Why Green Hair Gel is Taking Over
The beauty industry is going green. Sales of natural and organic personal care products have skyrocketed in recent years, with an estimated 50% growth from 2012 to 2016. This rise in natural beauty aligns with consumer demand for products made from plant-derived, non-toxic ingredients. One area seeing a surge? Green hair gels.
Green hair gels use naturally-derived thickeners and styling agents, avoiding controversial ingredients like parabens and phthalates typically found in synthetic gels. In this post, we’ll explore the issues with conventional hair gels, the benefits of natural formulas, what to look for when buying green gels, tips for using them, and examples of good options on the market. By the end, you’ll understand why green hair gel is taking over the industry.
Problems with Synthetic Ingredients
For many years, synthetic ingredients have been commonly used in hair gels and styling products. However, research has shown that some of these ingredients may have negative health and environmental impacts.
Some synthetic ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates have been linked to health concerns:
- Parabens may mimic estrogen in the body and be linked to breast cancer tumors. They may disrupt hormone function.
- Phthalates are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive issues and birth defects in animal studies. Some phthalates have been banned from cosmetics in the EU.
- Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) may cause skin irritation and may be linked to organ system toxicity with long-term exposure.
In addition to health concerns, many synthetic ingredients are derived from petrochemicals. Their production requires oil drilling and refining which can harm the environment through air and water pollution. Some synthetic ingredients like silicones do not biodegrade easily, contributing to microplastics pollution.
By avoiding products with concerning synthetics like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and silicones, consumers can reduce their exposure to potentially toxic chemicals and choose products with a lighter environmental footprint.
Benefits of Natural Ingredients
Choosing green hair gel with natural ingredients offers several advantages compared to traditional gel formulas.
Better for Your Health
Natural ingredients like plant extracts and oils are gentler on your hair and scalp. Many synthetic chemicals found in regular gels can irritate sensitive skin or accumulate over time. Going green avoids concerning compounds like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates linked to health issues.
Plant-derived gels nourish hair with vitamins and minerals. Your hair stays strong and your scalp stays comfortable.
More Sustainable for the Environment
Ingredients sourced from nature have a lower environmental impact. Brands can use renewable, biodegradable materials for packaging as well. Synthetic gels rely heavily on plastics and chemical processing.
Supporting green beauty encourages more eco-friendly practices across the industry. Sustainability matters more to today's consumers.
Often as Effective as Synthetic Ingredients
You don't have to sacrifice performance to go green. Natural gels deliver flexible hold, texture, and shine on par with conventional options.
Plant oils and waxes give hair definition and control. Natural thickeners replace synthetic polymers. With mindful formulation, natural gels work just as well.
The right green hair gel lets you style hair guilt-free. You get salon-quality results more safely and sustainably.
What to Look for in Green Hair Gel
When shopping for green hair gel, there are a few key things to look out for:
Key Natural Ingredients
Avoid ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Instead, look for gels made with aloe vera, vitamin B5, hydrolyzed soy protein, essential oils, and plant extracts. These natural ingredients will style and nourish your hair without harsh chemicals.
Recyclable Packaging
Choose hair gel that comes in recyclable packaging like glass, aluminum, or easily recyclable plastic. This reduces waste and your environmental impact.
Cruelty-Free Testing
Look for brands that are Leaping Bunny certified or labeled cruelty-free. This means they do not test on animals.
Tips for Using Green Hair Gel
When using green hair gel, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
How to Apply Effectively
- Apply gel to damp, not soaking wet hair. This will allow the gel to adhere better and last longer.
- Work the gel through your hair from roots to ends, distributing evenly. Make sure to coat all of your hair, not just the top or sides.
- Use your fingers to rake the gel through your hair and style as desired. The heat from your hands will help activate the gel.
- For extra hold, you can layer and scrunch additional gel on top once your base layer is applied.
How Much to Use
- Start with a dime-sized amount first and add more as needed. It's better to use a little at a time than to overdo it.
- Focus on gel on the top and sides of your hair, using less toward the ends and back. These areas don't need as much manipulation.
