2010 Archives: Best Eco-Hair Products Under $20
Think Eco-Beauty’s expensive? We’re out to prove you wrong, beginning with your hair. Because there’s nothing more ego-stoking than a fabulous coif, and nothing more disappointing than realizing said coif is dependent on $150 worth of toxic hair products. Luckily, we sourced everything you need—from shampoo to shine—in products that retail for $20 or less, plus a whopping $1,500 in eco-hair worthy giveaways. And lest you forget what you’re reading, these are all crafted with organic and truly natural ingredients, eschewing anything on our Big List of Things That Suck, natch.
Because you’re worth it.
Lavera Shampoo $16 and Conditioner $14
European beauty standards are notoriously more strict than American, so when we heard Lavera was ranked first in a German study on safe cosmetics conducted by Oeko-Test and that they were certified natural by the European BDIH organization, we knew they were solid. The fact that they have affordable shampoos for pretty much every type of hair on the planet? Gravy.
KNOW! Everyday Daily Shampoo $18 and Everyday Conditioner $18
Sometimes it’s less about what’s in your shampoo and conditioner and more about what’s not. KNOW! Hair and body care products promise no synthetics—including sulfates, fragrance, phthalates and more—manufactured cruelty-free and PETA-approved, and packaged in recyclable PET plastic.
Alaffia Beautiful Curls Curl Activating Shea Butter Shampoo $11.99
Fair trade, natural beauty pioneer Alaffia is set to launch a full line of hair care products for the curly-headed set this September, all fortified with super-moisturizing shea butter. We’re huge fans of their Curl Activating Shea Butter Shampoo, which hypes the shine, reduces frizz and eliminates the need for wash-out conditioner.
Original Sprout Miracle Detangler $11.50
When it says miracle, it’s not kidding. We tried this vegan spray on the toughest tangles and it left them in the dust. Who needs conditioner? (Although their Leave-In is pretty awesome, too.) Plus, the Miracle Detangler cuts down on static, works on wet or dry hair and phytoestrogen free—something to think about, if you’re using it on kids.
Hamadi Organics Shea Spray $15.52 from OrganicBeautyNow.com
Made with 100% organic essential oils and plant extracts, the ultra-defrizzing Hamadi Organics Shea Spray is your secret weapon against humidity.
Tara Smith Base Coat Serum $9.95
Renowned for taming the tresses of everyone from Demi Moore to Sting, Tara Smith was named the U.K.’s “hairdresser of the year” in 2009. We think this might have something to do with the genius that is her Base Coat Serum. Formulated with gamma linolenic acid-rich borage oil, the vegan Serum works with all hair types to finesse everything from corkscrew curls to lackluster locks.
Eufora Formation Whipped Styling Solution $19.50
A 1980’s big-hair staple, mousse pretty much went out with the Go-Gos. But for limp-haired ladies, there’s nothing better to volumize—providing your mousse of choice doesn’t contain propane, a common ingredient far better suited to you barbecue than your head. We like propane-free Eufora Formation Whipped Styling Solution, which delivers all the volumizing of a mousse, without the oh-so-outré name.
Head Organics Shine Anti-Frizz Serum $14.50
A veritable grandfather in the eco beauty biz—they’ve been manufacturing since 1971—the totally vegan and gluten-free range of Head Organics hair care line utilizes cutting-edge “green chemistry” to create products that really work, like this aloe-rich, shine-enhancing Anti-Frizz Serum.
Sevi Blue Yarrow Hair Texturizer with Sea Salt $14 from JuJuOrganics.com
There’s nothing like that tousled, windswept coif you get after a long day at the beach, but unless you’re Gisele, you’re probably not spending your workday there. Get the look while land-locked with the wild-crafted herbs and sea salt of Sevi Blue Yarrow Hair Texturizer from JuJuOrganics.com.
MOP Liquid Wax $16.99 from Pharmaca.com
Integrative pharmacy Pharmaca.com is a one-stop-shop for greenies: An online as well as brick-and-mortar destination where you can get prescriptive medications along with your homeopathic essentials, plus a wide range of eco beauty to boot! Their selection of cult favorite MOP doesn’t disappoint (check your labels, as some products do contain suckies), including this shine-enhancing, UV-protecting Liquid Wax.
Olivia Garden of Belgium Ionic Bamboo Paddle Brush $18 from StormSister.biz
Is there anything bamboo can’t do? Take this brush to a dryer and you get bouncin’ and behavin’ glossy locks; the ergonomic and sustainable bamboo brush is also anti-static, anti-bacterial and ionically-charged.
Aubrey Organics NuStyle Organic Soft Hold Hairspray $9.95
Despite the fact that our intrepid editor once spent an afternoon toasting eco-beauty with organic hair spray shots, most of us still think we have to resort to chemicals to get a style to last. Hold that thought: Aubrey Organics’ new hairsprays really work and they’re USDA certified organic!
Susan Henry Natural Color Process At Home Color Kit $19.95
Even a green girl’s gotta color, especially when you can get gorgeous, shiny permanent hair color that’s ammonia-free from Susan Henry. Chemical-free? Not exactly, but these chemicals come in far lower doses—certainly better than what you get at the store or conventional salon.
La Alicia Candy Wrapper Bobby Pins $7 per pair
There’s nothing like growing out your bangs to up the appreciation factor for cute hair accessories. These classic bobbies—crafted out of recycled candy wrappers—don’t disappoint.
