You may want to use a natural shampoo for many reasons. Many people use it because they like living a green lifestyle. Others think that natural ingredients make their hair healthier. Natural shampoo is often found to be easier on dyed hair. You might also want to use natural shampoos because they can also serve as soothing body washes.
But the word natural can be deceptive. Sometimes it can just mean natural ingredients. Natural ingredients generally means anything that comes from nature. As a result the shampoo might contain some natural ingredients and some unnatural ones. In general just a few preservatives and small amount of dye can be okay. If you do have sensitive skin though you could have more trouble with colors and fragrances. Serious problem ingredients often undo the benefits of natural ingredients.
Always watch for laureth- or lauryl sulfate. This is what creates shampoo foam. But it also will strip your hair. The result is hair that is brittle and weak. Also, it will destroy color. Lightened and dulled hair is the result of excessive lauryl sulfate use. When you are checking ingredients avoid anything with the words lauryl or laureth.
Always also look out for sulfides and sulfur. These are common in dandruff shampoos. You could argue that sulfur is natural. However, it can exacerbate some types of skin conditions that cause dandruff. If you elect to use a sulfur based shampoo, keep it away from your eyes. You might also get resulting hair that is drier than you like.
Really natural shampoos have some characteristics in common:
* They do not have many ingredients - Most of the ingredients that go in shampoos are artificial. Most natural shampoo products just contain a soap base and minimal other ingredients.
* You will not see much foam when using natural shampoos - This is because foam is caused by unnatural agents.
* Often they have ingredients that you would look for in your cupboards - You could see items like baking soda and herbs. In fact many people actually wash their hair with baking soda, apple cider vinegar and water.
If you already have perfect hair, then you should stick with what you are doing! But if you are looking for a new natural shampoo then be sure you are getting the real deal. The secret ingredients can cause some serious damage to your hair. Just be careful that your natural shampoo is the real deal before you start shampooing.
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