You hear about it everyday, you read about it in the magazines, but you still wonder if you should be using natural shampoo as part of your hair care routine. Is switching to natural shampoo really worth it or is it just another beauty trend? Truth is, regular shampoos and conditioners contain sulfates and other harmful ingredients that are not good for your health in the long run. Oftentimes, hair issues, skin allergies and irritations are what motivates people to switch to natural hair care, however even if that’s not the case you should consider giving natural hair products a try as the beneficial effects they have on your hair are certainly worth the switch.
Regular vs. Natural Shampoo
What makes regular shampoos to lather and produce foam are surfactants known as sulfates, most commonly SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). Being a harsh chemical, SLS strips hair from its natural oils and disrupts its pH level. Contrary to that, natural shampoos are typically sulfate-free, thus helping maintain a healthy scalp while eliminating dirt and product build-up that accumulates on hair follicles. Many regular shampoos and conditioners contain other harsh ingredients such as silicones, dyes and preservatives like parabens. Needless to say, these ingredients are not safe and you should avoid them in cosmetics as a precautionary measure even if you don’t have any health issues or symptoms. Natural shampoos are plant-based, formulated without harsh chemicals and additives. Most natural shampoos are sulfate free, paraben free, silicone free and use natural compounds and essential oils to add fragrance.
How does it benefit your hair?
Due to their “clean” formulations, natural shampoos have many benefits on all hair types just like natural foods have a positive impact on our health. They are usually enriched with natural ingredients that promote hair growth, vitality, and shine. Phillip Adam Shampoos with apple cider vinegar are inspired by the traditional recipe and all-time favourite natural ingredient that thoroughly removes build-up, adds shine and keeps hair and scalp pH balanced and healthy. Ingredients in natural hair care products may differ but they all serve the purpose of detoxing the hair and helping it reach its full potential, no matter the hair type. It is worth mentioning that because they are formulated without sulfates, natural shampoos are safe to use even on colour-treated hair. Furthermore, they are hypoallergenic, thus suitable for sensitive skin and are effective in preventing flaky and itchy scalp.
How does it benefit the environment?
In order for one to reap the benefits of nature, one must care for nature to begin with. That is why most natural hair care brands use ethical methods while manufacturing their products. Some natural hair care brands are also engaged in different environmental charities and donations. When it comes to natural hair care products, most natural shampoos are also cruelty-free and have never been tested on animals or formulated with animal-by products. Natural shampoos are often biodegradable which can refer to both ingredients and/or packaging or use recyclable materials for their packaging. They are usually vegan and free of genetically modified organisms aka GMO. Some natural shampoos and conditioners are also formulated as gluten-free which protects people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity of accidental ingestion of gluten during the process of hair washing.
Keep in mind that once you switch to natural hair care products, it will take some time for your hair to get used to it. One of the first things you will notice is that most natural shampoos don’t lather as much as the regular ones, so just make sure to rinse it off well. If possible, always follow-up with a natural conditioner in accordance with your hair type. Wait some time until your hair adjusts to the natural shampoo before you evaluate the changes. Once your hair gets completely free of toxins and pH balanced, you can consider introducing more natural hair products into your hair care routine.