from http://www.vegsource.com

NEW INNOVATIONS IN BOTANICAL HAIR CARE

As consumers become more aware of their health and well-being, science has followed. The flux of new, natural solutions from herbal supplements to skin care illustrates this phenomenon, and the hair care industry is no exception. So what are the latest natural hair care ingredients to hit the market, the ones that consumers will soon be asking for?

· Wheatgrass: Widely known as a nutritional supplement to help removes toxins from the bloodstream, wheatgrass is also one of Nature's most effective hair cleansers. It is also packed with antioxidants to protect hair from damaging UV-induced free radicals. Its deep-cleansing action removes excess oil, residue and debris, making it ideal for normal to oily hair types.

· Rice Protein: Great for fine, limp hair, hydrolyzed rice protein has a low molecular weight, which enables it to penetrate the hair shaft and expand its diameter for noticeably thicker hair. Hollywood stylists often spritz rice water onto hair before styling to impart instant volume and fullness.

· Soy Protein: As one of the ingredients creating the latest buzz, soy has emerged as Nature's "cure-all" in hair care. This revitalizing, hydrating protein can be found in shampoos and conditioners. In shampoos, it helps hydrate, reconstruct and strengthen hair shafts weakened by chemicals or overdryness. In conditioners, it smoothes the cuticle, helps restore body and elasticity, and guards against color fading.

· Chinese Herbs: Used for centuries by the Chinese to stimulate and energize weak hair and scalp, these exotic botanical blends gently remove follicle-blocking sebum and debris that can slow growth and cause premature hair loss. They have also been shown to alleviate dandruff and symptoms associated with the condition, including itchiness and dryness.

· Goldenseal Extract: An effective healer for hair, this natural extract from the goldenseal root historically has been used as a hair tonic to cleanse and add shine. It's also known to help control dryness of the scalp.

· Avocado Oil: A very rich emollient, this buttery oil is the ultimate natural conditioner, leaving hair glossy, smooth and moisturized. It strengthens and softens brittle, broken hair shafts and split ends caused by overexposure to heat tools, the sun and chemical processes.

· Carrot Seed: This extract hydrates each strand, leaving it soft and luxurious while also eliminating excess oil and product residue from hair surface. Its protective properties shield hair from external aggressions. Great for all hair types.

Ultimately, the point of shampoos and conditioners is to clean and condition the hair … but if the products we use can potentially harm ourselves and our loved ones, isn't it smarter to be safe than sorry? In a culture where consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about their health, it is the retailers' responsibility to offer them the most wholesome and healthiest choices, whether they are vitamins or personal care products. Once a retailer becomes committed to this mission, the customers will notice.




With much love,

Peter Lamas

Editor's note: Learn more about Peter's own line of natural shampoos at LamasBeauty.com