For centuries, herbs have been used to promote the health of the body inside and out. Many haircare products attempt to harness the healing properties of herbs, roots, and oils to help keep the scalp healthy and the hair beautiful. When added to shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products, the powerful scents also offer aromatherapeutic benefits.

Aloe vera’s healing properties have been known for thousands of years. Traditionally used to heal cuts, wounds, sunburns, and scars, it can also help moisturize the hair and scalp.

Almond oil is a favorite of many massage practitioners, as it lubricates the skin and scalp without clogging pores or causing reactions. As a haircare ingredient, it’s thought to be a mild yet potent moisturizer.

Chamomile is well known for its calming properties when taken as tea. The essential oils and flavonoids contained in chamomile are thought to promote shine, especially in blonde hair.

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic components, as well as gingerol, a powerful antioxidant. Ginger’s stimulating properties are thought to help increase circulation to hair follicles.

Jojoba oil closely resembles our skin’s own sebum, and therefore can be an effective, nonclogging moisturizing agent in haircare products.

Lavender and rosemary oils, recognizable by their distinctive scents, contain natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. In haircare products they are thought to help clean the hair and scalp and add shine.

Peppermint is taken internally and added as a soothing scent to many products, to calm the body and mind. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which can have a cooling and nourishing affect on the scalp when used externally.

Green tea’s medicinal properties are attributed to flavonoid phytochemicals called polyphenols, which exert an antioxidant effect. In shampoos, conditioners, and other haircare products it is thought to help deep clean and add shine.

Sea buckthorn oil comes from the yellow berries of a shrub native to the Himalayas and Siberia. Its high content of fat-soluble vitamins A and E, as well fatty acids, provide nourishing and healing properties to the hair and scalp.

Sea algae and kelp are rich in minerals and other nutrients that help to nourish the scalp and hair. Similar to their effects inside the body, sea vegetables are believed to help remove toxins and promote shine.

Tea tree oil is most well known for its antimicrobial properties.