Natural Shampoo and Secret Ingredients
Posted by GuestW on Sep 22, 2009 in Miscellaneous • No commentsNatural shampoos have a lot of benefits. People like to use shampoos that they feel are “green.†Others feel that their hair remains healthier when the wash it with natural ingredients. Natural shampoo products are often easier on dyed hair. Also people like natural shampoos that double as body washes.
However, the word natural can be deceiving. Sometimes it can just mean natural ingredients. Natural ingredients are just about anything derived from nature. The shampoo could contain a few natural ingredients and lots of unnatural ones. Generally a few preservatives or dyes can be okay. Of course sensitive skin can have more trouble with colors and fragrances. The really big problem ingredients tend to undo the positive benefits of natural ingredients.
Always watch out for lauryl- and laureth sulfates. This is what causes shampoo foam. But it also will strip your hair. The result is brittle and weak locks. Also, it undermines color treatments. Generally, excessive lauryl sulfate in shampoo will result in lightening and dulling effects. Anything with the words Lauryl or Laureth should be avoided.
Another good thing to look for is sulfur – and sulfides. These are 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. If you choose to use a sulfur based shampoo, keep it out of your eyes. You might also get hair that is drier than usual.
Truly natural shampoos share some common characteristics:
* They have few ingredients - Most of the ingredients that go in shampoos are artificial. Natural shampoos tend to have just a soap base and a few other ingredients.
* They tend to foam very little - This is because they lack the foaming agents we discussed earlier.
* They often have ingredients you would expect to see in your kitchen - Do not be surprised to see apple cider vinegar, herbs or baking soda. Actually a lot of people wash their hair using vinegar, baking soda and water.
If you love your shampoo and have perfect hair, then stick with it! However, if you are looking for a new natural shampoo, make sure that you are getting the real deal. The secret ingredients can cause major damage to your hair. Always be sure that your natural shampoo is the real deal before you start washing your hair.
