HAIR CARE
Top five Australian naturals for hair care
Nila Liu - Down Under Enterprises
As consumers increasingly seek hair care products that are both effective and free from harmful ingredients, native Australian botanicals have emerged as a popular choice. These ingredients not only offer unique
benefits for hair and scalp health but also align with ethical and sustainable practices. Here, we explore the top five native Australian natural ingredients for systemic hair and scalp care, supported by evidence and research.
Consumer demand for natural ingredients Recent research highlights a significant shift in consumer preferences towards natural hair care solutions. According to NielsenIQ, there has been a remarkable increase in online searches for hair care products that are sustainable (+148%), all-natural (+227%), and free from sulfates (SLS Free) (+176%). Additionally, specific ingredients like hair
style product with tea tree oil (+136%) have gained considerable attention, indicating a strong consumer desire for products that prioritize health and safety. This growing demand for natural ingredients
is further supported by trends in ethical sourcing, sustainable farming practices, and the use of antimicrobial and waterless formulations. Consumers are increasingly looking for
products that not only deliver long term results for their hair and scalp health, but also minimum harm to our planet and people.
1. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) Tea tree oil helps keep your scalp healthy in three ways: by balancing the natural bacteria, controlling oils, and boosting your immune system.
Balance bacteria Tea tree oil can fix imbalances on your scalp caused by a certain type of yeast. This yeast likes to grow on natural oils on your skin, which can lead to dandruff and skin irritation. Tea tree oil has been proven to stop this yeast from growing. In one study, a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil
made scalps 41% healthier, compared to just 11% with a shampoo that did not have tea tree oil. It targets bad microorganisms while being gentle on good bacteria, helping to create a healthy scalp environment.
Control oils Tea tree oil contains a lot of a compound called terpinen-4-ol, which can reduce swelling. It can also go deep into your skin to get rid of extra oils. This is important because regular skin products
usually cannot reach these clogged-up pores, which can cause hair follicles to get blocked. Tea tree oil can gather in the pores and disperse built- up oils, making your scalp healthier.
Boost immune Tea tree oil also helps your scalp fight off infections. By supporting your body’s natural defense system, it helps your scalp deal with stress and possible infections. This support is really important for keeping
Figure 1: Melaleuca alternifolia, the source of Australian tea tree oil
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your scalp healthy and stopping problems like swelling and infections.
2. Australian eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus kochii) Eucalyptus oil is a strong ingredient in hair and scalp care. It is known for its healing properties and ability to enhance scalp health through different ways.
Improvement in scalp health Eucalyptus oil contains a compound called macrocarpal A, which stimulates ceramide production. This is important for maintaining the scalp barrier. In a study with 34 Japanese women with seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, they saw significant improvements in scalp scaling, redness, and itchiness after four weeks of using a pseudo-ceramide and eucalyptus lotion. Notably, improvements were seen as early
as week two, showing the oil’s effectiveness in relieving common scalp issues. Support for the microbiome Eucalyptus oil helps maintain a healthy scalp microbiome, which is important for preventing conditions like dandruff and scalp irritation. By promoting a balanced microbiome, eucalyptus oil helps keep a healthy environment for hair growth and overall scalp health.
Biochemical benefits The biochemical properties of eucalyptus oil contribute to its effectiveness in scalp care. The oil stimulates circulation, which enhances blood
January 2025 PERSONAL CARE
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