Like your skin, the look and feel of your hair greatly depends on your internal health. However, your shampoo, conditioner, and styling products can make a huge difference in your hair’s health. Synthetic ingredients such as parabens can be hard on your hair (and your body), while natural ingredients such as botanicals, oils, and vitamins can safely condition and strengthen your locks.

While these effects may or may not have been studied scientifically, manufacturers often add nutritional and herbal ingredients based on traditional use or benefits expected due to known chemical actions in the body. Ingredient quality can vary, with important properties sometimes lost in processing, so experimentation with different products is your best bet for finding those that support your hair’s particular needs.