Natural Hair Products - Shampoo & Conditioner

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Why Natural Hair Products?

I originally began buying natural hair products simply because I was already buying other natural personal care and household cleaning products. As the years went by, I began learning more about what is in shampoo and other hair care products, and the more I knew, the more I was glad I had switched, or had I?

I also discovered that some natural hair care products still contain ingredients that I do not want in my hair. Now I exclusively use hair care products from EO that do not contain anything I am concerned with having in my hair.

You may wonder what the big deal is, but when you learn what some of these ingredients are, and what they may do to you, you may also want to stay away from them. These ingredients don't just pose the risk of slowly being absorbed through the skin of your scalp, but can get directly into your ears, eyes, nose and mouth.

Are You Concerned? 

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Things I Don't Want In My Hair 

I think my hair's looking pretty good without that stuff

I recently had a rude awakening when I discovered that the "natural" shampoo I have been using for many years actually contained Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). That is on my list of things I'd rather not be using on my body at all.

I made the switch to shampoo and conditioner that does not contain it, and the first thing that I noticed was that there was less hair to be cleaned out of the shower drain when I was done.

I can't say if there is any connection between SLS and hair loss, but I can say that the all natural shampoo without SLS cleans just as well. I've removed one more way for SLS to contact me in my daily life, and I haven't suffered for it.



To clarify the situation for you, here is a typical list of ingredients on a jar of hand cream: Water, Stearic Acid, Sorbitol, Glycerin, C-12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sodium Borate TEA, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Aloe Vera, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Quince Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, EDTA, Allantoin, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Butyl Paraben, Menthol.

The product above is described as containing "natural" herbal extracts. That is misleading marketing as it also contains at least five nasties that really do not belong in a product that masquerades as containing "natural" herbal extracts.
- Cut the Chemicals and Enjoy More Energy
Natural News
Sunday, September 20, 2009
by: Teya Skae, citizen journalist

59. Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES): chemical name sodium lauryl "ether" sulphate. An ether chain is added to SLS, used as premium agent in cleansers, conditioners and shampoo. It is very inexpensive, but thickens when salt is added in the formula and produces high level of foam. Also used as wetting agent in the textile industry. Irritates skin and scalp and creates itching, may cause hair loss.
- Glossary Of Chemicals & Synthetics
To Avoid In Personal Care Products

Principal chemicals found in scented products are:
These 3 are Main Ones in Most products people use everyday, shampoos, toothpastes, cleaning gels, deodorant and beauty products:
COCOAMIDE DEA (diethylalomine) TEA, MEA,-- detergent in most shampoos, moisturizers and more
PROPYLENE GLYCOL - industrial antifreeze- in deodorant, shampoos, shaving gels, moisturizers and more...
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE-AND FLUORIDE garage floor cleansers, detergents- in shampoos, toothpastes, more...
- Twenty Most Common Chemicals
in Thirty-one Fragrance Products
[based on a] 1991 EPA Study

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is commonly found in toothpastes, bubble bath, shampoos and soaps. Its used as a thickener and foaming agent, but has also been found to be a skin irritant.

Shampooing your hair with a shampoo containg SLS can put as many nitrates into your body as if you ate a pound of bacon! Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is also used as a wetting agent in garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers.

Sodium Laureth Sulphate is a higher foaming version of SLS and may be less irritating, however it may cause drying. Like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate it may cause the potentially carciogenic formation of nitrates on reacting with other product ingredients.
- This Article Will Shock You If You Use Toothpaste

But it is not just in bubble bath that one finds chemicals harmful to the skin. They are also in toothpaste, shampoo, shaving creme and cleansers. In trying to find products that do not contain these harmful chemicals I visited supermarkets, chemists and health food shops. Surprisingly almost all cleansers include either sodium laureth sulphate or sodium lauryl sulphate, including the own brands of a well known health food shop and a certain wannabe ecologically friendly high street store. However, it is possible to find alternatives, you just need to check the ingredients label carefully. It is worth trying an alternative if you suffer from eczema, as I do, rather than simply washing in something which strips the skin and then using vegetable oil in the form of glycerine to moisturise it, or thinking that it is caused by some other pathological disorder.
- Hidden Dangers in Cosmetics

Formaldehyde
Suspected carcinogen and neurotoxin, it may be fatal if swallowed, absorbed through skin, inhaled or swallowed. Can cause spasms, edema, chemical pneumonitis and is extremely destructive to tissue of the mucous membrane, this chemical is found in many nail care products. Known to cause cancers in humans and experimental animals. Found in baby shampoo, bubble bath, deodorants, perfume, cologne, hair dye, mouthwash, toothpaste, hair spray, nail polish.
- List of the More Widely
Known Dangerous Ingredients in
Body & Food Products

Formaldehyde (preservative, fixative, disinfectant) Found in shampoo, nail care, cosmetics, also may be contaminate (not listed as ingredient)
  • suspected carcinogen
  • neurotoxin
  • may be created by the breakdown of ingredients such as 2-bromo2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol, Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium 15 or Bronopol
You will be shocked to learn that formaldehyde is a common ingredient in baby shampoo, bubble bath, deodorants, perfume, cologne, hair dye, mouthwash, toothpaste, hair spray, and many other personal care items.
- Check the Labels on Your
Personal Care Products!

Formaldehyde? 

I'm not dead... yet!

This report followed up on test results released in February 2007, which found the chemical 1,4-dioxane in 18 popular baby soaps, bubble baths and shampoos. None of the products tested in either round listed 1,4-dioxane or formaldehyde on the label.

