Hair plays a significant role on our self esteem, with a fresh new style often leaving us feeling confident and empowered. And whilst the psychological boost of a good hair day is undeniable, the conversation around hair now includes deeper concerns like the health of the scalp, the quality of ingredients in hair products and the impact of products on both the body and the environment.
The haircare market has grown steadily since the pandemic, with 2023 seeing a 5.4% increase in value compared to 2019, according to Mintel’s UK Haircare Market Overview. Conversations around hair health have also evolved, emphasising the importance of scalp care. A healthy scalp, much like facial skin, forms the foundation for strong, vibrant hair. Consumers are adopting a “less is more” approach, favouring simple, effective ingredients over complex formulas, prioritising health and sustainability in their haircare routines.
A number of key botanical and herbal ingredients have emerged as frontrunners in this movement, offering powerful benefits for hair health without the need for harsh chemicals like sulphates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. Aloe vera, lemongrass and oils such as coconut, argan and rosemary have all been among the natural extracts and plant-based actives taking priority over chemical treatments to achieve longer, thicker and healthier hair in a natural way.
“Silicones and other shine-inducing ingredients often coat the hair to make it look shiny but attract dirt and dust”
Naturally nutritious
Clara Challoner Walker, a chemist and founder of wellness and skincare brand Cosy Cottage, is passionate about natural hair care. Leveraging her chemistry background to create products that align with the body’s natural processes, rather than disrupting them with harsh chemicals, Cosy Cottage has recently launched a hair serum to join its range of solid shampoo and conditioner bars.
According to Clara, commercial hair products often contain surfactants and detergents, which can “leave hair dry, impede growth and lead to brittle hair that looks thin and is prone to breaking.” These harsh ingredients, she points out, are sometimes even used to clean oil spills—an indicator of their potential harshness on hair. “I’ve also seen that ingredients added to conditioners, especially colour enhancing conditioners, to make the hair shine, can lead to more hair washing,” she continues. “Silicones and other shine-inducing ingredients often coat the hair to make it look shiny but attract dirt and dust, meaning that you need to wash it again fairly quickly to keep the hair looking clean.”
Natural ingredients, Clara explains, are gentler and support the body’s own oil production, which can help balance hair health over time. Ingredients like cocoa butter, lavender, rosemary, and lemongrass nourish the hair and scalp, contributing to stronger, thicker, and shinier locks. “We use raw cocoa butter in our Conditioner Roundels, which is effective in promoting healthy hair as it soaks into the hair to nourish. We have also carefully chosen the essential oils we use in our shampoo bars and a special mix of seven natural oils for use in our new hair serum, each of which has been selected for its hair and scalp benefits.”
For those transitioning to natural products, Clara advises patience, as the body takes time to adjust to the new regime. “As commercial shampoos can be so drying, our bodies are used to producing lots of oils to counteract that, so when transitioning, our bodies will need to rebalance, but this should only take a few weeks.” To help with any initial greasiness, she recommends using apple cider vinegar as a rinse, particularly in hard water areas, noting that they have found “time and time again that children and men adapt more quickly to natural hair care products, probably because they tend to use fewer artificial products than women.”
She also encourages consumers to scrutinise labels, as not all “natural” products are free from detergents and sulphates. “A lot of products purport to be natural – particularly those in a bar format – but are still based on detergents and include heavy duty ingredients such as the sulphite Isothiocyanate or other detergents and surfactants. So, make sure to check ingredients when you are looking for natural products. There should not be too many of them and you shouldn’t need a degree to understand what they are.”
The Rise of Rosemary
Rosemary oil has recently become one of the most talked-about ingredients in the world of hair care, making waves for its ability to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. The hashtag #rosemaryoil has accumulated over two billion views on TikTok, and Google searches have increased by 395% in the last year alone, with the ingredient becoming a staple in hair routines, embraced by influencers and beauty brands alike.
“Rosemary acts as a mental stimulant, enlivening and invigorating for the mind, leaving you feel alert and motivated”
Known for its herbal, aromatic qualities, rosemary oil has long been used in traditional medicine, but one of the primary reasons for its rise in popularity is its reputation as a natural stimulant for hair growth. Research has shown that rosemary oil can improve blood circulation to the scalp, which in turn nourishes the hair follicles and encourages stronger, faster-growing hair. In fact, some studies suggest that rosemary oil may be as effective as minoxidil, a commonly prescribed treatment for hair loss, but without the side effects like scalp irritation or dryness. This has made rosemary oil especially popular among those suffering from thinning hair or hair loss, as well as individuals looking to enhance hair thickness and overall vitality.
