Sodium Lauryl Sulfate ––Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) –Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Are cheap ingredients. These chemicals can be hazardous, and putting them directly on our skin and scalp can be worse than ingesting them. Digestion is based on the salivary enzymes, pancreatic enzymes and the Hydrochloric acid in your stomach to help break down and flush food out of your body. Your skin can direct substances directly into your bloodstream. It bypasses the digestive process.
Sulphates are foaming solid agents that remove the oil from the hair. Their strength makes the hair and scalp dry and brittle, leaving hair frizzy. Dandruff and eczema may be the cause of using a sulphated shampoo. SLS residue remains on the hair and scalp after rinsing. The average person sheds over a hundred hairs daily. Most sulphated shampoos contain approximately 10-15% of the SLS. Research concludes that a 10-30% concentration of SLS can damage the scalp and hair follicles. Average Hair growth decreases eight times. SLS and SLES are linked to hair loss and more:
– toxic organs
– Skin and eye irritation
Sulphate-free shampoos have been on the rise for a while now. They don't strip natural lipids (oils) from the hair and scalp. These milder agents help lock in the moisture and cause less damage on colour and curl treatments. They are better for:
Coloured hair, Keratin-treated hair, chemically damaged hair, Oily skin or scalp and /or
Hair extensions (sulphates break down the keratin bond on hair extensions)
Ingredients to look for are Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a thorough, gentle cleanser derived from sarcosine, an amino acid in the body. It attracts excess oil and dirt, and by emulsification, it carefully removes the grime from the hair. Listed in the Handbook of Green chemicals.
Cetyl Betaine (contains cetyl alcohol (1-hexadecanol)) as an alcoholic component.
Betaines are organic compounds (amphoteric surfactants) with both a positive and a negative charge in their molecular structure. It reduces electrostatic charges of the hair.
It easier to comb the hair. It becomes more supple, soft and shiny and imparts volume. It improves foam quality of product by increasing magnitude, structure and durability. It increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetic products.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) is a gentle, commonly used surfactant used in haircare products. This white, powdery substance is popular due to its mild, non-irritating nature.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a sodium salt of the coconut fatty acid ester of isethionic acid. It is an anionic surfactant, which carries a negative charge that helps create a lather and lift dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin and hair.
Shampoos with Sulphate Free shampoos don't lather as well, so patience is required when shampooing. First, dispense shampoo into the palms with some water. Create a small foam before applying it to wet hair. Massage into the scalp and hair with fingertips, then rinse.
I do not need to shampoo my hair as often now as I've gotten older. I have been increasing the number of days in between my shampoos. That's another way to let the hair and scalp replenish its natural oils.
It's important to note that every individual's hair and scalp is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Test a small area before using these products, especially if you have sensitive skin. Additionally, I recommend carefully reading the ingredients label to ensure it suits your needs.
Three examples of affordable sulphate-free shampoos are below:
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Garnier Whole Blends 355 ml
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Joico Moisture Recovery 1 L
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Hair Food Nourish 300ml
References