Both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known animal carcinogens and probable human carcinogens, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Formaldehyde can also cause skin rashes in sensitive children.

As with many chemicals of concern used in cosmetics, the companies that make these products argue that it's "just a little bit" of 1,4-dioxane in the baby shampoo. Unfortunately, the same baby may be exposed to 1,4-dioxane from the bubble bath, the shampoo, the body wash and many other sources in the same day.

Why do products contain these nasty chemicals? 1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of a petrochemical process called ethyoxylation, which involves using ethylene oxide (a known breast carcinogen) to process other chemicals in order to make them less harsh. For example, sodium laurel sulfate - notoriously harsh on the skin - is often converted to the gentler chemical sodium laureth sulfate by processing it with ethylene oxide (the "eth" denotes ethoxylation), which can result in 1,4-dioxane contamination.

Sodium laureth sulfate is just one common example. More than 56 cosmetic ingredients are associated with the contaminant 1,4-dioxane.

Formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives release formaldehyde over time in the container. Common ingredients likely to contaminate products with formaldehyde include quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
- Contaminants in Bath Products
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

An Alternative That Makes Sense & Works 

Clarifying Shampoo for All Hair Types

EO Shampoo is formulated with gentle coconut-derived cleansers because shampoo is obviously meant to clean hair but not so much that it strips away the natural oils.

EO has artfully blended pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils into their Shampoo to create a pleasure-full experience for both your hair and senses. Your hair will feel clean and healthy, it will smell delightful too!
EO Every Day Shampoo for Normal Hair, French Lavender, 8.4-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3)

EO Every Day Shampoo for Normal Hair, French Lavender, 8.4-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3)

Amazon Price: $26.97 (as of 11/26/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $26.97

  • EO's synergistic formulas preserve the potency of the plant nutrients and essential oils that nourish the scalp and hair, restoring body and shine
  • EO's Coconut Cleansing Complex gently cleanses without striping the hair of its natural oil, no irritating sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates
  • Nourishing Herbal Blends are formulated for the unique needs of your hair type
  • Amino Acids promote healthy hair growth
  • Vitamins A & E help soothe and protect the scalp
  • Witch Hazel helps remove build-up, conditions as it cleanses. It leaves the scalp clean and replenished
  • clarifying for all hair types

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Added Protection With Natural Conditioner  

Conditioner for All Hair Types

A refreshing blend that adds shine and volume to oily or fine hair. Safe for treated hair. EO has combined wheat amino acids with plant extracts for a nourishing blend. Their Anti-Static Complex helps reduce frizz and improve manageability.

Smell the difference. EO makes their personal care products by combining plant ingredients that serve a purpose and offer exceptional value. Their essential oils are purely extraordinary.

EO does not use synthetic colors, fragrances or fillers. Made in USA.

Cruelty free!
EO Conditioner for Normal Hair, Leave-in or Rinse-out, French Lavender, 8.4-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3)

EO Conditioner for Normal Hair, Leave-in or Rinse-out, French Lavender, 8.4-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3)

Amazon Price: $26.97 (as of 11/26/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $26.97

  • Made with plant nutrients and pure essential oils to add body and shine and protect the scalp and hair from damaging elements
  • Nourishing Herbal Blends are formulated for the unique needs of your hair type
  • Aloe Vera and wheat amino acids help detangle and moisturize hair, deeply conditions with out weighing down hair
  • Anti-Static Complex helps reduce frizz and improve manageability
  • Light & volumizing for normal/oily hair

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What Do You Think About Natural Hair Products? 

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  • Reply
    JaguarJulie JaguarJulie Jul 22, 2009 @ 9:48 am
    You know, I am really afraid that my hair products ALSO contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate! Can't seem to get away from such ingredients. A good topic for discussion.
  • Reply
    Sojourn Sojourn Jun 28, 2009 @ 10:48 am
    I've got to try this. My hair is over-processed, overly shampooed and full of chemicals. I use products to wash it, condition it, make it fuller, make it less sensitive to heat, then use other products to correct the damage done by the first sets of products. Not only is it expensive, my hair becomes unhealthy very quickly - not to mention the pool chemicals that get in, too. I never considered I might simply be falling victim to the commercial objectives of all those hair product manufacturers.
  • Reply
    Treasures-By-Brenda Treasures-By-Brenda Jun 10, 2009 @ 8:55 am
    Nicely done; good information & plenty of other sources.
    Blessed.
  • Reply
    kab kab Jun 7, 2009 @ 9:43 pm
    great info!
  • Reply
    Laniann Laniann Jun 2, 2009 @ 1:17 pm
    You did a good job of putting together good information and products. I wonder if the people that manufacture the harmful products use their own stuff? 5*'s
  • Reply
    0ctavias0fferings 0ctavias0fferings Jun 2, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
    Horrifying isn't it when you find out what's in all those shampoos. Actually, I haven't used any shampoo on my hair now for about 7 years. You only really need water and then your hair is completely natural.
    When you use any shampoo you are stripping the natural oils out of your hair and scalp, granted the natural hair products are less harsh than manufactured chemicals. When you cease using hair products your scalp goes through an itchy stage while the balance of oils etc is restored but once that is out of the way, you would be amazed how healthy your hair becomes. People have even been known to discover they have naturally curly hair when for years it has seemed straight.
    If you ever have your head shaved, that's the best time to go product free.
    5* for an excellent lens
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Natural Hair Products -
Shampoo & Conditioner
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