Beyond hair growth, rosemary oil is celebrated for its ability to improve scalp health. Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps soothe scalp irritation and combat issues like dandruff and itchiness. The oil’s natural antioxidants also help protect the scalp from oxidative stress and environmental damage, which can accelerate hair thinning and scalp aging. These combined benefits make rosemary oil a multi-tasking powerhouse for both hair and scalp care.
Tisserand Aromatherapy’s Rosemary Hair Oil is a standout product in this category, having won Best New Haircare Product in the Natural & Organic Innovation Awards Showcase at Natural & Organic Product Expo (NOPEX) 2024, and with 93% of customers saying their hair felt softer, shinier and more nourished after using. Jo Kellett, Expert Aromatherapist with Tisserand Aromatherapy, explains that rosemary oil has a “long traditional use for head and hair health,” highlighting that rosemary oil is not only beneficial for hair but also acts as a “mental stimulant, enlivening and invigorating for the mind, leaving you feel alert and motivated.”
Tisserand Aromatherapy’s Rosemary Hair Oil offers a unique blend of rosemary essential oil with nourishing base oils like sweet almond, black seed, and sunflower oil. “All the base/vegetable oils in the Rosemary Hair oil have excellent benefits for the health of the skin and hair,” Jo adds. “Black Seed is a natural moisturiser, rich in fatty acids like linoleic acid which can help retain moisture and support the skin. The oil is also rich in natural anti-oxidants contributing to the neutralisation of free radicals which can promote the renewal of skin cells, resulting in enhancing overall skin texture, tone and appearance.
“Sunflower Oil is also a natural moisturise. It can help revive dull, dry or frizzy hair. It will promote a healthy scalp offering hydration and nourishment. Also rich in Vitamin E and Omega 9 all beneficial to skin and hair health.
“Sweet Almond oil encourages softer smoother hair, making it silky to the touch. High Levels of Vitamin E provides an antioxidant effect making your hair less prone to environmental stresses.”
Nourishing Shampoo Bar
ATTITUDE
www.attitudeliving.com
Raise the bar and turn your hair care routine into a clean, eco-conscious experience with our new ATTITUDE leaves bar™ Nourishing Shampoo bar – Sandalwood. EWG VERIFIED™, vegan and biodegradable formula, our nutrient-rich solid shampoo contains a unique blend of nourishing, plant and mineral based ingredients like avocado oil to bring shine and softness, as well as cocoa butter to help protect dry hair from breakage. Its formula also contains green blue clay, known to clean and absorb excess sebum and impurities. It also contains super leaves extracts like Indian cress and watercress to strengthen and revitalize your hair and scalp. Our shampoo will leave your hair smelling great, thanks to its rich velvety vanilla and sandalwood aroma. Who knew a bar could deliver such exceptional results?
Nourishing Solid Conditioner Roundel
Cosy Cottage
www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk
Good for your hair, good for your pocket and GREAT for the planet. Our super-concentrated, VEGAN 15g solid conditioner roundels will last for 15 to 20 applications.
Cosy Cottage conditioner is 100% sulphate free, additive free, palm oil free, cruelty free, plastic free, suitable for vegans and totally natural. The combination of cocoa butter and sweet orange essential oil provides a gorgeous chocolatey orange scent to these little, solid conditioners.
Rosemary Hair Oil
Tisserand Aromatherapy
www.tisserand.com
Discover the secret to stronger, nourished hair with our supportive treatment oil enriched with Rosemary 100% natural pure essential oil, renowned for its ability to promote thicker hair. Our expertly crafted blend combines moisturising, nutrient-rich Black Seed, Sweet Almond and Sunflower oils to nurture your scalp and encourage the growth of softer, shinier and healthier locks.
Suitable for all hair types and textures, Rosemary Hair Oil can effortlessly elevate your haircare routine. Use 2 to 3 times a week to achieve best results and unveil your healthiest hair yet.
Hair Skin & Nails Vitamin Gummies
Beauty Kitchen
www.beautykitchen.co.uk
Introducing our new Hair Skin & Nails vitamin gummies, targeted beauty support to nourish hair, skin & nails for super shine, strength & glow.
For super shine, strength and glow, try our delicious raspberry flavoured Hair Skin & Nails beauty gummies. Formulated with scientifically proven beauty boosting ingredients including Biotin (5000 ug) which improves your body’s keratin infrastructure, Zinc to help strengthen brittle nails and hair and Vitamin C to help skin collagen.
The Scalp Scratcher
Cosi Care
www.cosi-care.com
The the world’s first medical grade scalp scratcher certified safe for eczema, psoriasis and many other skin conditions. The soft-touch silicone bristles will penetrate hair and offer a gentle scratch sensation for itchy scalp, without the cuts scarring or infections caused by fingernails. The bristles are specifically designed to mimic your fingernails, gently scratch scalp without the guilt or damage.
