When people talk about organic haircare and eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners they’re usually focusing on how such products avoid the damages that are caused by conventional hair products being washed away and contaminating water sources or adversely affecting the earth, but the plethora of products we use to try and attain shiny, silky, hair-commercial inspired hair may be just as bad for our hair as they are for the planet.

Many of the top hairstylists in Hollywood now advise a switch to fewer products and/or more natural products to rid yourself of bad hair days and they make the recommendation with plenty of experience. What’s ironic is that often the hair condition we’re trying to counter or treat is actually exacerbated by the conventional hair product we use to do so. If you’ve been fighting frizz, for example, you’ll likely have turned to a product containing dimethicone (the most common form of silicone), which will smooth the hair and essentially lock out any exterior moisture from giving you that much-despised “humidity hair”. Unfortunately that waterproofing effect also keeps needed moisture from reaching the hair cuticle and sets of an imbalance in your strands. Over time you’ll likely find the areas where you use the treatment are dryer than ever. The sulfates in shampoo, similarly, give you that luxurious lather and zap any oiliness (kind of the point of shampoo) but they also tend to over dry, robbing the fragile ends of their oils and fading hair color faster.

Some hairstylists will prescripe a no-product detox to keep damaged hair from worsening—and to prevent split ends from splitting further—but there are plenty of hair products made from natural ingredients that can help your see immediate and longterm results. Start by switching to sulfate-free shampoo (we like Alba Botanica Plumeria Replenshing Hair Wash) ; at first you may feel like it’s not getting your hair clean enough, but over time you’ll realize that less lather doesn’t mean it’s not working. If you color your hair you’ll also find you can go longer between touch-ups. Next, ditch dimethicone-containing products (beware, it’s a very common ingredient) and pick up some organic alternatives like John Masters Organic Dry Hair Nourishment and Defrizzer, which features jojoba, carrot, and evening primose oils (all of which smooth without drying). Finally, if you’re feeling ambitious, start treating your hair once or twice a week with natural, not-just-for-hair ingredients that will make it healthier so you won’t have to use as many products. Combing in some coconut oil then heating with the blow dryer will quickly rehydrate dry hair. Mixing some rosemary essential oil with almond oil and massaging into the scalp will help stimulate hair growth if you’re looking for longer locks. Or—for the truly adventurous—you can concoct hair masques from avocado, banana and honey and then follow with a dark beer rinse.

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