4 Natural Shampoos To lather or not to lather?
If you are a health conscious consumer like myself, you are on a forever quest to incorporate more organic and healthy choices into your lifestyle. This may include what you eat, how you clean your home and of course your beauty products. We are changing the skin care we use and the make-up we apply but have you given any thought to your hair care? Natural shampoos and conditioners have been making impressive statements in the beauty world recently and the buzz word “sulfate free” has become a strong incentive, encouraging us to consider what kind of experience we really want from our hair products.
Buyers beware though – a product may claim to be sulfate free when in fact it is not. A company only has to change one element in the composition of an ingredient to change it’s identity.
Sulfates are chemical compositions that give products lather and aid in cleansing. Many people have concerns about sulfates because they are a possible carcinogen. This encourages us to seek out sulfate free alternatives.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate, also known as SLS, is said to be the harshest surfactant and is the ingredient many companies are eliminating.
Buyers beware though – a product may claim to be sulfate free when in fact it is not. A company only has to change one element in the composition of an ingredient to change its identity. By changing an O to an X, Sodium Laurel Sulfate changes to Sodium Laurel Sulfonate and the product may now be labeled sulfate free. It is not all bad though, these minor changes to sulfates have bred gentler surfactants. So, if you cannot fathom giving up the heavy lather you associate with clean hair the “altered” sulfates may provide a satisfying compromise.
For those of you that desire truly natural hair care products, I recommend 2 companies that have changed the life of my hair and my expectations of ingredients in shampoos and conditioners. They are both truly free of sulfates, silicones, parabens and synthetic fragrances.
Rare Elements, from Beverly Hills is an “eco-luxury” hair care line that puts the sophistication back into natural hair care, which many of us crave. It is also is one of the first companies to incorporate Marula oil into its products. The Pure Shampoo Hydrating Hair Bath has an original cocktail of ingredients, including:
• Kalahari Watermelon Seed Oil which is used to dissolve sebum and product build up
• Coconut, Blackseed and Marula oils in combination with Murumuru Butter sooth and hydrate color treated and dry hair
• Bergamont balances the PH of the scalp
• Rosehip is added to strengthen the hair and Rosewood stimulates the cells
Rare Elements Lite Conditioner is a perfect companion. Murumuru butter and Marula oil make a return, aiding in styling and softness. Cupuacu butter from Brazil contributes to UVA & UVB protection and Camelina adds Omega 3 support. …..my bonus recommendation from Rare Elements is their Marula Cocktail, Leave-in, Hydrating Shine, Hair Mist. This is hands down the best shine enhancer and de-frizzer oil that I have ever used! No silicones needed!
The Rahua Shampoo incorporates quinoa to ensure healthy locks. Coconut and Shea butter gently remove oil and dirt while Rahua regenerates hair follicles and strengthens damaged hair.
Rahua is a 100% natural, organic and vegan company. Its products center around Rahua, a botanical oil from the Ungurahua nut found in the Amazon rain forest.
The Rahua Shampoo incorporates quinoa to ensure healthy locks. Coconut and Shea butter gently remove oil and dirt while Rahua regenerates hair follicles and strengthens damaged hair.
The Rahua Conditoner has rice bran wax in it and leaves my hair so soft that I do not need to use a leave-in conditioner.
…I am also in love with Rahua’s Finishing Treatment. It will forever be my go-to when I let my hair dry naturally. My curls end up soft, bouncy and luscious! It is also a fabulous styling cream when I attempt at home blow-outs.
For those of you whom are not willing to give up your lather I have found 2 companies that commit to a gentler path of sulfates.
Do not fret friends! For those of you whom are not willing to give up your lather, I have found 2 companies that commit to a gentler path of sulfates.
Moroccan Oil first became popular for hair that was treated with Keratin. It has since made a name for itself for those of us simply in need of less harsh hair products.
The Moroccan Oil Hydrating Shampoo infuses argan oil, vitamins A & E and red algae, which in my opinion off sets the sulfates a bit. They also make a great Hydrating Conditioner.
Wella is a long time respected company with hair professionals all over the world. Their Renewing Shampoo and Daily Renewing Conditioner smell amazing and really satisfy that lather desire without leaving your hair feeling dry.
I will admit that although this article has converted me to an “au naturel” hair care way of life, Wella will be kept aside for when I am feeling a bit naughty.
Sending lovely locks wishes,
Vanessa
