Which hair care is right for you?

What is hair care?

Natural hair care includes topical products — shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, hair oil — without synthetic detergents (sulfates), parabens, silicones, or synthetic fragrances. Plant-based surfactants, natural oils, and botanical extracts are the main ingredients.

Classic shampoos use sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) as detergents — powerful cleansers that also remove beneficial natural oils. For those with sensitive scalps, brightly colored hair, curls, or eczema, this can be problematic. Natural hair care uses gentle plant-based surfactants such as decyl glucoside or coco-glucoside, which do cleanse but are less aggressive.

In addition, natural hair care avoids silicones (dimethicone, etc.). Silicones give that typical soft, shiny texture after conditioning — but they build up on the hair and can actually make it drier in the long term. Natural alternatives use oils such as argan, jojoba, and coconut, plus protein extracts (silk, wheat) for structural support.

For the complete hair theme, topical care is only one element. Intake of biotin (EFSA claim "maintenance of normal hair"), zinc ("maintenance of normal hair"), collagen, and vitamin D supports hair from within.

Science, ingredients, and regulations

Natural hair care products fall under the European Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) — not under the food supplement guidelines. Cosmetic claims have their own framework.

Clinical research into specific natural ingredients (rosemary extract for hair growth, black seed oil for scalp, nettle extract) shows positive results in small-scale studies.

For those serious about hair: combine topical care with intake supplements (biotin, zinc, collagen, iron status check).

The hair care categories at Plenthera

Natural shampoo

Plant-based surfactants, sulfate-free. For different hair types.

Conditioner

Silicone-free, with natural oils and proteins.

Hair mask / hair treatment

Deeper nourishment, 1-2 times per week.

Hair oil

Argan, jojoba, coconut for ends and scalp.

Scalp tonic

For specific scalp issues — eczema, dry skin.

How do you use hair care?

Simple basic approach to natural hair care:

1. Wash your hair 2-3 times a week (washing too often also removes beneficial natural oils).
2. Use conditioner with each wash — only on the lengths, not on the scalp.
3. Hair mask once a week for deeper nourishment.
4. Hair oil on ends or dry hair (coconut, argan, jojoba).
5. Combine with intake supplements for the complete hair theme.
6. Give new natural shampoo 2-3 weeks to adjust — transition period is normal.

Myths and misconceptions about hair care

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

Plant-based surfactants do lather, just differently from SLS — less dramatic but still cleansing.

Myth 2: "Topical biotin works directly on hair growth."

Uncertain. EFSA claim for biotin applies to intake. Topical research is limited.

Myth 3: "Silicones are dangerous."

Not dangerous, but cosmetically problematic in the long term (buildup, drier hair). Personal choice.

Myth 4: "Natural care doesn't work for curls."

Many natural products are specifically developed for curls — without silicones, curls absorb hydration better.

Combining hair care with other supplements

Natural hair care works best with intake supplements for hair:

• Biotin: for the maintenance of normal hair (EFSA claim).
• Zinc: cofactor in keratin formation.
• Collagen: building blocks for hair structure.
• Vitamin D: general well-being — relevant for hair loss issues.
• Iron: deficiency can cause hair loss — check first.

Frequently asked questions

What is natural hair care?

Products without synthetic detergents, parabens, silicones.

Why no sulfates?

Too aggressive for sensitive scalp and colored hair — can remove natural oils.

Best natural shampoo?

Depends on hair type. Choose plant-based surfactants, no silicones.

Does biotin help hair?

EFSA-recognized claim for intake.

Vegan hair care?

Yes, plant-based formulas are vegan — pay attention to honey/silk proteins.

How often hair mask?

1-2 times per week for deeper nourishment.

Natural hair care for thinning hair?

For thinning hair: light formulas, no heavy silicones, biotin supplement.

Does natural shampoo lather?

Yes, but less dramatically than sulfate shampoo.

How to use hair oil?

On ends of damp hair or as an evening treatment on dry ends.

Conditioner without silicones?

Use plant-based oils and proteins for softness.

Sources

• EFSA Regulation (EU) 432/2012 — claims for components (vitamin C, biotin, zinc).
• Cosmetic Ingredient Review — various natural ingredient assessments.
• Goldberg LJ. & Lenzy Y., "Nutrition and hair", Clin Dermatol (2010).