Natural Shampoo Secrets: Common Unnatural Ingredients in Natural Shampoos
Posted by Bronchitis - 31/08/09 at 07:08 amThere are a lot of reasons why you might select a natural shampoo. People like to use shampoos that they feel are “green.” Others find that natural ingredients lead to healthier hair. Still others find that natural shampoo is easier on dyed hair than conventional shampoos. Finally, you might like natural shampoos because they frequently double as soothing body washes.
However, the word natural can be deceiving. Sometimes it can just mean natural ingredients. Natural ingredients can mean nearly anything that has been derived from nature. This means that a shampoo might contain a few natural ingredients and a lot of unnatural ones. In general a few preservatives and even a little dye can be okay. Sensitive skin though can have a bit more trouble when it comes to colors and fragrances. Serious problem ingredients often undo the benefits of natural ingredients.
Always watch for laureth- or lauryl sulfate. This is what causes shampoo foam. However, it also will strip your hair. The result is hair that becomes brittle and weak over time. Also, it can fade color. Lightening and dulling of hair is a result of excessive lauryl sulfate use. You should avoid anything with the words lauryl or laureth in the name.
Also, keep an eye out for sufur and sulfides. These are quite common in dandruff shampoos. It is certainly reasonably to argue that sulfur is natural. But in some cases it can make skin conditions worse and cause dandruff. Sulfur based shampoos must be kept out of your eyes. You might also get hair that is drier than usual.
Truly natural shampoos have a few common characteristics:
* They do not have a lot of ingredients - Most of the ingredients in shampoos are artificial. Most natural shampoo products just contain a soap base and minimal other ingredients.
* They tend to foam very little - This is because most foaming agents are not natural.
* Often they have ingredients that you would look for in your cupboards - You could see items like baking soda and herbs. In fact a number of people just use vinegar and baking soda to wash their hair.
If you already have perfect hair, then you should stick with what you are doing! If you are on the prowl for a new natural shampoo, then be sure you are getting the real deal. The secret ingredients can seriously damage your hair. Just be careful that your natural shampoo is the real deal before you start shampooing.
