For many of us, prioritising our hair health usually doesn’t make the top of our list... but a healthy scalp and beautiful hair is easier than you think. And while luscious locks are important, healthy hair is more than how it looks – we want our hair to feel strong and vibrant from root to tip. When neglected, hair can lose its volume and thickness, and become harder to maintain – tricky tangles anyone?
And let’s not forget our scalp. A healthy scalp is important for the health of our hair. Ditch the ‘druff and dry skin by ensuring your scalp is well nourished – home to where healthy hair can flourish.
Our hair health can fluctuate during hormonal changes – whether we’re experiencing extra stress or going through a change in our health like pregnancy. Our genetics can play a role in the health of our hair too. Thankfully, however, there’s plenty we can do to achieve lush locks that feel great and look good too.
We love making our hair health a priority year-round, but it’s a good idea to give your hair some extra TLC and nourishment during the summer months, due to harsh UV rays from the sun.
What is natural hair care?
Natural haircare is made with gentler ingredients to nourish your scalp, skin, and our planet. We look for products that avoid the use of harsh chemicals that can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Your traditional shampoo and conditioner typically contain chemicals that can impact the health of our hair.
Just as we turn to healthy food to care for our insides, the ingredients inside natural haircare work the same. Antioxidants, healthy fatty acids, and botanical oils found in natural hair care products are superstars for luscious locks, working wonders for happy roots and healthy hair growth.
How to maintain good, natural hair
When our hair is vibrant and healthy, it’s generally a sign that our body is consuming enough vitamins and minerals to help support it. This mostly comes down to our diet and a well-tended natural hair care routine.
But there’s more we can do on top of regular washing. To achieve healthy, strong hair – we need to know how we can best take care of it each day. Let’s explore 5 holistic ways to cultivate healthy, radiant haircare.
1. Nutrition for nourished locks
Healthy, vibrant hair starts with your diet. Foods like fish, nuts, seeds, eggs, dark leafy vegetables and legumes, are all great choices when it comes to supporting our hair health. As are vitamins and minerals. Ensuring we eat appropriate foods that fuel our bodies can ensure optimal levels of nutrition, in turn supporting the health of our hair.
Omegas for oh so smooth hair
Omegas are a type of nutrient found in foods, plant or fish oils, and supplements. As our hair grows, it passes through an oil gland which helps keep hair supple and shiny. Healthy fats like salmon, walnuts, and avocados can help support this.
There are three main types of omegas:
- alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA
- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
ALA is derived from oils like flaxseed, while EPA AND DHA are found in seafood such as fish. When it comes to boosting hair growth and voluminous locks, omegas lend an impressive helping hand.
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Antioxidants for all-round healthy hair
We like to think of antioxidants as the secret savior for healthy hair. Antioxidants work to support healthy scalp cells and hair growth by maintaining good collagen levels in our skin. You’ll find antioxidants like selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and of course - Vitamin C in natural haircare products, so upping them in your supplement ritual for healthy hair is always a good idea.
Antioxidants are powerful protectors against free radicals that prevent hair from being healthy and strong.
Thankfully, there are several antioxidant-rich foods we can include in our diet to support hair health. From berries, pomegranates, pecans and tomatoes, there’s plenty of options available for us to incorporate into our day.
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Superfoods for shine
Transform tired hair with a boost of Superfoods. These superstars are famed for providing nutrient-dense convenience your hair will love.
Superfoods like kale, spinach, pumpkin, oysters, eggs and greek yoghurt are notably impressive for adding extra shine and hydration from your cuticles to your roots. You can consume them as they are or explore our range of high quality, concentrated capsule or powder form for your convenience. We’re big fans of Spirulina, Maca, Chlorella.
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Zinc for healthy hair growth
This essential mineral plays a strong role in supporting normal repair and hair tissue growth. It’s also one of the most abundant trace elements in the body, second to iron. Hair loss is often a sign we’re low or deficient in zinc, so stocking up on your go-to zinc supplements is always a smart move. You can also load up on foods rich in zinc, like pumpkin seeds, red meat, or legumes.
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Collagen for strong roots
As one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, collagen is fantastic support for building hair protein and supporting the skin barrier where your hair roots are. When your skin is rich in collagen, cells can thrive, so it’s no wonder collagen is well-loved for its many forgiving properties.
Collagen is also great for supporting:
- Skin elasticity
- Hair growth and,
- Hair follicle regeneration.
You can add bone broth containing collagen as the base in your favourite soup, a collagen blend to your daily brew, or try collagen supplements for an extra boost to your hair.
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2. Make hydration a habit
Giving your locks some extra love during summer isn’t only a good way to keep your hair health in check, but it’s a nourishing self-care practice too. When we neglect our hair and spend one to many days in the sun, we run the risk of weakening the protein structure in our hair and stripping it of the moisture it needs to thrive.
