The Hairy Truth

Haircare ingredients now read less like a periodic table and more like a garden-centre shopping list. Here’s what you need to know about putting your locks on a chemical detox…

- Cassie Powney

Let’s face it, haircare brands have always tried to align themselves with nature – orgasmic faced models lathering up under waterfalls and prancingaround fields stroking flowers. The truth is, while skincare has been busy ditching chemicals and harnessing the power of plant-based ingredients for years, haircare has been hiding in a corner with its ingredients list to the wall, whispering, “Don’t look at me,” in a creepy Christina Aguilera voice. But, due to a sharp rise in scalp sensitivity and hair loss, plus a genuine concern for our planet, big brands are catching up with ahead-of-the-curve niche ones, launching natural franchises faster than you can say “Hello, petal”.

What makes a product natural?