Natural hair products have come a long way from the henna rinses and olive oil treatments in health food stores. Organic and eco-friendly options are now readily available, and increasingly popular.

"Natural haircare is definitely something consumers are demanding," says Jose Bryce Smith, director of Original & Mineral (O&M). "The world is changing and people are becoming more concerned about chemicals and the harmful effects they can have."

Thanks to improved-quality ingredients and stringent testing, these "green" options are only getting better. "The great news is that more botanicals are available from the ingredient manufacturers, so using cleaner, safer, natural and organic options is getting easier than it was 15 years ago," adds organic haircare pioneer and celebrity New York-based stylist, John Masters.

And with more of these hardworking formulas being sold in department stores around the world, organic and natural products are a chic alternative for those with sensitive scalps or for people who want to cut down on chemicals in their everyday routines.

WASH UP

As all the shampoo and conditioner we use is eventually rinsed down the drain, it pays to consider a greener choice. "In a time when we need to be more environmentally aware, I love knowing that I can lower my use of chemically based products," says Amy Forrest, national director of education for MOP and stylist at Meddlers in Melbourne.

Many haircare brands are joining the eco revolution, responding to customers' demands for natural products that work just as hard as those containing more chemicals.

"We spent a lot of time working with our chemist to make O&M products foam and feel moisturising and conditioning on the hair. It is more time consuming and expensive to produce natural products that perform as well, if not better than chemical products, but we think it's worthwhile," explains Bryce Smith.

Of his organic line, Masters says, "These are professional products and are used in salons every day around the world. We will not forgo performance on any product. If there is a specific product that typically uses chemicals, we will not create an organic version that does not work just to have it."

Some options to try include Endota Spa Organic Shamperfect Native Mint, $23, which donates one per cent of sales to protecting Australia's land, water and wildlife through the Bush Heritage program. Or look for Apivita Propoline Shampoo for Frequent Use, $23.90, which is rich in honey and chamomile, and Sanctum Shampoo for Normal Hair, $12.95, made from certified organic ingredients.

STYLE SMART

"Hair doesn't need to be weighed down with a synthetic coating for it to look shiny and healthy," says Forrest. "The right styling product enhances healthy hair and doesn't just coat it."

For hair that's dry or damaged, rub a little Burt's Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment, $19.95, between your palms and spread lightly through damp or dry hair to combat frizz. A spritz of John Masters Organics Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray with Lavender, $30.50, will add a beachy texture, minus the chemicals. And fix your look with MOP C-System Firm Finish Strong Hold Hair Spray, $32.95, an eco-aerosol product containing certified organic extracts.

INSIDE OUT

As your hair is one of the last in line for nutrients from your system, it can become dull and lifeless if you're a little run-down, or your diet is less healthy than it should be. If your style needs a natural boost, consider taking flaxseed oil. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids - which many Western diets are deficient in - it can help revive dry and limp hair from within. We like Waihi Bush Flax Original Omega-3 Oil, $12.95.

COLOUR WITH CARE

"More and more people are asking for natural hair colour - they now know that it's available and once they try it, they don't use anything else," reveals Francesco Ruggerino, director of PRéMA salon in Bondi, NSW.

He believes hair that's coloured with fewer chemicals is in a healthier state, bringing longevity and more shine to the shade. "It's also better for the environment and better for the hairdresser who's applying the colour."

Ruggerino suggests Aveda Full Spectrum - a colour that's plant-derived and sustainably sourced. "It's a great alternative for those who want to make a positive choice for the earth."

If you prefer to DIY, seek out Atlantis Hair Watercolour Non Ammonia Non Peroxide Permanent/Semi-Permanent Haircolour, $25.95, for a gentler at-home alternative. Then, keep your new hue looking fresh with products like O&M Pigment of Your Imagination Conditioner for Coloured Hair, $28.95, packed with vitamin C, green tea extract and sweet almond oil, or Al'chėmy Ylang Ylang Colour Care Shampoo, $13.50, which is based on the protective powers of coconut glutamate.

CHECK THE LABEL Want to know just how organic or natural your product really is? Flip it over. Ingredients must be listed on labels in descending order, calculated by their mass or volume, in line with the Trade Practices Act. Under state and territory poisons legislation, cosmetic labels must also indicate specific hazards posed by ingredients, where applicable. At present, there's no legislation in Australia concerning the use of the words "organic" or "natural", which means brands can claim their products are natural or organic with just a small amount of these ingredients in the actual formulation. Look out for "certified organic" logos or stamps on packaging - these products have been accredited to ensure that ingredients, as well as the manufacturing process, comply with the federal government's National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.