A guide to achieving the healthiest hair
By Emma Tufo
March 15, 2024
Image Credit: Photo by Photo by Caspar Camille Rubin on Unsplash
Many people today prioritize healthy, beautiful hair, often relying on conventional products without considering their impact on hair health and the environment.
Harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde are commonly found in popular products. Many brands incorporate these chemicals to extend shelf life and provide a sensation of cleanliness to our hair. These substances have been linked to cancer and can strip away the natural gloss of healthy hair with each use. Their presence also threatens the environment, as these toxins persist in the air and water for extended periods, as revealed by a study conducted by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
A growing awareness of these issues has led to the emergence of cleaner alternatives. Here are some clean hair product suggestions to switch to, all bearing a CLEAN at Sephora seal. These products are free from sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Say goodbye to ingredients you can't pronounce and hello to rejuvenated hair.
Harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde are commonly found in popular products. Many brands incorporate these chemicals to extend shelf life and provide a sensation of cleanliness to our hair. These substances have been linked to cancer and can strip away the natural gloss of healthy hair with each use. Their presence also threatens the environment, as these toxins persist in the air and water for extended periods, as revealed by a study conducted by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
A growing awareness of these issues has led to the emergence of cleaner alternatives. Here are some clean hair product suggestions to switch to, all bearing a CLEAN at Sephora seal. These products are free from sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Say goodbye to ingredients you can't pronounce and hello to rejuvenated hair.
Image Credit: Photo by Image Ouai
Ouai has swiftly ascended to popularity, with its wide variety of products and clean approach setting it apart in the hair care world. Dedicated to enhancing hair health and overall customer well-being, Ouai emphasizes the exclusion of harmful ingredients, according to its website.
The brand’s best-selling shampoo and conditioner is formulated for all hair types: fine, medium and thick. The lightweight but incredibly moisturizing formula will add volume and strength to all hair, leaving the refreshing scent of Mercer Street. This scent features a blend of Italian lemon, Turkish rose, jasmine sambac, iris, lily, and white musk, according to the Ouai website.
Ouai's formula includes ingredients like texture-building copolymers, jojoba and chia seed oil extracts, rice starch, and volcanic minerals. It prioritizes clean, non-toxic products for better results.
While not commonly found on drugstore shelves, the brand is readily available at Sephora, Ulta and online via the Ouai website.
The brand’s best-selling shampoo and conditioner is formulated for all hair types: fine, medium and thick. The lightweight but incredibly moisturizing formula will add volume and strength to all hair, leaving the refreshing scent of Mercer Street. This scent features a blend of Italian lemon, Turkish rose, jasmine sambac, iris, lily, and white musk, according to the Ouai website.
Ouai's formula includes ingredients like texture-building copolymers, jojoba and chia seed oil extracts, rice starch, and volcanic minerals. It prioritizes clean, non-toxic products for better results.
While not commonly found on drugstore shelves, the brand is readily available at Sephora, Ulta and online via the Ouai website.
Image Credit: Photo by Olaplex
Olaplex is another clean hair care brand to add to your list. Renowned for its absence of toxic chemicals, the brand goes further by eliminating common allergens like soy, nuts and gluten, according to the Olaplex website. Olaplex also proudly upholds cruelty-free and vegan standards.
The essential Olaplex product for every shelf is the No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector, known for revitalizing hair's appearance and texture, according to Allure. This product notably addresses heat damage with just a single 10-minute treatment, leaving hair silkier and smoother afterward.
Unlike many other higher-end hair products, Olaplex can be found at your local Walgreens or CVS, Sephora and Ulta.
The essential Olaplex product for every shelf is the No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector, known for revitalizing hair's appearance and texture, according to Allure. This product notably addresses heat damage with just a single 10-minute treatment, leaving hair silkier and smoother afterward.
Unlike many other higher-end hair products, Olaplex can be found at your local Walgreens or CVS, Sephora and Ulta.
Image Credit: Photo by K18
K18 is making waves with its commitment to clean and cruelty-free practices. This brand has become a TikTok sensation for its ability to revive even the most damaged hair, with its leave-in molecular repair hair mask earning special praise from hair professionals worldwide on the app.
K18’s website says that in just 4-minutes, the treatment works on a molecular level to reverse hair damage. Powered by K18 PEPTIDE™, it's clinically proven to repair damage from bleach, color, chemical services, and heat. With immediate and long-lasting results, look no further than this mask for stronger locks.
K18’s website says that in just 4-minutes, the treatment works on a molecular level to reverse hair damage. Powered by K18 PEPTIDE™, it's clinically proven to repair damage from bleach, color, chemical services, and heat. With immediate and long-lasting results, look no further than this mask for stronger locks.
Image Credit: Photo by Dae
Dae is another clean haircare brand known widely for its Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream. Dae products achieve actual, lustrous, healthy hair without damage by using desert-derived ingredients instead of toxic chemicals.
While its signature collection caters to all hair types, the brand's website offers specialized products for specific hair needs.
Dae’s signature citrus scent is described as a “light summer breeze” on its website. This refreshing fragrance extends to their bestselling styling cream, adding an extra touch of summer to your hair care routine. The styling cream is perfect for any hair texture, defining curls, achieving the perfect slick back hairstyle and perfecting blowouts.
Sold exclusively at Sephora, Ulta and online on their website, Dae offers a holistic approach to hair care that prioritizes effectiveness.
While its signature collection caters to all hair types, the brand's website offers specialized products for specific hair needs.
Dae’s signature citrus scent is described as a “light summer breeze” on its website. This refreshing fragrance extends to their bestselling styling cream, adding an extra touch of summer to your hair care routine. The styling cream is perfect for any hair texture, defining curls, achieving the perfect slick back hairstyle and perfecting blowouts.
Sold exclusively at Sephora, Ulta and online on their website, Dae offers a holistic approach to hair care that prioritizes effectiveness.
Image Credit: Photo by Amika
Emphasizing its eco-conscious approach, Amika takes pride in its dedication to hair health and environmental stewardship. With each bottle composed of 90% post-consumer recycled plastics, the brand actively reduces virgin plastic production while ensuring its packaging remains 100% recyclable, according to the Amika website.
Instead of toxic chemicals, Amika harnesses the power of sea buckthorn, a natural ingredient central to their formula for promoting healthy hair.
Amika is another exemplary clean hair care brand that prioritizes meeting every hair need and type. You can even take a hair quiz on their website to determine which products best suit your needs.
This list is just a fraction of the clean hair brands available on today's shelves. Sephora features an entire page dedicated to CLEAN stamp products, highlighting options that are not only beneficial for your hair but also environmentally friendly. It's time to prioritize self-care and embrace products that align with our well-being and the planet's health.
Instead of toxic chemicals, Amika harnesses the power of sea buckthorn, a natural ingredient central to their formula for promoting healthy hair.
Amika is another exemplary clean hair care brand that prioritizes meeting every hair need and type. You can even take a hair quiz on their website to determine which products best suit your needs.
This list is just a fraction of the clean hair brands available on today's shelves. Sephora features an entire page dedicated to CLEAN stamp products, highlighting options that are not only beneficial for your hair but also environmentally friendly. It's time to prioritize self-care and embrace products that align with our well-being and the planet's health.