Earth Day 2024: 5 natural haircare ingredients to treat yourself to

We’re grateful to Earth every day, but just that little bit more on April 22nd. There are many ways to show our appreciation and celebrate, but if your love language is gift-giving, you’ll be tempted to buy some just like any other special occasion. However, they’ve gotta be eco-friendly, it’s Earth Day, after all. So, here are 5 natural haircare ingredients (and where to find them) that’ll go down a real treat with the planet and your locks. 

Kaolin clay 
Kaolin clay is a naturally occurring mineral that forms through the erosion of rocks rich in aluminium silicates, such as granite, feldspar, and quartz. The particles are then carried to new locations through rain and rivers where they collect and solidify.

Top benefits:
Long-lasting hold - when applied to the hair, kaolin clay adds texture which provides better grip and hold to keep it from moving after styling. 

Oil control - kaolin clay is one haircare ingredient you’ll want on your radar if you struggle with greasy hair. It’s extremely porous, which means it has tiny empty spaces within its particles that fill up with excess oil. Kinda like a sponge. 

Detoxification - it can also attract and bind to toxins on the surface of the scalp. This helps to pull out pollutants, heavy metals, and other contaminants, leaving the scalp squeaky clean without stripping essential oil.

Can be found in: Matte Hair Clay

Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil comes from the pressed seeds of the jojoba plant. Fun fact: despite its name, it’s actually a liquid wax rather than oil.

Top benefits:
Moisturising - jojoba oil is similar in structure to the natural oil produced by the scalp which means it can be fully absorbed without struggle. Regularly hydrating the hair and scalp reduces frizz, breakage, and flyaways, as well as prevents dandruff.

Vitamin-rich - high levels of vitamins are found in jojoba oil, such as vitamin E and B-complex vitamins, which nourish the hair follicles and strengthen the hair shaft from the inside out.

Sun protection - another benefit of jojoba oil for the hair is that it neutralises free radicals that multiply in the sun, causing sun damage. 

Can be found in: Moisturising Shampoo Bar

Broccoli seed oil
When broccoli plants mature, they produce small, green flower buds that we eat. If left to mature further, these buds develop into small yellow flowers which produce broccoli seeds. 

Top benefits:
Adding shine - broccoli seed oil has a natural sheen that gives the hair a glossy shine without weighing it down.

Protective - it forms a lightweight protective barrier around the hair shaft, shielding it from hot styling tools and environmental damage, such as UV rays and pollution. 

Soothing scalp - broccoli seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm the scalp. It can relieve itching, irritation, and dryness, promoting a healthier scalp environment for optimal hair growth.

Can be found in: Nourishing Conditioner Bar

Bergamot oil
Bergamot oranges are harvested when they’re ripe, carefully removing the outer peel that contains tiny sacs filled with bergamot oil.

Top benefits: 
Improved Blood Circulation -  bergamot oil improves overall hair health by increasing blood circulation. This is because better blood flow can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.

Feel-good fragrance - it has a beautiful, citrusy scent that’s scientifically proven to lift spirits and reduce stress, so you’ll step out of the bathroom in a better mood than when you went in.

Can be found in: Moisturising Shampoo Bar, Nourishing Conditioner Bar, Matte Hair Clay, and Sea Salt Spray.

Halen Môn sea salt
Halen Môn sea salt, also known as Anglesey Sea Salt, is a natural sea salt harvested from the waters surrounding the Isle of Anglesey in Wales. You’ll probably recognise this one as it’s one of our favourite ingredients to use here at Alott.

Top benefits:
Beachy waves - Halen Môn sea salt enhances the natural texture of the hair, encouraging the loose, beachy waves we know and love. 

Thickening effect - by adding more definition and separating individual hair strands, Halen Môn sea salt also has a thickening effect as it gives the appearance of fuller and more voluminous hair. 

Loaded with minerals - it contains multiple minerals including magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals in particular help strengthen the hair shaft, improve elasticity, and enhance shine.

Can be found in: Sea Salt Spray (obviously) and Matte Hair Clay