Hair looking dry? Dull? These are some of the best organic conditioners – and all natural ones, too!
By Chere Di Boscio
Most of us worry about what’s in our shampoo, especially after learning that harsh sulphates like sodium laureth sulphate (SLS) can hurt our hair, and even our health. But few of us consider the benefits of using natural or organic hair conditioners.
And we should. Not only do hair conditioners often contain pig-and-cattle derived keratin as a strengthening agent (which is problematic for those who are vegan, Halal or Kosher) but there are also plenty of nasty chemicals in hair conditioners that are included in the products to keep our hair sleek and smooth. For example?
Some chemicals to watch for in conditioners are:
Behentrimonium chloride
A suspected environmental toxin and human allergen
Amodimethicone
A form of silicon. Generally considered safe, and won’t harm your health. That being said, it can build up on the hair, ultimately leading to dryness
Formaldehyde releasing preservatives
Known to cause cancer. These include quaternium-15. DMDM hydantoin. imidazolidinyl urea. diazolidinyl urea. polyoxymethylene urea. sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
Parfum/Fragrance
Unless this is listed as being derived from natural oils it likely indicates a synthetic perfume, which can lead to skin and lung irritation and organ toxicity, and possibly even cancer
PEG-80/ Sorbitan Laurate
Can lead to allergies or organ toxicity
Parabens
Preservatives that have been linked to cancer
Quaternium 15
This releases formaldehyde and can cause cancer, irritation of skin and eyes, and organ toxicity
Linalool
Can lead to respiratory disturbances; not vegan friendly
Why it’s hard to find a great organic conditioner
Even if you do find an organic conditioner, quite honestly, they don’t often cut it. Some have a weird smell, or you need tons more product to get the same effect you would with a cheap chemical conditioner. Others just don’t seem to work to remove tangles and make hair soft at all.
And there’s a reason for that. Non organic conditioners have a secret to keeping your hair looking shiny. That secret is silicone.
This coats the hair shaft to lock in moisture. It reduces frizz, and gives hair a soft and silky feel.
But there is a huge downside to silicone hair products, too.
Mainly, over time, silicone can also build up on your hair, resulting in dry and dull tresses. You may even notice that your hair becomes weaker and more prone to breakage. And if you’re using a form of silicone that isn’t water-soluble, it can be really hard to remove it with a regular wash.
So, how can you condition your hair naturally?
Well, you could make your own organic conditioners. For example, it’s easy to whip up a hair mask rich in Vitamins A and B by blending one super ripe avocado with ½ cup mayonnaise or coconut milk. Apply to hair once a week; leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off.
It doesn’t last forever, though – just about a week in the fridge. It also takes longer to use than commercial conditioners. And of course, it’s kind of a pain to make, and it smells pretty yuk.
For something a bit easier to use and sweeter smelling, we’ve tried and tested loads of the best organic conditioners for you. You may never know about the bad ones, because we refuse to list them here. But we can promise you: anything that is written about below is there because it works! (And remember: we never accept payment for making such lists).
Which one of these organic hair conditioners below is right for you?
The Best Organic Hair Conditioners
1. Urekram Soft Wild Rose Conditioner
For us, this is the creme de la creme of vegan, organic conditioners!
Urtekram Soft Wild Rose Dare to Dream Colour Preserve Conditioner boasts hydrating aloe vera, colour protecting blue sea kale and beet root. It all adds up to nourish your hair, add softness, shine and make it easy to brush. With a fresh scent of delicate wild rose.
It’s ideal to use as an everyday conditioner for very dry or colour treated hair. It’s especially great in the winter, when static can be a problem.
Want more? Urtekram has created a whole range of natural shampoos, conditioners and styling products that we love. Not only because they’re all natural and organic, but because they get the job done.
One of the best organic hair conditioners for: All hair types, especially long and thick
Price: Around $30
Vegan? Yes.
2. Leonor Greyl Nourishing Conditioner
Dyed hair can reveal brassy undertones over time. But this is one of those rare organic conditioners that helps keep those hues at bay! It’s made from 96% natural and organic ingredients. These include rice proteins and meadowfoam seed oil, which strengthens the hair and infuses it with plant based pigments that nourish and intensify your natural hair colour.
One of the best organic hair conditioners for: Those with very dry, brittle hair.
