From organic produce lining the shelves at the grocery store to organic cotton in everything from clothing to bedding and even organic skin care, you’re likely seeing a lot of opportunities to buy organic these days. If you’re making more of an effort to buy organic when possible, you might be interested in the growing popularity of organic hair care products. However, before you jump into investing in an organic hair care routine, it’s important to understand some basics. Let’s dig into some important questions about organic hair care, including:

• What is organic?
• What does organic mean when it comes to hair care?
• Are organic hair care products better for you?
• What are the best organic hair products that I can add to my routine?

What is organic?

The word “organic” refers to ingredients or products that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Compared with conventional farming, organic farming tends to be a more sustainable practice because it cuts down on water pollution from pesticide run-off and improves soil quality.

What does organic mean in hair products?

Body and hair care products that are made of agricultural ingredients—that is, plant-based ingredients grown on farms—can be certified organic by the USDA. The USDA’s organic seal (that green and white circular icon that you see on food packaging at the grocery store) can be used on hair care products that have either 100% organic ingredients or at least 95% organic ingredients.

The USDA allows products to be labeled “made with organic ingredients” if at least 70% of the ingredients are organic. Products that have less than 70% organic ingredients cannot be labeled as organic as a whole. However, ingredient lists and product labeling can describe what specific ingredients in the formula are organic, such as a particular oil or extract.

Are organic hair care products better for your hair?

“While ‘organic’ can mean quite a few things in the beauty world (and in general), I am a fan of organic ingredients if they are sourced appropriately by companies that we carefully evaluate. One company’s ‘organic’ can be another company’s ‘clean beauty’ and another company’s standard product. It all comes down to the ingredients, the manufacturing process and the level of rigor in product development. We are fortunate to work with great companies, such as the ones in this article, and trust them implicitly,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Furthermore, if the environmental impact of the personal care products you purchase is important to you, choosing hair care products made with organic ingredients is a great way to support that ethos.

6 organic hair products your hair care routine needs

Pre-shampoo treatment: Leonor Greyl L’huile De Leonor Greyl Pre-Shampoo Treatment Oil for Dry Hair

This pre-wash hair treatment is formulated with an array of certified organic oils, including coconut, jojoba, sesame, sunflower and hazel seed oil. Apply it ten minutes prior to shampooing for easier detangling and softer strands. You can also use it overnight as an intensive repair treatment.

Shampoo and conditioner: L’ANZA Healing Volume Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner

This hair care brand sources its ingredients with sustainability in mind, selecting organic botanical ingredients when possible. This volumizing shampoo and conditioner are formulated to give thin, fine hair a boost of body and fullness. They also both contain organic bamboo extract to help hydrate strands, leaving them feeling soft and smooth.

Heat protectant serum: Rene Furterer Absolue Keratine Ultimate Repairing Serum

If you can’t live without heat styling, you’ll want to add a heat protectant to your organic hair care routine. This gel-in-oil formula contains organic camelina oil to help nourish and protect your hair when exposed to heat styling up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit. It also contains plant-based keratin to help hair appear thicker and smoother.

Hair oil: The Organic Pharmacy Sweet Vanilla Dry Oil

This vanilla-scented hair and skin oil is made with 99% organic ingredients, including organic calendula extract, argan oil and rosehip oil. Because it's a dry oil, this formula quickly absorbs into your strands and skin without leaving a greasy residue behind. When applying this product to your hair, spritz the oil lightly onto the palms of your hands and run them through your strands, concentrating on the ends.

For another organic hair oil option, we are also big fans of Surface Bassu Hydrating Oil, which is made with organic babassu oil in combination with aloe vera, moringa oil and flax oil to provide your hair with moisture and antioxidant protection.

Hair mask: Klorane Nourishing & Repairing Mask with Organic Cupuacu Butter

If you struggling with dry, damaged hair, then this nourishing hair mask could be the perfect addition to your new organic hair care routine. The all-star ingredient in this formula is organic cupuacu butter, which is sustainably sourced from the Amazon rainforest and rich in omega-6 and omega-9, which helps hair resist moisture loss and rebuild keratin for a healthier appearance. We also love how versatile this mask is: you can use it in the shower, overnight or as a leave-in treatment.

Sunscreen: COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30

Pack this sun-protection mist for hair and scalp in your beach bag for your next vacation to keep your strands and tender scalp protected with SPF 30. This water-resistant sunscreen mist contains 70% certified organic ingredients, including organic glycerin and bergamot fruit oil, and provides sun protection with a blend of chemical sunscreens, including avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene.

Are you interested in vegan hair care products? Check out our list of the 7 best vegan products for curly hair and explore the world of hair even more with expert-recommended tips on the LovelySkin Hair Care Blog.