Which haircare suits you?

Overview of common haircare. At Plenthera we currently stock oils, butters and a tallow balm for external use, plus supplements for the hair.

What is haircare?

Haircare covers everything you do for your hair and scalp: cleansing, caring for and protecting from the outside — and nutrition that cares for the hair from within. Natural haircare opts for products with recognisable ingredients, without unnecessary additives.

Classic shampoos often use sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) — powerful cleansers that also remove the natural sebum from the scalp and hair. Milder alternatives work with plant-based surfactants such as decyl glucoside or coco-glucoside. Silicones (such as dimethicone) add shine, but can build up in some hair types.

Pure oils and butters are a simple addition: they care for dry ends and make the hair more supple. Castor oil is a classic here — thick and syrupy, which is why it is often mixed with a lighter oil.

For the hair from within, nutrients are important. Biotin, zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair.

What does science say about haircare?

External haircare falls under the European Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009; supplements fall under the rules for food supplements and may only carry authorised EFSA claims. For the hair, these include:

"Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair."

"Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair."

"Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair."

Research into plant ingredients such as rosemary extract for the scalp is mostly small-scale (for example Panahi et al. 2015). Nutritional deficiencies — for example of iron — may be associated with hair loss; if complaints persist, have your status checked by a doctor (Goldberg & Lenzy 2010).

Haircare at Plenthera and other products on the market

Castor oil — at Plenthera

Thick oil from the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), traditionally used for hair ends, eyelashes and eyebrows. Now Foods, 473 ml. You will find more oils in our category skin oil.

Shea butter — at Plenthera

Solid butter from the nuts of the shea tree. A small amount, warmed between the hands, cares for dry ends and curls. Now Foods, 207 ml.

Tallow Balm with castor oil — at Plenthera

Plent Tallow Balm based on beef fat, enriched with castor oil. For dry hair ends and dry patches on the skin. 120 ml.

Supplements for the hair — at Plenthera

Collagen (including Plent Pure Marine, Vital Proteins and Big Food), zinc and Plent Beauty Blend Collagen with biotin and zinc, among others. Collagen provides amino acids such as glycine and proline; the officially authorised hair claims apply to biotin, zinc and selenium.

Other haircare on the market

Sulfate-free shampoo with plant-based surfactants, silicone-free conditioner, hair masks for intensive care and scalp tonics with botanical extracts. We do not currently stock these.

How do you use haircare?

1. Wash your hair 2–3× per week — washing too often also removes the natural sebum.
2. Apply conditioner only to the lengths, not to the scalp.
3. Use castor oil or shea butter sparingly on dry ends, for example as an evening treatment.
4. Castor oil is thick: mix a few drops with a lighter oil such as almond oil.
5. Think about the inside too: a varied diet and, if desired, a supplement with biotin or zinc.
6. Give a new routine a few weeks — on average, hair grows about 1 cm per month.

Myths and misconceptions about haircare

Myth 1: "Natural shampoo doesn't lather."

Plant-based surfactants do lather, just less exuberantly than SLS — and they clean perfectly well.

Myth 2: "Biotin in shampoo works directly on the hair."

The authorised biotin claim applies to intake. Little research is known on biotin in shampoo.

Myth 3: "Silicones are dangerous."

Not dangerous; in some hair types they build up, which can make the hair feel heavy or dull. A personal choice.

Myth 4: "Castor oil makes your hair grow faster."

That has not been scientifically demonstrated. Castor oil cares for dry ends and makes the hair more supple — that is where its strength lies.

Combining haircare with supplements

• Biotin: contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
• Zinc: contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
• Collagen: provides amino acids such as glycine and proline.
• Iron: a deficiency may be associated with hair loss — have your status checked first.
• Skin oil: more pure oils for hair and skin.

Frequently asked questions

What will I find in the haircare category?

Castor oil, shea butter and Plent Tallow Balm with castor oil for external use, and supplements for the hair: collagen, zinc and formulas with biotin.

Why avoid sulfates?

SLS and SLES cleanse powerfully and can dry out a sensitive scalp or dry hair even further.

Does biotin help hair?

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair — when taken via food or supplements.

How do I use castor oil in my hair?

A few drops, optionally mixed with a lighter oil, on the dry ends; leave it to soak in for a few hours or overnight and then wash it out.

Is shea butter suitable for curls?

Yes, a small amount on the lengths cares for dry and curly hair. Use sparingly so as not to weigh the hair down.

Is the haircare vegan?

Castor oil and shea butter are. The Tallow Balm is made from beef fat and is therefore not vegan.

What can I do about thinning hair?

If complaints persist, have the cause investigated by a doctor. A varied diet with sufficient protein, iron, zinc and biotin is the foundation.

Sources

• Regulation (EU) 432/2012 — claims for biotin, zinc and selenium.
• Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 — European Cosmetics Regulation.
• Goldberg LJ. & Lenzy Y., "Nutrition and hair", Clin Dermatol (2010).
• Panahi Y. et al., "Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia", Skinmed (2015).