Greenwashing and your hair care choices

You deserve honest products that actually help your hair and scalp. Brands love beautiful packaging and feel-good words. That does not mean the product is better for you. Greenwashing is real but avoidable. You do not need to be a chemist to make safer choices. Trust the certs that prove something and lean on experts who read labels with you. I will always help you find honest products that support your hair health not just your feed.

The U.S. reality

Most cosmetics sold in the United States do not require premarket approval from the FDA. Manufacturers are responsible for making sure a product is safe for use and properly labeled. Many common marketing words like clean or natural are not legally defined for cosmetic labeling. That means brands can use these words without meeting a single standardized test.

Real meaning behind common buzzwords

• Clean or clean beauty
Usually marketing. Not a legally defined term in the U.S.

• Natural
Sounds wholesome. Not a legal definition for cosmetics. Natural ingredients can still irritate or be unsafe for some scalps.

• Chemical-free or non-toxic
Misleading. Everything is made of chemicals. Context matters and claims need proof.

• Organic
This can mean something when an ingredient or product is certified under an official organic program. Look for a recognized certifier and clear percent organic labeling.

• Hypoallergenic dermatologist-tested clinically proven
Trust builders with no single standard in U.S. law. Ask for clear studies or third-party verification.

• Cruelty free
A phrase with power only when backed by credible third-party certification.

• Biodegradable, carbon-neutral, sustainably sourced
Environmental claims can be legitimate but require clear verification. Vague wording is a red flag.

Regulators and Harmful Ingredients

Regulatory bodies ban or restrict ingredients that are proven to cause serious harm. Companies are not allowed to use ingredients that are known to be truly dangerous. That said, many apps and online lists flag ingredients without context. Almost anything can be harmful at some dose. Salt and water are perfect examples. Too much of either can cause issues. What matters is the concentration, how the ingredient is used, and whether it is part of a finished rinse-off or leave-on product.

You do not need to spend hours debating every flagged ingredient. I do my due diligence on the products I use, carry in the salon, and recommend. That means you can feel confident knowing that I research the companies and certifications behind them. My goal is to keep your hair and scalp healthy with safe, effective products that fit your lifestyle.

Why I Sometimes Choose EU or Australian Sourced Products

Regulatory systems vary. The European Union and Australia tend to have clearer lists of banned or restricted ingredients and often require more thorough safety data for certain chemicals. That can translate to fewer questionable ingredients and more transparency. That is why I sometimes choose products or raw ingredients from those markets when I want higher regulatory certainty. Which is why I currently use hair color and treatments from overseas.

How to Shop Smarter for Hair and Scalp Health

• Look for credible third-party seals and certifiers not vague buzzwords
• Read the INCI ingredient list and learn the few names that matter for your scalp. If something irritates you stop using it
• Be skeptical of products that promise to treat a medical condition. Those are drug claims and need stronger review
• Ask me or another trusted pro on their recommendations

Greenwashing is real and avoidable. You do not need a chemistry degree to make safe choices. Trust the certifications that have independent standards and lean on professionals who do the background work for you. I always choose products with care so you can feel confident in what touches your hair and scalp.

If you want to know which products I recommend, just ask at your next appointment or reach out to me directly. I will always guide you toward options that support your hair health, not just clever marketing.

Sources and further reading

FDA cosmetics labeling and safety. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA color additives and rules. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FTC Green Guides on environmental claims. Federal Trade Commission
USDA National Organic Program guidance on cosmetics. AMS+1
NSF/ANSI 305 organic personal care standard. NSF
EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223 2009. EUR-Lex
Australia TGA guidance on cosmetics and therapeutic goods. Australian Government Cosmetics