There’s a reason why natural hair ingredients like charcoal, apple cider vinegar and hyaluronic acid are trending in hair care right now. From detoxifying the scalp to balancing its pH to providing both roots and strands with a major hydration boost, these natural ingredients gently work their magic to ensure strands are healthy, strong and vivacious. And that’s not all. We tapped top dermatologists to find out whether or not some of the most trending ingredients in hair care actually live up to the hype. See what they had to say about the best ingredients for hair, ahead.
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Buy now with Dermstore 1. Charcoal
Buy now with free deliveryCharcoal is one of the most popular skin care ingredients for its ability to deep-clean the skin—so, it should come as no surprise that many hair care products are formulated with this detoxifier. According to board-certified dermatologist, assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist, Dr. Debra Jaliman, “Charcoal has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, therefore it can treat bad scalp and dandruff.” Dr. Jaliman also approves of the natural hair ingredient for its detoxification properties.
Try: Briogeo Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Stimulate your scalp and kiss dirt and debris goodbye with the Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo from Briogeo. Enriched with nourishing coconut oil, detoxifying charcoal, cooling peppermint, spearmint and tea tree oil complex, this revitalizing shampoo deeply cleanses and fortifies the scalp while working to reduce itchiness, irritation and flakiness. What’s more? Thanks to the added coconut oil, this shampoo works to deeply cleanse the scalp without stripping it of its natural oils. -
Buy now with Dermstore 2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Buy now with free deliveryNext on our list is a DIY skin-care must-have. Dr. Jaliman suggests apple cider vinegar as a natural hair ingredient because it can be used in many ways to help balance the skin’s pH level—making it an excellent choice for the scalp. Does your scalp tend to fall on the oily side of the spectrum? What about the dry side? Good news: The toning properties in apple cider vinegar can help balance both! So, whether you’re looking to soothe and comfort or get rid of oily roots, apple cider vinegar is a must-try. Apple cider vinegar can also remove dirt and impurities from the scalp and hair.
Try: dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
If you’re looking for a two-in-one hair care product that can rid the scalp of impurities while working to nourish strands, look no further. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse is a cleanser and conditioner in one that works to remove dirt from the scalp and hair and soften and smooth the strands at the same time. Enriched with pH-balancing apple cider vinegar, scalp-soothing aloe vera and conditioning argan oil, the refreshing hair rinse not only cleanses but nourishes your scalp and strands. In addition to cleansing and conditioning, this hair rinse is formulated with color-locking technology and proteins that work together to increase the strength of each strand. The results? Hair that looks—and feels—its best. -
3. Caviar
Buy now with free deliveryCaviar is not just for hors d’oeuvres—it can be used on your hair, too! According to Dr. Jaliman, caviar is an excellent natural hair ingredient choice for those with dry, brittle strands that are prone to breakage. “Caviar contains vitamin A, which helps balance out the skin’s oil production,” says Dr. Jaliman. “This can prevent hair from breaking off,” she adds.
Try: Alterna CAVIAR Anti-Aging® Replenishing Moisture CC Cream
Looking for a caviar-infused hair care product? Reach for the CAVIAR Anti-Aging® Replenishing Moisture CC Cream by Alterna. The award-winning formula features stellar botanical ingredients—including marine caviar—to help improve the look of hair with noticeable smoothness, shine and better manageability. What’s more? The leave-in conditioning treatment can also protect strands from experiencing dryness, frizziness, breakage and even UV damage. -
Buy now with Dermstore 4. Black Currant
Buy now with free deliveryWhen it comes to hair growth, essential fatty acids are key. And black currant—another popular natural hair ingredient—is chock-full of them. According to Dr. Jaliman, black currant is rich in linoleic acid, which is a kind of fatty acid that promotes hair growth. In addition to hair growth, fatty acids also provide essential nourishment to strands, giving them the strength and elasticity of gorgeous, healthy-looking hair.
Try: HUM Nutrition Red Carpet
One of the best ways to receive essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid found in black currant for hair growth and nourishment, is orally. Formulated with black currant and sunflower seed oil, HUM Nutrition’s Red Carpet supplements help promote gorgeous, red carpet-ready hair and skin. Thanks to the omega-6 and omega-3 nutrients found in black currant and sunflower seed oil, this beauty supplement works to strengthen strands, boost shine and promote healthier hair overall. -
Buy now with Dermstore 5. Castor Oil
Buy now with free deliveryAnother trending hair ingredient to consider? Castor oil. “Castor oil stimulates hair growth and deeply conditions hair,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Its high concentration of fatty acids helps with keeping the hair moisturized,” she adds. Dr. Jaliman also raves about its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In addition to using hair care products enriched with the nourishing ingredient, Dr. Jaliman also recommends applying the oil directly to the scalp and massaging “to stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth.”
Try: R+Co SPIRITUALIZED Dry Shampoo Mist
While massaging the scalp with castor oil can be beneficial, it can also get messy. To reap the benefits, reach for a product enriched with the nourishing oil instead. One of our current favorites? The R+Co SPIRITUALIZED Dry Shampoo Mist. Despite being a dry shampoo, the SPIRITUALIZED Mist is quite nourishing—thanks to its all-star ingredient, castor oil—and can help soothe itchy skin on the surface of the scalp. On top of that, it has a micellar-based formula to clean the hair without leaving behind that dreaded powdery texture. -
Buy now with Dermstore 6. Matcha
Briogeo's Be Gentle Be Kind Matcha + Apple Replenishing Superfood Shampoo revitalizes shine to dull and dry hair while restoring your lock's natural glossy condition. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like vegetable fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, this green juice-inspired shampoo visibly enriches dull and parched hair while supporting a healthy scalp.Key Ingredients: * Matcha: a rich source of antioxidants, which are known to help protect against environmental damage * Spinach: contains potent levels of potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium which are all essential for healthy hair andBuy now with free delivery -
Buy now with Dermstore 7. Pink Himalayan Salt
Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub from dpHUE replenishes moisture to a dry and itchy scalp by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Infused with aloe vera and avocado oil, this exfoliating scalp scrub also boasts color-locking technology that leaves your color intact while apple cider vinegar rebalances pH levels for a healthier scalp.Key Benefits: * Exfoliates gently * Features color-locking technology * Soothes, calms and detoxifies your scalp * Rebalances pH levelsTip: For optimum results, follow with Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse. Otherwise, follow with shampoo and conditioner.Buy now with free delivery
