As long as it smells nice and keeps us clean, does it really matter what is inside our shampoo? Have you ever been overwhelmed with the wide selection of shampoos at your local grocery store? If you care about the health of your hair and the health of the environment, then yes! It can be easy to forget that everything we use and put back into the environment, such as rinsing a product down the drain, can have long-term impacts on the planet. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shampoos and other personal care products can cause significant environmental damage once they are washed down the drain, seeping into the water supply and harming aquatic life. Those harmful chemicals go down the drain and end up right in the environment again. Ingredients in commercially manufactured shampoo, such as sulfates and silicone, can linger and cause damage to the environment. By opting for a natural organic shampoo, you won’t have to worry about that. Most of them contain natural ingredients that can be easily decomposed without poisoning the environment. If you want to be sure your natural shampoo isn’t damaging the earth,
Always AVOID below ingredients in your hair care products.
- Harsh Sulfates – SLS (Sodium lauryl sulfate), SLES, Ammonium lauryl sulfate, Myreth sulfate, Olefin sulfonate (deodorized kerosene) are chemicals reported by the American Journal of Contact Dermatitis to cause irritation. They are added to shampoos because of their cheap and effective bubbling properties.
- Parabens – Chemicals including methylparaben, ethyl-paraben, and propylparaben can be absorbed through your skin and have been linked to breast cancer.
- Cocamide DEA – Found in many products claiming to be natural, the basis of this chemical coconut oil seems innocent enough. But scientists tinkered with the ingredient, modifying it into an unnatural, toxic form, and in 2012 California added it to its known carcinogens list.
- Propylene glycol (also known as antifreeze)
Commercially manufactured shampoo is filled with harmful chemicals that can damage your hair. If your hair is already on the fragile side, it’s more susceptible to the damage caused by chemicals. Everybody knows that when using a shampoo or a conditioner, a portion of it is absorbed by the body. That means that your skin, which comes in contact with it, may absorb all the harsh chemicals found in it. Now, if you have sensitive skin or you are experiencing skin problems, commercial shampoos and conditioners may worsen the issue. But it’s not a problem with natural shampoos and conditioners because they’re actually better for your health.
That is where best natural shampoos and conditioners come in. Because they don’t have any harsh chemicals and ingredients, they provide the hair with many benefits that commercial hair care products cannot compete with. Not only will these be gentler on your hair, but they can also help repair it and have many benefits to your health. By opting for natural shampoos and conditioners, you are not allowing harsh chemicals to penetrate your shaft. Instead, you are paving a way for natural ingredients to aid hair growth.
The most beneficial ingredients present in natural shampoos are mentioned below and as much as possible, look for them on your hair care products.
- Coconut oil and aloe Vera – These ingredients are proven to improve hair growth by keeping your scalp moisturized and nourished.
- Beta glucan – This contains immune-enhancing characteristics that help soothe any irritated skin cells.
- Organic Shea butter – It enhances your hair color and natural shine.
- Organic tea tree oil – It has antiseptic properties that maintain the health of your scalp and prevent skin irritations.
- Argan Oil – Argan oil has many amazing uses for the hair, including fighting frizz and dryness.
- Peppermint Oil – Aids in the moisturizing process, promoting existing hair growth.
- Cedarwood Oil – Promotes existing hair growth.
- Vitamins B5, D3, and E – Helps maintain hair growth, and hydrates the scalp.
Below are the ingredients originating from India’s ancient Ayurveda holistic health system created from ancient herbs. Here are some common ingredients you can expect to find in herbal shampoos.
- Shikakai – A native shrub of the central plains of Southern India, shikakai refers to the fruit pods, leaves, and bark of the shikakai plant. With a very low pH, and it’s used in Ayurvedic shampoo to calmly cleanse without stripping hair of natural oils. Also, it acts as a great natural detangler.
- Reetha – This is Sanskrit name for the fruit of the soap nut tree. It’s the main lather-generating ingredient in Ayurvedic shampoo. Also, it’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, so it’s effective for treating dandruff and other scalp issues.
- Amla – Also known as the “Indian Gooseberry”, Amla is an antioxidant herb that’s been used for over 3,000 years. With its high level of vitamin C, Amla stimulates the scalp.
- Hibiscus – There are over 2,000 hibiscus sub-species out there. Two of them are known for hair benefits: Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis, found in India and Asian countries, Hibiscus Sabdariffa, found in North Africa, Thailand, and the Americas. In shampoo, the deep red plant is another ingredient that encourages hair growth and invigorates the scalp. Also, it’s a great coloring agent.
- Brahmi – Brahmi is a combination of two Ayurvedic herbs: Centella asiatica and Bacopa monnieri. Brahmi, like many Ayurveda ingredients, offers a long list of physical, mental, and beauty benefits. In shampoo, it helps increase blood circulation in the scalp.
- Neem – The common term for Indian Lilac, neem offers all sorts of hair and skin benefits. Rich in omega-6 and vitamin E, it acts as a terrific natural conditioner for dry and frizzy hair. On the skin, neem helps reduce blackheads, acne, bacterial infections, and excessive oil.
- Cinnamon and Cloves – The aromatic spices act as antioxidants, and they give Ayurvedic shampoos a sweet fragrance.
Below are beneficial and natural ingredients your conditioner should have.
- Keratin – The strongest hair protein which everyone’s hair is made from, this protein helps keep hair looking and feeling strong, reduces frizz, smoothens, and makes your hair shine.
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein – Strengthens the look and feel of your hair, helps increase your hair’s moisture and adds shine.
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein – Fortifies and moisturizes your hair by penetrating each hair cortex.
- Marula Oil – Seals, coats, and smoothens your hair cuticle.
- Argan Oil – This high omega oil coats, protects, and moisturizes your hair.
- Coconut Oil – Helps makes your hair look and feel stronger, more flexible, and promotes existing hair growth and maintenance.
- Avocado Oil – Coats and helps hair feel and look stronger, leaving your hair feeling thick and shiny.
Below are harmful ingredients your conditioner should NOT have.
- Behentrimonium Chloride – Also known as Docosyltrimethylammonium chloride, this cheap, harsh chemical can cause skin and eye irritation.
- Isopropyl alcohol – Used in antifreeze, wood finish, and shellac, this strips hair of its natural oils and can cause damage. Avoid this ingredient.
- Silicones – While you usually can’t avoid them in your styling products, they shouldn’t be present when conditioning your hair. They create the illusion of healthy hair, when in actuality they clog your pores and dry your hair from the inside out.
Commercial shampoos and conditioners are quite cheaper than natural shampoos and conditioners. With just a few dollars, you can already have lots of these commercially manufactured products. But what many people do not know is that using these products may only cost them more. People with color-treated hair and those who suffer hair loss and dryness end up spending a lot because they still have to purchase special products to solve their problems. Organic shampoos and conditioners are way better and more budget friendly. Not only do they work to fight different hair problems, they also improve your hair condition without requiring you to spend more dollars for special diet plans. And since these shampoos do not strip away the color of your hair, you need not visit the salon more often to get your hair colored.
Choosing the best natural shampoos and conditioners can be tough, but once you’ve found the perfect options, your hair will certainly Thank You.