Northern Exposure: Tara Smith Haircare

Oh, it's a problem: you can chemical-free your skincare no problem, and natural and organic brands are lining up to help you along the way, but haircare's been a different story. It leaves a lot of you frustrated if you're hoping to move over to products that are silicone- and sulphate-free. And to date, we haven't found a solution.

HOWEVER.

As I was researching this week's Evening Herald pages, all about beauty buys up north, I came across Tara Smith's line of haircare, and whaddya know? Not only is this stuff supermarketly-priced (think teeny tags like £2.25 and £4.99), but it contains organic extracts and each bottle is designed to be easily recyclable. And while it does seem to include some silicone, here's the laundry list of what's left out:

• Parabens
• Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)
• Glycols
• Phthalates
• PEGs
• Artificial colouring
• Synthetic fragrance
• Animal derivatives

Not bad, eh? And certainly very laudable for a brand that's sold in Tesco stores (or online at cultbeauty.co.uk). Unfortunately it's not available south of the border yet (or if it is, do let me know!) but if you're planning on popping up to Newry or Belfast, then it could be worth a gander. Has anyone tried it yet? If so - leave us a comment!

Here's the full product listing:

• Feed the Root Shampoo & Conditioner, 100ml / 250ml, rrp £2.25 / £4.99
• Big Baby Shampoo & Conditioner, 100ml / 250ml, rrp £2.25 / £4.99
• Straight Away Shampoo & Conditioner, 100ml / 250ml, rrp £2.25 -/ £4.99
• C Curls Shampoo & Conditioner, 100ml / 250ml, rrp £2.25 / £4.99
• Base Coat Serum, 50ml, rrp £4.99
• Top Coat Glosser, 100ml, rrp £4.99
• Rock On Hard Hold Styling Gel, 100ml, rrp £3.99