Price: Around $33
Vegan? Yes
3. Rahua Voluminous Conditioner
We love the fact that Rahua’s natural shampoos and conditioners are produced in a sustainable partnership with the people of the Amazon. But we’re not going to lie: for some reason, you do need to apply more of this product than you would a mainstream commercial conditioner to get the same effect.
Nonetheless, the end result is softer, healthier, prettier hair in the long run, thanks to the selection of hair-strengthening ingredients in this, such as quinoa, lemongrass, hemp and green tea.
One of the best organic hair conditioners for: Those who prefer lighter conditioners.
Price: Around $38
Vegan? Yes
4. REVERIE Nude Conditioner
Have you got lifeless hair? Give it a boost with Reverie’s conditioner! Handcrafted in California using the finest organic ingredients from around the world, the cream rinse is a super-hydrator thanks to the heady blend of sweet almond oil, zinc, neroli, vanilla, cardamon and essential oils.
Safe for colour treated hair, this is perfect for daily use and will leave hair bouncy, manageable and literally shining with health.
One of the best organic hair conditioners for: Everyday maintenance; light conditioning
Price: Around $40
Vegan? Yes
5. Aveda Cherry Almond Conditioner
This softening conditioner contains 38 flower and plant essences (yep, 38!) including cherry blossom extract, almond oil and organic shea butter to deeply condition and restore shine. Its sweet, floral scent will last all day on your newly-bouncy locks, too. In fact, I’d say this is one of the best organic hair conditioners for those who love their hair sweetly scented!
One of the best organic hair conditioners for: Smoothing hair and enhancing shine
Price: Around $23
Vegan? Yes
6. Josh Rosebrook Nourish Conditioner
Lavender, orange, rosemary and Ylang Ylang essential oils form the natural scent that underlies this amazing conditioner!
It’s mainly based on aloe vera leaf juice, but the rest of the nourishing ingredients read like a shopping list for the seeds you’d want to plant in your garden: rosehips, flax, sage, chamomile and goldenseal, for example.
There are absolutely no chemicals in this formula, which detangles and softens hair beautifully.
One of the best organic hair conditioners for: Those who are sensitive to chemicals.
Price: Around $22
Vegan? Yes
7. Lavera Colour & Care Conditioner
When it comes to hair care, you don’t need to splash out on expensive brands to get the best results. Brands like Lavera are a fabulous option if you’re on a budget or wanted to spend less.
Their volume and strength conditioner is made with organic bamboo and organic quinoa and it will truly breathe life back into your lifeless hair. The end result is hair that is voluminous and full without being weighed down!
One of the best organic hair conditioners for: A budget conditioner that does the job!
Price: Around $10
Vegan? Yes
8. 100% Pure Burdock & Neem Conditioner
100% Pure has become a trusted and well loved brand in the world of organic and natural beauty thanks to its great products, and this conditioner is no exception. This hydrating cream rinse moisturises, softens and detangles your hair, while soothing and treating your scalp to put an end to any dryness, itching and flaking.
It’s rich, but gentle enough for colour treated locks too. And like all 100% Pure products, this conditioner smells lovely, too – it’s got a slightly floral, rosy scent.
One of the best organic hair conditioners for: Those with dandruff or colour-treated hair
Price: Around $34
Vegan? Yes
9. Evolve Superfood Shine Conditioner
If organic conditioners were smoothies, this is one we’d drink daily! Evolve Organics has formulated this gorgeous product, made with naturally fragrant oils and rich plant extracts to truly reinvent your locks.
For example? Baobab proteins help to boost shine, strengthen, protect, reduce frizz and tangles as well as improve the general appearance of hair. Organic pomegranate oil re-hydrates and protects your strands, and organic aloe vera soothes the scalp.
One of the best organic hair conditioners for: Sensitive scalps, fine or frizzy hair
Price: Around $31
Vegan? Yes
10. Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner
Do you ever massage conditioner on to your locks, wishing you didn’t have to wash it away? This lightweight detangling spray by Innersense allows you to keep all the best parts of a conditioner in this handy spray. The leave-in conditioner increases moisture to dry hair, adding shine to your locks.
Lavender adds a delicate, healing fragrance and bee-friendly honey helps keep hair frizz-free and easier to manage.
One of the best organic hair conditioners for: Adding a boost of moisture to your hair everyday or when it really needs some TLC!
Price: $28
Vegan? No
Of course, this is just our own list of the best organic conditioners in the market. If we’re missing a brand you know and love, share it in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you!
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Pro Naturals is my favorite, makes my hair look so healthy 😉