(Smile) Hey Curlfriends! ❤
Ok. So! Let’s talk shampoo. When you first decide to go natural there may be some concerns with finding the right shampoo .Shampoos can be VERY drying to the hair. For that reason, many naturals have gone sulfate free or even stopped shampoo altogether and strictly co-wash. I can’t stress enough on the importance of educating yourself on the ingredients of your products so that you can make the right decision for your hair needs.
Some ingredients to AVOID when looking for a shampoo:
- Sulfates– Sulfates are detergents that give shampoos a lather. They have several other names — sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate. Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it overly dry and prone to damage. If you have sensitive skin, sulfates can also cause irritation.
- Isopropyl Alcohol – Isopropyl alcohol is sometimes included in shampoos because it cuts through oil effectively. Like sulfates, isopropyl alcohol’s is extremely drying to your hair, stripping it of moisture. This leaves it prone to frizziness and vulnerable to damage.
- Parabens– Parabens are added to shampoos to act as a preservative, to keep bacteria and other microbes from collecting in your bottle. Unfortunately, parabens are suspected to cause cancer. I said “suspected” more studies need to be done in order to prove this to be true. Avoid anything with the suffix -paraben on the label, such as methylparaben, butylparaben or ethylparaben. Bottom line, if your shampoo/conditioner says paraben free it’s a keeper!
Some things to LOOK for in a shampoo:
- Moisturizing ingredients (ex. Shea butter and Tea Tree Oil)
- Sulfate/Paraben free
- Organic and natural ingredients (Oils and extracts)
⇒ Everything that shampoos CLAIM on their labels isn’t always truth. The only part of the shampoo label that’s regulated by the Food and Drug Administration is the list of ingredients. That means manufacturers can claim their shampoos “add volume” or “repair,” even if they really don’t do either of those things. But, when you focus on understanding and learning your ingredients you won’t be fooled by what the product claims to do. A lot of shampoos have very similar ingredients no matter the price.
Some of my faves:
1) Shea Moisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Shampoo
→ I use this when I want a gentle cleanse.
2) Shea Moisture Yucca and Baobab Thickening Shampoo
→ I use this when I want a gentle cleanse.
3) Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Balance Moisturizing Shampoo
→ I use this when I want a good cleanse without over drying my hair.
4) Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo
→ I use this when I want a good cleanse without over drying my hair.
5) Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Sulfate Free Cleansing Shampoo
→ Sulfate free, therefore I use this the majority of the time.
6) Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Shampoo
→ I use this when I want a gentle cleanse.
Tip: When shampooing your hair DO NOT plop all of your hair on top of your head like you see in the commercials. LOL. No ma’am. When you shampoo it’s to cleanse the scalp. Never scratch, only rub and massage your scalp while cleansing! Leave your hair down and just focus on cleansing your scalp. As you rinse your hair, the shampoo will run down cleansing the hair.
>>> OH! Don’t forget to clarify your hair at least ONCE a month. A clarifying shampoo gets rid of residue and product build up from your styling products. Depending on how many products you use will determine if and when you should clarify your hair. If you regularly shampoo your hair with harsh ingredients you probably do not need to clarify as often as someone who strictly co-washes. I think of clarifying being as necessary as exfoliating your skin. You can wash your face/skin everyday but exfoliating it will strip away residue that may be left over from simply just washing. Clarifying is extremely drying as it strips it all, so it is best to follow up with a moisturizing shampoo and/or deep conditioner to replenish moisture. I use Suave Clarifying Shampoo and usually follow up with deep conditioning. 🙂 If you prefer the natural route, try Apple Cider Vinegar. Some claim it’s not good to do while others swear by it. This is definitely where trial and error comes in!
Until next time Curlies! XO!
Love,
Rayna
happycurlhappygirl 