Did you know that by choosing clean beauty hair care you’re freeing yourself of toxic ingredients like Sulfates and synthetic polymers like Silicone?
Sulfates, also known as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), are known for their powerful cleaning agents and are produced from petroleum and plant sources such as coconut and palm oil. Sulfates are not only found in shampoo and personal care products, they are also common in cleaning products like laundry detergents and dish soap. They are categorized as an endocrine disruptor, which is a chemical that may mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones. In small concentrations, sulfates are considered less threatening.
Sulfates create a foamy texture when the shampoo mixes with water. Side note: You may notice the consistency of Sulfate-Free shampoo is more watery and loose. That’s a positive sign and an indication that you’re using a Sulfate-Free product. Sulfates are common in many shampoo products because they provide an easy, quick and effective way of deep cleaning hair, removing dirt, oil and dead skin from the scalp. But there’s a downside. Keep reading.
The natural oil production system, which keeps your scalp healthy, is known as sebum. Sulfates interfere with sebum and can cause scalp inflammation, irritation and flaking. Since sulfates strip away natural oils and hair proteins, over time hair becomes dry, brittle and prone to damage. If you have sensitive skin, sulfates may also clog your pores and trigger acne outbreaks or cause irritation to your eyes, skin and mouth. Even in low concentrations, sulfates may build up in your body over time.
When you start using a Sulfate-Free shampoo you’re allowing your scalp’s natural lubrication system to do what nature intended. So each time you wash your hair, you won’t be stripping your scalp and hair of its natural oils. Side Note: If your hair is naturally on the oily side, wash daily to neutralize. Sulfate-Free shampoos also provide color-protection, while preserving moisture and preventing damage caused by dryness and the harsh treatment of toxic ingredients.
Expect a 2-4 week adjustment period while your scalp readjusts to its natural rhythm after over-producing oils that were being stripped with sulfates. It’s like quitting a bad habit for your hair. Detox. Reprogram. Live Sulfate-Free!
Silicones are polymers, which are large molecules connected by smaller repeating chemical units. They are not toxic, but they are synthetic. They are popular in products for their hydrophobic properties, which means they don’t mix with water, so they help retain moisture by creating an impenetrable seal.
Silicone is added to hair products simply because it helps lock in moisture, leaving hair looking silky and soft. Silicone also helps with manageability and detangling by coating the hair shaft and taming strands, which is an extra perk for coarse, frizzy and curly hair. Sounds appealing, but there’s a downside. Keep reading.
The short term gains are overshadowed by the long term effects. Silicone can build up over time, leaving hair dry, dull, weak and prone to breakage. What often starts off as a fabulous relationship ends in a dry brittle mess. This is because the seal that silicone creates to keep hair hydrated prevents other nourishing and natural ingredients from penetrating deep into the hair shaft.
Switching to a Silicone-Free hair product will ultimately leave your hair healthy and hydrated. The natural ingredients in the product will reach the hair follicle to nourish the strands and improve the wellness of your scalp. You’ll also eliminate heavy buildup that can dull shine and you’ll enjoy natural volume and thickness since your hair will no longer be weighed down. Extra perk: Going Silicone-Free is also better for the environment! There is however, an adjustment period as your hair rids itself of prior buildup and recovers from damage caused by silicone dependence.
Finding products that are silicone and sulfate free that work, can be hard. But with earth Clean Beauty it’s easy to get the best of both worlds!
