Switching from a commercial shampoo to a natural shampoo is not only better for your hair but it also helps the environment. Fewer chemicals will go down the drain and your hair will also benefit from ingredients that are kinder for its long-term development.
But if you are new to natural shampoos, what should you be looking out for? We explain what ingredients to avoid so you can make the right choice for your precious tresses.
What ingredients should not be in natural shampoo?
Below are the three main ingredients that you should ensure are not in your natural shampoo:
Parabens
Most parabens usually have the word ‘parabens’ as part of their name, such as propylparaben and methylparaben, which makes them easier to spot. However, there are lots of other preservatives that do not, although they are still classed as parabens.
The easiest way to check is to look out for shampoos that clearly state they do not contain any parabens. Some artificial fragrances also contain parabens, so opt for shampoos that use natural origin aromas and essential oils instead.
Silicones
Similarly, ingredients that end with ‘-cone’ will be classed as a silicone, so keep an eye out for that on the ingredients list. Silicones can often feel dull and heavy on hair, so also look out for ingredients that end in ‘-silane’, ‘-xane’ and ‘-conol’.
SLS & SLES
SLS and SLES are anionic surfactants and are officially referred to as sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate. Whilst their primary role is to help the shampoo build up a foam, they are also associated with irritating the skin. Shampoos that use naturally derived ALS (ammonium lauryl sulphate) can be a better option, as they are larger than SLES and SLS molecules, so they are unable to penetrate the skin, which minimises the risk of skin irritation.
What to expect when changing to a natural shampoo
As with any shampoo or hair care product, it usually takes a little bit of time before you start seeing notable results, so you will need to give your natural shampoo some time to work its magic.
Most natural shampoos tend not to be as foamy as commercial brands that contain SLES and SLS. This may be one of the first things you notice, but it is purely an aesthetic difference and it has no affect on a natural shampoo’s cleaning abilities.
You may also notice a ‘squeaking’ sound when combing through damp hair, because your tresses are no longer being coated with silicones. Some people also report that their hair may feel dryer or greaser when first using a natural shampoo, which is because their old product was either stripping away the natural oils or (again) because there are no silicones present.
Generally, these are temporary issues that should disappear after a few weeks once your scalp and hair adjusts to the natural shampoo, and it won’t be too long until it starts to look and feel healthier.
Get in touch
At Kartee Salon, we are truly lucky to have amazing customers who love what we do, with some even calling us the best hair salon in Tooting (some have even called us the best hair salon in London!).
We know making the switch to a natural shampoo can be a challenging experience, although it is something we firmly believe will benefit your hair in the long run. Our team are always happy to help, and we can offer advise and guidance on the best type of natural products to use to suit your hair.
You can also find regular updates on our social channels that offer free, helpful tips and insight into common hair issues: Facebook or Instagram.
You can find us on Colliers Wood Road, SW19 and we are open Monday to Friday, 10-7.30pm (9pm on Thursdays), Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Give us a call on 020 8540 4664 or email hello@kartee.salon and we’d be more than happy to arrange a free hair consultation. Best hair salon in London