For a healthy summer featuring thriving hair, hydration is key. Be sure to moisturise your hair and scalp frequently so it remains soft, plump, and deeply nourished.
Hair masks and hydrating serums make great additions to any hair care routine, especially when your hair is looking for an extra dose of TLC. Spruce up your pamper routine with a DIY overnight hair mask using your favourite coconut oil, or explore other treatments – including hair masks, with our superb range of Hair Treatments.
3. Avoid heat products
While we may admire curlers or hairdryers for transforming ordinary hair into bouncy curls or sleek strands, our hair does not. Heat styling can lead to hair damage so it’s important to remain mindful about how often we use these products.
For options your hair will thank you for, try using the lowest temperature on your chosen heat product or using a leave-in conditioner to help boost moisture and strength when your hair needs it most.
4. Massage your scalp
Never underestimate the importance of a well-nourished scalp. Supporting our skin with healthy nutrients is an essential step in any scalp care regime, but so is the power of a good old massage. Using your fingertips, apply light to medium pressure and begin moving in circles to help stimulate healthy blood flow. Better yet, it’s a relaxing self-care practice to de-stress after a busy week.
Studies suggest that massaging your scalp regularly can help support healthy hair growth. We recommend fitting this natural hair care tip into your routine by:
- gently massaging in your favourite shampoo or conditioner while you wash your hair
- using essential oils like ylang-ylang or tea tree 1-2 times a week on dry hair (tip: support luscious locks by adding a few drops of ylang-ylang to your favourite conditioner and ditch the ‘druff by adding a few drops of tea tree to your choice of shampoo).
Among other therapeutic qualities, essential oils are fantastic for managing stress and are well-loved for their abilities to support healthy hair growth and sebum production.
5. Natural haircare
When it comes to haircare products that gently nourish your hair and scalp, you can’t go past products that hero real, clean ingredients that are kind to the environment. Opt for natural haircare that’s sulfate-free and phthalate-free – and is instead packed with natural alternatives like essential oils and plant-based ingredients.
How to choose natural hair products
Your hair type is unique, so it’s important to keep this in mind when choosing the best natural hair care products for your hair.
The first step is to look for an option that enhances your natural hair type. Then you need to consider which areas of your hair may need the most support - are you looking for something that deeply hydrates, supports coloured hair, or something that targets frizz?
No matter your hair type or haircare goals, choosing a product that is free from harmful chemicals is always a good choice. Look out for ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil which helps to soothe and revitalise hair health.
Among other therapeutic qualities, essential oils are fantastic for managing stress and are well-loved for their abilities to support healthy hair growth and sebum production.
Our top 4 picks for radiant, healthy hair
Holistic Hair
Having harnessed the art of aromatherapy with the healing properties of plants, Holistic Hair offers natural and effective hair care products that don’t compromise your health. Featuring botanical extracts like lavender oil and geranium, their range is especially wonderful for adding extra nourishment to sensitive scalps.
As one of our Mindful Brands, we admire their commitment to eco packaging – recyclable materials and reducing waste, taking care of our planet, and transparency within their supply chain. We love their passion for creating plant-based, science-supported hair formulations that help you put your best locks forward.
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Good Cube
Bursting with active kiwi botanicals, Good Cube is on a mission to reduce plastic waste through their 2in1 shampoo conditioning bars. Featuring native ingredients like Horopito and Kawakawa, nourish and gently revive your hair care routine with options suitable for all hair types.
Good Cube is one of our Mindful Brands – committed to Eco Packaging, Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility. They’re certified organic, carbon neutral, vegan, and 100% plastic free. For a planet-friendly choice that’s kind on your hair and wallet, Good Cube is one to add to your shelf this season.
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Ethique
Get your ticket to healthy, luscious locks with conscious shampoo and conditioner bars by Ethique. These solid bars are made with biodegradable, palm oil-free and sustainably sourced ingredients only. With the equivalent of three bottles of liquid shampoo in every one shampoo bar, Ethique are driven to create natural, cruelty-free hair care with our planet in mind.
Committed to all four of our Mindful Values, Ethique is one of our Mindful Brands that put people and planet at the top of the list. Awarded Best For The World: Community with B Corp, they’re trail blazing in Aotearoa and abroad.
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Dr Bronner’s
Carefully crafted using organic, Fair Trade ingredients, Dr. Bronner’s has been producing natural beauty care for almost 70 years. As one of our Mindful Brands, we love their commitment to Eco Packaging, Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility.
Supercharged with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and jojoba oil, moisturise and soften hair with products that support a lustrous shine and healthy glow.
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Welcome healthy hair by harnessing a holistic hair care routine that helps you feel your best this season.
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