Natural Products for Gorgeous Hair

The U.S health and beauty market for natural and organic products will reach 12 billion dollars by 2014, according to Gourmet Retailer.

What's the draw? Consumers are worried about the impacts of chemicals on our bodies and environment, and in some cases natural products are actually the best remedy after all. Yes, the green movement is here to stay and hair care is its shining glory. Here are a few of the best natural hair products that'll give you shine, health, and strength.

By Melissa Foss Zdyb

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COLOR EXTENDER
Warren Tricomi Protect Organic Hair Shield, $30

Headed out in the sun or wind? Protect your hair with a UV shield plus extracts of organic sea algae, cactus, chamomile, and comfrey. It's all about the bottom line, says Edward Tricomi, owner of the eponymous Warren Tricomi Salon in NYC, "Harsh chemicals can strip hair. We recommend spending incrementally more on natural products which help make color last longer and are a much safer alternative."

Courtesy of Warren Tricomi

TIME SAVER
Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser, $24

Refresh hair between washings or if you overdo it with too much product with this water-free "wash". Natural cleansing properties are derived from the bark of the Quillaja tree, and this spray also includes Amazonian white clay, silk powder, rice, and potato starches, which help to add volume to roots, remove impurities and absorb excess oil.

Courtesy of Ojon

DAMAGE CONTROL
Leonor Greyl Masque Quintessence, $137.50

This brand has been using natural products since 1968! They've banned man-made ingredients such as parabens (a preservative that has been linked to breast cancer) and silicone (a conditioning agent that is possibly toxic). Instead, this mask for very damaged hair employs two time-released oils to hydrate (Cupauacu Oil) and restores hair texture (Manketti Oil).

Courtesy of Leonor Greyl

MAKE IT MINT
Fekkai Au Naturel Gentle Shampoo, $23

This new plant-based collection is free of sulfates (the cleansing agents that cause shampoo to lather and are possibly harmful to humans when used daily), dyes, and synthetic fragrances. The ingredients include a luxurious blend of gentle cleansers and peppermint leaf extract to stimulates hair follicles and white calendula petals to strengthen strands.

Courtesy of Fekkai

REUSE, RECYCLE
Pureology UV Color Defense, $17.99

This leave-in spray protects color from fading and hails from a long line of environmentally-friendly products. Pureology [www.pureology.com] is completely vegan and 25% of their packaging is from recycled materials. This spray leaves tresses manageable and soft (and guys love it too).

Courtesy of Pureology

SO LONG, SULFATES
WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner, $28

This celeb-favorite product in a shampoo and conditioner in one. Made with natural herbs that are surprisingly effective, these creamy products cleanse and moisturize without stripping. They won't lather (the formula contains absolutely no sulfates) so pump a generous amount into your hands and apply to your entire head.

Courtesy of Wen

DOUBLE-DUTY OIL
Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Oil, $8.50

Soothe your scalp with this organic oil that works both as a conditioner and weekly hot oil treatment to moisturize parched strands. Extracts of lavender, rose, marigold and larkspur add shine and smell great.

Courtesy of Carol's Daughter

PASS THE SALT
Philip B Maui Wowie Beach Mist , $22

This paraben-free mist thickens your hair's cuticle to give you that piece-y, volumized just-off-the-beach style even when you're stuck at your desk. A mixture of sea salt, extracts of algae, orchid, and Tahitian Gardenia adds bounce and holds it.

Courtesy of Philip B

GO VEGAN
Lush Jasmine & Henna Fluff Eaze Hair Treatment , $20.45

Fluffy, flyaway hair becomes smoother and sleeker with this vegan cocktail of olive and Brazil nut oils for smoothing, jasmine for pleasantly lingering ascent, and henna for a boost of shine. Great for all hair types.

Courtesy of Lush