- Thicker, coarser hair will require a bit more gel than fine, thin hair.
- If your hair still isn't holding the style you want, gradually increase the amount of gel until you find the right amount.
Styling Tips
- Let your hair air dry naturally or diffuse gently with a hairdryer to lock in the shape.
- Scrunch out any crunch from the gel cast once fully dry.
- Carry a small amount of gel with you to touch up your hair as needed during the day.
- Use a boar bristle brush to restyle without needing to reapply gel.
- Try different amounts and styling techniques until you find what works best for your hair type and desired look.
Example Green Hair Gel Product
Scalp Rescue Sculpting Gel is an excellent example of a green hair gel that uses natural ingredients. This product is formulated without harsh chemicals, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and other concerning ingredients.
Some key features and benefits of Scalp Rescue Sculpting Gel include:
- Made with a stepped tea of a proprietary herbal blend, and other botanicals, including our essential oil blend to nourish hair and scalp
- Provides flexible hold without stiffness or flaking
- Contains antioxidants to protect hair from environmental damage
- Free of harmful ingredients like formaldehyde releasers
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Recyclable packaging
This sculpting gel gives you the styling power and shaping ability of a traditional hair gel, but with an all-natural formula focused on hair health. It's a great option for anyone looking for an effective, non-toxic styling product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a green hair gel?
Some key benefits of using a green, natural hair gel include:
- Avoiding harsh chemicals found in many synthetic gels. Synthetic ingredients like parabens and sulfates can irritate the scalp.
- Being gentler on hair. Natural gels often contain moisturizing oils that condition hair while styling.
- Reducing environmental impact. Natural gels use plant-based ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
Does green hair gel work as well as traditional gel?
Yes, when formulated properly with natural gelling agents like flaxseed or marshmallow root, green gels provide strong hold and definition just like synthetic options. The best green gels contain polymers that help lock in your style.
How can I find a good green hair gel?
Look for gels made with natural thickeners like aloe vera, natural waxes, and gums. Check that the packaging is recyclable. Read reviews to ensure the gel provides enough hold and control for your hair type before purchasing.
The Future of Green Beauty
The future looks bright for green beauty as more consumers demand natural ingredients and sustainable practices from brands. Here are some key trends driving the growth of green hair gel and other green beauty products:
Growing Consumer Demand
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential health and environmental impacts of synthetic ingredients. Surveys show a majority of shoppers actively seek out natural beauty products. Social media influencers and celebrities are also helping to boost interest in green beauty. As demand rises, more brands will cater to this market.
More Brand Options
Right now the green beauty space is dominated by smaller niche brands like Max Green Alchemy celebrating its 20th anniversary right now. But large mainstream players are taking notice of shifting consumer preferences. Expect to see more natural hair gel options from major brands hitting store shelves soon. Established players acquiring or launching new green sub-brands is another trend.
Mainstream Adoption
Green beauty is projected to continue gaining significant market share in the coming years. And major retailers like Target, Walmart and Amazon are giving natural beauty products more shelf space. As formulations improve, pricing becomes more competitive, and shopper awareness grows - green hair gels could become the norm rather than a specialty product. Sustainability is also becoming an expectation for brands across industries.
Conclusion
Green hair gel offers a natural alternative to traditional styling products that often contain concerning synthetic ingredients. As we've discussed, these synthetic ingredients may be linked to health issues over time.
The benefits of switching to green hair gel include avoiding these synthetic chemicals as well as making an eco-friendly choice with recyclable packaging. Natural ingredients like aloe vera, natural gums, starch based styling agents and essential oils can provide the same styling effects as traditional gels without the worries.
When shopping for green hair gel, look for plant-based formulas clearly marked as natural, vegan or non-toxic. Seek out recyclable bottles and minimal packaging. With the right product, you can easily sculpt natural-looking styles with healthy shine.
The green beauty movement continues to gain momentum as more consumers demand safe, sustainable personal care. Trying a green hair gel is an easy first step to clean up your self-care routine. We encourage you to give it a shot - your hair will thank you!
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