Shampoo caveats

Hey!
Today I'll be writing on the dangers that could be lurking in your shower.  Yes, that's right.  But before you start carrying a frying pan into the bathroom and darting furtive looks behind the shower curtain, allow me to elaborate.
What's in your shampoo?
Do you really know what you're putting in your hair?  Your hair is still an important part of your body, and it's just as important to take care of your scalp as it is to take care of your skin.  In an effort to help you keep your hair and scalp as healthy and clean as possible, here's a brief exposé on what's really going on your hair.

--Sodium Laureth Sulfate
One of the biggest ones to avoid.  This ingredient can have a cancer-causing aspect.  Not good.  In general, avoid ingredients ending in 'eth'.

--Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Unlike its buddy, sodium lauryl sulfate doesn't go through the ethoxylation process sodium laureth sulfate goes through.  This one's ok to use.

--Glucose
If you've ever taken a biology class, you probably recognize this word as being part of what makes up sugar.  If you wouldn't dump sugar on your head, I'd suggest not pouring this on your head, either.  Avoid any ingredient with the words 'glucose' or 'glucoside' in them.

--Amodimethicone
This one's a bit tricky. Amodimethicone helps seal in moisture.  The downside is that while they might keep your hair shaft sealed off, they also add a layer of residue over follicles and your scalp.  Instead, you could use natural oils--jojoba, argan, coconut and rose hip--to get that same silkiness.

--Polyethylene glycol
There are different types of glycol, but this is the one you need to watch out for.  Just like sodium laureth sulfate, this also has a cancer-causing aspect.  

--Hydrolysed Collagen
While collagen is good for you, we can't really absorb it through our scalp.  If you want to build up strong hair, skip the shampoo collagen and go for some vitamin C.

That's it for now--hopefully this helped! If you're looking for a new shampoo now, I use Organix Coconut Milk shampoo and conditioner and I'm in love.

 

image copyright Vogue International 2011

I've found their products to be super nourishing and easy on color.  Next time you're at the grocery store, I recommend trying them out.

For more information, check this out.  Want to skip shampoo altogether?  Here's how.


Stay lovely ladies--
Maddie