Benefits of Natural Shampoo
Most natural shampoos are free of preservatives that can cause sensitivity, and many are also free of silicones, which can leave your hair dull and weighed down. Look for ingredients that end in –cone, –xane or –silane to spot silicones.
Conventional shampoos can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils, which leaves them dry and itchy. Natural shampoos are gentler and can help balance your hair’s natural oil levels.
It’s gentler on your hair
Many conventional shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can strip the hair and scalp of their natural protective oils, leaving them dry, dull, and itchy. Thankfully, modern-day natural shampoos are available that offer a variety of beneficial effects for specific hair conditions and concerns like dandruff and hair loss.
Rather than sulfates and other synthetic foaming agents, natural shampoos use more gentle plant extracts to cleanse your locks. These ingredients are also better for your scalp and skin because they do not strip the lipids that naturally hold moisture in place. These ingredients may also offer more benefits than your typical shampoo, such as the ability to control dandruff or the addition of vitamins that strengthen and promote healthy hair growth.
Aside from the gentle ingredients that are used in natural shampoos, these products are also gentler for the environment than synthetic shampoos. Chemical-laden shampoos drained down the drain can pollute rivers and oceans, damaging marine life. Natural products, on the other hand, can easily decompose and leave no lasting environmental damage.
Additionally, switching to a natural shampoo can help your hair color stay vibrant longer because the product is not damaging it the way sulfates and other synthetic ingredients can. Natural shampoos and conditioners are safe for all types of dyed hair, and the product does not strip natural oils that help keep your color bright.
It’s better for the environment
Natural shampoo is free from natural shampoo chemicals that pollute our rivers, lakes and oceans. It also helps to reduce the demand for plastic and other non-reusable packaging that contributes to environmental degradation. The eco-friendly ingredients used in natural shampoos are generally sourced from sustainable and organic sources and produced through methods that minimize pollution.
Many chemical shampoos contain sulfates to create a lather, but these harsh chemicals can strip your hair of its natural oils and disturb its pH balance. Natural shampoos, on the other hand, are sulfate-free and use natural ingredients like sarsaparilla, soap bark, soapnut, helichrysum and jojoba oil to remove dirt without disrupting your scalp’s natural oil levels.
Similarly, natural shampoos don’t contain foaming agents that are often made with petrochemicals. Instead, they’re formulated with natural polymers and thickeners, such as xanthan gum and guar gum, which are sustainably harvested and do not require the use of pesticides or fertilizers. They also feature naturally-derived preservatives, such as rosemary and tea tree oils, which are less damaging than synthetic preservatives.
When it comes to choosing a natural shampoo, look for one with a 95% or higher percentage of naturally-origin ingredients. This will help to avoid products that are overly heavily reliant on vegetable and palm oils, which can have high environmental costs for their cultivation. It will also be best to look for a natural shampoo that is free from artificial fragrances and dyes, as well as synthetic phosphates, sulfates and detergents.
It’s more affordable
Many natural shampoos don’t contain ingredients like silicones, sulfates or artificial fragrances, which can be surprisingly expensive. And because they tend to be less concentrated, you also need a smaller amount of them. That’s good news for your wallet — and the planet.
When shopping for a non toxic shampoo, be sure to read the label carefully. Look for a broad list of plant-based ingredients, preferably organic or minimally processed, and avoid any with sulfates or formaldehyde. Also check if it’s vegan or not. And finally, if possible, look for a formula that is targeted to your specific hair type, such as dry or oily hair.
Choosing the best natural shampoo is an important step towards healthy, beautiful hair. And don’t forget to choose a conditioner too! You can even go a step further by buying a product that’s ethically sourced and has a strong best hair mask sustainability stand. This will help you minimize your carbon footprint, so it’s a win-win for you and the environment.
It’s better for your health
A natural shampoo can help you avoid harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances. These can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Many traditional shampoos also contain formaldehyde, which is known to cause cancer.
Natural shampoos typically contain plant-based ingredients that are better for your health. They often skip the sulfates and other foaming agents that are responsible for a good lather, but still provide a clean wash without the chemicals. Natural shampoos are also more likely to include nourishing ingredients, such as shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera.
You can also find natural shampoos that are sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and paraben-free. This is especially important for anyone who has a sensitive scalp or skin. It may take a bit of experimentation to find the right natural shampoo for you, but it’s well worth the effort when it comes to your overall health and your hair.
While switching to a natural shampoo may require a bit of getting used to, it’s a great way to improve your hair and scalp health while minimizing environmental impact. Just be sure to read the ingredient list carefully and check for any hard-to-pronounce ingredients. You can also try making your own natural shampoo at home with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.