Myth Buster – Is “herbal” always safer for your hair? Not really.

We get this a lot: “I only use herbal hair products because they’re safer.” It’s a common belief — and while the intention behind it is great (cleaner, safer beauty), the reality is a little more complex. Just because something is natural doesn't automatically mean it's better or gentler. In fact, many natural ingredients can be harsh, unstable, or even cause allergic reactions if not formulated carefully.

Take mehendi (henna), for example. While it’s a popular natural dye, it can seriously dry out your strands if overused — especially on chemically treated or already damaged hair. Or consider reetha (soapnut) — another so-called “safe” herbal cleanser. It can actually strip your hair of its natural oils if used incorrectly, leaving your scalp irritated and your strands brittle.

Another issue? Preservatives — or the lack of them. A lot of herbal or DIY products skip preservatives to sound “clean,” but that opens the door to bacterial and fungal contamination. Imagine using a “natural” hair oil that’s been sitting too long and has started to spoil — it might smell fine, but it can cause scalp infections or breakouts you didn’t see coming.

At 2.Oh!, we don’t chase trends — we follow science. Our approach is a balance of safe, high-performance actives and clean, effective ingredients, no matter what their origin. For example, our Hair Repair Serum might not sound “herbal,” but it’s formulated with ingredients that are tested for safety, performance, and compatibility with your hair and scalp. Same with our Reconstruction Shampoo — gentle on the scalp, and built to protect your hair without compromise.

So instead of focusing on where an ingredient comes from, look at how it’s formulated. It’s the recipe that matters. The right balance of ingredients, at the right pH, in the right concentration — that’s what makes a product safe and effective. Natural, lab-derived, or a mix of both — we choose what works best for your hair, not just what sounds good on a label.