In the era of naturalness and so-called “clean” products, we have been hearing for several years about the importance of switching to natural hair care, formulated without sulfates or silicone. But how are these natural formulas better for your hair, and are they really as effective as conventional formulas?

What effects do silicones and sulfates have on the hair?

Silicones and sulfates, two components very frequently used in the formulation of hair care products, are increasingly being singled out. But do you know why, and do you know the impact these two ingredients have on your hair?

Silicones: Silicones are actually petrochemical derivatives with a high affinity for keratin, naturally present in the hair. Silicones form a sheath around the hair and “fill in the gaps”, which gives an instant soft, shiny hair effect. The problem with silicones is that when rinsing, they are indeed removed, but take with them part of the keratin naturally present in the hair. Products containing silicones therefore contribute to the deterioration of the hair over successive shampoos.

Sulfates: Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate are irritants for the skin and eyes. They are widely used in products such as shower gels and shampoos as foaming agents. However, it is important to note that a sulfate-based foam is a foam that “strips”. In addition, irritation of the scalp causes, on top of itching, overproduction of sebum and therefore results in hair getting greasy faster.

Using products containing sulfates on colored hair leads to a decrease in the intensity of the color and thus its dulling. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that sulfates do not only “strip” the hair itself, but also the pigments it contains.

Natural formulas for healthier hair

Huygens offers a range of shampoos based on 99% ingredients of natural origin and 11% ingredients from organic farming. Formulated without silicones and without sulfates to respect the hair and scalp, our shampoos are also Made in France, cruelty-free and vegan.

tea tree essential oil

4 ranges for 4 hair types

To meet everyone's needs, Huygens has developed four ranges of shampoos, infused with essential oils to combine olfactory pleasure and effectiveness:

• The purifying Infusion Blanche range, for oily hair (purifying ingredients: tea tree and grapefruit)
• The volumizing Bois Rose range for flat, fine hair (volume-boosting ingredient: rosewood)
• The repairing Ylang #1 range for dry hair (active ingredient: ylang-ylang)
• The fortifying Hercule range for fragile/damaged hair: (fortifying ingredients: sage and rosemary)

In addition to the essential oils suited to each hair type, Huygens shampoos all contain:

• Aloe vera: soothes the scalp
• Witch hazel floral water: its strong antioxidant power offers astringent, toning and purifying virtues
• A sugar-based foaming base: a gentle, environmentally friendly foaming agent.

tea tree essential oil

tea tree essential oil

Every first step is hard... but rewarding!

When you use a sulfate-free shampoo for the first time, it is important to note that the first use can be somewhat surprising. Indeed, once you switch to a clean shampoo, the hair goes through a transition and “detox” period. The impression of “squeaky” hair is common, but the feeling disappears on drying to give way to light, shiny hair.

If the hair does not look completely clean after the first use, that is normal, it is part of the “detox” period. On average, hair needs a month to purify itself and fully adapt to the naturalness of its new shampoo. Once the transition is made, you will not want to go back!

tea tree essential oil

tea tree essential oil

3 good reasons to switch to natural shampoos

To conclude, here is a summary of the three good reasons to opt for a clean hair routine :

• Respect for the natural balance of the hair and scalp
• Naturally softer, lighter hair
• Clean hair for longer: shampooing without sulfates and without silicones soothes the scalp, regulates sebum production and thus allows you to space out shampoos more

tea tree essential oil

tea tree essential oil

Watch the replay of our “live” in collaboration with Birchbox France on the theme of natural hair care

Learn to decode a shampoo label.