection that transforms hair using plant repair technology that instantly strengthens and repairs hair. This new collection, which took 6 years to develop in Aveda’s botanical research laboratory, is a high-performing, vegan, 93% naturally derived collection of both retail and professional products powered by an innovative 3-layer hair repair technology that transforms hair with the power of plants.
If uncertain
Verify if a label is present.
Check the ingredient list.
Check out some helpful websites.
Don't stray from the brands you are accustomed to.
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