Before I get into the dangerous chemicals that could be lurking in your shampoos, I have to say this is not a blast on one specific shampoo company. This is my personal experience with one brand and why it lead me to search out more natural solutions for keeping my hair healthy!
My Story
Last year I started using this shampoo brand that has been around forever and is used in just about every salon I've ever visited. It's a well-known brand that up until a few months ago, I had very positive results.
Many of you know, I have switched to a more natural lifestyle. But I must admit, when it comes to my hair, I am extremely picky and was extremely resistent to switching to a "natural" shampoo. They don't lather and my hair is thick...that combo just doesn't go well together.
Then this happened...
OCTOBER 2015
About 2 months into using the shampoo (and conditioner too), my hair started falling out. Not in clumps, but more than usual. Then it got itchy. And I don't mean a little itch here and a little tickle there. I'm talking a full-on, dig my fingers in, itch. I couldn't take it but just chalked it up to the season change and fluctuating weather, etc.
Just when I thought it couldn't get worse...I got dandruff. There is nothing worse to me for my hair than dandruff. I can handle a few flakes here and there, but this dandruff was scaly, thick, and in total random spots on my head.
That was it. I immediately started using a super strong dandruff shampoo to clear it up, but while that worked for the flaking, it made my scalp feel like it was on fire and I smelled like a walking chemistry lab. Not exactly attractive in my book. But at least the dandruff, itching, and hair loss was gone...
A LITTLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENT:
Because I'm a bit of a science geek and love a good control group comparison, I figured I would give the salon shampoo another try just to see if I had the same results or if it was just a chemical change my body was experiencing.
So I tried the shampoo again once and my scalp reacted the exact same way again!!
I was convinced...I needed a better option. But before I share what I am currently using. Let's talk about what chemicals could have caused this to happen and how they could be doing harm to more than just our scalps.
What's in your shampoo?
SLS is a common detergent used in many toiletry items such as, shampoo, toothpaste, body wash, and shaving cream. It's what allows these products to become foamy. According to Livestrong, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can cause allergic reactions or senstivities, such as, scalp itchiness and dry, cracked, itchy skin. SLS can even make your skin sensitive when it had never been sensitive before.
SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
Though considered less of a skin irritant than SLS, Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a concern because it can become contaminated with Dioxane. Dioxane is a suspected carcinogen and lasts much longer in our bodies primarily in our livers.
Parabens
Parabens are the most commonly used preservatives in pharmaceutical preparations. They are used in cosmetics, skin-care beauty products, etc. Paraben sensitivity produces classic reactions such has itching and rash.
Fragrance
According to WebMD, reactions to fragrances can range from mild headaches to sneezing, nausea, and severe hives. Fragrance sells so most beauty companies rely on fragrance to entice consumers to purchase their products.
How can I avoid these chemicals?
The solution is simple!
Stop using products containing these ingredients.
Now you may think, "That's easier said than done". Don't worry, I did too! In fact, it took me awhile to find the shampoo I liked the best...and it had been under my nose the whole time!!
What I tried first...
I tried the no-poo method. Epic fail. Maybe it was just me and I didn't give it enough time, but after about 3 weeks I couldn't take it. It was so similar to the reaction I had with the salon products that I just couldn't deal.
So, I tried this brand...not bad. I thought 100% organic was a good step, but it never really made my hair feel 100% clean.
The brand that changed everything...
As many of you know, I love my Young Living essential oils. But they were not my first choice for shampoo. Why? I don't really know. Maybe I thought, "Leave the beauty products up to the companies that make them best." We'll never really know.
Like I said before, I'm always leery about natural hair products because my hair is super thick and tough to maintain.
What I like about their shampoo:
- The smell!! No fragrances here...just essential oils!
- Speaking of essential oils, they are 100% therapeutic grade without synthetics. No hidden chemistry lab ingredients.
- Plant-based cleansers without any sulfates or parabens!
- My hair has felt amazing, clean, and with no itchy scalp! I'm waiting for the slight dandruff to clear up, but I've noticed less flaking. And no itch means less time my fingers are touching my scalp.
- Shiny, clean hair that's long lasting! (I wash my hair every other day)
- The cost!! Waaaay less than what I was spending on salon-brand products.
What I'm still adjusting to:
- Minimal lather. While I know this is important (contains no sulfates), I do shampoo twice just to be sure. But that's only because my hair is so thick and tends to be on the greasy side.
Plus! They also have shampoo and body products for kids! So now the whole family can use better, healthier beauty products!
Wanna give it a try? Click here to learn more about Young Living and their all-natural health and beauty products.
Become a Wholesale Member
Nothing's better than getting great products at a great price! If you would like to learn more about becoming a Wholesale Member, check out my post for all the benefits!
Here's to a happier, healthier you!!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Share some love and comment below!