The Hair Products I’ve Been Using For the Past 4 Years…
If they’re not non-toxic, vegan, or cruelty-free, I DON’T WANT IT.
This isn’t a trend or some expensive, exclusive product where you’re supposed to be wowed by the “NO” list (but honestly it should wow you in comparison to the other haircare brands currently on the market). If you see any of these names on your shampoo bottle you should consider throwing it out and switching to a naturally-based alternative.
What you don’t want:
Parabens- Look for methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben; known to dry out hair, fade color, and irritate scalp. They have also been linked to interfering with estrogen metabolism… YIKES.
Cyclic Silicones- Cheap additive to coat your hair giving the appearance of shine while blocking nutrients and water. Silicones can also weigh hair down and give it a greasy look/feel the more silicones are used (if you use silicone containing shampoo, conditioner, and styling products expect your hair to be weighed down and greasy).
Phthalates- Toxicological risk in both males and females. Studies show maternal exposure, both prior to and during pregnancy, can potentially effect the developing egg and fetus.
SLS/SLES- Cheap surfactant and foaming agent. Scalp irritant. Used mainly in cleaning products… therefore stripping the hair of natural oils.
Plastic Microbeads- First of all, why would there be plastic in shampoo? The European cosmetic industry has already banned these plastic from their products. There is truly no need for these Microbeads in any product.
Look for: Polyethylene, Polyethylene terephthalate, Polypropylene, Nylon, or Polymethyl methacrylate on the ingredients label.
Harmful Colors- Need I say more? Irritates the scalp, leads to hair loss, dyes may come from extremely harmful substances like petroleum or coal/tar. Added to products to make them look nice…
Harmful Fragrance- Most hair product fragrance is synthetic and are highly toxic chemicals. Just as food companies use “natural flavors” to cover up ingredients, the cosmetic industry uses “fragrance”. We really don’t have a clue what companies could be hiding. What we do know is that there are about 3,100 chemicals used by the fragrance industry to concoct these additions to your hair products :)
The brand I have been using consistently for the past 4 years should come as no surprise to you guys but incase you’re new here it is called Modern Nature! These products don’t contain any of the above substances and instead contain repairing and rejuvenating ingredients like:
Rejuvenique- No other products on the market have this healing oil blend. Contains 13+ natural plant and essential oils, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and nutrients that are compatible with the skin and hair.
Rejuvenique S- Also only in Monat products. Patented activated oil blend derived from olive oil and jojoba seeds. infuses hair with hydration, youthful resilience, and instant luminosity!
Capixyl- Emollient blend to help strengthen and thicken hair while increasing density
Procataline- Pea extract to help maintain the antioxidant protein expression in the hair follicle. Aids in the preservation of hair color and protects against environmental factors.
Crodasorb- Strengthens and protects hair strand from UVB sun damage
Pictured: my fav hair wash duo, Renew Shampoo and Deep Smoothing Conditioner.
If you are anything like me, you have to jump in and try things for yourself. I will say that when I first heard about Monat 4 years ago, there were no other options for naturally-based, non-toxic, cruelty-free products so I was beyond ready to jump in and try it. But honestly, today there is still no product to match the science behind Monat and the way my hair looks/feels (hence why I haven’t even thought about switching). I am all for switching it up whether diet, workout, or hair/skin products however Monat is a nonnegotiable for me I love it THAT much!
xx, Steph
